Scott Engel takes a look around pro sports to highlight topics of interest to Fantasy players.

The biggest news of the past week: Kevin Jones signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Jones still may begin the season on the PUP list. That would not make him eligible to return until Week Six as he recovers from ACL reconstruction. Jones said he thinks he will be ready for the start of training camp, but the team intends to work him in slowly. His signing is not expected to heavily impact the projected role of rookie Matt Forte, who should still be the team's top RB. Jones is simply longer-term insurance for the season, in case Forte fails. I wouldn't use a draft choice on Jones, even if I get Forte early. Adrian Peterson is still my handcuff to Forte, but I'm not an owner who gets locked into handcuffing. I may not even draft a Bears running back other than Forte if I have the chance. Jones' upside is minimal, I believe, and he's a long shot to be anything more than a guy who carries a few times a game to give Forte some breathers if and when he gets into playing form.

As a fantasy owner, I'm not getting too wrapped up in the details of the Brett Favre saga. Ultimately, I believe the Packers will bring him back to start, or they'll trade him for something significant. The Packers don't want to get wrapped up in an ugly war with a guy who was their signature player for so many years. I would draft Favre in approximately the 10th round and wait for a nice payoff, but that's my outlook for now, and I expect it to change. He'll be moving up on our cheat sheets soon. One thing to consider, though: If he returns, he's on the cover of Madden '09. Heck, he has already jinxed himself, one might think, by stirring this controversy.

The Ravens signed Joe Flacco to a five-year deal. I believe Troy Smith will win the starting job initially, but Flacco is a fine selection in dynasty leagues. It's just a matter of time, maybe at the end of the 2008 season, when he starts to settle in for good. Until then, the Baltimore passing game will be pretty much a mess. Don't expect a realistic return on a Flacco investment until at least the second half of the 2009 season. By the way, "flaco" means "skinny" in Spanish, and I can't help but think that Flacco is thin every time I hear his name. At 6-6, 235, though, he is more "alto" (tall) than "flaco."

Donovan McNabb told the Philadelphia Inquirer his shoulder is "fine." Yet I can't shake the feeling that Kevin Kolb is going to start more than one game this season, and when he does, Jason Avant should emerge as a prime target.

It seems like many prognosticators and experts are overlooking Cincinnati's addition of tight end Ben Utecht. All Utecht needed was an opportunity to get higher on a depth chart, and now he has that chance. He'll help Carson Palmer move the chains on many key downs, and I think Utecht will easily be a top 10 fantasy tight end. You can get him late and enjoy good results and great value.

ArenaBowl XXII will be July 27 in New Orleans. A team of destiny faces the team that simply refuses to lose when faced with high-pressure situations. The Philadelphia Soul have seemingly been on an unblocked path to the title game since they acquired WR Chris Jackson during the off-season. Once again, the San Jose SaberCats started slowly this season, yet when the postseason began, the 'Cats called upon their great balance and experience to give them an edge. Mark Grieb, who threw eight TD passes in the American Conference Championship Game, is going to be very difficult to stop with the championship on the line. He was the MVP of last season's ArenaBowl, and I believe he gives the SaberCats the ultimate edge as they repeat as champs. If you love fantasy football, check out the AFL's showcase game. It will be filled with fast-paced, exciting action that can hook any football fan who gives it a chance. Lots of points, just like fantasy!

For many seasons, I steered clear of WR Chris Chambers. He was always overrated and inconsistent. I will never forget when a beat reporter for the Dolphins once told me that, despite all his ability, Chambers would never reach his potential, because he lacked the "diva-like" qualities that separated the outstanding receivers from the mediocre ones. Chambers is finally playing with a quality quarterback, though, and Philip Rivers could help him enjoy one of the best years of his career (in terms of consistency) in 2008. Chambers has posted good numbers before, but he has never been reliable. He should be a quality No. 2 fantasy WR in 2008.

