Divisional Playoffs 2017

Welcome back, everybody!!! Hope you are enjoying your weekend!!! It's is time for the Divisional Playoffs!!!

Last weekend, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Green Bay, and Houston won their Wild Card matches to advance to the Divisional round. Now, we are eight teams away from the Super Bowl, and while their Super Bowl dreams are still alive many NFL teams are at home preparing for next year. Two will begin their new seasons in a home.  The San Diego Chargers officially became the Los Angeles Chargers this week, and the Oakland Raiders are on the verge of filing paper work to make Las Vegas their home.  Meanwhile, the NFL coaching vacancies are starting to fill. Jacksonville made Doug Marrone their official coach and hired Tom Coughlin as president of football operations.  The Denver Broncos hired Vance Joseph away from the Miami Dolphins.  After much speculation, including a possible trade for New Orleans head coach Sean Payton, the Los Angeles Rams made 30-year-old Sean McVay the youngest coach after he spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator with the Washington Redskins. Finally, Anthony Lynn left the East Coast for the West Coast to become head coach of the newly minted Los Angeles Chargers.  

Well, to the picks. Last week, I was a perfect 3-0, but I expect no perfection this week. 

Saturday, January 14, 2017
Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons (4:35 pm EST on FOX):  Seattle.  I really have no faith in the Falcons. I want to pick them to win because they should win. They don't have a great defense, but Matt Ryan has been playing out of his mind this year. Russell Wilson's team has the better defense. That said, I just can't trust the Falcons.  They are like my Braves. They get riiiiiiiiiight there and find a way to lose. Remember, Tony Gonzalez wide open three years ago?  Remember, the 2 point game against New York?  That's what I'm saying.

Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (8:15 pm EST on CBS):  New England.  I'm not going to spend a great deal of time here. We are all thinking it. IT is a forgone conclusion. Tom Brady wants revenge after his four game suspension...Blah-blah-blah, MVP, blah, blah, blah, Bill Belichick, yada-yada. Houston has Brock Osweiler who had a meh game over a meh Raiders team. I wish the Texans the best, but yeah, Brady should win this...easily...

Sunday, January 15, 2017
Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys (4:40 pm EST on FOX):  Green Bay.  Yes, I know Prescott and Elliott have been balling out of control all year. Yes, I know that Tony Romo is ready just in case the rookie slips up, but the way Aaron Rodgers has been playing the last few weeks has me thinking of the Giants from a few years back who ran the table then beat the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl.  The Cowboys should win, but I'm sticking with the Packers.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs (8:20 pm EST on NBC):  Kansas City.  This was supposed to be the first game on Sunday, but due to the ice storm that is headed Kansas City's way, the NFL made the move change the time of the game from 1:20 pm to 8:20 pm.  This should be the coldest game of the weekend, and these teams really don't like each other.  The Pittsburgh Steelers have had the upper hand on the Chiefs for the last few meetings including the 43-14 beatdown earlier this year, a game James Harrison claims to not remember playing. I did not want my team to play the Steelers.  There, I said it.  My brain tells me this is the time of the year when Ben Roethelisberger plays his best and my Chiefs, much like the Falcons, turn into the Atlanta Braves. Yet, I soooooooo want this to be the year for the Chiefs. My brain tells me that Pittsburgh is going to win, but my heart is with the Chiefs, so that's my pick, and I'm sticking to it.

Enjoy your games this week!!! Until next time, in Honor of Dr. King's Birthday on Sunday, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

NFL Week 16: Who has been Naughty, and Who has been Nice...

Merry Christmas Eve, everybody!!!! With Christmas falling on a Sunday this year, most of the NFL games are slated for today with only two teams playing on Christmas. It's the time of year when NFL Coaches begin to look over their shoulders for the man with the pink slips. Jeff Fisher and Gus Bradley have already gotten the ax, and Rex Ryan has been walking a tight rope for weeks. Then, there is Todd Bowles in New York, and the Saints are exploring the trade value of Sean Payton. Other coaches who may be packing U-hauls along with their players are Mike McCarthy, Chip Kelly, and John Fox.  Black Monday is only a week away, and I fear that this year may be a particularly vicious one.

