Jerebko is back in the starting line-up.

We’re in the final week before the NBA All-Star break, which means you could use a few options to lean on as certain guys sit out the week with injuries. On top of that, it may be time to re-visit what certain injuries mean to the players you pick-up, or the specific injured players, themselves.

Stay updated on the New Orleans Hornets injuries, as the knee injury to Chris Paul has opened the door to stellar fantasy production for Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton (who is also now injured).

Other players worth keeping an eye on: Joakim Noah, Brandon Roy, Andrew Bynum

These players’ status could affect your line-up, but their status could also affect the impact of Brad Miller, Jerryd Bayless, and so many more.

We’d love to keep promoting Brad Miller, Brandon Rush, Robin Lopez, and Marcus Thornton, but those players have worn out their waiver wire eligibility. They’re still available in over 50 percent of leagues, so jump on them while they still hold solid value.

Read on for the top players that should still be available in 50 percent or more of Yahoo! leagues:

T.J. Ford, PG, Indiana Pacers (Available in 67% of leagues)

After missing over a month of action, Ford has immediately taken on a decent role upon his return to the regular rotation, as he’s logged at least 23 minutes in two straight games, and has scored 20 and 11 points in his past two games, while averaging four assists and three rebounds.

It’s only two games, so there’s no telling where this goes with Ford, but as long as he’s getting the minutes, there’s a good chance he continues this mini-surge in an attempt to get more minutes and/or increase his trade value.

Daniel Gibson, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers (88%)

Gibson has performed well in a starting role in the past seven of the past eight games, notching 10+ points in seven of those contests. Gibson will likely never be confused with a traditional point guard, but he has twice recorded at least six assists in the last four games, while hitting at least two three-pointers in seven of the past eight games.

He’s beginning to display a consistent ability to score and help in three’s, making him a decent injury spot-filler.

Arron Afflalo, G/F, Denver Nuggets (84%)

Afflalo has been starting for the majority of the season for the Nuggets, but has only taken off as a consistent fantasy scorer in the past month or so, managing to top 10+ points in 14 of his last 19 games.

Afflalo is shooting excellent percentages from the field and from three, and occasionallyoffers solid numbers in rebounds and assists. He’s not ready to be a reliable starting option, but with a solid role and solid minutes on the floor, he’s a safe option to stash on your roster.

Ryan Gomes, F, Minnesota Timberwolves (70%)

Gomes has strung together some solid performances, as he’s shooting great percentages, as well as picking up decent stats across the board.

He’s topped 10 points or more in six straight starts, including an impressive 26-point outing where he hit 10-of-14 shots (including 5-of-7 from three).

As long as Gomes keeps getting minutes, and especially if he sticks in the starting line-up, he could prove to be a solid, versatile fantasy option.

Jonas Jerebko, F, Detroit Pistons (94%)

Jerebko has been a nice source of energy for the Pistons all season long, as he brings good offensive ability, versatility, and a tenacity on the boards.

However, with four straight starts, Jerebko is seems to be holding back onto a starting gig, and if he keeps putting up performances like last Saturday’s (9-for-9 shooting), he’ll never have to worry about hitting the bench again.

While it’s ridiculous to expect/hope for Jerebko to turn into a 20+ point-per-game scorer over night, his ability to fill up the stat sheet across the board gives him good value going forward.

He’s still a bit inconsistent, but as long as he’s starting, and/or getting 20+ minutes per game, he holds solid fantasy value.

Kris Humphries, PF, New Jersey Nets (94%)

Aside from Devin Harris and Robin Lopez, Humphries continues to be a nice little bright spot for the lowly Nets, as the formerly little-used big man continues to flash brilliance on the boards, as well as athleticism and hustle on the inside on offense.

The points are still coming at an inconsistent rate, but Humphries is still averaging over 11 per game through 13 games with New Jersey, and has been making a living on the glass lately, racking up at least eight boards in four straight contests.

He’s still inconsistent, but Humphries is a solid source for production for a big man if you’re hurting, and usually gets well over 20 minutes, giving him great sleeper value as the season winds on.

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The Magic play three games this week.

Another week of fantasy basketball is upon us. Let that Super Bowl hangover slide of your shoulders (unless you’re a Saints fan, then celebrate), and gear up for a strong finish heading into the All-Star break.

It’s time to separate yourself from the rest of the pack, or if you’re still struggling, lobby for for positioning in the top 4-6 teams.