This week's Fantasy Football Magazine review, designed to make it easier for you at the intimidating newsstand: If you are serious about studying hard for your draft, grab RotoWire's Fantasy Football Guide, which has consistently been full of in-depth analysis for many years. The player scouting reports are very extensive and insightful, and if you play in an individual defender league (IDP), this mag is a must for its thick IDP scouting reports. The defense/special teams analysis is also very well-researched. Added bonus: if you play in an NCAA Fantasy Football League, they actually have player rankings. This mag is for the serious player...the guy who is really dedicated to winning. You must make time to read thoroughly and absorb a lot, but it is well worth the hours spent. If you're the type of person who just grabs a mag and uses it for the cheat sheet on draft day, you will lose to the guy who reads a publication like this one. RotoWire's guide is for the new player who intends to become more advanced rapidly, or for the experienced player who craves a wealth of information and insights.

Be careful of what you ask for. Selvin Young wanted the opportunity to be the clear-cut starter for the Broncos, and now he has it. Yet Young may not be able to take the pounding of being a regular runner, especially in Denver, where the style of offense often exposes the RBs to some big hits. Young may not be an ideal inside runner, either, and I could see him ending up in a time-share with Andre Hall, who is a more effective interior runner.

I think some people are overrating Detroit rookie Kevin Smith. As I have said before, opportunity doesn't always equal quality production. Yes, we all are dismissing Tatum Bell, and rightfully so, but Smith is an upright runner and not a power back. He may be a disappointment if he gets overworked. I see the Lions throwing a lot. That means a breakthrough season for Calvin Johnson and lots more turnovers for Jon Kitna.

The All-Star Game was fun, yes, but I'm glad it's over, so I don't have to be slammed over the head with any more excessive tributes to Yankee Stadium. Yes, I get the history and all, but it was like the game was being broadcast on the YES network. Fans of other teams have a lot to be proud of, too. I'm going to miss Shea Stadium. There's significant history there that often gets overlooked. Yes, I'm a Mets fan. I respect the Yankee Stadium history, but it's getting to be a bit too much. For any other Mets fan, the new "Shea Goodbye" DVD is a must-have. By the way, I'm trying to trade for Mike Pelfrey if I can. He is clearly turning a corner in his career. This is coming from a realistic Mets fan, one who isn't putting in an order for a Fernando Tatis jersey.

We have a week off from NASCAR this week, so it's time to sit back and reflect on how you can catch Kyle Busch's owner in your league. There is very limited room for player movement in many fantasy racing leagues, so there's no one on the free-agent list who you can add for impact. Trades are also very rare. So it's all about having better balance in your lineup at the second through fourth or fifth spots than the Busch owner. It's not over for you if you own Carl Edwards or Dale Earnhardt Jr. and have solid drivers surrounding them. Having lesser-recognized quality guys like Brian Vickers can also help you creep closer. I have a feeling that owners of Sam Hornish Jr. are going to see some nice results very soon.

Mailbag
From John Neveu: We are moving to a two-player, one-year max keeper league, losing the round you in which you originally picked your player. I was thinking of using rounds eight and nine for free agent pickups that become keepers. I was also thinking of having draft order for next year decided by win-loss record, or total points gets first in a serpentine draft. With parity being the goal, I figured the high-power teams will have a first round keeper and it delays their second round pick.
My Angles: First, and most importantly, I hope you are making keeper picks effective this season, not carrying over from 2007. Last season, if people would have known it was going to be a keeper league, they would have drafted and made roster moves with different goals in mind. I think one season is too short for a keeper, and maybe you should consider at least two years, ideally three. There's simply less fun in keeping a player for only one year. I believe owners should be well-rewarded for free-agent additions that turn into keepers, so I would save the final two rounds for those type of keepers. I believe the team with the worst record should get first pick to achieve true parity. The high-power teams will not be greatly concerned with where their first-rounder lies in the order if they are keeping an elite player. The worst teams should be at the top of the order to get the shot at the best players who are not retained.

Scott Engel was born and raised in Queens, New York, where he still resides today. He has been a New York Mets fan since 1968 and a Seattle Seahawks fan since 1983 Since he says New York does not have an NFL team, he is free to choose any team he wants to like. He does root for the New York Dragons of the AFL, and former Knicks forward Bernard King was one of his idols growing up. E-mail Scott at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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