Apparently no. 1 Louisville (16-1) didn’t know their game against Connecticut (12-4) started until the final twenty minutes. Luckily for the Cardinals, the Huskies didn’t realize that the game continued after the first twenty minutes and the Cardinals ultimately prevailed, 73-58.

Russ Smith kept the no. 1 Cards in the game while Peyton Siva was on the bench.

The first part of the game couldn’t have gone worse for Louisville as point guard Peyton Siva accumulated two fouls in the first four minutes and didn’t return for the remainder of the half. With Siva on the bench, junior guard Russ Smith single-handedly kept the Cardinals in the game by scoring 15 of the team’s 28 first half points as Louisville trailed Connecticut by six at the break.

Once the second half started and Siva returned to the game however, the tables turned dramatically. The Cardinals turned the game into a track meet, went on a 17-3 run and never looked back. In the first half, Louisville only had two assists but when the final buzzer sounded, the Cardinals accounted for 13 assists and improved their shooting percentage from 40 to 50.

Smith led Louisville with 23 points while Chane Behanan registered 16 and Siva tallied 11. Center Gorgui Dieng only scored 6 points but finished the game with 16 rebounds.

While the Cardinals soared in the second half, the Huskies crashed and burned. Junior Shabazz Napier started the game on fire; scoring 10 points in the first nine minutes but went completely cold as the game progressed and managed just two more points before the game ended. Freshman guard Omar Calhoun led the Huskies with 20 points while Ryan Boatright scored 11 points with 6 assists.

The win will allow the Cardinals to retain their no. 1 ranking as they prepare for big conference showdown at home against no. 6 Syracuse (16-1) this Saturday at 4pm.

You did it again. You waited and waited to grab your QB and before you know it, everyone was snatched up before the draft round snaked back to you. Well QBs 26-30 may not look pretty, but there is still some potential.

QBs 1-5                              QBs 16-20

QBs 6-10                           QBs 21-25

QBs 11-15

If Kolb can win the job, he'll have some real weapons at his disposal.

#26 Kevin Kolb

Age: 27

Height: 6-3

Weight: 218

Bye Week: 10

Keeper Status: OK

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 1,955             Rushing Yards: 65

Passing TDs: 9            INTs : 8                        Rushing TDs: 0

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards: 2,657              Rushing Yards: 89

Passing TDs: 17            INTs : 14            Rushing TDs: 0

 Positive: If he beats out Jon Skelton for the starting job, Kolb will have solid weapons around him like the ever-reliable Larry Fitzgerald and talented rookie Michael Floyd.

Negative: He’s struggling to beat Jon Skelton for the starting job.

Locker has played well enough to grab the Titans starting job.

#27 Jake Locker

Age: 23

Height: 6-2

Weight: 231

Bye Week: 11

Keeper Status: Poor 

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: N/A               Rushing Yards: N/A

Passing TDs: N/A            INTs : N/A                        Rushing TDs: N/A

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 2,978                          Rushing Yards: 267

Passing TDs:  20            INTs : 19            Rushing TDs: 2

Positive: Locker is a very gifted athlete that won the starting job over veteran Matt Hasselbeck. With safety blankets like tight end Jared Cook and running back Chris Johnson to check down to, Locker could have a solid season.

Negative: Locker won’t have much of a receiving corps to work with if Kenny Britt is hurt/suspended. If the Titans are down in games, Locker will have to throw down field and will likely rack up some INTs.

Tannehill will feel at ease with him former college coach calling the plays.

#28 Ryan Tannehill

Age: 23

Height: 6-4 

Weight: 221

 Bye Week: 7

Keeper Status: OK

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: N/A               Rushing Yards: N/A

Passing TDs:    N/A            INTs : N/A                        Rushing TDs: N/A

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 2,798              Rushing Yards: 105

Passing TDs:  19            INTs : 16            Rushing TDs: 1

Positive: Tannehill came into Dolphins camp at a certain comfort level since his former college coach at Texas A&M (Mike Sherman) is now calling his plays with Miami. Coming in with that advantage will certainly help the young rookie adapt to the pro game.

Negative: Davone Bess and Legedu Naane. Those are Tannehill’s two main receiving options since Miami let go of Chad Johnson earlier in August.

Weeden's age may help his adjust quicker in the NFL.

