NFL Predictions Sure to Bite the Dust: 2016 Edition

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

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

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

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

Tom Brady is suspended...

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

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

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

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

Now for the week one picks...

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

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

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

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

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

Super Bowl 50 Edition

Happy Super Bowl 50, everybody!!! It may be clichéd, but it really all comes down to this: The Denver Broncos and The Carolina Panthers play for the Lombardi trophy. As a kid growing up as a 49ers fans, I watched my favorite quarterback Joe Montana win four Super Bowls. While as a Chiefs fan, well, I'm just happy they finally got past the second round this year.


The Carolina Panthers have been the best team in the NFL all year, while the Denver Broncos have had rather a shaky season before taking the AFC. FYI, congratulations to Cam Newton who was named NFL MVP and Ron Rivera who was named Coach of the Year.


It's the Youngster Cam Newton vs. the Sheriff Peyton Manning. Many people have been quoted as saying that this may be Peyton's last game. If so, it will be the end of one of the greatest careers in the NFL. Win or lose, Peyton Manning is a terrific quarterback. So, he doesn't have a slew of rings like Brady and Montana, neither did Jim Kelly, neither did Dan Marino, and heck Bret Favre only won one. I, for one, do not rely solely on Super Bowl rings. You need a whole team to win a Super Bowl. All parts matter, otherwise, Tom Brady would be here today defending his title.


Cam Newton is only five years old, and now, he is in the Super Bowl. I've not been a Cam Newton fan. Why? Because when I watch college sports I'm an LSU fan, so there is that. When I watch or care about the NFC, I'm usually watching the Saints or 49ers, so there is that. Yet, with all of his detractors, here he is. He has supported his teammates, and he has made his fans a part of the game. It's really hard not to root for Cam, especially since I'm petty as hell and hate the Broncos.


Now, my final NFL pick of the season: the Denver Broncos vs. The Carolina Panthers. Cam and his offense have been awesome this year, while the Broncos defense has been amazing. I know, they were my defense this year during my fantasy season. Be that as it may, I'm going with Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. Now, watch Pey-Pey make me eat my words.


It's been a great season guys! Enjoy the Super Bowl!!!! It should be a great game regardless of the outcome!


Until next time, “You've achieved success in your field when you don't know whether what you're doing is work or play”-Warren Beatty.  I'll be back next week with my blog reactions to the mid-season premiere of The Walking Dead.

NFL Week 16: Did That Just...Wait...What?

Hey, Hey, Everybody!!! Happy Holidays! I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful whatever season you celebrate! I was going to continue to ignore the success of my Kansas City Chiefs, although I would like to congratulate Eric Berry, Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Travis Kelce, and Marcus Peters. But then....This morning as I was slowly emerging from my food coma after a two day feast that is Christmas in our family, I heard the news about Peyton Manning. So, according to a report by Al Jazeera, Peyton Manning received HGH treatments while he was still an Indianapolis Colt. In addition, they contend that Manning's wife received shipments of HGH, so Manning's name would not be attached to the shipments. Manning, of course, has denied the report, and has said they were making it up and complete garbage. Meh, we will see.

Well, folks my fantasy season was more or less squashed last week when my team Just Gonzo was defeated after two my players under performed, and one dropped to negatives before being pulled from the game. yay...I'm playing for third place today...yeah, it bites.


In better news, I went 12-4 last week--my best week of the season. This brings my total to 128-83. Two more weeks y'all. I hope to go out swinging!


Sunday, December 27, 2015
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons: Carolina
Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills: Buffalo
San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions: Detroit
Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins: Miami
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens: Pittsburgh
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City
New England Patriots at New York Jets: New England
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans: Houston
Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints: New Orleans
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals: Green Bay
St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks: Seattle
New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota


Monday, December 28, 2015
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos: Cincinnati


Congratulations to Charles Woodson on his retirement. I think I speak for most Chiefs fans when I say thank you for retiring bro...No Thursday night or Saturday night football this week. Good luck to all fantasy players and all teams today. Until next week, "The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." ~Burton Hillis

NFL Week Eleven: Who is Brock Osweiler?

Welcome back, everyone! My Chiefs finally beat Peyton Manning after an 11 year drought. Those 4 interceptions led to the benching of the great Peyton Manning for a youngster named Brock Osweiler. Yeah, I don't know who he is either, but he is getting the start today against Chicago. That said, MY CHIEFS BEAT THE BRONCOS IN DENVER! Now, the Chiefs are off to San Diego to take on Philip Rivers and the Chargers. The Chiefs can put themselves in the playoff hunt if they can take down the Chargers considering the Chiefs have one of the easiest schedules down the stretch.


Boy, that Colin Kaepernick star fell quickly in San Francisco. The erstwhile quarterback was put on season ending IR yesterday with a torn labrum. Word is that his career in San Francisco is all but done even before the surgery.


Sorry about the quickness of the article. I am actually on vacation this week, so you know...lazy. I will be on the blog tonight with my thoughts about tonight's episode of The Walking Dead.


Fantasy fans: Remember Cleveland, Pittsburgh, NY Giants, and New Orleans have a bye this week. Last week put a severe dent in my record with a 6-8 performance. Yikes! It brings my record to 78-54 on the season. Seriously, you never really know this year.


