NFL Week 17 Picks

It is the last week of the regular season (where did the year go?).  We will be saying goodbye to a lot of teams tomorrow, while we will be waiting to see which teams will take those final spots in the playoff race.  San Diego, Chicago, Green Bay, Miami, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Arizona, and Dallas are all vying for those coveted last spots.

Not only will we be bidding some of these teams adieu, we will also be seeing the end of the awesome career of Tony Gonzalez who will be taking the field for one final time at the Georgia Dome on Sunday.

He will enter the game on Sunday with 15,071 receiving yards (one of only 5 players in the 15K club and the only TE).  He has a reception in 210 straight games (one of only 2 players with that stat).  His 1321 receptions are second only to Jerry Rice, and his 111 career touchdowns put him 2 better than Barry Sanders and 1 from tying Shaun Alexander at number 14. He holds practically every single record for a tight end. The G.O.A.T. We'll miss you, TG.

Tony Romo had surgery on Friday, so the Cowboys are looking to Kyle Orton to help them defeat the Eagles.  The Packers are welcoming back Aaron Rodgers whose collarbone was finally cleared for action in time to meet Bears.  The Panthers, Saints, and 49ers are all vying for the #2 seed in the NFC. Tomorrow will definitely be and interesting day.

Congratulations to my Chiefs who are in the playoffs and are sending 8 players to the Pro Bowl.  Chiefs Pro Bowlers include Jamaal Charles, Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Brandon Albert, Eric Berry, Brandon Flowers, Dexter McCluster, and Dontari Poe.  Now, Andy Reid and the boys just need to get over that first round hump...

Last week, I pushed my weekly record to a little better than .500 going 9-7 bringing my total to date to 132-104. 

Sunday, December 29
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings: Detroit
Washington Redskins at New York Giants:  New York
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals:  Cincinnati
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts: Indianapolis
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins:  Miami
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers:  Pittsburgh
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans: Tennessee
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals:  Arizona
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears: Green Bay
St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks: Seattle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints: New Orleans
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots: New England
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders:  Denver
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers: Kansas City
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys:  Philadelphia

Within us there is someone who knows everything, wills everything, does everything better than we ourselves.
Hermann Hesse
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/hermann_hesse_2.html#PrC7icg36cGhsgjq.99

Until next time, “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss

Within us there is someone who knows everything, wills everything, does everything better than we ourselves.
Hermann Hesse
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/hermann_hesse_2.html#PrC7icg36cGhsgjq.99

Within us there is someone who knows everything, wills everything, does everything better than we ourselves.
Hermann Hesse
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/hermann_hesse_2.html#PrC7icg36cGhsgjq.99

A Fan says See you Later to #88...

This is my 190th post, and I think it is only appropriate that I writing this post on the eve of what will surely mark the end of the career of my favorite player, Tony Gonzalez. 

Speaking frankly, you weren't always my favorite player. That spot was reserved for Joe Montana. I loved, loved, LOVED, Joe Montana since I was a little girl, only a mere two years older than you.  As a matter of fact, you weren't even my favorite Chief, that was the late, great Derrick Thomas.  DT was the reason I became a Chiefs fan, and Joe Montana being traded to the team in 1993 secured their place in my heart over the 49ers. 

1997 was a big year for me. My favorite baseball player David Justice was traded to the Cleveland Indians, I was preparing for graduation from college, and my next door neighbors introduced me to you.  Well, not personally...The girls next door saw me, as well, an experiment to say the least.  They felt that I wasn't privy to enough of the worldly things in life, and they felt it was their duty to be my guides through all things sordid.  For example, taking me on a field trip to Bourbon Street during the midst of Jazz Fest.  They decided to celebrate March Madness with a viewing party and insisted I attend. It was during this party that I first saw you play...basketball. I really didn't know you were a football player, because I'm an SEC girl...period.

By the time the 1997 draft rolled around, I was still sulking over the fact that David Justice would not be starting right field for the Atlanta Braves to even care that the Kansas City Chiefs had traded up to draft you at number 13, but my cousin made sure I knew. My first question to him was "Why did they draft a basketball player?"  Anyway, August 1997 found me starting my first teaching job, and you taking the field for my beloved Chiefs--16 years ago.  It really didn't seem that long until my students asked me how long I had been teaching right before Christmas break, then suddenly it seemed like a really, REALLY, long time ago, especially when they reminded me that many of them were born that year.