My Chiefs...I don't even know where to begin. I didn't watch last week's game against the Titans. They were not playing in my area, so I watched the Pittsburgh/Cincinnati game. My Chiefs are the weirdest team. Games they should lose, they win, and games they should win, they lose. Was there literally no one on the sidelines to tell Andy Reid not to ice Ryan Succop. This guy was one of the best players on the Chiefs team for a few years before they let him walk. Icing this guy just makes him mad, and he made the Chiefs pay. Now, I have to go back to work to a gloating co-worker who loves his Titans. Sigh...The Chiefs take the national spotlight on Christmas night against the Denver Broncos. They will be without Justin Houston who is having issues with his knee, Derrick Johnson who is out for the year with that Achilles, and the Chiefs have officially shut down Jamaal Charles for the year. Sigh...I'm picking my Chiefs, but my confidence is no where near as strong as it should be. At least we got a truly bizarre promo add from NBC...


New England and Dallas have clinched their divisions, playoff berths, and first round byes. Seattle has clinched their division and a playoff berth.  Oakland has also clinched a playoff berth. Everything else is still up for grabs with two games left.  Last week, I had an okay week with many of my losses decided by 3 points or less.  I posted a 10-5 week bringing the year's total to 142-80.  Both of my fantasy teams are alive in the playoffs but things are not looking good with my players dropping like flies.  Here are my picks for the week.

Saturday, December 24, 2016
San Diego Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns:  San Diego (Honestly, I can not in good faith every pick Cleveland)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers:  Atlanta
Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills:  Miami
Washington Redskins vs. Chicago Bears:  Washington
Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers:  Green Bay
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots:  New England
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:  Tennessee
Indianapolis Colts vs. Oakland Raiders:  Indianapolis
Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks:  Arizona
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams:  Los Angeles (In what has to be one of the saddest games this week)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints:  New Orleans
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans:  Houston

Sunday, December 25, 2016
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers:  Pittsburgh
Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs:  Kansas City

Monday, December 26, 2016
Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys:  Dallas

Here is wishing you all a very happy Holiday season to you and yours!!! Enjoy your families and your games!!! Until next time, "Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values."-Thomas S. Monson

NFL Week 15: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

Welcome to Week 15, everybody!!!  The NFL Season is winding down and for the first time in years, there are 26 teams alive with a chance at the playoffs!!! The Seahawks, however, are the only team that has clinched their division. 

There was a game last night, or at least, there was supposed to be a game last night. The Miami Dolphins trounced the New York Jets 34-13.  Honestly, I forgot that this game was even on last night. I was too busy entertaining a two-year old and watching Frozen for the 900th time (FYI, I don't really care for this movie...at all). Yet, I would rather watch Frozen, than this dumpster fire of a game.

Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, they have been on a roll, but one bad game, and people are already calling for Romo.  Seriously, Cowboys, even Romo, had bad games, give the kid a break. It wasn't a blowout like Seattle in Green Bay. Even, the Hawks recovered to put a beatdown on LA Thursday night.  Seriously, let's go ahead and put a Thursday Night Football to pasture.

Good luck to everyone whose fantasy playoffs begin today.  Last week, I had an 11-5 run bringing the year's total to 132-75. 

Sunday, December 18, 2016
Tennessee Titans vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City
San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons:  Atlanta
New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals:  Arizona
Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers:  San Diego
Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills:  Buffalo
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears:  Chicago
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals:  Pittsburgh
Indianapolis Colts vs. Minnesota Vikings:  Indianapolis
Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants:  New York
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens:  Baltimore
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans:  Houston
New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos:  New England
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys:  Dallas

Monday, December 19, 2016
Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Redskins:  Washington

Thursday, December 22, 2016
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles:  Philadelphia

Until next time, "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."-Helen Keller

NFL Week 12: Thanksgiving Edition

"Gratitude is the sign of noble souls."-Aesop

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!! I'm not going to spend a great deal of time speaking about this weekend, because I will talk about that on Sunday.  Take a moment to think about the things you are thankful for instead. I'm thankful for my family, my friends, my students, my co-workers, and any person who has played a role in the course of my life, no matter how large or small.  You have all been a blessing and made a contribution to the person I've become.

