Monday Afternoon GameDay

We're back for the Week 2 installment of Monday Afternoon GameDay and there is one big story that will have a major impact on the entire NFC - Osi Umenyiora's season-ending injury for the New York Giants. While that absolutely kills the vaunted Giants defensive line, it may not be a completely lost cause. The retired Michael Strahan could be on his way back to Big Blue. According to a story in today's NY Daily News, Strahan wouldn't rule out a return to the Giants, but the price tag would be huge - $8 million. But with the season in the balance, that shouldn't be a deterrent for bringing back one of the all-time sack kings. Meanwhile, Giants coach Tom Couglin says that Mathias Kiwanuka will move back to defensive end to take over for Umenyiora. But that was a necessary move for the team today, and won't stop the Giants from bringing Strahan back for one more season. If Strahan had any thoughts about returning to the game, then he will sign with the Giants as soon as he gets back from a vacation in Greece. Training camp is over, the preseason is almost over, which means he wouldn't have to go through the grueling two-and-a-days or repetitive practices in the heat of summer. He would only have to practice a couple times a week and play in the games. What could be better than that for a veteran? If Strahan doesn't come back, then you know he really doesn't miss the game and is ready to begin his new career as part of FOX's NFL coverage.

K-ROD THE BEST CLOSER?
Even though Francisco Rodriguez recorded his 50th save on Sunday, a great feat, I would still put him third on a list of the top closers in the game. Mariano Rivera of the Yankees is No. 1 and Jonathan Papelbon of the Red Sox is No. 2. But the top paid closer of them all following this season will probably be K-Rod. He is a free agent after the season and could be in line for a major deal from either the Angels or another team when he hits the market. It may not be right that he gets more cash than Rivera, but that's the way the free agent market is set up, so good for him. He'll get in the range of $15 million a year and it'll most likely be from the Angels.

THE RIVALRY CONTINUED
The Red Sox come into the Bronx Tuesday night for the start of a three-game series with the Yankees that could go a long way toward determining the AL wild card race. The Red Sox could put the first nail in the coffin of the Yankees by winning two of three, and could end the Yankees season with a sweep. Boston holds a five-game lead over the Yankees in the wild card race (and one game over the Twins). Winning two of three would put them six games ahead of the Yankees and a sweep would give them an eight-game cushion. There is little chance the Yankees could overcome either of those leads. That is why it is paramount that the Yankees take at least two of three this week. That would put New York within four games with about five weeks left in the season. A sweep would put them within two games and you would have to give the Yankees the edge in finishing out the season. So this mid-week series is as big as it gets. The Rays, by the way, aren't going anywhere. They have a 4.5-game lead over the Red Sox and 9.5 over the Yankees. Again, if the Red Sox take care of business against the Yankees they will have a shot at the AL East. If not, the Rays could take complete control of the division. How crazy is that?

FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT TIME
If you haven't already had your fantasy football draft, and mine are coming up this week, here is a quick glance at my Top 24 rankings (which should take you through the first two rounds of your draft). The top three are a given, and congrats if you got one of those picks, but after that things get a little dicey.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers. 2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings. 3. Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles. 4. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers. 5. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots. 6. Joseph Addai, RB, Colts. 7. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams. 8. Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys. 9. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots. 10. Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs. 11. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins. 12. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts. 13. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts. 14. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills. 15. Terrell Owens, WR, Cowboys. 16. Ryan Grant, RB, Packers. 17. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans. 18. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars. 19. Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots. 20. Braylon Edwards, WR, Browns. 21. Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys. 22. Drew Brees, QB, Saints. 23. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals. 24. Reggie Bush, RB, Saints.