My take on your first couple of years in the league?  Well, at least, he's cute.  Yep, that was my take.  by 1999, we Chiefs fans finally began to see why Carl Peterson wasn't necessary a mad man.  You have been impressing us ever since.  I have watched practically every season you've played with the exception of one.  The 2000 season, I really couldn't watch without thinking about Derrick Thomas, so I didn't, but watching you play helped to ease that loss. When the Chiefs announced that you were being traded to Atlanta in 2009, it felt like David Justice all over again. I'll admit that I was a little hurt when you left the team, but I completely understood.  The Chiefs were a hot mess.  No one saw you playing very much longer, and I didn't blame you at all.  It still hurt though. I mean, the Chiefs got Javier Arenas for you. Javier Arenas!!!  FYI, it really didn't bother me that you dunked at Arrowhead last year. I expected it, and I didn't see it as an insult at all. I was just glad to see you dunk it at Arrowhead one last time.

Last season, I was fortunate enough to go to New Orleans to watch you play against the Saints.  It was my second NFL game ever, and my first time watching you play live.  I was abled to personally see you score career touchdowns #100 and #101. 

When I heard you were coming back this season, I started saving to buy my ticket and once again traveled to New Orleans to watch you and the Falcons in the season opener.  I watched you score yet another touchdown, and I also in the endzone for that pick at the end of the game.  That's me yelling "nooooooooo" over the exuberance of the Saints fans. 

I was screaming like a lunatic this past Monday night when you scored your final MNF touchdown. I wish I could be in Atlanta tomorrow, but I will have to settle for watching your final game on tv. I, however, will be screaming like a banshee tomorrow when hopefully you score one more time in the Georgia Dome.

It will really be weird next year not seeing your name among the top Tight Ends in the league.  I never saw John Mackey or Mike Ditka play, and I was too young to appreciate Kellen Winslow, Sr., but I've had the privilege of watching two of the best tight ends of this era-Shannon Sharpe and Tony Gonzalez.  For my money, you were better than Sharpe.  The ring thing...While Super Bowls are great, so many factors have to fall into line for those to happen.  That does not diminish any of your accomplishments.  I read recently that your only regret was not seeing your son play for his championship. That says more about you than any ring ever would. As a teacher, I know the importance of those memories to children and their parents. You are true role model in a society where there are so few for kids these days, and while you won't be on the field next season, I am sure you will succeed at whatever path you chose.  Thank you for 17 seasons, and good luck on all of your future endeavors. To my all time favorite player (Sorry, Joe) Congratulations!!! Like I tell my graduating seniors every year, this isn't goodbye; this is see you later, and thanks for the memories...

Diana

P.S.  Don't file the paperwork until next year. It would be really awesome if you retired as a Chief.  Hope I see you on Fox or NFL Network soon!!!

“Some of us think holding on makes us strong but sometimes it is letting go”― Hermann Hesse

NFL Week 16 Picks

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

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

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

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

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

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

NFL Week 15 Picks

It's Week 15 in the NFL, and teams are now scratching and clawing to make their way into the playoffs.  I would like to take a moment to smile at the fact that Philip Rivers and the Chargers went to Denver and left with a victory on Thursday.  I don't want to get too arrogant with the taunting.  My Chiefs play the Raiders today, and those sneaky Raiders love to play the spoiler.  GO CHIEFS!!!!

So, the Washington Redskins are turning into the New York Jets. Coach Mike Shanahan decided to bench QB Robert Griffin III in favor Kirk Cousins citing the old "protecting him for next year and checking the value of Cousins" as the reason behind the benching. Yeah, right Shanahan. I really have no doubt that Shanahan is not a fan of RGIII, to be honest with you, I'm not either, but you know, whatever, I don't really see Shanahan there next year, and if healthy, RGIII will prove whatever he will actually be next year.  Rob Gronkowski has a torn ACL and MCL and will miss the rest of the season. This will be his 6th surgery in a little over a year.  I'm beginning to wonder if this guy will ever play another complete season.