I know, I know, we are all thankful for football on Thanksgiving day, but how about giving a little thanks to the players, coaches, and staff who give up so much time with their families and put their bodies on the line to entertain us every week. Thanks guys!

I'm thankful that my Chiefs are still in the playoff picture even after that debacle on Sunday. Thank you guys for being my team.

I'm going to make this short and quick, so I can spend time with my family as I know many of you will.

Thursday, November 23, 2016
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions:  Detroit
Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys:  Dallas
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts:  Pittsburgh

Go now and embrace your family and one of the most fabulous dinners of the year! Until next time,
"May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And you pies take the prize,
And my your Thanksgiving dinner,
Stay off your thighs."-Grandpa Jones

NFL Predictions Sure to Bite the Dust: 2016 Edition

Welcome, welcome, welcome!!!!! It is right around the corner ladies and gentleman! After months and months of not always patiently waiting, the 2016 NFL Season is upon us!! Game one is tomorrow night with a Super Bowl rematch between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Now, there is no secret that I have nothing but animosity for both of these teams, but I hate the Broncs more sooooo, GO PANTHERS!!!!

So what's in the news: Tony Romo received his annual injury during pre-season, Tom Brady is suspended (smiles), Peyton Manning is retired (smiles), Drew Brees is attached to the Saints for another year with a guaranteed $44.25 million, nice work if you can get it.

Peyton Manning has finally ended his reign of terror over my beloved Chiefs. Now, he will just terrorize us with the endless stream of Directv Commercials (shame on you, Lionel Richie). With Peyton starting his acting career and Brock Osweiler in Houston, the Broncos will be helmed by Trevor Siemian who basically held Peyton's clipboard for the past two seasons. Good luck, kid! Ans by luck, I mean, I hope you suck every bit as bad as Peyton was good. (Yeah, I still hate the Broncos. Sorry...not sorry.)

The Dallas Cowboys, a team I have nothing but disdain for, is starting the season with their Captain on the disabled list...again. Seriously, the only thing holding Tony Romo together at this point is dental floss and duct tape. You can give this guy the side-eye, and he will collapse. As a result of Tony Romo annual collapse, the Boys will be starting Dak Prescott. While I'm not a fan of Mississippi State, I root for anyone who represents my home state (except Brett Favre, because forget Brett Favre). Now, I'm not going to be rooting for the Cowboys, but this young man has multiple college records and Mississippi State records under his belt. While that did not bode well for Tim Tebow, per se, (FYI, really Mets, really!!???), I'm looking for good things from young Mr. Prescott.  Good luck, young man, may your stats be great, and the Cowboys lose every game. (Yes, I know, I am petty.)

Tom Brady is suspended...

Colin Kaepernick, of course, has been the topic of conversation for the last two weeks. I haven't said a lot about this, but here is my two cents. Colin Kaepernick has every right to do whatever he wishes to do during the National Anthem. Our behavior during the National Anthem is a courtesy. It is not a requirement nor a law for a citizen to stand nor honor. I have classmates who would neither stand for the Pledge nor the anthem because according to their religion they felt that it was  form of idolatry. There are many problems that our country needs to resolve, and police brutality is a problem we should all want to be eliminated. This is what he is protesting. Racism is still a problem that is deeply rooted in America. This is what he is protesting. I don't care if you don't like it. It's his right, and I support him. As the great Mississippi Nobel Prize Winning writer William Faulkner once said, "Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth." FYI, where were y'all's protest when Bruce Miller beat up a 70 year old man? I'm not saying, I'm just saying. P.S. that anthem really wasn't written for the black people...just facts folks...

I drafted my fantasy team last night. Team Lucille Swings consists of Cam Newton, Dez Bryant, Jeremy Maclin, Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Peterson, Spencer Ware, and Travis Kelce. I should have probably called them the Golden Boys....

Last year, I finished the season with a 144-97 prediction record. Pray for me y'all...Here are my predictions sure to fail. There is no rhyme or reason to these choices...Just laugh your way through them like I will do in January...
NFC East-New York Giants
NFC South-Carolina Panthers
NFC North-Green Bay Packers
NFC West-Seattle Seahawks
Wild Cards-Dallas, New Orleans

AFC East-New England Patriots
AFC South-Indianapolis Colts
AFC North-Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC West-Kansas City Chiefs
Wild Cards-Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos
NFC Champs-Carolina
AFC Champs-Kansas City, just kidding, New England
Super Bowl Champs-Carolina

Now for the week one picks...

