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 It is almost here. We have been waiting and waiting. Pre-season is in full swing. Players are hyped, the fans are hyped. Fantasy players are racing around trying to research who they will draft and when they will draft them. This is what happens every year at this time, however this year it may be just a little different. There are a few interesting players to keep your eye on every week this season.

First, let's look at the future Hall of Fame quarterback. He is the man that just can’t let go. You know, the kind of guy who breaks up with his girlfriend and when he gets lonely keeps calling and coming back wanting more. Some people might say he is crazy. Many of you have probably already figured out who I am talking about. Brett Favre is back again and of all teams to join, he goes to the team that his fans despise. Not only does he pick another team in the NFC conference but he picks a hated rival of the Packers, his team for most of his career. It is like dating your best friend’s girlfriend; you just can’t do it. Or can you?  Minnesota was a good team last year. They had all the pieces. Well, all the pieces except for one important position, a good quarterback. Now Favre could be the missing link for Minnesota to get their treasure, a trip to the NFC Championship and maybe even a trip to the Super Bowl. They have probably the best running back in the league, Peterson, and now they've added a proven quarterback. Watch out NFC, here come the Vikings!

Whether or not you agree with how Farve and Minnesota handled this whole on-again-off-again relationship, if you are not watching him in week one to see how he does against the Cleveland Browns, you know everyone will be watching when Minnesota meets Green Bay for the first time on Monday Night Football, October 5th at 8:30. If you miss that game, you must have issues and I am not talking about your favorite sports magazine.

This brings me to another issue, Plaxico Burress. This will actually help the NFL this year. The only chance you'll see him play is if you go watch him play in a new version of the “Longest Yard”. He has agreed to two years in prison for his actions. It's kind of funny, he was a really good receiver and was making great money. He was on a Giant team that won the Super Bowl. His catch late in that game was the big difference.  He had it all and then he “shot himself in the foot”, I mean leg, close enough. It does not make any sense to be in a bar, wearing sweatpants, carrying a gun, and accidently shooting yourself. How does that happen? Who cares, he is going to jail and it would be insane for anyone to sign him.  Note to NFL, “Keep him out; he is nowhere ready to play”.

There is a player who is back in the league and trying to get a fresh start. He has had his share of trouble in the past. Michael Vick was recently signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. Like Favre, many fans are split on this call. Everyone knows about the dog fighting by now. It seems you either hate Vick for this or you have forgiven him and want him to have a second, third or fourth chance. One thing is for sure, the teams in the Eagles’ division and their other opponents will be watching out for him.  He has been out of the league for a while but he was a very dangerous player when he last played in Atlanta. He could run and could pass pretty well. The coaches he will face know that throwing and running can be like riding a bike and will have to spend extra time in practice preparing for him. Can you imagine seeing Vick and McNabb on the field at the same time? Scary, isn’t it? The wildcat formation with Vick’s speed could make for some big problems on the field for the Eagles' opponents. Everyone needs to be tuned in to watch and see if Vick will return to his great play from prior years.

With talk of Favre, Burress and Vick, did everyone forget about Terrell Owens, T.O.? In recent years, all that every sports radio and television show wanted to talk about was T.O.  We have not heard much about him this year, but he will be with the Buffalo Bills. In the past, he has been good on teams at first and then it is almost like someone or something just flips his switch. So far he is keeping quiet. Maybe this year he will finally concentrate on football instead of attention getting. 

So, there is a lot to see this year. You may want to run over to your favorite electronic goods store and buy one or even two televisions so you can turn your great room into a great football room and have your friends and family over for all the action. It will be hard to keep up with all this and still watch the Browns. I am not sure what will happen first, one of the above players doing something great or the Browns getting an offensive touchdown. Since the Browns’ last offensive touchdown was November 2008, I better keep my eyes on Vick, Favre, and T.O. You should keep your eyes on them also. Just watch and see, NFL fans, watch and see.

Tags: brett favre, cleveland browns, green bay packers, michael vick, minnesota vickings, philadelphia eagles, plaxico burress, terrell owens