NFL Week 2: Uhm, What Just Happened

Well that was...something. Week one in the NFL was definitely one of those any given Sundays. First the Chiefs smacked the Patriots on opening night. Then, the Rams dropped 46 on the Colts. The Saints struggled on a Monday Night Football against the Vikings. The Bengals didn't even show up against the Ravens.

The Raiders, Cowboys, and Broncos looked really good in their first week, and you really have no idea how difficult it was for me to even say that statement. The Bills and the Lions also played well in week one, and the Falcons did not show much evidence of the Super Bowl meltdown during week one. 

The Dolphins and Buccaneers are both beginning their season after they had to postpone their game due to Hurricane Irma. Then there is this...LA will host not one, but two games today for the first time in over 23 years. Atlanta will open their 1.5 billion dollar stadium tonight on Sunday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. The Patriots and the Saints are both trying to right the ship and not go 0-2 in New Orleans today.

I didn't perform all that well during week one. First, I forgot to predict the Thursday Night Game, and second, well, my picks left something to be desired. I did a respectable 7-7 in week one, but I have, and I expect better this week.

Sunday, September 17
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore

Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers: Carolina

Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts: Arizona

Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City

New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints: New England

Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh

Chicago Bear at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay

Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers: Los Angeles

New York Jets at Oakland Raiders: Oakland

Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos: Dallas

Washington Redskins at Los Angeles Rams: Washington

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: Seattle

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons: Green Bay

Monday, September 18
Detroit Lions at New York Giants: Detroit

Monday, September 18
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers: Los Angeles

That's all, folks. Until next week, "Success is not a good teacher, failure makes you humble."-Shah Rukh Khan

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 17: Happy New Year?

Happy New Year, everybody!!!! May all your dreams and wishes come true in this new year!!! Cleveland won a game!!!! It is the last week of the season, and we are a few games away from having the playoff picture set.  The AFC has all of its teams in order, and it is a forgone conclusion that New England will retain the number one seed, but if New England loses and Oakland wins, Oakland will get home field throughout the playoffs. Oakland and Kansas City are currently fighting for the number 2 seed and the AFC West title.  Denver and San Diego can play spoilers though. Pittsburgh, Houston, and Miami are more or less set for the playoffs, but Miami could throw a wrench in New England's playoff plans.

The NFC side is a bit more complicated.  Dallas is set at the #1 seed with home field throughout the playoffs. Atlanta is currently the #2 seed and can clinch the #2 with a win.  Now, Seattle has a chance at #2 if Atlanta loses, and they win.  Green Bay and Detroit are fighting for the NFC North today, and one of them may end up at the house for the playoffs.  Washington and Tampa Bay still have a chance to make the playoffs, but Tampa Bay needs about a thousand dominoes to fall correctly for that to happen.  New York has clinched a berth and can prevent Washington from entering the playoff fray with a win today.

It's not all good news around the NFL this New Year's Day.  Some cities may be losing their teams, looking at you San Diego and Oakland. Other teams are just losing their coaches.  Buffalo fired head coach Rex Ryan and his twin brother Rob.  The Saints may be playing their last game under Sean Payton's tutelage.  Gary Kubiak is likely to step down today in Denver due to health issues.  There are a number of NFL coaches keeping their fingers crossed that their names will not end up on  pink slip tomorrow. Good luck, guys.  

The Raiders are going to be without their starting quarterback Derek Carr for the near future as he broke his leg during last week's game. I hate Oakland, but I don't wish injuries on anyone. I prefer my team to beat them at their best, as they have, twice this year.  Marcus Mariota and Tyler Lockett also broke legs ending their seasons as well.  Good luck, gentleman!!

Did you see the Denver/Kansas City game on Christmas night?  Oh, man...Denver's defense, normally one of the best in the league, were...did they even get off the plane?  Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce had a night, both ripping off 70 yard and 80 yard TDs respectively.  Even, Alex Smith scored a touchdown in the game. But the pièce de résistance occurred in the waning minutes of the game, when the Chiefs brought in Dontari Poe for what most thought would be a run.  Poe instead lined up in shotgun formation and did a jump shot pass to Demetrius Harris for a touchdown. Andy Reid calls it the "Bloated Tebow Pass," but I call it the nail in Denver's coffin. Now, both teams from last year's Super Bowl have been eliminated from the playoffs.