Thursday, September 8, 2016
Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos: Carolina

Sunday, September 11, 2016
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons: Tampa Bay
Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans: Tennessee
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs: KANSAS CITY, was there any doubt?
Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints: New Orleans
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets: Cincinnati
Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles: Philadelphia
Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars: Green Bay
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore
Chicago Bears at Houston Texans: Chicago
Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks: Seattle
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys: New York
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts: Indianapolis
New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals: Arizona

Monday, September 12, 2016
Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins: Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers: San Francisco

It's a new NFL Season, Y'all!!! Good luck to all your teams, unless they are Oakland, Dallas, and Denver...

Until next week, "Now that the night is over, And the sun comes Like a god into our room, All perfect light and promises." INXS and I say enjoy the game!!!!!!

NFL Week 12: Thanksgiving Day Picks

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Here's hoping your day is filled with the blessings of family, friends, and lots and lots of turkey!!! Oh, no I did not forget, FOOTBALL!!! It is one of the many things I'm looking forward to today. You know besides the turkey, ham, pie, cake, yams, pie, peas, dressing, potatoes, gravy, pie, and did I mention pie? It also helps me to avoid those pesky why aren't you married with children questions, because I really hope I can make it through Thanksgiving without having to have a clapback.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I start the day refusing any type of food until dinner is served. It's a matter of control, so I can rest my self-control later. See, there is a method to my madness, but onto the matter at hand.

The NFL has seen fit to give us another three game special, so we have to spend as little time as possible discussing religion, politics, and gossip--three courses always served at the table. Don't forget that you have to set your fantasy team today before the games begin if you have any players on today's teams.

So, on with the picks:
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions: Detroit-I have absolutely no faith in Philadelphia at this point.

Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys: Carolina-Romo's back, and the Boys always perform well at home on Thanksgiving, but Cam and the Panthers are going to be a tough out. Besides, y'all know I hate the Cowboys. I want Cam to beat them.

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay-They are retiring lord Favre's jersey tonight at halftime, and the Bears are, well, the Bears. I expect a tough game with the Pack and Rodgers coming out on top.

Good luck to your teams, and may you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Until next time, "Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare.  They are consumed in twelve minutes.  Half-times take twelve minutes.  This is not coincidence."~Erma Bombeck

NFL Week 3: The Woe Train Just Rolls Along

Welcome back, everybody! This has been a really, really long week. My Chiefs last played over nine days ago and will not take the field again until Monday against the Packers. Now, while I have been waiting to see my boys, any other teams have been struggling. Case in point, the New Orleans Saints. the Saints can't seem to get on track in what may be the last year for Drew Brees as quarterback. Add to that a lost to the up-start Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the loss of Jimmy Graham, and a shoulder injury to Brees, and thing do not bode well in the Bayou. Fantasy fans, Brees is out this Sunday.

Speaking of Jimmy Graham, word is that he is unhappy with his role in the Seattle Seahawks offense, as the NFC Champs find themselves in a 0-2 hole to start the season. the Indianapolis Colts have joined the Seahawks in that hole in what may be coach Chuck Pagano's last season. In Chicago, Jay Cutler is out for two weeks with a hamstring injury.  RGIII is still on the bench, and Cleveland pulled out a win last week even though they aren't completely sold on Johnny Manziel as quarterback. You ever get the feeling that the NFL has turned into an episode of Dallas? Speaking of Dallas, they lost Dez Bryant to a foot injury, and now, they will be without quarterback Tony Romo who broke his clavicle. Whew...y'all know that there are some Tebow fans begging to get him a 5th-6th hot at the NFL.