Before you decide on your starting line-up for the week, however, take a look at each team’s number of games:

One Game: Boston, Houston, Indiana, Memphis, New York, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Toronto, Washington

Two Games: Utah, San Antonio, Sacramento, Portland, Philadelphia, New Orleans, New Jersey, Minnesota, Milwaukee, Miami, L.A. Lakers, L.A. Clippers, Golden State, Denver, Dallas, Detroit, Cleveland, Charlotte, Chicago, Atlanta

Three Games: Orlando

Note: All of this week’s “sit” options are anyone and everyone playing only one game this week. All Magic players are a go (even the inconsistent guys), as they are the only team with more than two contests this week. Let’s focus on the best of the two-game options, in this week’s start and sit column.

Start

Ty Lawson, PG, Denver Nuggets

Chauncey Billups missed Saturday’s game, giving Lawson his first start in over a month, and he did not disappoint. Lawson ripped off 25 points, four assists, and four rebounds, and reached double figures in scoring for the third time in the past four games.

Billups may be back in the line-up this week, but even if he is Lawson holds better value than usual, and should get some solid minutes. And with his efficient play, 20+ minutes could equal some solid production.

Jerryd Bayless, G, Portland Trail Blazers

Like Miller, Bayless is benefiting from a starter’s injury, as Brandon Roy is expected to continue missing games, and likely won’t be back until after February 16th.

This puts Bayless in solid position to continue scoring in double figures, as he’s done so in seven of his last eight games, while starting his last seven.

He isn’t a prototypical point guard, but he’s been playing well, and with two games this week, is a solid guard play.

Lamar Odom, F, L.A. Lakers

With Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum dealing with injuries, Odom’s stock is quietly rising, if just for the week. His 22 rebounds on Saturday certainly don’t hurt his cause.

Odom can fill it up all over the stats sheet, especially when his role increases, so if either Bryant or Bynum miss a game this week (and even if they don’t), Odom could be an elite start for the week.

Ryan Gomes, F, Minnesota Timberwolves

Gomes has been very consistent of late, scoring in double figures in his last six starts, while carving a solid niche in the starting line-up.

As long as Gomes is starting and Kevin Love is coming off the bench, Gomes has solid value, as he shoots good percentages and can blow-up at times like he did last Saturday (26 points).

Brad Miller, F/C, Chicago Bulls

Miller has been getting extended playing time with starter Joakim Noah out with a foot injury, and with news that Noah will be out until after the All-Star break, Miller possesses decent value right now.

He’s started the past two games, is logging heavy minutes, and has scored over 10 points in six of his last eight games. With two chances to prove his worth this week, Miller looks like a decent filler play.

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Tracy Porter returns an interception for a score to ice the game for the Saints (Picture by Chris O'Meara/AP).

Even though Mardi Gras is nine days away, the party in New Orleans starts now.

Drew Brees tied an NFL record with 32 completions to lead the New Orleans Saints to a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, giving the franchise its first Super Bowl championship.

Brees’ record tying completions went along with 39 attempts, 288 yards, and two touchdowns. His performance earned him MVP honors for the game.

The Saints started out sluggish, going three-and-out on the first two possessions of the game. Despite failing to convert on fourth down near their goal line, Saints kicker Garrett Hartley nailed a 44-yard field goal at the end of the first half, giving the Colts a 10-6 edge.

The momentum seemed to change when Sean Payton dialed up an onside kick to start the second half. The Saints came up with the ball on their own 42 yard line, and Pierre Thomas broke through a barrage of tacklers to notch a 16-yard touchdown reception and gave the Saints a 13-10 lead.

Peyton Manning responded with a 76-yard drive and hit Dallas Clark for 45 yards down field.  Joseph Addai capped off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, giving the Colts a 17-13 lead.

Hartley nailed his third field goal of the night on a 47-yarder to keep the Saints by one in third quarter.

The game’s other kicker, Matt Stover of the Colts, missed a 51-yard field goal,  setting up the Saints at their own 31 yard line. The drive ended with a 2-yard slant pass to Jeremy Shockey to give the Saints the lead with 5:42 remaining.

The Saints went for the two-point conversion and initially Lance Moore’s reception was ruled incomplete. However, Payton challenged the play and it was overturned because Moore broke the plane before losing the ball.

Oddly enough, it was Manning who helped ice the Saints first Super Bowl victory. While attempting to drive the Colts down field for a tying score, Louisiana native Tracy Porter picked off Manning and returned the interception 74 yards for a touchdown.

Extra Notes:

• Hartley went 3-for-3 on field goals, all above 44 yards. That is a Super Bowl record
• The Colts loss dropped Peyton Manning’s career playoff record to 9-9.
• According to ESPN, 74,059 fans were on hand in Miami for the game.
• Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney played in the game despite an ankle injury. He sacked Brees on a third down play.