Sunday November 22, 2015
Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta
Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears: Chicago
Oakland Raiders at Detroit Lions: Detroit
Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins: Dallas
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Philadelphia Eagles: Philadelphia
Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers: Carolina
St. Louis Rams at Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore
New York Jets at Houston Texans: Houston
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers: Kansas City
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: Green Bay
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: Seattle
Cincinnati Bengals at Arizona Cardinals: Arizona


Monday, November 23, 2015
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots: New England


I will be back on Thursday for the Thanksgiving day picks. Until next week, "Learn all you can from the mistakes of others. You won't have time to make them all yourself." ~Alfred Sheinwold

NFL Week Ten: Did Peyton Beat Us Again?

It's week 10 in the NFL, and with only 7 weeks left in the season some teams are starting to panic as the playoffs are just around the bend. One of those teams is my beloved Kansas City Chiefs, who are 3-5 and staring up at Denver and the Raiders. Unfortunately, the Chiefs are headed to Denver to play Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. I use to like Peyton Manning, back when he was an Indianapolis Colt who only beat the Chiefs during the playoffs, but then, Peyton joined the enemy and donned the orange and blue, and all reverence for the great Peyton Manning left the building for me. Peyton just has my Chiefs number. Always has. In 13 career starts against the Chiefs, Peyton has a 12-1 record. 12-1. The last time the Chiefs beat a Peyton Manning team was in 2004. Since that game, in which Trent Green was the starting quarterback, the Chiefs have had nine different guys play quarterback: Damon Huard, Brodie Croyle, Tyler Thigpen, Matt Cassel, Tyler Palko, Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Chase Daniel, and of course, Alex Smith. NINE DIFFERENT QUARTERBACKS. I love my Chiefs, I will root wildly for them tomorrow, and I will watch them fall again to Peyton-freaking-Manning.


Carolina bumped off the Green Bay Packers last week, once again, Cam and the Panthers are showing that they are a team to be reckoned with. Of course, Tom Brady and Patriots won...AGAIN. I'm guessing they won't be losing any time soon. Bengals won again, and they, too, remain undefeated. Who will be the last defeated standing? My guess--The Pats.


Fantasy fans: do not forget that San Diego, Indianapolis, San Francisco, and Atlanta have byes this week, so set your line-ups accordingly. Last week, my record was barely over .500 with a 7-6 record bring the year total to 72-46. Hopefully, I can do better than that.


Sunday, November 15, 2015
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay
Carolina Panthers at Tennessee Titans: Carolina
Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams: Chicago
Miami Dolphins at Philadelphia Eagles: Philadelphia
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh
Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dallas
New Orleans Saints at Washington Redskins: New Orleans
Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore
Minnesota Vikings at Oakland Raiders: Minnesota
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos: Denver (hoping I'm wrong)
New England Patriots at New York Giants: New England (but the Giants have their number)
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks: Arizona


Monday, November 15, 2015
Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals: Cincinnati


Thursday, November 19, 2015
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars: Tennessee


Until next week, "We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. then will our world know the blessings of peace."~William Ewart Gladstone

Week Nine: Bye Week Blues

Welcome to the midway point of the NFL season everybody! Last week, something magical happened in London, and it did not involve Hogwarts or Harry Potter. The Kansas City Chiefs won, and won soundly against the Detroit Lions! Now, I know, I know that I should not be so excited because after all they beat the Lions who went on a pink slip throw down this week. But, it has been so long since the Chiefs put a beat down on anyone that I just want to enjoy it before they make me inevitably question my fandom. Which brings me to today's blues, no Chiefs game today. The Chiefs have a by this week, so no chance to get on a roll which always frightens this fan. By the way, did y'all see Alex Smith last week? If only he can bring that to Mile High next week against Peyton, if only the defense can play against Peyton the way they played against Stafford, if only...


Only four undefeated teams are left after the Packers fell to the Broncos last week. The Patriots, the Broncos, the Bengals, and the Panthers are the last teams standing without a loss. If I had to put money on it, I would probably say that of the four the Patriots will probably be the last team to get a loss. This week Peyton travels back to Indianapolis to take on a shaky Colts team with an even shakier Andrew Luck at the helm. It is the fourth and likely final game between Peyton and his replacement. Would I be too petty in saying I hope the kid wins? So, I'm petty. I'm really petty because both the Broncos and the UGH Raiders are ahead of my Chiefs in the standings.


My Fantasy Just Gonzo is fairing okay considering I have now lost my starting running back Le'Veon Bell. Not only that, my team is Kansas City Chiefs heavy, so this week is a pill trying to fill all of those empty slots. It's not fair that my favorite team and my fantasy team should be without their starting running back. Get well soon, Jamaal Charles, Le'Veon Bell, Reggie Bush, Steve Smith, and all the other players who went down to injury last week. Good luck to Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers. Has any player fallen as quickly as Kaepernick? Now, they've shipped Vernon Davis to Denver. SMH...


Fantasy players: do not forget that Kansas City, Baltimore, Houston, Arizona, Seattle, and Detroit all have byes this week so set your team accordingly. Last week, I was 10-5 in my picks bringing my record to 65-40 on the season. Here go with week nine! My your teams have the best of luck, unless they are the Raiders, Cowboys, or Broncos, because--petty.


