To know list: 8 things to make you an instant expert this week.(KNOW IT ALL)

[1] THE MAIN EVENT

It's a No Fun League off the field

Unless the NFL and the players association shake hands soon, free agents might be more like semi-free agents. Of course, they also could be on hold free agents.

The free-agent season is scheduled to open March 3 but might not begin for another month while the league and the NFLPA attempt to extend the collective bargaining agreement. With no extension, some teams will have serious cap issues and the structuring of significant contracts will become quite the sticky mess.

The good news for most teams is that a lot of the league's top players already are under contract for next season. And some of those who are not will sign extensions before the free-agent period or will be hit with franchise tags.

The one position that promises interesting movement is running back. League MVP Shaun Alexander is expected to become free based on an agreement he reached last year with the Seahawks that will prevent them from using the franchise tag on him. Look for teams that could use a boost in ticket sales, such as the Cardinals and Jaguars, to check under Alexander's hood.

Other interesting running backs who should hit the open market are Edgerrin James of the Colts, Ahman Green of the Packers, Michael Bennett of the Vikings and Jamal Lewis and Chester Taylor, both of the Ravens.--Dan Pompei