Many fantasy leagues finished up their playoffs last week, including my two leagues.  Lucille Swings, my #1 team, spent most of the year in first place, but like the real NFL, any given Sunday, a team can be knocked from its top spot, as was the case with Lucille Swings.  Lucille swung and missed as I was upset by a forth place team.  122 points were not enough to overcome Brett's team (he put a lot of effort in that name), especially with Cam Newton and Larry Fitzgerald having lackluster days, and Spencer Ware leaving the game with a rib injury.  Brett's team had a field day thanks to Andrew Luck, Ezekiel Elliott, Le/Veon Bell, Doug Baldwin, and Jordy Nelson. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce tried, but Lucille Swings ended the year in second place.  My dumpster fire team Lochte and Loaded surprisingly won the consolation bracket and finished the year in third place. No championships this year, but I'll take a 2nd and a 3rd place.

Last week, I had a pretty decent pick week, and had San Diego and Tennessee did their one job, it could have been better, but I'll take 11-4.  My current tally stands at 153-84. Let's see how I do on this final week of the season.

Sunday, January 1, 2017
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals;  Baltimore
Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans:  Houston
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts:  Indianapolis
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins:  New England
Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings:  Minnesota
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets:  Buffalo (Reggie Bush needs at least 3 yards to prevent him from setting a dubious record today.  He currently has -3 yards on the season.)
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles:  Dallas
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers:  Pittsburgh
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Tampa Bay
Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos:  Oakland (although for the first time in probably ever, I'm rooting for Denver.)
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons:  Atlanta
Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers:  Kansas City (San Diego is playing for pride, but keep Antonio Gates out of the endzone. There is no need for him to break Tony Gonzalez's touchdown record today. NONE AT ALL!!!)
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers:  Seattle
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams:  Arizona
New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins:  New York
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions:  Green Bay

That's it, guys! Enjoy your New Year's celebrations and all the games!!! Until next week, "Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten."-Natasha Bedingfield

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 14: Only One Quarter of the Season Left

Ladies and gentle, we are, as they like to say, into the home stretch. Three-fourths of the season is now behind us, and most of us are wondering how it passed by so fast. The 49ers, Jets, Browns, and Jaguars have been eliminated from playoff contention.  Other than the Niners, did anybody really give those other three teams a real shot? They are fighting for draft position now.

Did you see the Chiefs game in Atlanta?  I did, and man was it a nail-biter! Eric Berry and Tyreek Hill put on a clinic in the ATL, but boy was I nervous when the Falcons lined up for that two-point conversion. Thank goodness for Eric Berry who already had a pick-six and snatched another from Matt Ryan taking the Chiefs from a one point loss to a one point victory. Then, they turned around and played the Raiders at Arrowhead stadium.  The Raiders came in to the game in first place in the AFC West and left the game in second. Like Sunday's game, it wasn't a beautiful win, although Tyreek Hill was a highlight again, as was Travis Kelce who tied Tony Gonzalez's 4 game streak of 100 yards in a game, and did a wonderful impression of Raiders' punter Marquette King who retaliated with a tweet mocking Kelce's reality show.  The Chiefs lost LB Derrick Johnson to a ruptured Achilles. He was clearly missed in the second half of the game, and let's not even start on the turnovers and the lack of scoring by the offense in the second half.  Mad props though to the Chiefs Defense who also held the Raiders to only 13 points. The Chiefs may have played and ugly game, but a win is a win and now the Chiefs hold the tiebreaker in the AFC West and are in first place.

As it stands in the AFC, New England is the one seed, Kansas City is the two seed, followed by Baltimore at three and Houston at two. Currently, the two wildcard teams are both form the AFC West, Denver and Oakland.  That said, the Dolphins, Steelers, Colts, Bills, Titans, Chargers, and Bengals still have a chance.