#29 Brandon Weeden

Age: 28

Height: 6-4

 Weight: 222

Bye Week: 10

Keeper Status: Poor

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: N/A               Rushing Yards: N/A

Passing TDs:  N/A            INTs : N/A                        Rushing TDs: N/A

2012 Projected Stats: 

 Passing Yards: 2,667               Rushing Yards: 94

Passing TDs:  17            INTs :  13            Rushing TDs: 0

Positive: At age 28, Weeden could leap into the pro game a little easier than his other rookie counterparts. Weeden will also have a nice check down buddy in Trent Richardson this year.

Negative: Weeden is on a team that has been offensively stagnant for years and is sporting Greg Little and Mohamed Massaquoi as the two main receiving threats.

Sanchez isn't even the most popular QB on his own team.

#28 Mark Sanchez

Age: 25

Height: 6-2 

Weight: 225

Bye Week: 9 

Keeper Status: Poor

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 3,474             Rushing Yards: 103

Passing TDs:  26            INTs : 18                        Rushing TDs: 6

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 3,257              Rushing Yards: 71

Passing TDs: 22            INTs : 16            Rushing TDs: 2

Positive: With the circus coming to town in New York, Sanchez may have a little less of the spotlight on him, which will allow him to have a productive season under the radar.

Negative: Tim Tebow may have Sanchez’s job by week 4 and will certainly take plays away from him on the field  when the Jets decide to run their option package.

Well you took the approach that you were going to wait on your QB and load up on RBs and WRs early, right? If you waited until now to choose your starter, you’re not completely out of luck yet but if you’re looking for a sound backup, you’ve come to the right place.

QBs 1-5                              QBs 16-20

QBs 6-10

QBs 11-15                         QBs 26-30

Grab Luck for the future and hope he breaks out this season.

#21 Andrew Luck 

Age: 22

Height: 6-4

Weight: 234

Bye Week: 4

Keeper Status:Great

 2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: N/A               Rushing Yards: N/A

Passing TDs: N/A            INTs : N/A                        Rushing TDs: N/A

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 3,396              Rushing Yards: 201 

Passing TDs: 23            INTs :  17            Rushing TDs: 2

Positive: Like RG3, Luck has the potential to have a solid rookie season from a statistical standpoint. He’s been ready to jump to the NFL since he was 19 and will have reliable weapons like receiver Reggie Wayne and his college teammate Coby Fleener at tight end.

Negative: Also like RG3, Luck is more of an investment for the long-term health of your fantasy team and will probably be relied upon too much at times when the Colts are down by double digits at halftime.

Bradford is running out of excuses to not succeed.

#22 Sam Bradford

Age: 24

 Height: 6-4

Weight: 224 

Bye Week: 9

Keeper Status: OK

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 2,164             Rushing Yards: 26

Passing TDs:6            INTs : 6                        Rushing TDs: 0

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards:  3,298             Rushing Yards: 105

Passing TDs: 24            INTs :  16            Rushing TDs: 0

Positive: Bradford is fully healthy and headed into his third year in the NFL. The Rams’ receiving corps is flooded with solid potential like rookie receiver Brian Quick, Brandon Gibson, Austin Pettis and Steve Smith who not all the long ago caught 107 balls for the New York Giants. Throw in tight end Lance Kendricks and Bradford has no excuse to not take a big leap this year.

Negative: The injury bug bit Bradford last year and this could be the season for St. Louis to decide if the 24-year-old is in their future. Despite having a lot of potential at WR, Bradford is banking on one of his receiving prospects to turn into a reliable no. 1. Bradford is a pretty high risk with a potential moderate reward.

Cassel has some sleeper potential in 2012.

#23 Matt Cassel

Age: 30 

Height: 6-4

Weight: 230

Bye Week: 7 

Keeper Status: Poor 

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 1,713             Rushing Yards: 99

Passing TDs:  10            INTs : 9                        Rushing TDs: 0

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards: 2,896              Rushing Yards: 110

 Passing TDs: 22            INTs : 10            Rushing TDs: 0

Positive: Cassel is back from injury and is flourishing under his new offensive system. With Dwayne Bowe back in camp and Jon Baldwin looking to take the next step in his career, Cassel’s efficiency could make him a sleeper candidate this year.