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Manning shouldn't have many problems.

Forget about trends and rankings. They don’t do a whole lot of good in helping us predict Super Bowl winners.

Just look back to Super Bowl XXIV, when Joe Montana and Jerry Rice dominated the league’s top scoring defense, the Denver Broncos, in the most lop-sided Super Bowl in NFL History, winning 55-10.

We’ve even seen the regular season trends backfire on our predictions and game analysis in these very playoffs, as Minnesota’s league-leading pass rush failed to rattle Drew Brees, which gave the Saints an advantage that many experts didn’t necessarily expect them to have.

While rankings can help us assess how a team may match-up or perform in different areas on the field, it’s ultimately anyone’s guess as to which team will show up in the Super Bowl: the dominant offense/defense that ruled the regular season, or the team that somehow found it’s way through the playoffs, and is on it’s last leg?

While both Indianapolis and New Orleans have the tools (and elite quarterbacks) to give us one of the best Super Bowls ever seen, there is also the possibility that we see exactly what we saw in that 49ers/Broncos match back in 1990.

For everything to go as planned (for either team) the following needs to happen:

Why the Colts Offense Has Nothing to Worry About if…

That aggressive Saints defense stays grounded, and Peyton Manning’s body stays intact. There’s no denying the late-hits New Orleans delivered (and got away with) in the NFC Championship two weeks ago, and even if it’s not deemed as “dirty” football, Greg Williams’ scheme is still one to be feared.

Especially when the back-up to Manning is Curtis Painter.

However, there’s more to “getting Manning going” or just protecting the quarterback. In order for the Colts to operate how they normally like to, they’ll need a running game that was very average during the regular season to break-out and have a huge game.

And against a Saints run defense that allowed a 70-yard touchdown run by Tim Hightower and gave up 100+ yards and three scores to Adrian Peterson, the Colts average rush offense could come to Manning’s aid a lot more than people think.

If the run game can support the passing game enough to keep the Saints defense guessing, there’s little doubt that Manning will be able to pick apart the Saints over-rated pass defense.

New Orleans has two very under-rated cornerbacks, and Darren Sharper could easily give Manning problems, but there’s also little doubt that Dallas Clark and slot-man Austin Collie will give the Saints linebackers and nickel corners fits.

The Saints just don’t have the man-power to stop all of the Colts’ offensive weapons, and judging by their most recent history, don’t even have the necessary players on defense to shut-down the Colts main offensive weakness, their ground game.

There’s no doubt the Saints will come after Manning early and often, much like they did against Kurt Warner and Brett Favre. However, there’s one thing Manning has that Warner and Favre (and even Drew Brees) didn’t have, and that’s elite pass protection.

Actually, it’s beyond elite. Manning was sacked just 10 times in all of 2009. And after facing solid (if not elite) defenses in the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets in his last two games, Manning has come away, sacked just four times.

Really, it’s simple: Peyton Manning and his offense have carried the Colts all season, and despite being dubbed “over-rated” and soft by many writers (including myself at one point), they just have a better resolve than any other team in the league.

It’s not so much that they have an abundance of weapons, more that they simply know exactly where each weapon needs to be, and how to take advantage of any situation on offense.

But, as we’ve learned in so many games over the years, it’s not just about the offense.

The Colts Defense Will Get the Job Done if…

They get to Drew Brees. That’s it. If they get to Brees, it’s “game over for the Saints, who will be playing catch-up with the smartest quarterback in the league, and a team that knows how to comeback and prevent comebacks just as well as the Saints.

Of course, it’s true, “getting to Brees” is no easy task, just as the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings found out. This is especially true when you note that Brees had been sacked just 20 times in the regular season, while getting taken down just once in the post-season.

However, unlike the spotty Cardinals pass defense and the very beatable (although surprisingly effective) Vikings pass defense, the the Colts present a true ability to shutdown the opposition through the air.

To put it mildly, Drew Brees could be in store for a weak-up call. His offensive line has gotten past some good (if not great) defenses, but possibly none as complete at rushing the passer and defending the pass as these Indianapolis Colts.

While the stats haven’t been there all season (mostly due to injuries), the ability to stifle opposing offenses through the air has been evident in two games in the playoffs.

Just look at how difficult of a time Joe Flacco had in the divisional round, and how effectively the Colts defense swallowed up Mark Sanchez in the entire second half of the AFC Championship game.

