NFL Week One: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!!!

Welcome back, everybody!!! I know that I haven't posted since the 20th Anniversary of the Harry Potter series. Still a little rusty. Plus, I've started a new job for the second time in two years. Why? I'm a mess mostly, but I've also started working at a college which is sooooooo much more awesome!!!

This is the eighth year that I have been writing about a lot of unnecessary stuff. Much like last year, I'll not only be posting about the NFL, but I will be here to live blog my favorites The Walking Dead and Stranger Things.  I'm not one hundred percent certain that I will make it through the entire season of American Horror Story: Cult. I'm starting to lose interest in the series. For now let's talk about the NFL.

The biggest story in the NFL this off season was not so much who moved where, who drafted whom, nor who will be suspended again this season. Nope, the biggest story since last preseason has and continues to be Colin Kaepernick, but I'm not discussing this here today. I will devote another post to that issue.

There are a host of new head coaches hoping to take their teams in a new direction. You have Vance Joseph in Denver, Anthony Lynn in Los Angeles (Chargers), Doug Marrone in Jacksonville, Sean McDermott in Buffalo, Sean McVay in Los Angeles (Rams), and Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. You have many new faces in new places among the player rankings, too. Brandon Cooks showed his value on opening night as he starts his career in New England. After many years with Minnesota, Adrian Peterson is banking on showing he still has gas in New Orleans. Fans as well as Jeremy Maclin were shocked when the Chiefs released the veteran receiver, but he found a new home in Baltimore. Marshawn Lynch is trying to help his hometown Raiders rise to the top of the AFC West. Victor Cruz left the East Coast for the midwest with a new start in Chicago. Not to mention, Jay Cutler's brief retirement before heading to Miami after Ryan Tannehill went down with an injury. Even former players made some moves in the offseason. Tony Romo is moving to the CBS broadcast booth pushing Phil Simms to the NFL Today who also hired Nate Burleson to replace Bart Scott who was let go. Tony Gonzalez left CBS for FOX who will be joined by Michael Vick. Steve Smith is headed to the NFL Network.

Did you see opening night? DID YOU SEE WHAT MY CHIEFS DID TO THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ON OPENING NIGHT? I didn't write this post earlier because I didn't want to jinx my boys, but was that an opening night or what? That debut of Kareem Hunt! If you had taken a shot every time Cris Collinsworth reminded us that he fumbled on his first play, you would have been drunk by halftime, but way to go Kareem in overcoming that bumpy start! Also, Alex Smith showing us all his deep ball threat. Patrick Mahomes may be the future, but Alex showed that he is the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. You'll get your chance rookie, but not this year. The only bad news from the game was the loss of Pro Bowl Safety Eric Berry. Best Wishes, EB, we will you back next season.

So, the Patriots began the season with undefeated hopes, which were dashed by the Kansas City Chiefs, but I have no doubt that the Pats and Brady will be making their annual appearance in the post season. Atlanta, what in the world happened to y'all in the Super Bowl? So, who am I picking this year. My annual mistakes that's what. Here we go...

NFC East: Dallas 
NFC South: Carolina (division rarely has a repeat winner)
NFC North: Green Bay 
NFC West: Seattle
Wildcards: New York, New Orleans

AFC East: New England
AFC South: Houston
AFC North: Pittsburgh
AFC West: Kansas City
Wildcards: Denver, Baltimore

NFC Champ: Green Bay                  AFC Champ: Kansas City
Super Bowl Champs: Kansas City

Look I like picking oddly. What better oddly than the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

Well, traditionally, I do better in the regular season than the post. Last year, I finished the regular season with a 164-89 record. So, here are my Week One Picks.

I finished the regular season 164-89 record.

Sunday, September 10
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills: New York

Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears: Atlanta

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals: Baltimore

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns: Pittsburgh

Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions: Arizona

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans: Houston

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans: Oakland

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins: Washington

Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams: Indianapolis

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay

Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers: Carolina

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys: New York

Monday, September 11
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings: New Orleans

Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos: Denver

Miami and Tampa Bay has been postponed due to Hurricane Irma. Prayers to those in Florida and Houston.