My Chiefs, who are coming off a devastating lost to Peyton and the donks, are headed to Lambeau Field to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Pack.  Many have made a big deal over the fact that the Chiefs are on a couple of streaks. The first is that the Chiefs have never lost at Lambeau, and the second is that the Chiefs have almost completed a calendar year since their last touchdown by a wide receiver. About the wide receiver, as long as Travis Kelce continues to play like a young Tony Gonzalez (year three-on Tony Gonzalez, that is. I remember those first two years. Still love him though.), I'm cool with that. The Lambeau thing means absolutely nothing to me. Nothing at all. Zip. Zero. If a team can find a way to break a good streak, the Chiefs can find a way. Bad ones, not so much.


As I lament my Chiefs, I also have to lament my fantasy team which was massacred thanks to Peyton Manning. Yes, I'm still salty. Just Gonzo is in now in the same boat with the Seahawks and the Colts. Bah...I did dump Reggie Bush and picked up Darren Sproles, but Le'veon Bell is returning this week. I hope he is going to be well worth the first round pick my cable company used to draft him. Don't forget next week the bye weeks begin fantasy owners so plan accordingly.


Last week, I week I went 7-9 bringing my record to 17-15 on the season--a couple of games over .500, meh. Let's hope I turn it around this week.


Sunday, September 27, 2015
Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns: Cleveland (Because I still don't like or trust the Raider.)
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta (Even though they are in Dallas, Dallas is missing weapons.)
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Indianapolis (I expect them to right the ship this week.)
Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis: Pittsburgh (Come on Bell, I need some points!)
San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings: San Diego
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots: New England (Brady, I need points, man!)
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets: New York (I don't think Philly will lose every game, but they won't win this one.)
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina (Saints are without Brees...sooooo.)
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore (Where are you, Flacco?)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans: Houston
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals: Arizona
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins: Buffalo (Tony Gonzalez loves them, so there you go.)
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks: Seattle (No, Cutler, so I expect the Seahawks to bounce back.)
Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions: Denver (no comment)


Monday, September 28, 2015
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Kansas City (Although I would not be surprised if Aaron Rodgers makes me eat my words.)


Thursday, October 1, 2015
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh


That's it, y'all. Until next week, "Always save back up copy of your blog post, D, because you do not want to test your speed typing on a Sunday morning."-Diana

NFL Week 16 Picks

There are only two week left before the start of the playoffs.  My Chiefs clinched a playoff berth last week and still have a chance albeit a slight one to win the AFC West.  They got Tamba Hali back in action and maybe, just maybe, Justin Houston will be ready for the playoffs.  Seems like the only team in the NFC who has decided they actually want to go to the playoffs is the Seattle Seahawks. How 'bout them Cowboys? The Cowboys are in full implosion mode.  Tony Romo can't get out of his own way, Jason Garrett is a puppet, Jerry Jones is in love with his own voice, and Dez Bryant lacks maturity. Aaron Rodgers' collarbone still hasn't completely healed, while Jay Cutler returned to the Bears,  and Detroit went all, you know, Detroit.

The Saints lost to the St. Louis Rams. I don't even really know how to register that, other than to say that the New England Patriots lost to the Miami Dolphins, so...there is that. The 49ers are saying goodbye to Candlestick Park on Monday Night Football, as my favorite, Tony Gonzalez will also be taking his final bow on Monday Night Football.  I'll have another post on TG later. As those who are here every week know, I use to be a 49ers fan (I still root for them), and I tell you, I loved watching Joe Montana and Jerry Rice loved watching them play at Candlestick.  Candlestick, you will be missed. 

Last week, I was a little better than .500.  I went 8-7 bring my record to 123-97.  My picks for this week...

Sunday, December 22
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills:  Miami
Denver Broncos at Houston Texans: Denver
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars:  Tennessee
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs:  Kansas City
Cleveland Browns at New York Jets:  New York
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at St. Louis Rams:  St. Louis
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins:  Dallas
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: New Orleans
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals:  Minnesota
New York Giants at Detroit Lions:  Detroit
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks:  Seattle
New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens:  New England
Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers:  Green Bay
Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers:  San Diego
Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles:  Philadelphia

Monday, December 23
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers:  San Francisco

Until next time, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill

Thanksgiving Day Picks

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!!! Diana Dishes wishes all of you a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving to all of my followers, occasional page visitors, and future readers and their families!!! I have so many things to be thankful for, my family, my friends, my co-workers, my students, my health, My Kansas City Chiefs aren't in the basement, seeing Tony Gonzalez play live in his last season in his last game in the Super Dome, watching Jimmy Graham at any time...so many blessings!!!