Of course, a huge factor that will undoubtedly play into how well the Colts defense performs will be the availability of star defensive end Dwight Freeney.

Despite missing practices all week, Freeney remains a game-tie decision, and will likely be the most sought-after news piece leading up to the big game.

Call us crazy, but this is the Super Bowl, and we see Freeney toughing it out and playing.

Seriously, the Colts Are Going to Win…

They have the best quarterback in the NFL, with the best offensive line, and arguably the best offensive weapons at his disposal.

That, and he has a decent set of running backs going up against a very average (if not bad) New Orleans run defense.

With all the basics falling in Indy’s favor, all thats’ left to think about is the “magic” factor.

The Colts have either come from behind or held on to close eight close games this season, and if the game comes down to the final minutes and they have the ball, with or without the lead, it’d be foolish to start betting against them with all the chips up for the taking.

Oh, yeah, and we can’t remember the last time the Colts lost a game this year that Peyton Manning finished. That’s right, it’s because they haven’t.

Colts 37, Saints 33

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Tomlinson will be looking for a new home.

In a recent interview, San Diego Chargers star running back, LaDainian Tomlinson, finally admitted that his days in San Diego are literally numbered.

How “numbered” they are, however, remains to be seen.

Tomlinson has been quoted as saying, “I’m not coming back. I’ve accepted it.”

That’s great news, considering just about anyone with some football sense “accepted” it before the season was even over.

Tomlinson is only 30, but has a ton of tread on his tires after topping 290 carries in ever season with the Chargers, save for his last.

After rushing for over 1,100 yards in all eight of his NFL seasons prior to the 2009 campaign, we watched as Tomlinson slowed down and finished with under 800 yards.

And it’s not like the guy wasn’t getting grind or was being phased out. If anything, he was phasing himself out. With a crummy 3.3 yards per carry, Tomlinson will have a difficult (near impossible, actually) time convincing any other NFL team that he’s worth adding on as a starter, or even as a rotational back.

Edgerrin James and Shaun Alexander, consider yourselves lonely, no more.

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If not Manning or Brees, then who?

If you’re a big “props bet” guy/gal, this may be an article you take into serious consideration.

The days of Joe Montana winning three Super Bowl MVP’s are long gone. Just look at the 1997 Super Bowl, where Brett Favre played a heck of a game (three total touchdowns), only to see kick/punt returner Desmond Howard run away with the game MVP award.

And then there was Deion Branch a few years ago for the Patriots. Or, if it wasn’t an obscure guy winning the award, it was another guy stealing the show in the final moments.

James Harrison and his 100-yard interception return for a touchdown had him as the front-runner for last year’s Super Bowl. Of course, that was before Santonio Holmes put the finishing touches on his 138-yard (and game-winning touchdown) performance.

Or how about the year before, when Wes Welker racked up 11 catches and over 100 yards, and was a lock for the award, only to see Eli Manning throw a touchdown in the final minutes to Plaxico Burress, giving Manning the individual trophy.

So, will it be another Manning this year (Peyton), Drew Brees, or another popular, well-known player? Or will another obscure player come out of nowhere, or at least out of the shadows, to steal the show?

Here’s The Red Zone Report’s top five guesses at who could be this year’s unlikely MVP winner of the league’s biggest game:

Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts

Granted, Freeney isn’t even a lock to play in this game, but that’s the beauty of him being unlikely to win it. Add the fact that there has been just one defensive end given the award in Super Bowl history, and you’ve got yourself a real unlikely hero in Freeney.

The Saints’ offensive line only allowed 20 sacks on Drew Brees druring the regular season, and shut the top ranked Minnesota Vikings pass rush down (for the most part), so if Freeney can do some damage, he’d be a great candidate for this award.

Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints

Bush broke-out in a huge way and helped the Saints destroy the Arizona Cardinals, only to come back down to earth a bit in the NFC Championship game.

But Bush loves nothing more than to perform on a big stage, so where better than the Super Bowl to suggest to everyone that he isn’t an NFL bust?

There’s no question Bush isn’t a great running back, but is he a great performer? It’s very arguable that he’s been worth the selection, especially with his team in the Super Bowl.

If he does make a huge impact, it will be by channeling Desmond Howard and earning the award as a returner, while potentially offering a big lift a as rotational back and as a receiver. With his explosiveness, he’s probably a decent bet, but still more unlikely than a few of the other options.

Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts

When’s the last time a tight end (if you can even call Clark that; he’s basically a receiver) won the Super Bowl MVP? Try never.