Negative: Other than his nice 2010 season, Cassel has been painfully average in Kansas City and there are talks that this could be his last chance to prove he’s the Chiefs’ guy. Cassel never throws for a lot of yards and his productivity could be hurt by the presence of Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis.

Despite being efficient, Smith won't get too many chances to light up the fantasy scoreboard.

#24 Alex Smith 

Age: 28 

Height: 6-4 

Weight: 217 

Bye Week: 9

Keeper Status: Poor

 2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 3,144             Rushing Yards: 179

Passing TDs:  17            INTs : 5                        Rushing TDs: 2

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 3,289              Rushing Yards: 151

Passing TDs: 19            INTs :  6            Rushing TDs: 2

Positive: The no. 1 overall pick in 2005 got a lot of weapons thrown his way this offseason with receivers Mario Manningham, Randy Moss and rookie AJ Jenkins coming to San Francisco. In a weak division that the 49ers are heavy favorites in, look for Smith to have another efficient year.

Negative: Smith is the epitome of a game manager. While he does make his throws count, the 49ers are very much a ground and pound team. If San Fran gets up early in the game, look for Smith to get shut down and the defense/running game to take over.

There is a lot to be found out about Ponder before he is a safe pick.

#25 Christian Ponder 

Age: 24

Height: 6-2

Weight: 229 

Bye Week: 11 

Keeper Status:Poor 

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 1853               Rushing Yards: 219

Passing TDs: 13            INTs : 13                        Rushing TDs: 0

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 2,798              Rushing Yards: 279

 Passing TDs: 19                        INTs :            15            Rushing TDs: 2

Positive: Ponder got some experience under his belt last year as a rookie and the Vikings like what they see so far out of the former Florida State product. With playmakers like Percy Harvin and tight end Kyle Rudolph at his disposal, Ponder could have a nice year.

Negative: We really haven’t seen enough of Ponder to make a decision on whether he belongs as a starter or not. If he goes into the season with a limited running game, it could be more sink than swim for the young QB.

We’re at the midpoint at the QB position and if you haven’t grabbed your starter yet, QBs 16-20 provide some proven starters with a sprinkling of prospects that could have a impact season. Happy Hunting!

QBs 1-5 

QBs 6-10                           QBs 21-25

QBs 11-15                          QBs 26-30

A new O-Coordinator could mean early troubles for Big Ben.

#16 Ben Roethlisberger

Age: 30

Height: 6-5

Weight: 245 

Bye Week: 4

Keeper Status: OK

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 4,077             Rushing Yards: 70

Passing TDs:            21            INTs :14            Rushing TDs: 0

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards:  3.956             Rushing Yards: 78

Passing TDs:    23            INTs :   14            Rushing TDs: 2

Positive: Big Ben is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in the league and will have an arsenal of weapons around him like Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace who is expected to return to camp soon. With the running game in flux, Ben’s arm could be counted on more in 2012.

Negative: Ben is one of best quarterbacks in the NFL but is rather “blah” when it comes to fantasy. With new offensive coordinator Todd Haley calling the shots in Pittsburgh, expect a few miscues early in the season.

Will Flacco ever take the "next step"?

#17 Joe Flacco

Age: 27 

Height: 6-6

Weight: 230 

Bye Week: 8

 Keeper Status: Poor

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 3,610             Rushing Yards: 88

Passing TDs:    20            INTs : 12                        Rushing TDs: 1

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards: 3,625              Rushing Yards: 71

Passing TDs:     22            INTs : 11            Rushing TDs: 1

Positive: Flacco won’t let you down when you’re looking for a solid spot starter or backup. He has a great team around him and will put up numbers with short passes to running back Ray Rice and deep threat Torrey Smith.

Negative: Flacco is well….Flacco. Every year is supposed to be the year when he takes his big leap into the NFL elite and so far, that year hasn’t come. Entering his fifth season in the league, there’s no reason to believe this will be that illustrious breakout season.

RG3 is a great investment...for the future.

#18 Robert Griffin III

Age: 22 

Height: 6-2

 Weight: 225

Bye Week:  11

Keeper Status: Great

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: N/A               Rushing Yards: N/A

Passing TDs:  N/A            INTs : N/A                        Rushing TDs: N/A

2012 Projected Stats:

Passing Yards: 3,187              Rushing Yards: 517

Passing TDs:   20            INTs :  15            Rushing TDs: 4

Positive: RG3 has the potential to be the most exciting quarterback in the league in the next few seasons. With Olympian speed and a great arm, the Heisman winner is a dual-fantasy threat.