Sunday, November 9
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills: Buffalo
St. Louis Rams at Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota
Washington Redskins at New England Patriots: New England
Tennessee Titans at New Orleans Saints: New Orleans
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets: New York
Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh
Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers: Green Bay
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers: Atlanta
New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: New York
Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts: Denver (but rooting for Indy)
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys: Philadelphia


Monday, November 10
Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers: San Diego

Thursday, November 12
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets: New York


Until next week, "The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised." ~George F. Will

NFL Week 5: Seasons Change but Some Things Stay the Same

Welcome back, everybody! Sorry, I didn't get this post up on Saturday night like I normally do, but the real job took me on a field trip, and I didn't get home until late. Shout out to my IPad that took a nose dive off the table Friday night and had me spending the better part of the field trip looking forlorn on the butcher block bench at the Apple Store. Waiting to be called at the Apple store must be what Purgatory must be like.

Anyway, who says that the NFL is a young man's game? Don't tell Peyton Manning and Tom Brady who are both sitting on undefeated records, or Matt Hasselbeck who helped put Indianapolis over the hump in the wake of Andrew Luck's injury. For the record: while I may think it is cool that guys my age are still slinging in the NFL, I have am most certainly not happy about the these stats, especially since one of them has contributed to my Chiefs being in the basement of the AFC West. I'm still waiting for that team that was suppose to conquer the west to show. If any of you happen to see them let me know. Speaking of basement dwellers, San Francisco, New Orleans, Detroit, Houston, and Philadelphia weren't you guys suppose to be better than this?


Ah well, this post is going to be short and to the point, because tonight I will be Live Blogging the season premiere of The Walking Dead. Fantasy players: your bye teams this week are the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, and Carolina Panthers, so set your teams accordingly. Last week was a pretty decent week. I'm coming off two weeks of 10 win picks, yay me. So last week's 10-5 pushes my record to 37-26 on the season. Let us hope I continue the trend this week.

Sunday, October 11, 2015
Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta
Seattle Seahawks at Cincinnati Bengals: Cincinnati
St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay
Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans: Buffalo
Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City (C'mon, guys! You have to beat Cutler!)
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles: New Orleans
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore
Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions: Arizona
New England Patriots at Dallas Cowboys: New England
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders: Denver
San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants: New York

Monday, October 12, 2015
Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers: San Diego

Thursday, October 15, 2015
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints: Atlanta

Until next week, "So it goes..."-Kurt Vonnegut

Super Bowl Sunday

Well, ladies and gentleman, it is time for the biggest oxymoron of the year-The Super Bowl!!! An oxymoron, you say, why yes, because it is the game we have waited for all year, but it also marks the official end of the 2013-2014 NFL season.  That's right, at the expiration of the clock tonight, we will not have another meaningful football game until Thursday, September 4, 2014 or a mere 214 days.  Of course, football has become a year round sport, and we will continue to hear about this season until then. Sigh.

Last week was the Pro Bowl. I didn't really see the point of making predictions for an all-star game.  It was, however, one of the more entertaining Pro Bowls.  It was different seeing teammates tagging each other on the field, like Derrick Johnson, who was also crowned Defensive MVP during the game, nail teammate Jamaal Charles.  At first, I was not sure how to go about rooting for a team considering there were 5 Kansas City Chiefs on each team. J-Charles was on team Sanders, and Alex Smith was on team Rice, but we also got a chance to see the great Tony Gonzalez lace up the cleats one final time, and since Gonzalez was on team Rice, so went my loyalties. TG had 3 receptions for 50 yards playing for Team Rice who squeezed out a victory against an astonished Team Sanders. Cool fact-The last reception of Tony Gonzalez's illustrious career was from a Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback.

Let me take a side not here for a moment. A poster on an article commented that the only reason that Tony Gonzalez was in the Pro Bowl was that it was a retirement present.  Really?  If we were going on stats alone, the only category Vernon Davis beat TG in was touchdowns:  TG-8, VD-13.  He had one more touchdown than Jordan Cameron.  He had 10 more receptions, 8 more yards and the same number of touchdowns as Jason Whitten.  Enough to have him ranked 4th in Tight Ends this year according to YahooSports.  So poster, your argument is invalid.

Last night was the NFL Honors.  Congratulations to Kansas City Chiefs player Jamaal Charles (who was robbed for MVP) who was NFL.Com Fantasy Player of the Year.  Peyton Manning, of course, won MVP, Offensive MVP, and FedEx Air Player of the Year. Bah...

Now for the Super Bowl, which from all of the media stories is the Peyton Manning versus Richard Sherman Bowl. Anyone who has read this blog knows that I really don't care for either of these teams.  I've hated the Broncos for 35 of my 39 years.  I mean, I have always been a fan of Peyton Manning, but man, why did he have to choose the Broncos.  Meanwhile, the Seahawks all have great stories, yet I can't stand them.  Ever since that game last year with the Falcons, I've been a little off put by the Seahawks. Russell Wilson by all accounts is a great guy. I know he's a good and will be a great quarterback, but there is something about him that I can't quite put my finger on.  Not a fan. Putting all that aside, isn't this really the match up practically everybody expected.  The best offense versus the best defense in the city with the best night life, East Rutherford, New Jersey.  So after a week of Marshawn Lynch avoiding the media, Peyton Manning explaining Omaha, the prognosticators discussing Pey-Pey's legacy, and Richard Sherman being Richard Sherman, it is time for the inevitable "Put up or shut up." That said, I'm picking the Broncos, even though the very idea of saying that makes me want to throw up.