On the NFC side, Dallas has already clinched a playoff berth and are pretty secure with the one seed, while Seattle is two, Detroit three, and Atlanta four.  The two teams hold the wildcards right now are New York and Tampa Bay.  Still in the running, the Redskins, Vikings, Packers, Cardinals, Saints, Eagles, Panthers, Rams, and Bears. 

The races are tight, and there are going to be some really good rivalry games ahead, including the Chiefs and Broncos rematch on Christmas night.  Congratulations are in order for Larry Fitzgerald who is now securely in third place on the NFL all-time receptions list.  He is behind Tony Gonzalez (number 2) and Jerry Rice (number 1).  Speaking of Tony G., Antonio Gates is closing in on his record for most touchdowns by a tight end. He is two touchdowns from catching him and three from passing.

Sorry about leaving out the Buccaneers/Chargers game last week, my bad, and I apologize, because I have no idea why I picked Jacksonville either. Even with those errors, I still had a pretty good week with a 10-4 record bringing my season total to 121-69.  Fantasy players: the bye weeks are over and for some of you the playoffs are beginning. Good luck!!! My Lucille Swings team slipped up last week, but held on to the 1st place position.  Lochte and Loaded finally ended their losing streak and the 4th place position.  

Sunday, December 11, 2016
San Diego Chargers vs. Carolina Panthers:  Carolina
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills:  Pittsburgh
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns:  Cincinnati
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions:  Detroit
Denver Broncos vs. Tennessee Titans:  Denver
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts:  Indianapolis
Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins:  Arizona
Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles:  Washington
Minnesota Vikings vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:  Minnesota
New York Jets vs. San Francisco 49ers:  San Francisco (but really, it's a coin toss)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Los Angeles Rams:  Atlanta
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Tampa Bay
Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers:  Green Bay
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants:  Dallas

Monday, December 12, 2016
Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots:  New England (although I would love an upset here.)

Thursday, December 15, 2016
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks:  Seattle

Saturday, December 17, 2016
Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets:  New York

Congratulations to Louisville quarterbakck Lamar Jackson on his Heisman trophy victory! That's it guys!! Until next week, "At its best, life is completely unpredictable."-Christopher Walken

NFL Week 13: Did You Just See What I Just Saw?

Welcome back, everybody!!!! I hope you have had a wonderful weekend! I know you cannot see my face right now, but I assure you that after last week's victory over the Denver Broncos, my Chiefs have me smiling and somewhat walking on air.  Did you see it?! Now, I'll admit that I am a bit superstitious. I don't really watch Chiefs games in their entirety.  Why? Because it seems that when I do they lose. I know, I know, that it is irrational. Heck, they won a game while I was actually in the building, but when I watch those national televised games they seem to do better when I'm not watching, which is why I was over on AMC watching one of the more boring episodes of The Walking Dead.  When I went back to the game the Chiefs were up, but then Denver came roaring back, and it looked as if the Chiefs were going to lose once again on national television. Against all hope, they tied the game, and it went to overtime. When I say I was under my covers, hiding my face during that overtime, I truly mean it. I had set the tv timer to go off, and I was peeking over the tops of my covers begging the Chiefs to find a way to win and not lose this game. Then, one of my new favorite players, Cairo Santos kicked a field goal that hit the upright and bounced in.  I thought it was no good. I thought it was no good and exploded out of the bed throwing covers everywhere. When the refs signaled, I screamed like a lunatic, like a raving lunatic!! The Chiefs (even though I did not pick them) had beaten the Broncos. Round 2 will come on Christmas night at Arrowhead.




Last week also marked a special occasion for Diana Dishes. Believe it or not, I posted my 300th post last week! It really crept up on me. I only realized today that my "Dead Viewing" post on "Swear" was post number 300. Not bad, I've posted about The NFL, politics, Tony Gonzalez, pop culture, books, Tony Gonzalez, Shawne Merriman, Stephen King, Harry Potter, and of course, Tony Gonzalez. There are not many posts that I regret, but I write what I write with little or no editing, because, I like to turn in a first draft of my work as it is as it comes to me. Keeping it simple.