That's it, guys. Until next week, “The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.” ― Steve Maraboli

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 12: Waking up in Second Place

Welcome back, guys! Hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving celebration with your families, friends, and significant others. I enjoyed spending time with my family, although it meant only 20 actual minutes of anything even close to being football related. The fam isn't into football. I know, I'm the odd duck in the bunch, but our Thursday viewing was dedicated to a non-stop comedy movie marathon consisting of Bad Moms, Central Intelligence, and Deadpool.  Not a bad way to spend a Thursday, but I missed the football, and Aretha's national anthem.

It is not a dream. The Dallas Cowboys have the best record in the NFL. I know, right?  Is there anyone more insufferable than a Dallas fan when they are winning?  Yeah, a Lakers fan, but I digress. The Boys have surprised a lot of people dominating their division and conference with a rookie quarterback-Dak Prescott. It's hard not to root for Prescott, but you guys know my feelings about the boys. Rooting for Dak, but against those boys. It's what I do.  Seriously, it physically hurts to say nice things about the Cowboys and the Raiders.

I don't know what is going on with Green Bay and Kansas City. My Chiefs had no business losing that game to Tampa Bay on Sunday. NONE!!! I will give Tampa Bay their props. They are a decent team, but the Chiefs are better than what they put on the field Sunday. Even with the injuries, there is no way they are Super Bowl bound losing games like this. They fell from first place to second place (barely) and will now face the Broncos in Denver tonight on national television. The Chiefs, sigh, are not good on national television. Maybe it's me. Nah, it's not me. A big shoutout to one of my favorite Chiefs' blogs ArrowheadPride.com, who pointed out that since 2004, the Chiefs are 10-18 on national television. They lost their first national televised game in that abomination against the Steelers early this season. They are scheduled for two national televised games, one against Oakland on December 8, and the other against Denver on Christmas Day.  I regret to say have no hopes for either of those games. Wow, they are doing the Who's got the Edge segment on the Chiefs/Broncos. Tony Gonzalez is picking this game. Sigh...Chiefs are going to lose.

Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers, smh, I am just as surprised as anyone that Green Bay is so infuriating this year. The Packer fans are blaming Olivia Munn for Jessica Simpsoning the Pack, while even legit sports sites are citing a rift in the Rodgers family (also blamed on Aaron's girlfriend Olivia) for causing Aaron's problems on the field.  Whatever the problem, Green Bay is going to find themselves buying tickets to the playoffs if they don't solve this problem. 

Well, to the task at hand, last week was a good week.  I once again improved my record with a 12-4 showing thanks  in part to my 3-0 Thanksgiving day picks.  The old record ticked up to 102-61 for the season.  My fantasy teams:  Lucille Swings is still in first place with a 9-2 record, while Lochte and Loaded dropped its second game in two weeks dropping to fourth place. Lochte and Loaded is such a dumpster fire, that the most exciting thing happening this week is that I was able to swing getting Matt Bryant back as my kicker. No byes this week with three teams playing on Thursday.

Sunday, November 27, 2016
Arizona Cardinals vs. Atlanta Falcons:  Atlanta
San Francisco 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins: Miami
Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints:  New Orleans
San Diego Chargers vs. Houston Texans:  San Diego
Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears:  Tennessee
New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns:  New York
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens:  Baltimore
Carolina Panthers vs. Oakland Raiders:  Oakland (It makes me sick  to keep picking Oakland.)
Seattle Seahawks vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Seattle
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets:  New York
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos:  Denver (and it hurts, really hurts to pick them)

Monday, November 28, 2016
Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Philadelphia

Thursday, December 1, 2016
Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings:  Dallas

For better or worse, my picks, ladies and gentlemen. Before I leave, I would like to bid a fond farewell to two actors we lost over the break-Florence Henderson and Ron Glass. They both entertained us for decades and will be sorely missed. Until next time, "To help yourself, you must be yourself. Be the best that you can be. When you make a mistake, learn from it, pick yourself up and move on."-Dave Pelzer

NFL Week 11: Pass the Popcorn

Welcome back, everybody!!! We finally made it to Thanksgiving Break. It has been a long week. Tony Romo made an emotional statement about now being the second string quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Tom Brady and the Patriots lost at home to Seattle. The Green Bay Packers are a hot mess. The Saints can't get out of their own way, and lookey there, my Kansas City Chiefs are in first place in the AFC West.