Well, there are only three games left in the illustrious career of Tony Gonzalez. Too bad, those last there games will be with the wilting Falcons.  Gonzalez is 54 yards from 15,000, he scored his 109th touchdown (he is the active leader right now) last week, and he has had a reception in 208 consecutive games.  Pad the stats TG. Matt Ryan, you need to help him out, because you guys convinced him to come back to whatever this is in Atlanta.

I continued that .500 record last week with an 8-8 record, bringing my total to 115-90.  Sheesh...

Sunday, December 15
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts: Indianapolis
Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville (Did I just say that?)
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins: New England
Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings:  Philadelphia
Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants:  Seattle
San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  San Francisco
Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons:  Atlanta (Do it for TG, guys!!!)
Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns:  Chicago
New York Jets at Carolina Panthers:  Carolina
Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders:  Kansas City
Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys:  Dallas
New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams:  New Orleans
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans:  Tennessee
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers:  Cincinnati

Monday, December 16
Baltimore Ravens at Detroit Lions:  Baltimore

Until next week, "A goal without a plan is a wish. What's your plan?  It's on you, because you have to do all the work. " ~ Herman Edwards

NFL Week 14 Picks

Week 14 is upon us, ladies and gentlemen, and the NFL season is winding down, and the playoff picture is starting to develop.  Four teams have been officially eliminated, Washington, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Houston are on the clock to see who will win the 1st pick in next year's draft.  So far, only the Seattle Seahawks have punched their tickets to 2013 playoffs, and they appear to have a strangle hold on home field advantage.  The Chiefs lost to Denver which has Denver currently in the driver's seat for the #1 seed in the AFC, but the New England Patriots are nipping at their heels in the #2.  Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Baltimore are rounding out the playoff teams, but Miami, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, San Diego, and the New York Jets are still very much in the running for those two wildcard spots.

 

The NFC has New Orleans, Detroit, Dallas, Carolina, and San Francisco in the playoffs (if it ended today. However, Philadelphia, Chicago, Arizona, and Green Bay all still have a slight pulse.  Anything can happen.

 

Gary Kubiak was the first victim of the NFL chopping block.  Even his mini-stroke couldn't provide a spark to this team who is circling the bowl with an 11 game losing streak.

My Chiefs are headed to D.C. this week to take on the Washington Redskins in the politically incorrect bowl, while the Falcons and Tony Gonzalez (y'all know he's the only reason I even care about this team) head to Lambeau Field to take on the Packers minus Aaron Rodgers.  Tony G only has four more games left in his illustrious career.  FYI, Tony is only 79 yards away from hitting 15,000 career yards, which would make him the first Tight End to do so, and will make him 5th all time passing Tim Brown.  For the record, there are only 4 receivers in history with 15,000+ yards-Jerry Rice (22,895), Terrell Owens (15,934), Randy Moss (15,292), and Isaac Bruce (15,208).

Last week, I broke even with a 7-7 record bring my year to 107-82. Meh. (where did the Jacksonville Jaguars come from?)  I can do better (I hope)...

Sunday, December 8
Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore
Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers:  Atlanta (why not)
Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles: Philadelphia
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals:  Indianapolis
Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots:  New England
Oakland Raiders at New York Jets: New York Jets (who cares really, right?)
Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers:  Pittsburgh
Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Buffalo
Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins:  Kansas City (I won't be watching. I fully believe, albeit irrationally so, that I am the reason [along with the wide receivers] that the Chiefs have lost 3 in a row.)
Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos:  Denver
St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals:  St. Louis
New York Giants at San Diego Chargers:  New York
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers:  San Francisco
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints:  New Orleans

Monday, December 9
Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears:  Dallas

Thursday, December 12
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos:  Denver

That's all folks! Until next week:  “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”― Nelson Mandela, rest in peace...

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

Thanksgiving Day Picks

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

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

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

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

Until next time,  

NFL Week 12 Picks

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 11 Picks

It's week 11 in the NFL, and guess what?  My Chiefs are still undefeated, until tonight of course according to practically every NFL prognosticator in the land.  They continue to fawn over every move that Peyton Manning makes.  We get it, we get it, Peyton Manning is great. Peyton Manning is fabulous.  Peyton, Peyton, Peyton!!!!!  Chiefs fans are starting to feel like Eli, and Eli has two Super Bowl rings.  Don't get me wrong, I don't even I don't believe the Chiefs are going to end the season undefeated.  They are not a perfect team. There are multiple problems on offense, but seriously, no team is perfect. Let's give Andy Reid and the guys a little credit for turning a 2-14 team into a 9-0 team in a year. Alex Smith is doing what he is expected to do.  Not lose.  I'm okay with that. 