Negative: Griffin III is a rookie and will be throw to the wolves with the intense competition in the NFC East. RG3 is much more of a keeper pick at this point with some potential to prosper in 2012.

Inconsistency makes Fitzpatrick a risk.

#19 Ryan Fitzpatrick

Age: 29

 Height: 6-2

Weight: 223 

Bye Week: 8

 Keeper Status: Poor

 2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 3,832             Rushing Yards: 215

Passing TDs:   24            INTs :23                        Rushing TDs: 0

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 3,789              Rushing Yards: 164

Passing TDs:   26            INTs : 19            Rushing TDs: 0

Positive: Fitzpatrick is undoubtedly the leader of the Bills offense and with another year under his belt with head coach Chan Gailey, he could put up solid numbers.

Negative: Despite putting up great numbers in the first three weeks of the season (9 TDs and 3 INTs), Fitzpatrick struggled mightily down the stretch. He should be good against weak defenses but he shouldn’t be considered as a QB1.

A full year with his new team may make Palmer a better option.

#20 Carson Palmer 

Age: 32 

Height: 6-5

Weight: 235 

Bye Week: 5

 Keeper Status: Poor 

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 2,753             Rushing Yards: 20

Passing TDs:  13            INTs : 16                        Rushing TDs: 1

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 3,438             Rushing Yards 

Passing TDs:   22            INTs :  13            Rushing TDs :0

Positive: Palmers has had a full offseason to get acclimated with the Raiders organization unlike last year where he just jumped aboard midstream. The 32-year-old quarterback brings a lot of veteran experience to a relatively young Oakland offense.

Negative: Quite frankly, Palmer hasn’t played at the highest level since roughly 2007. With Darren McFadden healthy, the Raiders could turn into a run-first team while Palmer relies on the likes of Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore in the passing game.

After the first ten QBs fly off the board, it’s time to start looking for some mid-range value that can be efficient backups or week-to-week spot starters. Here are QBs 11-15.

QBs 1-5                              QBs 16-20

QBs 6-10                           QBs 21-25

QBs 26-30

Ryan has the tools around him to take the next step in 2012.

#11 Matt  Ryan

Age: 27 

Height: 6-5

Weight: 218

Bye Week:7

Keeper Status: Good

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 4,177               Rushing Yards: 84

Passing TDs:   29            INTs : 12                        Rushing TDs: 2

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 4,225               Rushing Yards: 53 

Passing TDs:    31            INTs :  15            Rushing TDs: 1

Positive: “Matty Ice” is poised to have the best statistical season of his career along with receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones. Ryan is approaching that age where QBs enter their prime and it looks like Atlanta is leaning away from the running game to lean on Ryan’s arm. 

Negative: Despite all of Ryan’s upside, it’s not completely out of the question that he might have another unexciting season. Ryan has never been now to bomb the ball down field and despite being efficient; he doesn’t rack up a lot of yards. Also, if the Falcons are going rely more on the passing game in 2012, you can expect an increse in INTs.

There's reason to believe that Cutler will have his best season yet.

#13 Jay Cutler

Age: 29 

Height: 6-3

Weight: 225

Bye Week: 6

Keeper Status: Good

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 2,319             Rushing Yards: 55

Passing TDs:   13            INTs : 7                        Rushing TDs: 1

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards: 4104               Rushing Yards: 101

Passing TDs:  29            INTs :   16            Rushing TDs: 1

Positive: Recovered from a thumb injury, Cutler is poised to have the best season of his career. Reuniting with fellow former Bronco Brandon Marshall will be huge for both parties and rookie Alshon Jeffrey looks like his fitting in well with the Bears system. Plus, no more Mike Martz means no more 12-step drops behind a leaky O-line.

Negative: With Mike Tice taking over the offense, there could be a lot more running with Matt Forte and Michael Bush and even with quicker passing plays, Cutler could still be running for his life at times.

There are no more excuses in 2012, which could be a "do or die" season for Freeman.