Clark has the ability and talent (and role) to pull it off, though, and become the first tight end recognized as “the” guy in his offense in the biggest game of the season.

With the prove ability to score multiple times in any given game, rack up over 10 catches, and crack well over 100 yards, Clark has to be a quiet candidate, especially if Peyton Manning confides in him early and often. And if there is one weakness in the Saints’ pass defense, it’s their ability to consistently cover the tight end.

See: Visanthe Shiancoe

Darren Sharper, FS, New Orleans Saints

Sharper is a big name, but after having a quiet NFC Championship game, all eyes are no longer on him and his play-making ability.

He easily has the potential to pull a Larry Brown-esque performance out of nowhere and pick off Peyton Manning once to twice. The question is, can he bring all those defensive touchdowns to the big stage and help the Saints win their first championship?

Austin Collie, WR, Indianapolis Colts

He’s Gridiron Experts‘ X-Factor for the Super Bowl, so why not?

Collie is already a master in the slot, and he’s only a rookie. So, who better to steal the Super Bowl spotlight than a rookie receiver, who operates out of the slot, came from BYU, and is white?

White receivers are a rarity, and so are whit receiver that are as talented as Collie. Pierre Garcon ranks right up there with Collie as a decent “unlikely” MVP possibility, as he hails from a D-III school, and has burst onto the scene behind a magnificent Peyton Manning-led offense.

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Is Martz the guy for the job?

Mike Martz hasn’t always been known as the easiest guy to get along with. It’s not necessarily that he’s mean, arrogant, or brass.

He’s just stubborn.

He loves to air it out. He passes to set-up the pass. His offense thrives on blowing the other team’s offense out of the water, making less mistakes, and quite literally, simply scoring more points than the opposition.

It worked in St. Louis when he was he offensive coordinator under Dick Vermeil, and it worked again when he took over as the Rams head coach the following season. And really, until everything blew up in St. Louis, it kept on working.

Martz led his offense to a number one finish in the rankings, leading the league with 526 points (4th best in league history at the time), and eventually ended the season with a 23-16 win over the Tennessee Titans in the Super Bowl.

Vermeil moved on, and Martz continued on with the Rams “Greatest Show on Turf” ways, leading the Rams to a 14-2 record and another Super Bowl appearance.

After losing to the New England Patriots, Martz’s key cog in the offense, Kurt Warner, struggled with a finger injury, which hurt his accuracy (his main strength, and a vital key to the offense), forcing Martz to eventually turn to back-up Marc Bulger.

After finding much success with Warner in his first three seasons, Martz turned the little-known Bulger into an over-night sensation, keeping the Rams offense near the top of the league, while also remainin competitive.

However, it was soon apparent that, while Martz is one of the great offensive football minds in the league, he may not be best suited to run an entire team.

Martz latched on with the Detroit Lions in 2006, after six seasons at the helm with St. Louis, and quickly turned Jon Kitna into a star quarterback, while helping the Lions (perpetual doormats), into a surprisingly potent offense.

The Lions still only finished 3-13 that season, but Martz helped the passing offense finish seventh in the league, and had all of Michigan praying for the playoffs in 2007. In fact, the offense’s extraordinary growth even had Kitna guaranteeing 10 wins and a playoff spot.

The Lions looked like they might have done just that in 2007, as Martz guided a pass-heavy offense to an impressive 6-2 start, despite Kitna’s inability to effectively read defenses and make decisions on a consistent basis.

The Lions slid the rest of the way, struggling to protect the quarterback, and finished 7-9. Despite an obvious overall improvement on offense, Martz was criticized for lacking a balance in his offense, and not focusing on the run game enough.

Martz took his most recent job the next season as offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, in hopes to aid former first round pick Alex Smith into becoming the elite talent he was hoped to be when he was drafted.

Unfortunately, Smith sustained a shoulder injury in the preseason and missed the entire season. This propelled Martz to lobby for J.T. O’Sullivan, a quarterback he had on his roster when with Detroit, who then became the 49ers’ starting quarterback for the beginning of the 2008 season.

O’Sullivan struggled mightily, which led to a change at quarterback, and ultimately led to the head coach, Mike Nolan, being fired. This in turn led to the interim coach, Mike Singletary, letting Martz go, as Martz was criticized for the second consecutive season for being unable to lead a balanced offense.

Now, Martz is joining Love Smith’s staff (who he coached with in St. Louis), in an effort to give an at times anemic offense a much-needed lift, while pair star quarterback Jay Cutler with a fresh offensive perspective.