NFL Week 10 Picks...

This week has been a rather unusual week in the NFL. It has been headline after headline about bullying in the locker room of the Miami Dolphins. Now, honestly, I would have thought this was more prevalent in the Raiders locker room, but Miami? Then to hear that the culprit was allegedly Richie Incognito and the victim was Jonathan Martin. At first, I think I had the same reaction as practically every other person who first heard the story break "He was bullied? What?! A guy that size?! Really?!?!" From experience, I have been the victim of attempted bullying. Notice, I said attempted, because I have always stood up for myself. It takes an iron will many times, but most of you did not have my grandmother who gave me this advice as a child, "Everybody is not going to like you. They may say bad things about you. Hell, they said bad things about Jesus, and He is our Lord. Just know you are not what people say about you. Know that you are loved, and nothing they say matters as long as they don't put their hands on you."

Needless to say, it instilled in me a bit of absolutely nothing bothering me. Even my students said the other day, nothing ever embarrasses you-a week after I placed third in a fund raiser and was smacked in the face with a chocolate pie for my part. If you have ever seen my 5th grade picture, you would know there are few things more embarrassing than that. Not to mention, I'm a clutz. I ran into a pole in 9th grade, rolled down the hill leading to the cafeteria the same year, fell down and injured both knees in front of my friends the day before prom, accidentally call a senior a girl on my first day of high school, do you need more ammunition? I never had to raise a hand, and I've never been in a fight. Mostly, because the "alleged bully's" insults never mattered to me. I know who I am. Trust me, I've heard them all. "You're fat." Thanks for being observant, you don't get this figure by eating celery. "You're a nerd." Right again, as a matter of fact I am queen of the nerds, a crown I wish to hold for many more years. "You're clothes are cheap and ugly." Yet, you noticed them. Besides, I don't feel the need to pay a designer for the privilege of wearing his clothes. If he wants me to be a walking billboard, he should pay me.

NFL Week 9...Is it too late to change my picks?

It is Week 9 in the NFL, and we have officially reached the halfway point.  I want to take a moment and say good well soon to Denver Broncos coach John Fox.  I'm not a Broncos fan, as a matter of fact, I hate the Broncos, but I never want to see a player or coach hurt or ill.  I like for my team to beat them at their best.  Best of luck, Coach Fox!

Once again, the NFL trade deadline has come and gone with nothing really happening.  Most people were speculating on the trade of my favorite player, Tony Gonzalez.  Alas, he is still an Atlanta Falcon.  Atlanta, I don't even know where to begin.  I can't wish more bad luck on you than you already have had.  Seriously, their defense is they think they are still capable of making the playoffs.  The rest of the world is giving your the strong side-eye Mr. Dimitroff.  I mean, according to most fantasy sites, the rule of thumb is to sit Tony Gonzalez, because they don't think he can do a whole lot with all of the double-teaming that teams are laying on him.  SMH...no playoffs, can't even pad your stats...Good luck, Tony.  I hope the Falcons can "rise up" out of this hole for your sake.

My Chiefs are the last undefeated team, and they are now 8-0.  That is all I'm going to say.  I don't want to jinx my Chiefs, and Buffalo always worries me, even with the 3rd or 4th string quarterback playing.  GO CHIEFS!!! Prove the naysayers wrong.

NFL Week 8 Picks

It's week eight in the NFL, and injuries are taking their toll in the NFL. Stars are falling all over the league, including Sam Bradford, Jay Cutler, and Reggie Wayne to name a few.  My Chiefs are still undefeated.  My second favorite tight end Jimmy Graham injured his foot (a partial tear in his plantar fascia).  Get well soon, Jimmy!

Happy 10th Anniversary to one of my favorite channels-NFL Network!!!

Tony Gonzalez is still a Falcon, and they are headed to Arizona this week to take on the Cardinals.  I would like to be positive about this game, but alas...Good luck, Falcons.