#12 Josh Freeman 

Age: 24

Height: 6-6

 Weight: 248

Bye Week: 5

Keeper Status: OK

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 3,592             Rushing Yards: 238

Passing TDs:   16            INTs : 22                        Rushing TDs: 4

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards:  3,745              Rushing Yards: 205

Passing TDs:   26            INTs :  19            Rushing TDs: 3

Positive: Bringing in Vincent Jackson will certainly give Freeman the big target he has been waiting for and if he plays up to his potential, he could be a fantasy sleeper yet again.

Negative: Freeman had a stinker of a season last year and if Jackson and fellow reveiver Mike Williams get lethargic (which they can be at times), Freeman could have another frustrating campaign. 

Schaub is too "high risk, high reward" for some.

#14 Matt Schaub

Age: 31

Height: 6-5

Weight: 237 

Bye Week: 8

Keeper Status: Poor

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 2,479             Rushing Yards: 9

Passing TDs:  15            INTs : 6                        Rushing TDs: 2

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards: 3,898              Rushing Yards: 24

Passing TDs:     25            INTs :  11            Rushing TDs: 0

Positive: Schaub efficiency is one of his best attribute; having a career completion percentage of nearly 65 percent. If he is healthy, Schaub can be a very productive fantasy QB with Andre Johnson at his disposal. 

Negative: There are a lot of red flags surrounding Schaub. If it’s not the injury bug that deters you, it could be that the Texans are the best running team in the league.

At only 24, Dalton could already be at the crossroads of his fantasy football career.

#15 Andy Dalton

Age: 24

Height: 6-2 

Weight: 215

 Bye Week: 8

Keeper Status: Good

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 3,398             Rushing Yards: 152

Passing TDs:    20            INTs : 13                        Rushing TDs: 1

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards: 3,789            Rushing Yards: 201

Passing TDs:  26            INTs : 15            Rushing TDs: 2

Positive: Dalton could take a large step forward this year with his biggest weapon AJ Green.  The second-year QB had an impressive rookie campaign and adding rookie receiver Mohamed Sanu and running back Benjarvus Green-Ellis should only help Dalton continue to grow.

Negative: While a sophomore slump isn’t likely, Dalton gives hints that he could be “Joe Flacco-ish” at times. While he is talented and could lead the Bengals to victory, he might bury your fantasy team from time to time.

Well the elite quarterbacks are off the board and if you haven’t snatched one up yet, you’re going to want to look for the the most efficient QB option possible. Although these guys won’t have out-of-this-world numbers the top QBs will have, there are plenty of points to go around with QBs 6-10.

QBs 1-5                              QBs 16-20

QBs 21-25

QBs 11-15                           QBs 26-30

Rivers has the potential to put up big numbers if his supporting cast stays healthy.

#6 Philip Rivers

Age: 30

Height: 6-5 

Weight: 228

Bye Week: 7

Keeper Status: Good

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 4,624             Rushing Yards: 36

Passing TDs:     27            INTs : 20                        Rushing TDs: 1

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards: 4455                        Rushing Yards: 43

Passing TDs:    26            INTs :            14            Rushing TDs: 2

Positive: Rivers is a great talent who will have some real weapons to throw to this year. With receiving talent like Eddie Royal and Robert Meachem coming to town, Rivers will have more options than just Antonio Gates and Ryan Mathews.

Negative: San Diego’s new offensive coordinator seems to be much more run-oriented which could take away some of Rivers’ throwing opportunities. Also, the departure of Vincent Jackson will be much more noticeable if Gates continues to get hurt and Meachem and Royal flounder in their new system.

He takes a lot of criticism but Romo is a solid fantasy QB.

Age: 32

Height: 6-2 

Weight: 220

Bye Week: 5

Keeper Status: Good

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 4,184             Rushing Yards: 46

Passing TDs:    31            INTs : 10                        Rushing TDs: 1

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards: 4,250                        Rushing Yards: 54

Passing TDs:   30            INTs :            12            Rushing TDs: 1

Positive: While there is a stigma attached to Romo as a quarterback that can’t get it done in the big game, that doesn’t mean he can’t get it done for your fantasy squad. Romo will start the season with weapons like Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten and DeMarco Murray at his disposal. Despite all the potential, Romo will still likely slide to you if you’re waiting on a QB.

Negative: Romo’s decision-making is suspect at times, which could lead to some stinker games. Furthermore, if Murray is the real deal at halfback, look for him to carry a lot of the offensive load this season.