But, as all skeptical writers and fans continue to suggest, there are concerns that are raised, both with the “Cutler vs. whoever the offensive coordinator is” debate, as well as Martz’s inability or even reluctance to put together a more balanced offense.

So, does that all go away with Martz signing?

There’s no doubt it’s a straight-up “50-50″ answer from most people right now, but here’s a perspective that will have the Chicago faithful feeling better about 2010.

Cutler Is Stubborn, but so is Martz

While you’d think this would work against them, it probably won’t.

Martz is stubborn in the fact that he doesn’t necessarily believe that you have to balance an offense a “certain way” to be successful. And really, he’s right. Even more than him just being “right”, there’s proof in his offenses with the Rams, and the way the Detroit Lions started in his second season with the team.

The difference in Chicago? Jay Cutler is by far a better quarterback than J.T. O’Sullivan or Jon Kitna, and it’s extremely arguably that he’s already as good as (if not better) than Marc Bulger was in his prime.

And even if you don’t buy the Cutler hype and think that Bulger was under-rated (he wasn’t), then it’s at least difficult to deny Cutler’s physical tools and ability to produce great numbers in an offense that curtails to his abilities.

Enter Martz, and we’re suddenly looking at the very real possibility that Cutler’s 2007 numbers (and confidence) returns.

Can Cutler become a winner?

Of course, much of Cutler and the passing game’s issues also are attributed to the shady offensive line play, passive play-calling, and a dismal rush offense. But this isn’t a finger-pointing game. At least, not if the Bears are to turn back into winners.

So, if we’re being reasonable with our expectations, we should be able to safely assume that Cutler should be able to cut-back on the turnovers, make quicker reads and throws, and post better overall numbers.

And if this works, the whole “Cutler vs. the coaches” argument will be void. It simply won’t be an issue.

However, Martz is just one piece of the puzzle.

It’d be foolish to look at this signing as the “missing link”, when in reality, it’s just the beginning of right moves Chicago needs to make to get back to the playoffs.

Actually, the “right moves” started last year by acquiring Cutler. Now he has an offensive guru that can make him play to the best of his abilities.

The drama will die. The whispers will cease. And finally, at long last, the Bears will be a potent, offensive machine that isn’t to be messed with.

But, in the name of the 2007 Detroit Lions, and even the 2007 Denver Broncos, a great offense, or even a vastly improved one, can’t cure all ailments.

The offense line needs work, the defense as a whole needs a good, hard looking into, and Martz, in some form or another, will have to address the abysmal rushing attack.

All in due time, Chicago fans.

Mike Martz may not be the final piece that pulls it all together, but he’s the start that Chicago needs.

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Gone for good?

Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback Kurt Warner has officially retired from the NFL. News broke of a press conference earlier in the week, and the veteran signal-caller spoke to the media, declaring his decision to end his career.

The loss of Warner, who has three straight Pro Bowl-esque seasons in Arizona as the starter, creates an immediate hole for the Cardinals, on a team (and in an offense) that has the talent to compete for a Super Bowl, but needs a quarterback that can carry the offense and make sound decisions.

Warner just did that in the past two seasons, leading Arizona to back-to-back playoff appearances (including a Super Bowl berth in 2008), for the first time in nearly 15 years.

However, with Warner going on 39 and having lost the “fun” he had playing the game, citing the daily grind and game-planning as part of his reasons for retiring, the Cardinals now must look to transition to a new quarterback, almost surely to be Warner’s back-up, and former first round pick, Matt Leinart.

While most of the Arizona Cardinals family is soaking in an end of an era, Leinart and his coaching staff are already preparing.

Maybe not literally, but perhaps they should be.

After being selected by the Cardinals with the 10th pick of the first round in the 2006 NFL Draft, Leinart threw for over 2,500 yards and 11 touchdowns (along with 12 picks), before an injury ended his season and gave Warner a second story to tell.

Warner’s second run to a Super Bowl appearance may not live up to his “rags to riches” story in which his career started, but it sure does come close.

Warner did so well after taking over for the injured Leinart, that Arizona kept him as the starting quarterback for the next three seasons, two of which Arizona made the playoffs, and one in which Warner led them to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

Since Leinart was drafted, Warner has thrown for 3,400+ yards in each season, along with 83 touchdowns, while Leinart has just three touchdowns and eight interceptions over that span.

In Leinart’s only start since Warner took over, a game against the Tennessee Titans earlier this year, he went 21-31 for 220 yards and no touchdowns.

It was a decent showing, albeit in a loss, but it reminded the Arizona brass that if Warner were to retire at the end of the season, they still have a heck of a young quarterback on their hands.