Speaking of Tony Gonzalez, this week the Chiefs play the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome. One reporter dubbed it the "Tony Bowl."  The last time these two teams played it was at Arrowhead, the Falcons won, and Tony Gonzalez dunked for the last time at Arrowhead. Many Chiefs fans took umbrage to that event. I'm not most Chiefs fans, but to paraphrase Slim Pickens, I hope the Chiefs find it in their heart to roll into Atlanta and beat the Falcons until they were dead. Uhm, not dead, but badly, shaken...I'm okay, now, but I'm never going to forgive the Falcons for that hot mess of a last season they gave Tony Gonzalez, and their little to no attempt to trade him when everyone in the world knew the only place they were going was home.

The Cowboys won their 11th straight game, Green Bay broke their losing streak, New Orleans put a beatdown on Greg Williams and the Rams, and Oakland won their 5th game in a row. Ugh. Oakland. The Chiefs will welcome them to Arrowhead on Thursday Night Football. By the way, have you heard that the NFL is thinking of doing away with Thursday Night Football? Honestly, I wouldn't miss it. Half the time, if the Chiefs aren't involved I don't watch Monday or Thursday Night Football. 

Rob Gronkowski is done for the season after having surgery on his back. I once stated that Gronk would eventually be the greatest tight end ever, if he could stay healthy.  This is his third back surgery. He is still an awesome force, but he is going to have to learn how to play smarter. Darren Sharper, who I regret to say used to be a favorite of this page, was sentenced to 20 years in California for his multiple rape charges. I still cannot get over how disgusted I am that I thought he was a good guy. What a despicable human being he turned out to be. Twenty years is not long enough in my opinion.  

On Thursday, we found out that former Chiefs player Joe McKnight was killed in a road rage incident in New Orleans, just a few months after former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith was killed in a road rage incident. I can't believe that any thing in either of those situations merited a gun. How have we gotten to this point in our society that now we are willing to kill people because they cut us off? Seriously, I had a fender bender this year, and the guy got out yelling at me, even as I apologized.  I know cars are a great investment, but I have never valued my car over a person's life. That's what insurance is for. We, for all our bravado, appear to be a country afraid of each other. I just see this as another senseless tragedy that could have been avoided. Rest in Peace, Joe McKnight.

Last week, I improved to 111-65 after going 9-4 in my picks (yeah, I can't believe I didn't pick the Chiefs either).  My Lucille Swings team improved to 10-2 and is holding on to the top spot in my league, while Lochte and Loaded appears to be circling the drain after dropping a third game.  Bye teams this week are Cleveland and Tennessee.

Sunday, December 4, 2016
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons:  Kansas City
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears:  Chicago
Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints:  New Orleans
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cincinnati Bengals:  Philadelphia
Houston Texans vs. Green Bay Packers:  Green Bay
Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots:  New England
Denver Broncos vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville
Miami Dolphins vs. Baltimore Ravens:  Baltimore
Buffalo Bills vs. Oakland Raiders:  Oakland
Washington Redskins vs. Arizona Cardinals:  Arizona
New York Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers:  Pittsburgh
Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks:  Seattle

Monday, December 5, 2016
Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets:  New York

Thursday, December 8. 2016
Oakland Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs:  Kansas City (I'm not picking Oakland over my Chiefs even if I think it's crazy.

Enjoy your week, everybody!!! Until next time, "Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally."-David Frost

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 Week 10: Well, That Wasn't What We Expected...

Welcome back, everyone!!! For better or for worse, the national blight is finally over, and like him or not, Donald Trump will become the next President of the United States of America. Those are words I truly never expected to say. It's kinda like saying the Jacksonville Jaguars are Super Bowl Champions, but at least that junk is behind us for at least 2 years, when the next cycle will drive us into the ground.

So, how was your week? My Chiefs pulled off a win against those Jaguars-barely. Yeah, Alex Smith and Spencer Ware didn't play, and Jeremy Maclin barely played (fantasy peeps, he is out this week), and still no Justin Houston, but seriously, this game should not have been as close as it was.  Mad props to Charcandrick West and Cairo Santos who helped my Lucille Swings team eek out a victory this week. FYI, Travis Kelce, get it together, man!!! You are a pretty good tight end, but son, you are not Tony Gonzalez, you are not going to get those calls, and you need to chill. That $24,000 fine you received this week should be a wake up call. We need you on the field not in the locker room, especially when I play you over Jimmy Graham who would have pounded my opponent into submission, rather than having a 90.70-90.64 skin of my teeth victory.  BY THE BY, JIMMY, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL YEAR?