This will be a brief post because we will be starting our festivities shortly, which will include football.  So, here are my turkey day picks...

Thursday, November 28
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions:  Detroit

Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys:  Dallas
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens:  Pittsburgh

Until next time,  

NFL Week 12 Picks...The Leftovers Edition

Happy Sunday, everybody!!! Well, Thanksgiving is over. Black Friday assaulted more victims, and Cyber Monday will begin tomorrow. Christmas is in full effect. Even the NBA is in the Christmas spirit giving their fans a season starting on Christmas Day. Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

Of course, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving with a turkey. This year, it was the Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh who may be staring down a suspension after stomping on a Packers player Evan Dietrich-Smith. As if that wasn't bad enough, he delivered the lamest "explanation" ever. Didn't matter at the end of the day the Packers smacked the Lions to stay perfect. The Cowboys served the Dolphins a hot plate of disappointment, and Big Brother John Harbaugh's Ravens defeated little brother Jim's 49ers.

Happy Thanksgiving...Turkey Day Picks

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Everywhere throughout the country people are busy getting their turkey and fixings together to settle down for the grub fest of the year. You know, until Christmas...We gather the family together to give thanks for making it through another year together. I'd like to take a moment to thank those military men and women who protect this country. I also want to give a shoutout to my fellow teachers who are in the trenches every single day. I'm thankful for you guys, and even if the kids don't see it now, some of them will thank you someday, too. I'd like to thank God for my family, friends, and relatives. Every day, I know I'm blessed-even when they get on my last nerve, I am blessed to have them.

I Scream-ed at what the Devil I Saw with all the Paranormal Activity in the NFL-Picks from a Maniac Maenad Week 8

Happy Halloween, everybody!!! It has been a scary year in the NFL. With few exceptions such as New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers, it seems no team wants to truly wants to rule their divisions. Reigning Super Bowl champions the New Orleans Saints were smacked around at home by the Cleveland Browns...yes, those Cleveland Browns. Can you believe it? My Chiefs are alone in 1st place in the AFC West. I know, right...

The Dallas Cowboys are the most talked about 1-5 team second only to the 2-4 Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys are now without their quarterback Tony Romo who will be out for the next 6-8 weeks with a broken clavicle (which in my humble opinion means he will not be back this year...I wouldn't if I were him). The Cowboys, as always, are great on paper, on the field...not so much. Now, they rest their hopes on the great Jon Kitna. Good luck with that 'Boys. The Minnesota Vikings are dealing with their wishy-washy coach Brad Childress and his temperamental quarterback Mr. Fredricksen, I mean, Mr. Favre. It seems now Paw-Paw's ankle is fractured, and it may be the cause of the end of his 291 game start streak. Paw-Paw...you have had a great career, but you have become a caricature of yourself with the Jenn Sterger debacle, the bad wheels, and general negative feelings about you, it might just behoove you to call it done and go come on home and rock on in the land of Favre.

Elsewhere, Cincinnati continues to flounder with their lackluster performances. The reigning AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers are, well, sucking. A. J., the sounds you are hearing is the cold, damp wind blowing in the basement of the AFC west. This team was picked by many to finally win the Super Bowl that has been just within their grasp for the last few years. Underachieving does not begin to explain the fall to last place. Then, there are the Broncos who have continued their slippage from last season. Last week, they were humiliated at home by the Raiders who spanked them 59-17. Excuse me? What's up, Lil' Hoodie? This year has not been good to former Dynasties, just look at the San Francisco 49ers. No, seriously, look at them...at least try. What is going on? I'm one of the suckers who picked them to go somewhere this year. I guess that somewhere turned out to be Ticketmaster because that's the only way they will get near the Super Bowl this year. At least, San Francisco still has the Giants...

It is criminal the things that are happening to my fantasy football teams. Last week, my Runtelldat Homeboys were smacked around with a final score of 43-187...43-187. Yes, there was a 1-8-7 on the Runtelldat Homeboys knocking them down to 12th place. *Sigh...I may have to retire from fantasy at the end of this season.