My Chiefs are still undefeated, and I will pick them to win today, but Cleveland always worries me.  They often play the Chiefs really hard, but Jason Campbell is starting with Cleveland.  Let's go, Chiefs.

Now for my picks.  I had a pretty decent record last week going 9-6 bringing my record to 60-46.  Fantasy fans: the following teams have the week off: Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Tennessee Titans.

Sunday, October 27
Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions:  Dallas
San Francisco 49ers vs Jacksonville Jaguars: San Francisco
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles:  New York
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs:  Kansas City
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots:  New England
Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints:  New Orleans
New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals:  Cincinnati
Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders:  Pittsburgh
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals:  Atlanta
Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos:  Denver
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings:  Green Bay

Monday, October 28
Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams:  Seattle

Thursday, October 31
Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins:  Miami

Sorry so short this week.  It's been a looooong weekend.  Until next time, "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."-Vince Lombardi

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.

NFL Week 6 Picks

I sincerely do not know what I am doing anymore.  Things in the NFL seem to be going through some crazy complex where each week up becomes down.  Take the Atlanta Falcons for example.  After last season, many people (including the moron writing this post) thought that Atlanta was poised to go on a Super Bowl run.  After all, they signed Steven Jackson, coaxed Tony Gonzalez out of retirement, signed Osi Umenyiora, and had the dynamic duo of Julio Jones and Roddy White.  People finally thought they would get over that playoff hump.  Weeelllll...not so much.  Steven Jackson hasn't played since week 2, Julio Jones is out for the year, Roddy White has a hammy, and Tony Gonzalez is left wondering, I'm sure, why he came back for this as the team sits at 1-4.  They just can't seem to score, the defense is well, lacking, even though Umenyiora is getting sacks, and the coaching, really, Mike Smith, two field goals left on the field two weeks in a row?  The only good thing about that game was that TG joined Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history with a catch in 200 consecutive games.  With the Saints still undefeated, I can't help but think that Sean Payton and Drew Brees have a few of those infamous New Orleans Voodoo dolls tucked away inside of the Super Dome.

NFL Week 5 Picks

The first quarter of the NFL season is over, and like the first few weeks of the season, it appears that only Seattle and Denver are living up to the preseason expectations. The Saints, Pats, and Chiefs are performing above expectations. All five teams are undefeated, and it doesn't look like anyone can stop them, well, maybe my Chiefs. I'm an eternal pessimist. If you have followed me, you know, as a Chiefs fan, I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'm conditioned to it. Tampa Bay is in complete disarray, and Josh Freeman has won his freedom. Pittsburgh and New York have yet to win a game (Hey, guys even Oakland has won one game). Can someone remind me why Jacksonville even has a team at this point?

NFL Week 4 Picks...

There are a lot of NFL fan bases are shaking their heads in disbelief this Sunday morning.  The Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are all in the basement looking up with 3-0 records. None of them appear to be able to get their collective acts together.  Tampa Bay feels that a change at quarterback was necessary, so they have benched Josh Freeman and are starting rookie Mike Glennon today.  The Giants are headed to Arrowhead to take on my Chiefs, who are surprisingly 3-0.  Eli Manning and company have all been wearing the Manning struggle face, and I don't think the Barbeque in Kansas City is going to change that.  At least with Pittsburgh and Minnesota, one of them will leave London today with a win, unless of course they tie, which would make this game even worse.  Who knew when the NFL booked this game that the records would smell like three day old fish and chips?

NFL Week 3 Picks...

A nervousness brews here at DianaDishes. My Kansas City Chiefs are undefeated, 3-0 after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football in Andy Reid's return to Philadelphia. I should be happy. I really should be, but as a Chiefs' fan, I'm always cautiously optimistic, and I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop (pardon the cliché). I'm happy...I really am, but that win on Thursday was the result of the defense playing awesomely. The offense...well, not so much.

NFL Week 2 Picks-See What Had Happened Was...