That's it for my football dishing. Until next season, "Every game I've ever played, regardless if it was pre-season or Super Bowl, meant the same to me, and I laid it all on the line."-Brett Favre

Championship Weekend Picks

It's Championship Weekend! We are down to the Final Four and a mere two weeks until Super Bowl XLVIII.  We get Brady vs. Manning 15 and The Young Guns 2 - Kaepernick vs. Wilson.  These should be two really good games. Yet, I'm having a hard time rooting for anybody.  It is no secret that I have no love for Brady and the Pats, but I always liked Peyton Manning until he became a Bronco, and therefore, public enemy #1.  Kaepernick is captaining the team that use to be my favorite team, but I don't really care for him nor his coach.  Then, there are the Seahawks. I'm beginning to hate everything about this team-Their logo, their uniforms, their coach, their quarterback, their corners, their rabid fans.  Granted, Russell Wilson has done nothing really for me to dislike him, nor has Colin Kaepernick, but there is something, I can't put my finger on it, that makes me think they are a little sketch. Maybe, it's the hater in me, but, yeah...not fond of them.

Three more teams, not Cleveland, finally have head coaches. Jim Caldwell replaces Jim Schwartz in Detroit, Ken Wisenhunt for Mike Munchak, and Jay Gruden for Mike Shanahan.  Good luck, gents! Speaking of the Redskins, what did you guys think about RGIII's Facebook response to fans.  He complains that he doesn't want publicity as he garners more publicity with this response.  I think he has been spending too much time perusing through the Kanye West playbook on how to handle the media. 

So, last week was the first week in a long time that I didn't mention the now former tight end of the Atlanta Falcons. Well, that's to The Big Lead, there are rumors going around that my favorite player of all time is in discussion to work at either at CBS or FOX.  Word on the street is that CBS wants to shakeup their cast on the NFL on CBS.  Let me digress for a moment here. I use to be a fan of the NFL on CBS, but with James Brown inanely yelling "Shay-non," every single time he had to address  Shannon Sharpe (whose speech has not gotten better), Dan Marino mannequinesque demeanor, and Boomer Esaison's apparent exclusion in all things, I changed the channel. I went to ESPN, but seriously, it's like watching a Football version of Grumpy Old Men. I watch GameDay morning on NFL Network, but seriously, my pregame favorite is the NFL on FOX.  Now, while the NFL on FOX doesn't want to mess with the chemistry on their show, and CBS is interested in possibly replacing Shannon Sharpe.  I want to go on record saying I like the choices here:  FOX which would give me a daily dose of Tony Gonzalez or CBS which is a weekly dose-win-win.

Last week, I was 3-1 thanks to the Panthers dropping the ball. Last pick before the Super Bowl.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

The 49ers handled the Panthers on the Panthers home field, and they have had the hot hand like New York a couple of years ago.  The Seahawks looked a little sketch even at home last week against the Saints. I'm not going to even start with Marques Colston and Jimmy Graham. It's hard to go against Seattle in the Emerald City with the 12th man riding shotgun, but I'm going with my old favorite-49ers.

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos

In the two teams I dislike the most bowl, we see Tom Brady and Peyton Manny meeting for the 15th time.  Tom Brady has the most victories in this rivalry with 10. It's...yeah, you have heard all of the rhetoric this week about these two...blahdy-blahdy-blah-Broncos.  Man up, Manning.

Well, that's that...Happy 205th Birthday to Edgar Allan Poe, "All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream."-Edgar Allan Poe

NFL Week 13 Picks

Happy Week 13, everybody! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  The NFL Playoff picture is starting to come into focus.  My Chiefs are currently in the Wildcard Spot, but they have a chance to pass Peyton and the Donks...I mean, Broncos tomorrow as the Hosses arrive at Arrowhead Stadium.  Justin Houston will not make the game with an elbow injury, but Tamba Hali is playing to give it a go on his bad ankle.  Let's hope they do a little more damage to Peyton Manning than they did to Philip Rivers last week (That...was a heartbreaker.). 

We have now entered the final stretch of the Tony Gonzalez retirement tour.  He has put an admirable performance posting 58 receptions, 611 yards, and 4 touchdowns.  This with a bad toe and everybody in the league double teaming him to death.  He should get the 121 yards he needs to become the first TE to break the 15,000 yard plateau, and go down in NFL history as the GREATEST TIGHT END EVER. Fight me.  For the record, I will post my second annual "Farewell to Tony Gonzalez" edition before his final NFL game. Also, please note that Tony Gonzalez's retirement will in no way affect my ability to put him in practically every post. My blog...deal with it (Just playing, you know, I love you guys).

Ladies and gentlemen...Jimmy Graham...

Last Sunday saw me picks end in 6-6, but I pulled ahead going 2-1 on Thanksgiving day.  My season record to date is now 100-75.  This week...perfection?  Let's hope.