• Hecates's HellHounds of the League of Champions league: 5-2 (Platinum, I hope it lasts)
  
• Kansas City Chiefs of the Dynasty Orginization League: 2-5 (three game losing streak)
  
• Runtelldat Homeboys of the Big Easy League: 2-5 (I can hear the bugler licking his lips.)
  
• The Cromartie Eight of the Football Fist Pump League: 3-4 (trying to walk by themselves)
  
• Matching Mugshots of the Atypical Sports Show League: 1-6 (Lost again...nothing to see here.)
  

I went 7-6 last week which brings my record to 49-39. So, here are my week eight picks:

Washington Redskins vs. Detroit Lions: Washington

Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City

Carolina Panthers vs. St. Louis Rams: St. Louis

Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers: San Francisco (c'mon, guys, get it together!)

Green Bay Packers vs. New York Jets: New York Jets

Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Miami

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys: Jacksonville

Tennessee Titans vs. San Diego Chargers: Tennessee

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Arizona Cardinals: Tampa Bay

Minnesota Vikings vs. New England Patriots: New England

Seattle Seahawks vs. Oakland Raiders: Seattle

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints: Pittsburgh

Monday Night Football: Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts: Indianapolis

That's all I've got, ghosts and ghouls! Have a fun, safe, and Happy Halloween! Until next week, "Pro football is like nuclear warfare. There are no winners, only survivors."~Frank Gifford

Picks from a Maniac Maenad-Week 7

Welcome back, everybody...It's week 7 in the NFL, and we are almost at the halfway point. Outside of the New York Jets and the Steelers, it doesn't seem like anyone really wants to step up and take control of a division. The NFL went after the "headhunting" players and instituted new rules on tackling, while fining Brandon Meriweather, James Harrison, and Dunta Robinson for their week 6 hits. Harrison threatened to retire, and when everyone pretty much ignored him, slinked back to practice. My Chiefs have now lost two in a row. Quick recovery, boys, quick recovery.

Rumors are running wild as to where Shawne Merriman will land when he land-San Francisco? Baltimore? Washington? *Shrug* It was announced that Vincent Jackson was going to finally report to the Chargers in time to serve a 3 game suspension from the team, while his team is floundering posting losses to the Raiders and the Rams. The Chargers also have to deal with injuries to their seemingly cursed Linebacking corps. and to tight end Antonio Gates. Junior Seau was arrested, and then promptly drove his Cadillac Escalade off a cliff. Peyton Manning lost two receivers: WR Austin Collie for a couple of weeks, TE Dallas Clark for the season. The Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers continue to circle the toilet bowl which has become their season. Favre met with NFL officials, and his wife did the talk show rounds...zzzzzzz. Ben Roethlisberger played well. Jacksonville and Tennessee played one of the worse Monday Night Football game ever, both of the starting quarterbacks were knocked out of the game, and it still beat the ALCS in the ratings.

It would be awesome if one week all of my fantasy teams would win, but alas, it is not to be.

• Hecates's HellHounds of the League of Champions league: 4-2 (Slipped up last week)
  
• Kansas City Chiefs of the Dynasty Orginization League: 2-4 (Still stinking up the joint)
  
• Runtelldat Homeboys of the Big Easy League: 2-4 (It's 14:59)
  
• The Cromartie Eight of the Football Fist Pump League: 2-4 (Finally won a second game)
  
• Matching Mugshots of the Atypical Sports Show League: 1-5 (Finally, won a game-The same week as the 49ers)

I went 8-6 for my picks last week bringing my record to 42-33. So, here are my picks for this week *drawing them out of the hat.* It can't be any worse than the rest right?

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins: Pittsburgh

Cleveland Browns vs. New Orleans Saints: New Orleans

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City Chiefs

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tennessee Titans: Philadelphia Eagles

Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore Ravens

Washington Redskins vs. Chicago Bears: Washington Redskins

San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers: San Francisco 49ers

St. Louis Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks: Arizona Cardinals

New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers: New England Patriots

Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos: Denver Broncos

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers: Minnesota Vikings

Monday Night Football-New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys: New York Giants

Until next week guys, "Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. "-Vince Lombardi

Picks from a Maniac Maenad-Week 6

It's week six, y'all, and what a week it's been. Controversy abounds. Parity is running rampant. My Chiefs are no longer unbeaten. Five weeks into the seasons, and most of us are looking at are pre-season predictions and wondering how did we get it so wrong. The Cowboys and Chargers are floundering in the basements of their divisions. I mean, even as a Chiefs fan, I never imagined they would be on top of the AFC West this late in the season (no, I don't have delusions that they will win the West, but my team is looking far better than they did last year. No comment, on Cassel).