Spot duty in a loss to Green Bay may have changed their mind’s, however, as Leinart threw for just 96 yards off of 21 attempts, throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns.

An ineffective stint in Arizona’s first-round loss to the Super Bowl-bound New Orleans Saints didn’t offer much optimism, either.

Regardless of your opinion on Leinart’s ability to take over to lead the Cardinals, Kurt Warner’s Hall of Fame resume, or the Cardinals future in general, two things are certain:

Kurt Warner cannot be replaced as easily as many people will suggest, and in that same breath, someone’s got to try.

Let the Matt Leinart experiment begin.

That is, of course, if Warner’s inner-Brett Favre doesn’t wake up.

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Okung is easily the top tackle.

Like most year’s, the 2010 NFL Draft class has the potential to put several offensive tackles in the first round, while 3-4 have the potential to go in the first 10-15 picks.

And we’re being conservative.

There’s never a lack of necessity for strong, athletic tackles in the NFL, and quite a few fit the bill this year. Read on for our top ten:

Note: We love Vladimir Ducasse, but due to his raw ability and inexperience against elite competition, he doesn’t make this list. Oh, and we like him more as a guard, anyways.

1. Russell Okung (Oklahoma State)

Okung is easily the best tackle prospect in this draft, possessing ideal size, strength, and athleticism to excel on either side of the line at the next level.

Has very little issues in pass protection, as he often dominates smaller defensive ends, and is great at picking up blitzes from the side, while also keeping an eye on his man on the line.

While he does have enough strength for the next level, it is still a minor issue, as he will have to hit the weight room to make sure he can handle the more elite ends in the NFL.

His run-blocking can be a bit inconsistent, as he tends to be overly aggressive in his approach off the line, which can result in shaky balance. Overall, he’s very agile for the position, and has the awareness and drive of a future All-Pro.

2. Bruce Campbell (Maryland)

Doesn’t have many fundamental issues, and possesses great size (6′7”, 310) and strength, but character, work ethic, and injury issues raise several concerns.

He’s a fairly mobile and athletic tackle with decent run-blocking ability, although this is easily his main area he needs work on.

He has all the talent that Okung does, but has less experience and has a history of minor injuries that have NFL scouts questioning is toughness. We’re keeping him here as the second best tackle (as a talent) in this draft, but questions about his durability and consistency could very well see him drop late into the first round, and possibly even to the early second round.

3. Bryan Bulaga (Iowa)

Bulaga has Iowa’s history for producing stellar offensive linemen working for him, as he also gives an NFL team a complete package of size, athleticism, and fundamentals.

He has good strength and a great push off the line, and was easily one of the (if not the best) tackles in the Big-10 for his last year at Iowa, and quite arguably one of the best during his entire tenure.

While having the necessary tools to excel at the next level, the fact that he doesn’t blow people up on the line or possess any “one” elite ability may see his stock drop a bit in the first round. However, he has no glaring weaknesses, and appears to be one of the more NFL-ready tackles in the draft.

Then again, everyone thought Robert Gallery was a “can’t miss” prospect, as well.

4. Anthony Davis (Rutgers)

Davis has excellent size and athleticism for the position at the next level, but his sketchy work ethic and inconsistent technique could see him drop in this draft.

He excels in run-blocking, as he was formerly a guard before the 2009 season, which works for and against him. He clearly has the athleticism and versatility to work up and down the line, which could vault him to second place in these rankings, but the fact that he’s coming out as a tackle with just one full year at the position hurts his value a bit.

Davis also has struggled with maintaining the ideal weight for his position, as he arrived on campus as a freshman at reportedly 365 pounds, while is currently listed as being at 320 pounds.

Needles to say, the talent is definitely there. The position he will play and whether or not teams can trust his dedication at the next level will ultimately decide where he is drafted.

5. Trent Williams (Oklahoma)

Williams is an interesting prospect, as he has the ideal size and athleticism, and is a great character guy. He’s unselfish and a hard worker, which combined with his talent and potential, could vault him up this list in a flash.

However, he has shown an inability to effectively dominate pass rushers on the edge, as his balance is only mediocre when being rushed from the side. He’s adept at tacking on defensive ends straight-up, and can also consistently stop blitzing linebackers at the point of attack.

His stock could be hurt by the popular assumption that the left tackle position is the only spot he’d be able to play on the line in the NFL.

Teams are weary that his inconsistency against more athletic rushers could result in getting beat routinely. Two injuries to Sam Bradford in 2009 don’t exactly support his cause, either.