I know, I know, many people are not saying much about my Chiefs, but the Chiefs are 7-2 going into this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They have only lost those 2 games since beginning last year with that 1-5 record. They have the longest current home game win streak with 10.  They are getting Justin Houston back today, and while I don't expect a monster sack game from Justin, his presence is a welcome to the defense.  

The Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are both under-performing this season.  The Packers are currently sitting in third place in a division they have normally dominated.  Pittsburgh is also under pressure as they sit in second place in the AFC North. Ben Roethlisberger seemed to throw his coach under the bus this week for his team's woes. Aaron Rodgers, however, came to bat for his coach as people begin to criticize Mike McCarthy, but some of his former teammates have come out swinging against Rodgers and his leadership (or lack of) in Green Bay. We are only halfway through the season and the drama!

While last week wasn't a particularly bad week with me, my five losses were teams that just. Seriously, my losses:  Atlanta, San Diego, Green Bay, New York, and New England. What gives guys?  So, I ended last week with a 9-5 record bringing my seasonal record to 90-57.  On the fantasy side, Lucille Swings is still hanging out in first place with an 8-2 record after soundly defeating my foe.  Lochted and Loaded took a loss last week and drops to 6-3.  Fantasy fans, do not forget that this is a bye week for Atlanta, San Diego, Denver, and the NY Jets. 

Sunday, November 20, 2016
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs:  Kansas City
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals:  Cincinnati
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns:  Pittsburgh
Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys:  Dallas
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions:  Detroit
Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts:  Indianapolis
Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings:  Arizona
Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants:  New York
New England Patriots vs. San Francisco 49ers:  New England
Miami Dolphins vs. Los Angeles Rams:  Los Angeles
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks:  Seattle
Green Bay Packers vs. Washington Redskins:  Washington

Monday, November 21, 2016
Houston Texans vs. Oakland Raiders:  Oakland 

I will be back on Thursday to pick the Thanksgiving Day games. Until then, enjoy your games, and "Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books - especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day."-John Wooden

NFL Divisional Playoffs 2016

Welcome, welcome, welcome! Happy Divisional Playoffs, and may the odds be ever in your favor! And then there were eight...the divisional round of the NFL playoffs begins today, and for the first time in a long time my Chiefs are still standing! Now, I'm not going to get excited because the Chiefs drew the Patriots in Foxborough. Sigh...


Before we get to the games, the coaching carousal has begun. Chip Kelley leaves the East coast for the West coast taking the 49ers head coaching job. Hue Jackson has landed in Cleveland, Adam Gase is the newbie in Miami, Dirk Koetter is replacing Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay, and Ben McAdoo is headed to Jersey to coach the Giants. There is the all but the signing on the dotted line of Chiefs' offensive coordinator Doug Pederson headed to Philadelphia.


To the games. Last week, I went 3-1. I wanted to pick Green Bay, but honestly, they have had some sketchy play recently.


Saturday, January 16, 2016
Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots-Sigh, I really, really want to pick the Chiefs. Every body knows Tom Brady and Belichick have been formidable opponents for everyone for years. It frightens me when everyone picks my Chiefs. So, I'm going way out on a limb here picking my Chiefs to win. Please, please, please...*fingers crossed*


Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals-Remember when I picked the Pack to go to the Super Bowl, but not to win last week. That hasn't changed. Now, look I know that Seattle drop-kicked the Cards in the mouth in their last game, and Green Bay showed a spark last week against Washington. Flipping a coin...Green Bay. Of course, Arizona will prove me wrong. 