Sunday, December 1
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns: Cleveland
New England Patriots at Houston Texans:  New England
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts:  Indianapolis
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets:  New York
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers:  Carolina
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings:  Chicago
Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles:  Philadelphia
Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills:  Buffalo (This game is like Jacksonville and Cleveland. It really could go either way.)
St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers:  San Francisco
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs:  Kansas City (I don't care; I don't care; La-la-la, not listening)
Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers: San Diego
New York Giants at Washington Redskins: New York

Monday, December 2
New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawk: Seattle (Only because it is in Seattle)

Thursday, December 5
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars: Houston

Until next week, “Your mind is like this water, my friend. When it is agitated, it becomes difficult to see. But if you allow it to settle, the answer becomes clear.”-Bil Keane

NFL Week 12 Picks

It's week 12, ladies and gentlemen, and the season is beginning to wind down. Last week, my Chiefs finally lost a game. Most prognosticators had predicted it. Now, I'm aware that Alex Smith is not Peyton Manning, but Chiefs receivers, yeah, I'm talking directly to you guys, you have to catch the ball. There were so many ridiculous drops during that game. You guys are not going to go far into the playoffs making those types of errors. Defense couldn't get to Peyton, maybe today, they can get to Philip Rivers. I surely hope so. GO CHIEFS...

I can't be the only person sick of the Peyton/Brady matchup this week. I really don't really care for either of these team, better to say I hate them both. As the Broncos are the Chiefs rivals, and I hate them the most, I will be rooting for Tom Brady. I hate rooting against Peyton, but that's what happens when you put on the orange and navy. Go Patriots!!!

NFL Week 7 Picks

Sigh...is there any end to the craziness that has been the past few weeks in the NFL? Are there any team besides the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos that have performed up to expectations? Houston? No... Atlanta? Nope...Pittsburgh? Nada...Nah none of these teams are performing even close to where prognosticators placed them at the beginning of the season. (My Chiefs, however, are 6-0, and that's all I have to say about that.)  Before I go any further, I would like to make a comment about some fan behavior recently.  What is wrong with some of you?  Cheering Matt Shaub's injury and then the freak that showed up at his house.  Then, there is all of the scandal that is coming out about Adrian Peterson as he is dealing with the death of his young son.  Seriously?  Now, I'm a big a football fan as the next person, but going after them personally over a game?  That crosses a line.  It is a game, folks.  It is not life or death.  A player should not have to fear for their life or the lives of their family because of a football game.  It is entertainment.  Like any other form of entertainment, if you hate it, change the channel or leave the arena.  Don't threaten players, their fans, or their families.  If you do that, you are not a fan, you are psycho.  Do us all a favor and take your leave please.

Divisional Playoff Weekend...

Howdy-do, everyone! It is Divisional Playoff Weekend!  And the biggest news this week...Blue Ivy turned 1 and Destiny's Child is getting back together for the Super Bowl!!!!  No, not really.  How about that Wildcard Weekend, huh?  Exciting right?  

I'll be honest.  It was not very exciting, though I did enjoy the Seattle/Washington game.  Bad News for Robert Griffin, III.  The rookie QB had surgery to repair his ACL and lateral collateral ligament repair performed Wednesday.  Good luck, my man!  Hope you make it all the way back in time for the season to start.

 

NFL Week 17 Picks...

Welcome back, everybody!!! Well, it's finally here.  The last week of the season.  Many of us will be saying goodbye until August to some of our teams.  *clears throat* The Chiefs.  While the fans of 12 teams will be looking forward to the playoffs. 

This has been a rather unique season.  Playoff stalwarts like Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers will be watching from home a changing of the guard as a possible 4 rookies have opportunities to shine in the playoffs- Robert Griffin, III, Colin Kaepernick, Andrew Luck, and Russell Wilson.  Not to mention they will each battle to see who will be the Rookie of the Year.

Comeback players of the year Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson have simply gone about business as usual.  Peyton has established his reign as the new boss of the AFC West, which wasn't difficult considering the Raiders, Chargers, and Chiefs don't really pose a threat to anyone.   Peyton is well on his way to another MVP as he and the Broncos fight for homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.

Adrian Peterson is returning from major knee surgery with an opportunity to not only break Eric Dickerson 28 year old rushing record of 2,105 yards but a slight possibility of making the playoffs.  He is 208 yards from completing that task.  Good luck to the voters choosing Comeback player of the year.

Calvin Johnson broke Jerry Rice's record of single-season receiving yards last week by amassing 1,892 yards.  He has a really good chance today of becoming the first receiver to hit the 2,000 yard mark and to take down Michael Irvin's record of 12 games with 100 receiving.  Good Luck, Megatron.

For this fan, I finally had the chance to see my Chiefs play live, and they had an amazing come from behind victory against the New Orleans Saints.  They proceeded to win 1 more total game, and considering they are playing Peyton Manning today, I don't really see them winning one more.  It has been an all-around bad year for the Chiefs.  Two wins on the season, fans wanting to revolt, and I won't even discuss the events of December 1.  Clark Hunt is going to have to take a long hard look at his team going into next season.  The Chiefs are in need of many things including a head coach, general manager, and quarterback, and I don't see the draft helping with the quarterback issue.  Ah, well...Thanks guys for a great first game from this fan.  I'll see you in August!  The Chiefs will be better next year!

I also had the chance to see my favorite player Tony Gonzalez play live this year as well, during what was arguably his best game of the season with 15 receptions, 122 yards, and 2 touchdowns (#100 and #101).  TG has been selected to his 13th Pro Bowl, but he is looking forward to the playoffs with his Atlanta Falcons.  He has 88 receptions, 889 yards, and 8 touchdowns (He loves those 8s doesn't he?).  They have locked up homefield throughout the playoffs, and TG is looking forward to dancing into the sunset down Bourbon Street.  Who can blame him?  Sixteen seasons in the NFL.  He holds the tight-end records in receptions-1,237 (#2 all-time), touchdowns-103 (#6 all-time), receiving yards-14,227 (#7 all-time), 100 yard games-30, 1,000 yard seasons-4, and Pro Bowls-13.  A Super Bowl win is what he is looking for to cap off his storied career.  Good luck, TG!!!