Speaking of Tony Gonzalez, Friday was the fourth anniversary of Tony Gonzalez scoring his 100th touchdown, the first tight end to do so (for those new to the blog, I was actually there to see him score that touchdown against the Saints in the Super Dome). He later scored 101 in the same game. He currently holds the record for Touchdowns for tight ends with 111, but that record will probably belong to Antonio Gates by the end of the year and Rob Gronkowski in the next few years if he can stay healthy.  Also on Friday, the NFL Network revealed a revamped Top 10-Tight Ends list, and the #1 Tight End of all time?  Tony Gonzalez...nothing else needs to be said. Congrats to the G.O.A.T!!!

Last week, Green Bay and Denver ruined what could have been a perfect week. Even so, I'll take an 11-2 week which brings my record to 81-52. My fantasy teams are also sitting pretty:  Lucille Swings is in first place with a 7-2 record, and Lochte and Loaded is in second place with a 6-2 record. Fantasy fans: Buffalo, Oakland, Indianapolis, and Detroit all have byes this week.

Sunday, November 13, 2016
Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints:  Denver (although I hope they lose.)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles:  Atlanta 
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Carolina Panthers:  Kansas City
Miami Dolphins vs. San Diego Chargers: San Diego
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals: Arizona
Green Bay Packers vs. Tennessee Titans:  Green Bay
Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Jets:  New York
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Tampa Bay
Minnesota Vikings vs. Washington Redskins: Washington
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:  Houston
Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers:  Dallas
Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots:  New England

Monday, November 14, 2016
Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Giants:  New York

Thursday, November 17, 2016
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers:  Carolina

To The Walking Dead fans, I'll be back tonight with another live blog of the latest episode. Until next time, “Many are the strange chances of the world,' said Mithrandir, 'and help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter.” 
― J.R.R. Tolkien

NFL Week Nine: Round and Round

Sigh...Now, everybody, my Chiefs are in the midst of a winning streak and are clearly still in the running to win the AFC West and can take control of second place if they win this week because Denver and Oakland will break their tie when they play each other today. So, why am I not a happy fan girl?  Well, Alex Smith's head bounced of the ground at Lucas Oil Stadium not once, but twice last week, and although the Chiefs say he does not have a concussion, something happened to his noggin because the Chiefs are giving him a break this week and playing Nick Foles in his place. Nick played well last week against the Colts, and I'm sure that he will be fine against the Jaguars, but I'm worried about Alex.  The same thing happened to Chiefs QB Trent Green a few years back, and he was never quite the same. I wish him a speedy recovery.

Speaking of concussions, while Alex Smith was not diagnosed with a concussion, running back Spencer Ware was diagnosed with a concussion, and like Alex, he will not be playing against the Jaguars this week. Then, there is Jamaal Charles. He had a second opinion on his ailing knee, and now he is headed to the injured reserve. See, this is why a Chiefs fan is never happy.  Thank goodness for poor Knile Davis. This kid has had a roller coaster of a week. He was traded to the Packers when it looked as if J. Charles was healthy.  After two weeks, he was waived by the Packers, picked up by the Jets, waived a day later, before being picked back up by the Chiefs. Welcome back, Knile Davis! I hope your second stint with the Chiefs is better than the first. I might need to to pick him up for my fantasy roster.

The biggest game of the day, at least to me, is Oakland and Denver. I'm going to be very, very honest right now. Y'all know I hate each of these teams equally, and I truly don't care which one wins, but at the end of the day, one of these teams will be alone in first place, and the other will join the Chiefs and Charger in the chase. I'm hoping the Chiefs, of course, win so the other team will drop to third, but the Jaguars are no pushover and could easily surprise the Chiefs who are without their quarterback and two of their running backs.