Vick can be a fantasy goldmine if he stays healthy.

#8 Michael Vick

 Age: 32

Height: 6-0 

Weight: 215

 Bye Week: 7

Keeper Status: OK

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 3,303             Rushing Yards: 589

Passing TDs:   18            INTs : 14                        Rushing TDs: 1

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 3.656                        Rushing Yards: 678

Passing TDs:     24            INTs :            15            Rushing TDs: 6

Positive: Vick is the most athletically gifted QB in the NFL and can take over a game at any point. He’ll have a number of weapons at his disposal with receivers Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin and running back Lesean McCoy. Not to mention, Vick can rack up serious points with his legs if all else fails.

Negative: Vick is a great quarterback…when he plays. The 32-year-old Vick isn’t getting any young and his body can’t continue to take the pounding he requires of it week in and week out. If you’re going to snatch Vick, be sure to invest in a solid backup.

The younger Manning brother has finally eclipsed his brother.

Age: 31

Height: 6-4 

Weight: 220

 Bye Week: 11

Keeper Status: Good

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 4,933             Rushing Yards: 15

Passing TDs:   29            INTs : 16                        Rushing TDs: 1

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards:      4,800       Rushing Yards: 24

Passing TDs:  30                      INTs :    18                    Rushing TDs: 2

Positive: Eli is finally the more productive Manning as we saw the Giants win another Super Bowl Championship. It looks as though Eli is considered elite and with weapons like Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks at his disposal, Eli could head another big air attack in 2012.

Negative: Although Eli may have taken a big step forward last year, he does tend to lay a few big eggs that can completely annihilate your chances a winning. Unfortunately, some of those stinkers come during fantasy playoff times.

Time will tell if Peyton still has his magic touch.

#10  Peyton Manning

Age: 36

Height: 6-5 

Weight: 230

Bye Week: 7

Keeper Status: OK 

 2010 Stats:

Passing Yards: 4,700             Rushing Yards: 18

Passing TDs:   33            INTs : 17                        Rushing TDs:  0

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards:  3,756           Rushing Yards: 15

Passing TDs:   27                     INTs :   19                 Rushing TDs: 0

Positive: It’s hard to count out Peyton even after three neck surgeries and and changing teams. Manning has come to Denver with his typical hard-working attitude and is already building a solid report with his receivers.

Negative: Peyton is 36-years-old and could be in the twilight of his career (as sad as that seems). Also, Peyton has never been a great outside quarterback and the winters in Denver will be a far cry from the warm confines of Lucas Oil Stadium. Furthermore, the jury is still out on whether the all-time great can withstand a big hit and stay healthy all season.

It’s that time of year again when eyes are glued to computer screens. Stats and projections become as important as food and water. But have no fear, the Buffone Fantasy Guide will help relieve some of the stress you’re most likely feeling. Here are quarterbacks 1-5.

                                        QBs 16-20

QBs 6-10                          QBs 21-25

QBs 11-15                         QBs 26-30

Rodgers is easily the best fantasy option at QB in 2012.

#1 Aaron Rodgers

Age: 28

Height: 6-2

Weight: 223

Bye Week: 10

Keeper Status: Great 

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 4,643                          Rushing Yards: 257

Passing TDs:            45            INTs : 6                        Rushing TDs: 3

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 4,360                          Rushing Yards: 325

Passing TDs:            40            INTs:            7            Rushing TDs: 3 

Positive: Rodgers is the model of efficiency at the quarterback position and with a lack of a running game, expect him to continue to air it out in 2012. Working against a schedule laden with bad pass defenses, Rodgers should be the first QB off your board.

Negative: He’s so good that he might not make it to you in the first round.

Despite the absence of Sean Payton, Brees will continue to put up big numbers.

#2 Drew Brees

Age: 32

Height: 6-0 

Weight: 210

Bye Week: 6

Keeper Status: Great 

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 5,476             Rushing Yards: 86

Passing TDs:            46            INTs : 14                        Rushing TDs: 1

2012 Projected Stats:  

Passing Yards: 5,123                        Rushing Yards: 45

Passing TDs:            42            INTs :            18            Rushing TDs: 1

Positive: Brees will mostly likely attempt the most passes and throw for the most touchdowns among all NFL QB’s in 2012. With the amount of times the Saints will air it out, expect huge numbers from 32-year-old. If you can’t nab Rodgers, don’t fret about grabbing Brees.