Now for the picks.  Last week, I went 13-3 (Tampa Bay, Houston, and San Francisco, y'all couldn't help a sister out?).  My record for the season is 122-77.  Let's pad that total...

Sunday, December 30
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts:  Indianapolis
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals:  Cincinnati
New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills:  Buffalo
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers:  Pittsburgh
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans:  Tennessee
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions:  Chicago
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants:  New York (C'mon, Eli!!!)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons:  Atlanta
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints:  New Orleans (Congrats, Sean Payton on your contract extension!)
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots: New England
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos:  Denver (Although it would be wonderful if the Chiefs could pull this one out.)
Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers:  San Diego
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings:  Green Bay
St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks:  Seattle
Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers:  San Francisco
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins:  Washington
 
So that's all, y'all.  Until next week, "Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won't taste good."~Joe Paterno

Eric Dickerson, 2,105 yards in 1984

Read more at: http://nesn.com/2012/12/nfl-record-chase-live-adrian-peterson-chases-eric-dickerson-j-j-watt-and-aldon-smith-in-reach-of-sacks-record/

NFL Week One-The Saga Begins...

The first games of the season are less than 15 hours away!!! Who saw the bounty gate scandal ending the way it did?  Not me!  Good luck, Saints.  This time tomorrow night Peyton Manning will be taking the field for the first time in 19 months.  That should be really interesting.  Five rookie quarterbacks will be starting tomorrow.  Good luck to them.  No pun intended.  My Chiefs finally have Matt Cassel, Eric Berry, Jamaal Charles, and Tony Moeaki on the field again (even though no Tamba Hali).  Tony Gonzalez will be taking the field at Arrowhead for what may be the last time as a player.  Speaking of Tony Gonzalez, I just watched a fabulous interview with his former teammate Coy Wire.  By this point, you guys do realize that there will be a part of this blog dedicated to TG every week, right?  If you didn't get to see it here it is.

I'm Ready for Some Football: Predictions without Merit!!!

Finally, football is back!!! The Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints put on a spectacular show Thursday night with the Pack winning 42-30. Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees were unbelievable. The Defenses...well...

Usually, around this time, I am getting my fantasy football season into gear. This year, I have decided the not play. No, I haven't completely given up on fantasy. I love playing. I just don't have a lot of free time these days. Now, I'm not a football expert. So, I'm not going to even pretend to be, but here are some of the things I'm looking forward to this NFL season.

Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Date Woo Girls-Picks from a Maniac Maenad Week 12

Welcome dinner has been served, the sales have been shopped, and we are officially at the start of the Christmas season, which means sadly the NFL season is winding down. Teams are beginning to look at what they can salvage of their season or who they can pick up during the draft. Thanksgiving started off with a spark in the early game between the Patriots and the Lions, but Tom Brady quickly doused the Lions hopes putting a 45-24 smackdown on the Lions. That was the appetizer, for dinner, the NFL offered up the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys. The Saints were initially smacking around the Cowboys, until the Cowboys had a lift in spirit in the 3rd quarter. Alas, however, it was not meant to be of Jerry and his boys. After a Roy Williams turnover, Drew Brees remembered, "Hey, I'm Drew Brees." Thus, concludes the season for the Cowboys falling at the hands of the Saints 30-27. The dessert that most of us were too stuff to enjoy found the bumbling Bengals taking on the New York Jets. Earlier in the week, Bengals WR Terrell Owens called Darrelle Revis an "average" cornerback. Then, TO proceeded to be stranded on Revis Island as the Jets spanked the Bengals 26-10. Surprisingly, I went 3 for 3 on Thanksgiving...Not really, we all expected the winners to win.

In other news, earlier today one of my favorites Shawne Merriman's career as a Buffalo Bill came to an end without his ever playing one single down. Was I surprised? No, not really, but I'm a little saddened. I really wanted to see him make the most of this opportunity. So, Shawne take the next few weeks and evaluate things. If a good team offers you the minimum next year, take it. Participate in all of the off season programs without question. Limit your time in Hollywood, limit your time in front of the camera, and get yourself healed. Hopefully, you can get a full year next season, if we have football next season. BTW, go to Dr. Andrews...I'm just saying...Good luck!!!!

Speaking of Shawne, his former team the Chargers are taking on Peyton and the Colts this Sunday night. Have developed quite a rivalry over the last few years. As you know, this game use to mean a lot to me. Now, not so much. I'll still be watching because the games are always exciting, but mostly because I need Philip Rivers and the Charger D to perform well, and for Peyton to actually get the ball to Garcon this week.

Little Hoodie, Josh McDaniels took his hero worship of Bill Belichick to a whole new level today. It wasn't enough to take on Belichick's wardrobe, oh no...He has to follow Bill to spygate land. Really, Joshie? Now, I don't feel so bad that Todd Haley was rude to you after your win over the Chiefs. Denver was caught videotaping the 49ers practices. The 49ers...really...the 49ers? Not, the Pats, not the Colts, the 49ers...are you looking for tips on how to lose? And you used the same dude, who was caught with Belichick. Bravo, little Hoodie, Bravo. Mr. Goddell would like your $50,000 check now.

