Planning for a rainy day
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith is trying to impress upon players the importance of squirreling away money in the event of a lockout.

This week, he spoke to the Ravens and, to illustrate his point, a source said he pointed to the owner’s deal with DirecTV signed earlier this year that will pay them $4 billion from 2011 through 2014, regardless if games are played.

The owners have girded for a work stoppage. If players don’t do the same, they will be at a significant disadvantage if a new CBA isn’t agreed upon after the 2010 season.

Depressing for the Dolphins
Things have gotten desperate in a hurry for Tony Sparano down in Miami. It’s bad enough that they’ve started 0-3, but losing Chad Pennington, who’ll be replaced by Chad Henne, is a disaster.

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Dolphins overlord Bill Parcells can walk away at the end of this season and — given the celebrity-courting ways of Miami ownership in the past months — don’t be surprised if the Tuna walks. If he does, Sparano’s lost the man who shepherded from the ranks of assistant coach to head coach.

And with “name” coaches like Bill Cowher, Mike Shanahan and Mike Holmgren looking for a way back into the league, Miami could become a destination for one of those guys who’s going to demand final say on personnel say to go along with head coaching duties.

Don't get too psyched about Kolb
Last week, Philadelphia’s Kevin Kolb became the first quarterback to throw for over 300 yards in each of his first two starts. His two-game total of 718 yards is the best of any quarterback starting out. But it isn’t necessarily a harbinger of greatness. The guy who held the record for passing yards through his first two games previous to Kolb? Former Raider Todd Marinovich (638).

Still, Eagles QB could be up in the air
Speaking of the Eagles, they have some time to get their quarterback situation in order over the next month. They have a bye this week then pseudo-byes three weeks running after that with games against Tampa, Oakland and Washington.

By then, we’ll know better what kind of role the Eagles see for Michael Vick going forward. If he hasn’t convinced offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and coach Andy Reid that he brings enough to the table by then, it will be interesting to see if the Eagles try to force it further into November.

Gonna get tough for Denver
The Broncos stunning 3-0 start has silenced the wolves at the door of new coach Josh McDaniels. But beginning this week, when Denver hosts the Cowboys, the sledding gets exceptionally rough.

The Broncos face New England, San Diego, Baltimore and Pittsburgh in their next four. They get a minor break with the Redskins then follow that with San Diego, the Giants, the Chiefs and the Colts. Ouch, doctor.

Sunday's best games, and picks

Slideshow   The Week in Sports Pictures A kayaker flips out, a racehorse eyes the Triple Crown and more. more photos

There are five four-star games this weekend: Jets at Saints; Ravens at Patriots, Cowboys at Broncos. Chargers at Steelers and Packers at Vikings.

I like Drew Brees and the Saints ground game to be effective enough to neutralize the Jets. I think the Ravens are the best team in football right now and will take out New England. Pittsburgh, even at home, is going to be reminded by Philip Rivers how much they miss Troy Polamalu. The Broncos are going to see their defense come back to Earth against Dallas. And the Vikings are going to demolish Green Bay with Brett Favre playing a bit part in the destruction.

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