Negative: Bress won’t have his offensive guru Sean Payton around to help in 2012. His absence and Brees’ contract dispute in the offseason are the only things keeping him from reaching the no. 1 spot on our list. You can probably expect a few more INTs from him as well.

Brady is as reliable as they come in fantasy football.

#3 Tom Brady

Age: 35

Height: 6-4

Weight: 225

Bye Week: 9

Keeper Status: Great

 2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 5,235                         Rushing Yards: 109

Passing TDs:            39            INTs : 12                        Rushing TDs: 3

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 4,505                        Rushing Yards: 54

Passing TDs:            34            INTs :            5            Rushing TDs: 2

Positive: Old Reliable. Brady is a stud of a fantasy QB that often gets overshadowed by the top two guys on this list. Going on 35-years-old, one has to think that Brady will slow down at some point but 2012 doesn’t figure to be that season. Adding weapons like Brandon Lloyd and Donte Stallworth to an already elite wide receiver and tight end core and Brady will once again be in the MVP race at the end of the season.

Negative: At some point, Bill Belichick will want to incorporate the two running backs he drafted in 2011 (Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley), which could mean less attempts for Brady. This shouldn’t be enough to sway you from Brady though.

Stafford is on track to join the group of elite fantasy QBs.

#4 Matthew Stafford

Age: 24

 Height: 6-2

Weight: 225

Bye Week: 5

Keeper Status: Good

 2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 5,038             Rushing Yards: 78

Passing TDs: 41                        INTs : 16                        Rushing TDs: 0

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 4803                        Rushing Yards: 61

Passing TDs:            36            INTs :            17            Rushing TDs: 1

Positive: At only 24, Stafford has the capability of being an elite fantasy option for the next decade. With the a questionable running game and the best receiver in the league at his disposal, Stafford will continue to rack up big-time numbers.

Negative: Stafford is great…when he plays. The young gun seemed to shake the injury bug last year but if he’s going to be dropping back as many times as expected, he could take some big hits throughout the season.

Don't look for a sophomore slump for Newton.

#5 Cam Newton

Age: 23 

Height: 6-5

Weight: 248

Bye Week: 6

Keeper Status: Great

2011 Stats:

Passing Yards: 4,051             Rushing Yards: 596

Passing TDs:            21            INTs : 17                        Rushing TDs: 8

2012 Projected Stats: 

Passing Yards: 3758                        Rushing Yards: 65 

Passing TDs:            24            INTs :            16            Rushing TDs:  7

 Positive: Reports coming out of Carolina are claiming that Newton is improving at a spectacular rate, which is ultra-encouraging to owners who have their eye on the second-year star. Along with his ever-improving arm, Newton can and will bust out a big TD run at anytime to make him a triple threat. His huge frame makes him less of an injury risk than other scramblers like Michael Vick.

Negative: Don’t predict a sophomore slump for Newton but expect defenses to key in on him a little better than they did last year. Also, as nice as it was to see the resurrection of Steve Smith in 2011, Newton’s main deep threat recently turned 33 and has a lot of miles on him.

If you’re wondering how far back the Louisville/Kentucky basketball rivalry goes back, you’re about to find out.

A fight broke out between a 68-year-old Kentucky fan and a 71-year-old Louisville fan earlier this week at a Georgetown, KY dialysis clinic. The two elderly men allegedly got into a trash talking and “hand gesturing” duel before the Cardinals fan ultimately punched his Kentucky counterpart in the face. Despite the altercation, neither man is pressing charges.

Pitino and Calipari will meet Saturday in the Final Four to break an all-time series tie.

Louisville faces Kentucky Saturday in the Final Four matchup at 6:09pm and the winner will take on the winner of Ohio St./Kansas in the championship game on Monday. The rival universities are only 70 miles apart from one another and play a regular season game every year since Governor John Y. Brown forced a bill in the State Legislature to do so in the 1980’s. The rivalry game has a different tone this weekend however. The two teams have never met in the Final Four and reports out of Kentucky are comparing the tension in the state to Armageddon. The game will act as the ultimate tiebreaker with Kentucky and Louisville having met in the NCAA Tournament four previous times with both sides winning twice.