Then, there are the Will Smiths...no, not the Hollywood Will Smiths who whipped Willow and her hair into our lives...

No, no, I'm talking the Will Smiths of New Orleans Saints fame who posed happily and wished every one a Happy Thanksgiving during the game on Thursday. Well, early this morning, they had a rather heated arguement outside of Lafayette night club, and Will Smith apparently dragged his wife Racquel Joseph Smith by her hair down the street. Uhm, Will...you are 6'3" and weight 282 pounds, and you felt the need to drag your wife down the street? Dude, really? You go full Fred Flinstone on your wife? C'mon, man...You are both over 25, you are married, and you have 2 kids, why in the name of all things sane are you still clubbing? At 2 am? Both of you need to take a long look in the mirror...and by the way...grow up...

Now, I don't really know Will Smith's wife, nor do I want to...I do hope she is okay. Gentleman, there has been an influx of woo girl relationships in the NFL. You know the girls. They wear too much makeup, they are too loud, they drink too much, they wear their clothes too tight (or very little), they dance too closely to both men and women, and of course they "woo." These party girls are not going to be content to be a Mrs. They want the money and the name, but a quiet home life, not so much (see Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett). As a matter of fact, your money just increases their ability to woo at better clubs and parties. There are the professional woo girls, the Kardashians, Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, Kendra, Tila Tequila, and then, there are the around the way woo girls, the ghetto fabulous clique, and the "sorority" woo girls, your typical girls gone wild girl. If you want a good time, hang out with the woo girls, if you want a wife...avoid at all costs. I'm just saying...and saving you a trip to a lawyer's office or bail bondsman.

Well, the fantasy teams were 2 for 5 last week. All but one are pretty much done tom turkeys.

• Hecates's HellHounds of the League of Champions league: 7-4 (Finally, back on the winning side.)
  
• Kansas City Chiefs of the Dynasty Orginization League: 5-6 (three game win streak over)
  
• Runtelldat Homeboys of the Big Easy League: 2-9 (Miss Franklin, we were wondering if you are feeling well enough to sing a dirge for the Runtelldat Homeboys.)
  
• The Cromartie Eight of the Football Fist Pump League: 5-6 (Back below the median)
  
• Matching Mugshots of the Atypical Sports Show League: 3-8 (See Runtelldat Homeboys, win changes nothing.)

Last week, I had one of my best pick weeks going 10-5 bringing my record to 82-60.

Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans: Houston

Carolina Panthers @ Cleveland Browns: Cleveland

Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta

Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Giants: New York Giants

Minnesota Vikings @ Washington Redskins: Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills: Pittsburgh

Kansas City Chiefs @ Seattle Seahawks: Kansas City

Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears: Philadelphia

Miami Dolphins @ Oakland Raiders: Miami

St. Louis Rams @ Denver Broncos: St. Louis

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore

San Diego Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts: San Diego

In the "Man, I can't believe this is the Monday Night Football Game"-San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals: Arizona

So, until next week,"Dear NFL, don't have a lockout...It will suck for all of the fans. Keep in mind what it did for Baseball. Do you really want to mess with a good thing?" XOXO, Diana

Second Verse, Same as the First-Picks from a Maniac Maenad Week 11

Welcome to week 11 of the NFL! It has been a week of the same ole, same ole in the National Football League. The NFL has become a veritable Baskin Robbins presenting a flavor of the week from its 32 every week. The Giants, the Patriots, the Steelers...blah, blah, blah, blah, blah...This week's flavor-Eagle mint. Michael Vick showed flashes of the MV of old as he and the Eagles had a record setting game at FedEx Field adding further insult to Donovan McNabb who had just signed a contract extention (why we will never know) with the Washington Redskins. The yearly arguement of who is MVP/greater QB between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady has begun. Manning/Brady Bowl will try to solve that quandry this afternoon.

But now, after his Monday Night Performance, Michael Vick has had his name thrown into the hat. Brandon Marshall showed his true colors on national TV during the Dolphins loss to the Bears. Hey Brandon, I know you've have not had a consistent quarterback this year, and you're a bit frustrated, but you are a grown man not a petulant child-act like it. Hey, at least it gives us a reprieve from Brett Favre. Reggie Bush is making his return this week. Yeah, I don't care either. Ah, well...

Most of us are gearing up for our fantasy playoffs which begin in a couple weeks. Sigh...my teams, sadly, will not...

• Hecates's HellHounds of the League of Champions league: 6-4 (Two game losing streak. Shout out to Carson Palmer and his suckage.)
  
• Kansas City Chiefs of the Dynasty Orginization League: 5-5 (on a three game win streak)
  
• Runtelldat Homeboys of the Big Easy League: 2-8 (The fat lady is practicing Do-Re-Me-Fa-Sos.)
  
• The Cromartie Eight of the Football Fist Pump League: 5-5 (Two game win streak has me at .500.)
  
• Matching Mugshots of the Atypical Sports Show League: 2-8 (See Runtelldat Homeboys.)

Last week was as stinker. I went a sound 6-7, bringing my picks record to 72-55. Seriously, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, New York Giants...what happened? Well, here goes nothing.

Arizona Cardinals @ Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City (wake up, boys!!!)