Ben Roethlisberger may make his return to the field this week.  Dallas is continuing to rule the NFC East, as the Patriots are ruling the AFC East. Dallas is flush with QBs right now and are weekly the subject of QB controversy. Minnesota seems to be regressing a bit after their 5-0 beginnings. Atlanta is surprising a lot of people taking over the NFC South from Super Bowl runner up Carolina, who is shockingly in last place with a 2-5 record.  Seattle is barely keeping their head above water in that hot mess of a division that is the NFC West. The AFC North is still up for grabs, for everyone except Cleveland, whose fans basically summed up the team with one sign.

Well, I had a better week than the Cleveland fans.  My fantasy team Lucille Swings connected again and is still holding the 1st place position.  Lochte and Loaded has fought it's way into third place in my second league. Yeah, I'm just as surprised as you are.  I even did a fair job of picking last week with a 9-4 record bringing my year to 70-50.  Fantasy fans:  New England, Cincinnati, Houston, Washington, Arizona, and Chicago are all enjoying their byes this week.

Sunday, November 3, 2016
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs:  Kansas City
New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers:  New Orleans
Tennessee Titans vs. San Diego Chargers:  San Diego
Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns:  Dallas Cowboys
New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins:  Miami
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings:  Detroit
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants:  New York
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens:  Baltimore
Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams:  Carolina
Indianapolis Colts vs. Green Bay Packers:  Green Bay
Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders:  Denver

Monday, November 7, 2016
Buffalo Bills vs. Seattle Seahawks:  Seattle

Thursday, November 10, 2016
Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens:  Baltimore

Congratulations to the Chicago Cubs!!! I'm still not a fan, but it is awesome that the curse is finally over. Better luck next time, Cleveland. Hey, at least you have Lebron.  Until next week, "The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed." -Eminem

NFL Week 8: Living on a Prayer...

With all respects given to Bon Jovi, we are almost at the halfway point boys and girls, and other than the New England Patriots, does anyone really, really, really want to control their division?  Sorry, I lapsed into the Spice Girls for some odd reason...I cannot explain Miami beating Buffalo or NY Jets beating Baltimore, or Atlanta allowing San Diego to come back to win. Well, at least my Chiefs won. Yay!!!!

Speaking of the Chiefs, I want to send best wishes to former Chiefs (Browns and Chargers) coach, Marty Schottenheimer.  He has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.  Marty Schottenheimer is by far one of my favorite coaches (outside of Bill Walsh).  He was the coach when I became a Chiefs fan, and part of the reason I never actually root against the Chargers, (Shawne Merriman is the other).  I loved his spirit on the sidelines and love for his players, especially the relationship with Derrick Thomas. I really hate this disease which took the life of Pat Summit earlier this year. I truly wish Coach Schottenheimer and his family the best during this difficult time.

I'm somewhat recovered from last week's nightmarish edition of The Walking Dead, only to wake up to the nightmare that the Raiders, yeah, those Raiders are on the top of the pile in the AFC West. Ugh...I hate those guys. New England, sporting the best record in the league is atop the AFC East, while a Ben Roethlisberger-less Steelers team is 1st in the North with Houston first in the South.

Dallas is riding high in the NFC East, Minnesota in the North, Seattle in the West, and Atlanta is on top of that dumpster fire known as the NFC South. Atlanta-Dumpster...made me think of Glenn for a moment...pour one out for Glenn Rhee y'all...

Oh, by the way, Tony Gonzalez news, the former All-Pro tight end and future Hall-of-Famer, will join Charles Woodson as NFC legends captains at the 2017 Pro Bowl. Jerome Bettis and Ray Lewis will be the captains for the AFC. FYI, Tony G should have been with the AFC, but at least he will give me a reason to watch the Pro Bowl again.

Well, much like the carnage of last week's The Walking Dead, my picks took a major hit (no pun intended, although fitting).  I had a disastrous week with a 7-8 finish, bringing my record to 61-46 at the halfway point. My fantasy teams, you asked? Lucille Swings is currently holding it down in first place with a 5-2 record, while Lochted and Loaded is 4-2 and holding its own in third place (not bad for a raging hot mess of a team).  Fantasy Players: Miami, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, NY Giants, San Francisco, and Los Angeles all have byes this week.  Now, let's hope I can right the ship this week.