The game will also act a tiebreaker for the two legendary head coaches involved. Louisville’s Rick Pitino and Kentucky’s John Calipari have a relatively frosty relationship and the all-time series between the two is tied 8-8 (technically 8-7 in favor of Pitino because one of Calipari’s win was vacated due to violations). Throw in the fact that Pitino won a national championship while coaching the Wildcats from 1989-1997 and you have a game that is so stuffed with storylines that it’s about to pop. Let’s just hope that the Bluegrass State is still in one piece once it’s all over.

When Rick Pitino and Tom Izzo meet, the matchup sounds more like an Italian turf war rather than a basketball game. Well on Thursday night, Louisville’s red mob whacked East Lansing’s gang green by a score of 57-44 to advance to the Elite 8. Louisville’s win improved Pitino’s Sweet 16 record to an impressive 10-0 in his career.

Louisville's win on Thursday night improved Rick Pitino's Sweet 16 record to 10-0.

The night started out slow for both teams with a combined score of 12 points midway through the first half. The Cardinals started the game 1-for-12 from the field while MSU was 2-for-9. Luckily for Louisville, the three-ball was working in the first half. The Cardinals went 7-of-15 from behind the arc in the first half including one from 6’11 center Gorgui Dieng and forward Jared Swopshire as time was expiring in the half to put the Cards up 23-18. Swopshire was 2-for-3 from three-point land for the night.

One of the biggest determining factors of the night was Dieng’s ability to stay out of foul trouble and anchor the Cardinals’ hybrid 2-3 defense. Dieng shined bright with 7 blocks, 9 rebounds and 3 steals while constantly altering MSU’s shot selection throughout the game. Louisville as a whole caused 15 Spartan turnovers.

“Our two goals were to stop the three and stop the back court,” Pitino told TBS reporters at halftime.

Those two goals were achieved after Louisville held MSU to a combined 23 points from their guards while only converting on 5-of-21 three-point attempts.

Louisville jumped out to a double-digit lead in the second half before the Spartans battled back and cut the score to 35-21 with about ten minutes remaining in the game. MSU’s short burst of momentum was a red herring however as Louisville rattled off a 7-0 run in less than two minutes to put the Cardinals up 42-31. Another 8-0 run by Louisville in the closing minutes sealed the deal for Pitino’s bunch.

Freshmen forward Chane Behanan was the lone Louisville starter to register double-digit points and led the team with 15 while adding 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Russ Smith came off the bench and contributed 11 points while hitting 3-of-4 three-pointers. Junior point guard Peyton Siva only had 4 points but distributed the ball very well and racked up 9 assists.

The win catapults the Cardinals into their first Elite 8 since 2009 when they ironically lost to Michigan St. in the fourth round. Louisville will take on the winner of Florida/Marquette. The Cardinals defeated Marquette 84-71 in the Big East Tournament on March 8. Tipoff for the Elite 8 matchup is set for Saturday night at a time to be determined.

It looks as though Louisville can win a game playing against a slow, methodical opponent after all. The Cardinals dominated the game tempo Friday night and advanced to the Big East finals after knocking off Notre Dame 64-50.

Notre Dame couldn't find any offensive rhythm against Louisville Friday night.

It looked as though the Irish were going to be able to slow the game way down and leisurely bludgeon Louisville to death in the initial minutes of the game. However, a coaching move by Rick Pitino to switch to a full court press jump-started the game speed and got the Cardinals up and running. Louisville’s high-pressure defense forced the Irish into a number of forced shots which resulted in their atrocious 19-of-53 field goals performance. Notre Dame went ice cold towards the end of the first half and didn’t convert a field goal in the final 12 minutes and 42 seconds. The Cardinals led 35-19 at the half and were able to keep the Irish at an arm’s length for the remainder of the game.

In addition to pushing the ball, Louisville also performed well inside when necessary. The Cards scored 22 points in the paint during the first half and center Gorgui Dieng led Louisville with 16 points for the game.  Junior point guard Peyton Siva had another solid night; scoring 13 points, collecting 8 rebounds and racking up 9 assists while senior forward Kyle Kuric registered 12 points.

The Cardinals now turn their focus to Saturday night where they’ll battle Cincinnati for the Big East Tournament crown. The Bearcats upset #2 Syracuse on Friday 71-68 and are riding some serious momentum going into Saturday’s showdown. Tipoff is set for 9pm EST and will be shown on ESPN.