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys: Dallas

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings: Green Bay

Baltimore Ravens @ Carolina Panthers: Baltimore

Buffalo Bills @ Cincinnati Bengals: Cincinnati

Cleveland Browns @ Jacksonville Jaguars: Cleveland

Houston Texans @ New York Jets: New York Jets

Oakland Raiders @ Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh

Washinton Redskins @ Tennessee Titans: Tennessee

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers: Tampa Bay

Atlanta Falcons @ St. Louis Rams: Atlanta

Seattle Seahawks @ New Orleans Saints: New Orleans

Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots: Indianapolis

New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles: New York Giants

Monday Night Football: Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers: San Diego

Until next time: "Never quit. It is the easiest cop-out in the world. Set a goal and don't quit until you attain it. When you do attain it, set another goal, and don't quit until you reach it. Never quit." Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant

Hey Ma! I'm on TV!-Picks from a Maniac Maenad Week 10

Welcome back, everybody! It's week 10 of the NFL season, and the NFL Week is already off and running. Did you guys watch the pre-game extravaganza before the Thursday night game? Yeah, me either. I was also not that fond of Joe Theismann, Matt Millen, and Bob Papa trio in the booth. Yikes, and here I thought it was torture listening to Joe Buck every Sunday. Any hoo, the Atlanta Falcons and the Baltimore Ravens eventually took the field with the Falcons winning 26-21. I was rooting for neither although I had fantasy players on both sides. (Dear Matt Ryan, could you help a sister out and more than occasionally throw a TD TG's way? Y'all are killing me!!!)

As I was drifting in and out of that game Thursday (I still haven't gotten use to this time), I thought I would have a little fun this week. NFL players love to have their time on TV. Case in point, Tony Gonzalez's appearance on One Tree Hill. No, I didn't see it, mostly because I hate One Tree Hill. I started looking at the different teams in the NFL, and because I'm apparently bored, I started putting TV titles to some of this years NFL stories.

Everybody Hates Brad-Apparently, Hell has a new location called Minneapolis, and Brad Childress has been labeled Lucifer. Watch the hilarity ensue as players insult the caters! Anonymous players declare they will win in spite of the coach. The Quarterback gets busted sexting and tries to convince the public and his wife that those naughty pictures are his, as his wide receiving corps rotates injuries from migraines to hips.

The Walking Dead: A new series that revolves around the plight of survivors in three cities as they try to avoid the walking dead. The series originally starred Wade Phillips, Mike Singletary, and Chan Gailey as the leader of the survivors in their respective cities of Dallas, San Francisco, and Buffalo, but after poor ratings, one of the executive producers Jerry Jones, fired Phillips and replaced him with upstart Jason Garrett who will try to lead the Dallas survivors victory. Guest star Shawne Merriman has already succumbed by merely stepping on the practice field.

Haley and Mangini's Believe it or Not: Todd Haley and his fearless sidekicks Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel take you to places throughout the country to reveal unbelievable feats like maintaining a lead in the AFC West, constantly going for it on fourth down, driving the collective blood pressures of their fans to astronomical highs and lows in the same quarter. I'm not allowed to watch or listen anymore, due to high superstitions, and the fact that every time I watch/listen something bad happens. Meanwhile, Eric Mangini and his Browns continue to spank teams they have no business beating.

The Amazing Race: The NFC South edition watch each week as one of these teams overcome roadblocks and detour on their way to the pit stop at the top of the NFC South. Currently, the Atlanta Falcons are coming in first every week, but the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are having stronger showings every week. Will the Super Bowl Champs return to form with the return of Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Darren Sharper? Will Drew Brees knee hold up? Will the parvenu Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fired up coach Raheem Morris bounce back from their week 9 loss at the "Matt" to the Falcons? Who will win?

Psych: Every week Jim Caldwell pretends that he is the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He raises his play card to his mouth and talks into a headset that isn't actually plugged in while Peyton Manning continues to be, well Peyton Manning, the man who finds a way to win with anybody in a blue and white uniform.

Rescue Me: Starring Steve Smith, Donovan McNabb, Marvin Lewis, and the Carolina Panthers. It really needs no explanation.

$#*! My Coach Says: Each week the New York Jets players try to find a way to one up the outrageous antics of their coach Rex Ryan. From heckling a reporter to calling each other out on Twitter, this team constantly tries to find ways to out"wit" their feisty coach. This week finds Rex playing his twin brother Rob during a press conference.

Well, I think it is time for me to throw in the towel on two of my fantasy teams.

• Hecates's HellHounds of the League of Champions league: 6-3 (Slipped again.)
  
• Kansas City Chiefs of the Dynasty Orginization League: 4-5 (on a two game win streak which will come to an end because I forgot about the game on Thursday)
  
• Runtelldat Homeboys of the Big Easy League: 2-7 (The fat lady is practicing her scales.)
  
• The Cromartie Eight of the Football Fist Pump League: 4-5 (Trying to make it to .500.)
  
• Matching Mugshots of the Atypical Sports Show League: 2-7 (There are no words.)

Well, last week I didn't fair too badly. I went a sound 9-4, bringing my picks record to 66-48.
Let's see how this week goes.

Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills: Buffalo

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears: Chicago

NY Jets at Cleveland Browns: New York Jets

Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins: Tennessee

Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts: Indianapolis

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars: Houston

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos: Kansas City

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals: Arizona

Dallas Cowboys at NY Giants: New York Giants

St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers: St. Louis Rams

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh

Monday Night Football: Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins: Philadelphia

Until next week, “If you’ll not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your lives.” -Vince Lombardi