Sunday, January 17, 2016
Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers-I'm not going to even pretend to dwell here. I'm picking Carolina. I hated every moment of that Seattle/Minnesota game, and while Seattle has shown sparks of greatness this year, I believe Carolina is the better team.


Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos-My sister is one of those weirdo fans who has two favorite teams in the same conference. These are her two teams. Pittsburgh is playing with multiple injuries after that MMA game they played with Cincinnati last week.  Denver has rallied around the returning Peyton Manning. Sigh, makes me sick to say...Denver.


This past week, we lost two giants in the entertainment industry David Bowie and Alan Rickman. I was a fan of both-David Bowie, because of his music and his willingness to be the weirdest person imaginable thus making your feel comfortable in your own skin, and Alan Rickman, because he made you believe he was every character he ever played, and how I loved his bad guys, especially Severus Snape. Until next week-"Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened."~Theodor Seuss Geisel

NFL Wild Card Weekend 2016

Welcome back, everybody! It is Wildcard Weekend! The 2015 season is over, and the season that began with 32 teams seeking to play Super Bowl 50 has been reduced to a field of 12. Of course with the end of the season comes Black Monday. Chip Kelley was fired the week before the end of the season, Tom Coughlin stepped down in New York, Lovie Smith's firing in Tampa Bay surprised everyone, while no one was surprised when Mike Pettine was let go in Cleveland. An even bigger surprise was the Colts hanging on to Chuck Pagano and the Saints retaining Sean Payton. Of course, most of us know there are others still waiting to learn their fate.

As Wild Card weekend begins, let's take a fond look back at my picks from the beginning of the season.

NFC East-Dallas Cowboys, NFC West-Seattle Seahawks, NFC South-Carolina Panthers, NFC North-Green Bay Packers
AFC East-New England Patriots, AFC West-Kansas City Chiefs, AFC South-Indianapolis Colts, AFC North-Baltimore Ravens
Wildcards: NFC-Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints/AFC-Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC Champion-Green Bay Packers/AFC Champion-Kansas City Chiefs
Super Bowl 50 Champion-Kansas City

Okay, I really tanked choosing the Cowboys, Washington won the East, Arizona the West, Minnesota the North, and I was on the money with Carolina, but only two of my NFC picks did not make the playoffs, as Seattle and Green Bay are both playing wildcard weekend. Sorry, Saints and Cowboys. Not really, Cowboys.

On the AFC side, I correctly called the East (which really wasn't a stretch), but Denver won the West, Cincinnati the North, and Houston won the South. Like with the NFC, only two of my picks didn't make the playoffs, as both Indianapolis and Baltimore both lost their starting quarterbacks and their seasons. Better luck next year, guys.

I picked Green Bay and Kansas City Chiefs to play the Super Bowl with the Chiefs winning. Honestly, I was mostly hoping. Hope is still there, but as a pessimistic Chiefs fan, I watch every game with only one eye open. My Chiefs have lost sooooooooooooooooooooo many first round playoff games. I mean, I know you have heard that the Chiefs haven't won a playoff game since Joe Montana was quarterback. They have won 10 straight games. I'm not bragging. Just stating facts. Please, please, please...Sigh...


Last week, I wrapped my season with a 10-6 finish with my final tally at 144-97. Wild Card Weekend finds the Patriots and the Broncos with byes in the AFC, while the Panthers and the Cardinals are relaxing in the NFC. Let's see how well I perform this Wild Card Weekend.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans-No one expected either one of these teams to be here neither at the beginning of the year, nor the middle of the year. Both found a fire that has landed both in the playoffs. As much as I like J.J. Watt, I'm going to have to pick the Chiefs. I'm just going to leave it at that.


Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals-These two teams just flat out hate each other, and I expect it to be chippy early. Each team has won a game in the series this year, and although Cincinnati has been consistent all season (and I have a bit of crush on Marvin Lewis. Yes, I know it's weird), I think Pittsburgh is the hotter team. So, I have to go with Pittsburgh.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings-So, I picked the Seahawks to win the West, and I didn't even include Minnesota. The Seahawks have had to struggle to get to the playoffs, and the Vikings won the North on the last game of the season. Both teams are hot, but I'm going to have to go with the Seahawks after that smackdown they laid upon the Cards last week.

Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins-While I am a huge fan of Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews, I have little to no faith in the Packers. Yes, I am aware that I picked them to go to the Super Bowl, but this team has been playing poorly the last few weeks, yet Washington has a hot hand with Kirk Cousins. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm going with Washington.

There they are ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy your games! Divisional Playoffs next week! Until then, "I put my life on the line to be right here with y'all. Y'all helped me get to this point. We're just going to keep going forward. To me it's nota  game. It's bigger than that."-Eric Berry #BerryStrong Go Chiefs!!

NFL Week 13: Raider Week

Welcome back, everybody! I'm still recovering for a couple of reasons this week. Number One: that train-wreck of a mid-season finale for The Walking Dead. I was really unimpressed with that. No Daryl, Sasha, or Abraham, Morgan's stupidity, and Sam...ugh...Sam, but I digress. The other is the surge that has taken place in Kansas City. My Chiefs began the year with a 1-5 record, and then proceeded to lose Jamaal Charles and all hope of the playoffs. Yet, here they are--the Chiefs are on a 5 game win streak, and they have jumped over San Diego and Oakland and are now in second place in the AFC West, and potentially a wild card spot. I have been eating crow for a while now, because you guys will recall that I picked the Packers and the Chiefs for Super Bowl 50. I know, I know that people laugh, but you know what it is still a possibility. The Chiefs end the season with one of the softest schedules having to face the Raiders twice, the Chargers, Cleveland, and Baltimore.

The Raiders scare me the most. Why? Because that team is so freaking unpredictable. They looked really good at the beginning of the year, and now...who knows. I always know that this will be a knock down drag out dog fight regardless, because the Chiefs and the Raiders hate each other. HATE EACH other, and they play each other hard even when there is nothing is on the line. Now, each is an obstacle in the other's playoff chances. I expect nothing short of insanity and no less than 100 penalties during the course of the games--most of which will probably be against Oakland.

The Patriots' were finally defeated by Denver in overtime by Pey-Pey's back-up. So, Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers are the last team standing.  Who saw that back on week 1? Aaron Rodgers threw a hail Mary pass to defeat the Lions in the last seconds of the game Thursday night. Atlanta continued its freefall, as did the New Orleans Saints. This season may be the last we see of Sean Payton and Drew Brees in the Quarter.  Speaking of losing, Just Gonzo, my fantasy team, lost last week for the first time in 5 weeks by a mere 1.74 points. My feelings are still hurt, much like Deanna after that bite.

Last week, I was a better than average with a 9-5 record, bringing my total to 99-63. I have high hopes for both my picks and my fantasy team as the fantasy season heads into its playoffs.

Sunday, December 6, 2015
Houston Texans at Buffalo Bills: Buffalo
San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears: Chicago
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns: Cincinnati
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans: Tennessee
Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams: Arizona
Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins: Miami
Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings: Seattle
New York Jets at New York Giants: Giants
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Atlanta
Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders: Kansas City
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers: San Diego
Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots: New England
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints: Carolina
Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh


Monday, December 7, 2015
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins: Washington


Thursday, December 10, 2015
Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals: Arizona


Shout out to blog favorite Tony Gonzalez who was named to the Pac-12 All-Century Team! Just another honor for the future Hall of Famer. FYI, Doug Gottlieb pointed out that the Chiefs have been winning ever since Gonzalez was honored as the featured drummer at the Chiefs home game on October 25. Let's hope the streak continues in Oakland!