Coaches Wade Phillips and Mike Singletary both received votes of confidence from their perspective owners. (I don't really see either of them standing at the end of the year unless they have an honest to God, walk on water miracle). Then, Wade Phillips felt the need to "diss" Tony Dungy who felt that Tony Romo may not be a good enought leader. "Oh no, you did-ent." (Wow, that was a horrible allusion). Uhm, Wade, Tony actually made an NFL team, while you did not. Tony has a Super Bowl ring, and the only ring you've seen is the one Jerry Jones flashes from the last decade and the one in your bathtub.

Shawne Merriman was put on IR with a minor injury designation which pretty much ends his career with the Chargers (Dear Kansas City, New Orleans, Atlanta: I'm going to need one of you to grab him for my sake, 'kay). Tom Brady was dissed by Justin Bieber for having hair like-wait for it-Justin Bieber. This from a kid, who is not a female, who just released a line of nail polish. Tom, let me introduce you to the scissors. Brett Favre is still in trouble with the league for his alleged improprities with Jenn Sterger, has elbow tendonitis, and was hit in the crotch with football this week. Karma. I also like how nobody stops to check on him. Where's the love guys?

Aaron Rodgers has a concussion, Clay Matthews is hurt, Ryan Grant is out for the year, and Nick Barnett had surgery and is out for the year. Why am I hearing the M.A.S.H. theme song, when I think about the Packers? Ben Roethlisberger, Santonio Holmes, and Brian Cushing are back, to which I shrug. Breaking News: Anthony Gonzalez and Bob Sanders are at press time still injured.

I am coming to the realization that maybe I should be spending my Sundays doing something more beneficial than playing fantasy football, because my teams stink like a day old basket of gym socks after a game. Despite big names that appear on my fantasy roster, my teams are still well, turrible.

• Hecates's HellHounds of the League of Champions league: 4-1 (The Diamond standard)
  
• Kansas City Chiefs of the Dynasty Orginization League: 2-3 (An embarrasment to the real Chiefs)
  
• Runtelldat Homeboys of the Big Easy League: 2-3 (15 minutes of fame are just about up)
  
• The Cromartie Eight of the Football Fist Pump League: 1-4 (About to be put up for adoption)
  
• Matching Mugshots of the Atypical Sports Show League: 0-5 (Should be jailed until next year like their namesake. I should have never changed my team name.)

Last week, I went an anemic 5-9, which makes my record to date: 34-27. I'm still above .500.
Taking a deep breath and diving in...

Atlanta vs. Philadelphia: Atlanta

Kansas City vs. Houston: *holding my breath* Kansas City (I'm just being a good fan, I don't believe that either)

New Orleans vs. Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay has been a hard out these last few weeks, and they always bring their A game against the Saints. I'm still taking New Orleans.

Miami vs. Green Bay: Green Bay has a lot of injuries and burned me last week, but I'm sticking with my pick. Green Bay

San Diego vs. St. Louis: San Diego lost to the Raiders last week. The Raiders!!! St. Louis.

Baltimore vs. New England: Baltimore

Detroit vs. New York Giants: New York Giants. Eli, you better not.

Cleveland vs. Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh

Seattle vs. Chicago: Chicago

New York Jets vs. Denver: New York Jets

Oakland vs. San Francisco: San Francisco better win this game.

Dallas vs. Minnesota: It is a must win for both teams. *flipping a coin* *2 outta 3* Dallas

Indianapolis vs. Washington: Indy

Monday Night Football: Tennessee vs. Jacksonville. Tennessee

That's all folks. Until next week, "One cannot too soon forget his errors and misdemeanors; for to dwell upon them is to add to the offense." ~Henry David Thoreau