Sunday, October 30, 2016
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Indianapolis Colts:  Kansas City
Seattle Seahawks vs. New Orleans Saints:  Seattle
San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos:  Denver
Washington Redskins vs. Cincinnati Bengals:  Cincinnati
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills:  New England
New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns:  New York
Oakland Raiders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Oakland
Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers:  Carolina
Detroit Lions vs. Houston Texans:  Houston
Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons:  Atlanta (IF they lose this game, I'm done.)
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys:  Dallas

Monday, October 31, 2016
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears:  Minnesota

Thursday, November 3, 2016
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Tampa Bay

That's that, guys! Check out my live blog of season 7 of The Walking Dead tonight! Until next week, remember, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."- Mark Twain

NFL Week Seven: Et tu?

Well those first six weeks flew by quickly. We are one week away from the half way point. Injuries are still plaguing many of the more popular athletes in the league.  This week, the Steelers learn they will be without Ben Roethlesberger after he tore his meniscus and had surgery.  Added to that list is the Packers Eddie Lacey and James Starks.  The Cowboys are dealing with their potential QB controversy with Dak Prescott performing well, and Tony Romo scheduled to return in the next few weeks. We should all be so lucky, right?  

Then, there is Josh Brown kicker for the New York Giants. This guy is piece of work. He receives only a one game suspension for what he calls treating his wife "like a slave." He appears now to be a serial abuser of his ex-wife Molly, and it appears that the NFL and the Giants knew more than they let on. Sorry, I so little sympathy for this guy, who claims he felt like a "god" when with his wife. The NFL truly needs to weed all of these abusive guys in the league. Being able to play a sport, act, or sing well does not allow a person to treat women in this manner. It is unacceptable. I'm a firm believer in zero tolerance for domestic violence. ZERO.

If you missed it, my Chiefs did win last week beating the dreaded Raiders (Raider Hater). Four years ago, I finally saw my first Chiefs game, and it was against the New Orleans Saints at the Super Dome. This week, the Saints head to Arrowhead to take on my Chiefs. (One day, I'm going to make it to Arrowhead.) The Saints are my aunt's favorite team, and I actually took her to her first Saints game, which was also the first time I ever got to see Tony Gonzalez play live and in person, but I digress. She and I will be sitting on opposite ends of the sofa this week as we watch my Chiefs beat her Saints. Yes, I am pettty, but you know this, right? My Chiefs won the last meeting when Jamaal Charles scored a touchdown in overtime in the end zone in front of me. It was awesome! 

Speaking of Tony Gonzalez, he did a really good job, plus they gave him more lines, on NCIS.  He will be returning in the role of Tony Francis this week as well.  Looking forward to more acting work from Tony G.

Fantasy fans: Remember Big Ben and Eddie Lacey are out, and the Cowboys and Panthers have a bye this week. Last week wasn't so great, but it wasn't so bad either as I finished the week with a 9-6 record.  Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis left me shaking my head, too.  My record is 54-38 on the year, so let's see if I can stay on the positive side.

Sunday, October 23, 2016  
New Orleans Saints vs. Kansas City Chiefs:  Kansas City
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals:  Cincinnati
Washington Redskins vs. Detroit Lions:  Washington
Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans:  Indianapolis
Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins:  Buffalo
Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Jets:  Baltimore
Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles:  Minnesota
Oakland Raiders vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:  Oakland
San Diego Chargers vs. Atlanta Falcons:  Atlanta
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. San Francisco 49ers:  San Francisco
New York Giants vs. Los Angeles Rams:  Los Angeles
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers:  New England
Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals:  Arizona

Monday, October 24, 2016
Houston Texans vs. Denver Broncos:  Denver

Thursday, October 27, 2016
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans:  Tennessee

That's all, folks!  Enjoy your games, and pour one out for the poor guy on the receiving end of Negan's bat, Lucille, because The Walking Dead returns tonight!!!!! As Negan said, "You can breathe. You can blink. You can cry. Hell, they're all gonna be doing that." That is how most of our Sundays go...make the best of yours!!!!

FYI: I will be live blogging the season premiere of tonight's episode of The Walking Dead!!!