Until next week, "Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will." ~Jawaharlal Nehru

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 8: The Returned

Happy Halloween, everybody! Sorry about the air silence last week. It was the mom's birthday week, and I really wanted just to watch American Horror Story (which I am totally losing interest in) and The Walking Dead (I just can't believe that he is dead. I refuse to until I see more evidence). Since I've been gone, New England, Cincinnati, Denver, Green Bay, and Carolina have managed to stay undefeated.  Every one is bracing for Sunday's showdown between Peyton and Aaron (I'll be biting my nails waiting for confirmation about a certain pizza boy's fate, and I am not talking about Peyton Manning). Y'all know I'm rooting for Aaron in this showdown.

My Chiefs finally won another game!!! Yet, I'm not ready to do a dance just yet, because...they just frustrate the daylights out of me. This team is good on paper (notice I didn't say great), but they should be better than 2-5, and it is annoying that they are tied for last place in the AFC West and that the town in northern California is higher than my Chiefs. Hate that team, man. This week the Chiefs travel to London for a "home" against the Detroit Lions. First, I want to apologize to our British brethren who will suffer through this travesty of a football game live, as well as the fans who are traveling from the US and other countries to watch these mediocre teams battle for mediocre supremacy. The Chiefs are really testing my fandom.

Oh, Congratulations to Tony Gonzalez who was honored by the Chiefs last week, and who was inducted in the University of California's Hall of Fame this weekend. Congratulations #88! (or should that be #44) Now, you guys knew, this post would not be complete without a TG update. Also, get well soon to Jamaal Charles, who is recovering from knee surgery.

Fantasy fans: Remember, this is a bye week for Buffalo, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, and Washington. I finished week six with a 9-5 record which brings my total thus far to 55-36.

Sunday, November 1, 2015
Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City (I don't believe this for one minute)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears: Chicago
Arizona Cardinals vs. Cleveland Browns: Arizona
San Francisco 49ers vs. St. Louis Rams: St. Louis
New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints: New Orleans
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cincinnati
San Diego Chargers vs. Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans: Houston
New York Jets vs. Oakland Raiders: New York
Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys: Seattle
Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: Green Bay

Monday, November 2, 2015
Indianapolis Colts vs. Carolina Panthers: Carolina

Thursday, November 5, 2015
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Cincinnati


Until next week, “I think that we're all mentally ill. Those of us outside the asylums only hide it a little better - and maybe not all that much better after all.” ― Stephen King

Enjoy your Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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 1: My Very, Very, Very, Bold Prediction

After months of waiting, the 2015 season is here! The season kicked off with the controversial Super Bowl winning New England Patriots defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in a show of pomp and pageantry usually saved for the Bowl itself or the Grammy Awards. I’m not going to tarry long today rambling about how long it has been since my Chiefs have been to the Super Bowl or the fact that they were undefeated during the preseason (which means nothing).

Here are my picks (which are sure to fail) for the season.

NFC East-Dallas Cowboys

NFC West-Seattle Seahawks

NFC South-Carolina Panthers

NFC North-Green Bay Packers

 

AFC East-New England Patriots

AFC West-Kansas City Chiefs

AFC South-Indianapolis Colts

AFC North-Baltimore Ravens

 

Wildcards

NFC-Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints

AFC-Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

NFC Champion-Green Bay Packers

AFC Champion-Kansas Chiefs

 

My bold prediction…I’m picking my Chiefs for Super Bowl 50. Why? Because, just because. It’s a feeling. How awesome would that be a repeat of Super Bowl I, but with the Chiefs taking the title?  Okay seriously, it will probably be New England vs. Seattle Part Two, with Seattle winning, but a girl can dream, right.

Sunday, September 13

Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills: Indianapolis
Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans: Kansas City
Cleveland Browns at New York Jets: Cleveland

Miami Dolphins at Washington Redskins: Miami

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears: Green Bay
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars: Carolina
Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams: Seattle

New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals: New Orleans
Detroit Lions at San Diego Chargers: San Diego

Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos: Denver

Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders:  Cincinnati
Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tennessee

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys: Dallas

Monday, September 14

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons: Philadelphia
Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers: San Francisco

Until next week, "Risk more then others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible." -Cadet Maxim

Wild Card Weekend Picks

It's Wild Card Weekend, everybody!!!! The playoffs are upon us!!! We had to wave good-bye to 20 NFL teams last weekend who packed their bags for an early off season.  We also saw the ax fall upon the jobs of 5 coaches-Rob Chudzinski (Cleveland), Mike Shanahan (Washington), Leslie Frazier (Minnesota), Jim Schwartz (Detroit), and Greg Schiano (Tampa Bay). On a positive note, Lovie Smith was hired to replace Schiano in Tampa Bay.