Despite possibly being “one-dimensional” Williams still has the makings of a great right tackle, and if used in the correct system, also has the potential to play right guard.

6. Charles Brown (USC)

Brown is a former tight end who has had a solid showing as a tackle in one full season as a starter, and with two years of experience playing the position.

His last recorded weight as still under 300 pounds, so he still needs to hit the weights and have a good combine to give him a realistic chance at being taken off the board in the first round.

Due to originally being a tight end, his athleticism and agility is extremely helpful at his position, however, his lack of size and bulk limits his productivity against bigger, stronger defensive ends.

He has the ability to match-up well against athletic rushers and can fight off blitzes rather well. His vast potential may actually end up being his main weakness, however, as he appears to be a bit of a project.

7. Kyle Calloway (Iowa)

Calloway has mild character concerns with a DUI arrest this year, but otherwise doesn’t have any major red flags that should prevent him from being drafted on the first day.

He has shown the ability to effectively play both tackle slots, while displaying great mobility and durability throughout his career. He has the size and strength to exceed at the next level, and simply needs to refine his technique in pass protection.

8. Selvish Capers (West Virginia)

Capers continues to project over Calloway and a few other tackles due to his immense potential and outstanding athleticism, although his dire need of technique refinement should hold him back in this draft.

He has all the talent and ability in the world, but is simply much too raw to earn a call in the first two rounds, and will likely even slip into day two of the draft.

He’s very smooth in his movement and physically has the ability to take on almost any athlete lining up across from him. However, his technique is inconsistent, and he can struggle with balance and angling.

Another issue is that he just got over 300 pounds, so the ability to sustain the ideal weight and perform comfortably with it is another minor concern.

Capers is a project, but could be a nice find in the second round.

9. Jared Veldheer (Hillsdale)

Veldheer is a giant beast of a man with loads of athleticism, and has tons of experience at the D II level (46 games).

However, his inexperience against dominant ends and elite overall competition should keep his stock fairly low, unless of course, he blows scouts away at the NFL Combine.

He has a lot of potential, and physically has all the tools necessary to develop into something special at the next level, but is definitely a “wait and see” prospect. His combine will do wonders in predicting where he lands in the draft.

10. Jason Fox (Miami)

Fox has great size and ability, along with solid experience (starter from day one at Miami) against good competition.

However, he has a ton of questions that need answering, and they keep piling up.

In addition to a leg injury as a junior, Fox recently had knee surgery, and even missed the final regular season game with an irregular heartbeat.

If he’s medically cleared, he still has the potential to be drafted in the second or third round, but it’s unlikely any NFL team will take that much of a chance on him. Despite his immense talent, it’s a good bet that he’s still on the board near the end of the first day.

Honorable Mentions: Rodgers Saffold, Zane Beadles, Ciron Black, Sam Young, Adam Ulatoski, Ed Wang, Vladimir Ducasse

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Will he be the same in 2010?

New England Patriots star receiver Wes Welker is expected to have surgery on his left knee next week.

Welker tore both his ACL and MCL in Week 17 and was forced to miss New England’s first-round playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Welker’s surgery date will make it 30 days since he injured the knee, and a surgery so far into the new year puts him in great danger of starting the 2010 NFL season on the physically unable to perform list.

While the Patriots may face questions about adding additional talent and depth at the position in free agency, they may also be forced to spend a draft pick on a potential replacement.

There is no certainty as to whether or not Welker, 28, will recover and play at the level he was playing at prior to the injury.

After three consecutive seasons with at least 111 receptions, Welker is in danger of missing the season opener, and he will almost certainly take a backseat to second-year man Julian Edelman upon his initial return.

There has also been talk that New England could look for a slot receiver with Welker’s skill set in April’s draft. Welker is nearing 30, and recovery from such an injury can often take up to two years—or never—in reference to speed, agility, confidence, and cutting ability.

Fantasy Perspective

In the fantasy realm, this takes Welker out of the top 10, as he isn’t a lock to be ready for the first six games—and there’s no telling what kind of form he’ll be in when the season rolls around.

Edelman’s stock has been on the rise for the past month now, and he is easily among the top 50 fantasy receiver options for 2010.

In filling in for an injured Welker earlier in the season, Edelman had an impressive game, with eight catches for 98 yards. He also raised some eyebrows when he delivered a 10-catch performance after Welker went down in Week 17.

He went on to score New England’s only two touchdowns in the Patriots’ playoff loss the following week, solidifying him as a legit fantasy sleeper for 2010, with potential to rise depending on Welker’s status.

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