My back-up Chiefs almost beat the 1st string San Diego Chargers.  Had it not been for the refs messing up, Ryan Succop may have gotten a second chance to make that field goal which would have eliminated San Diego and launched Pittsburgh into the playoffs.

The NFL said goodbye to two tremendous competitors this past weekend as well-London Fletcher and Tony Gonzalez. Sadly, both were on teams who ended their nightmarish seasons with a loss. Both of these guys deserved a better end to their great careers. I have a feeling one or both will still grace our television screens when football season returns, and Tony Gonzalez, most definitely, will be entering the hall in a few short years. For my money, London Fletcher should, too.

At the beginning of the season, I made my annual "Predictions sure to go wrong." I didn't fair too badly...

	My Pick	Actual Winner
AFC East	New England	New England
AFC North	Cincinnati	Cincinnati
AFC South	Houston	Indianapolis
AFC West	Kansas City	Denver
Wild cards	Denver/Baltimore	Kansas City/San Diego
NFC East	Washington	Philadelphia
NFC North	Green Bay	Green Bay
NFC South	Atlanta	Carolina
NFC West	San Francisco	Seattle
Wild cards	Seattle/New Orleans	San Francisco/New Orleans

I did manage to pick 8 of the 12 playoff teams. Who really saw Atlanta and New Orleans dropping to Carolina?  My Chiefs Pick was more wishful thinking, but for one bright shining moment, it was almost the truth. The AFC West is sending 3 teams to the playoffs. Now, did any of us see that coming?  Seattle and San Francisco were more or less a given.  Houston and Washington, wow...those teams were just a mess.  Now, Denver, New England, Seattle, and Carolina get to sit back, watch, and wait to see who their opponents will be next week.

Last week was one of my best pick weeks of the year with a 11-5 tally.  My end of the year tally was 143-109 not a bad record.  Now for my wild card picks...

Saturday, January 4
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Indianapolis Colts
It seems as if every time the Chiefs make the playoffs their opponent is the Colts. Four of the Chiefs last six playoff appearances have been against the Indianapolis Colts.  The Chiefs have lost all four. The last time the Chiefs won a playoff game was January 16, 1994. Joe Montana was quarterback, Marcus Allen was running back, Tony Gonzalez was a senior in high school, Bill Clinton was president, and Miley Cyrus was a one year old named Destiny Hope. It has been, a long, long, long time since the Chiefs won a playoff game. Twenty years!!! I'm picking my Chiefs and let the chips fall where they may.  Go Chiefs!!!!

New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham are amazing. They do amazing things when they connect with one another.  However, it seems as though, things do not always fall their way on the road.  Philadelphia did not begin the year looking like a playoff team, but boy did they end it looking like one. This is going to be a tough game especially in the bad weather headed that way, but I'm picking the Saints, because I'm a homer.  Geaux Saints!!!

Sunday, January 5
San Diego Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Let's preface this by saying that I have little faith in either of these teams. San Diego almost lost to the Chiefs second string last week, and Cincinnati has been up in down all season.  Cincinnati won the last time they played in December. I'm flipping a coin.  San Diego.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers
This will be a tough game. San Francisco's defense vs. Aaron Rodger's offense.  No, I have not forgotten about Colin Kaepernick.  I have no horse in this race, but I find it very hard to pick against Aaron Rodgers at home.  Green Bay.

Alright everybody, I will probably be 0-4 next week, but that's the way it goes. Until next week I leave you with one of my favorite Jim Mora quotes, "Playoffs? Don't talk about playoffs. Are you kidding me? Playoffs? I'm just hoping we can win a game, another game."