Week One is in the books ladies and gentlemen, and after one week of play, what exactly have we learned? Pittsburgh scored only 2 points in the first half of their game. Two points that were actually scored by the Titans. What is going on in Pittsburgh? RGIII was rusty although you will never get him to say that rust had anything to do with the loss to Philly. I picked Cleveland to beat the Dolphins for no apparent reason. The Saints continue to roast the Falcons in the Superdome. Tom Brady misses Wes Welker even though he still pulled out a win against Buffalo. Geno Smith started and won with the Jets while Mark Sanchez sulks and throws dirty looks in the general direction of Rex Ryan. Oakland looked alright, but Indy beat them anyway (yay, Indy!) San Francisco and Green Bay decided to reenact WrestleMania as Kaep and the Niners took out the pack. The Giants lost what had to be one of the crappiestly executed games in history to the Dallas Cowboys, while Eli's brother, Peyton reminded everybody that he is Peyton "Frickin" Manning as he spanked the World Champion Baltimore Ravens with a recorded tying 7 touchdowns in one game. Football is back America!!!!

2013 NFL Predictions Sure to Bite the Dust...

It has been a long, long off season ladies and gents, but it is finally here--the 2013 NFL Season is upon us!!! It has been a long 213 days since they turned the lights off on the 2012 season in New Orleans as the Ravens raised their second Lombardi trophy. So, what have we learned since the curtain dropped in February?  RGIII is ready to play after knee surgery (put me in coach!!). The Jets are still, STILL, dysfunctional which apparently is enough to keep them in the news even though they are still not quite certain, although Geno Smith is starting the first game of the season, who their QB is going to be, and after kicking Tim Tebow to the curb, they've recruited former ESPN poster boy Brady Quinn as their 3rd, 2nd, 1st, who knows, and by this point who cares.

We have all lost...

It has been several months since I have written a blog post.  I have been a very busy lady the past few months.  My hopes was to start my blog writing again with the start of the NFL season, but when I have a lot to say, I come here.  I posted the following statement on Facebook tonight, and I want to share it with you.

Why I will be called a Hater for this Post...

Welcome back, everybody!  Well, football season...is over...there are 208 days until there will be another meaningful game will be played.  Sigh...Congratulations to the Baltimore Ravens.  Enjoy your reign...Kansas City Chiefs...You are now on the clock!
 
After the game, my students had two questions for me, "Who did I want to win?" (49ers) and "What did I think about Beyoncé?"  (Good show)  They asked me why I hated Beyoncé.  How do you get that from "good show"?  They weren't around to see Michael Jackson's and half are too young to appreciate Prince.  Here is a fact Beyoncé is a tremendous entertainer.  She is a great dancer, a talented singer, and a beautiful woman.  That said.  I'm not a Beyoncé stan/fan/whatever.  It has nothing to do with the performance.  Nothing to do with the fact that she named her daughter after a plant.  Nothing to do with the fact that I will never look as good as she does, but then again who can?

Super Bowl Sunday!!!

Hello again, everybody!  Sorry I was MIA last week...Grad school takes precedence over practically everything these days...(4 more months!)  What has happened since we last met?  Donald Driver announced his retirement.  Ray Lewis was accused of taking some funktified form of a banned substance.  Manti Te'o's fake girlfriend was actually a dude pretending to be a girl.  Adrian Peterson won the NFL MVP and Offensive MVP.  Congratulations!!! Peyton Manning won Comeback player of the year.  J. J. Watt won Defensive player of the year.  Robert Griffin, III won Offensive Rookie of the year.  Luke Kuechly wons Defensive Rookie of the Year. Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers had an interesting moment at the NFL Honors.

Thank you, #88

Dear Tony Gonzalez,

I decided to wait a couple of days before I started to write this, but one of my students passed me this morning in the hallway and asked me how I felt about your retirement.  Although I was aware that you had been at 95% all year, I was still taken aback by the question.  How did I feel?  Why did it really matter how I feel?  I'm just a fan...

My students are aware that you are my favorite player.  Behind my desk at work are pics of you, DT, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Marcus Allen, and Ronnie Lott-my all-time favorite players, but here's the thing.  With the exception of DT, I was really young when those started their career, so when I came of age, they were on their way out of the league. There have only been two players careers that I have consciously followed from beginning to end-Derrick Thomas' and yours.  Derrick Thomas was the reason I became a Chiefs fan, and you made so many of those horrible seasons bearable.

When you get to be my age, you have to acknowledge that your favorites aren't going to play forever.  I watched Joe, Marcus, Ronnie, and Jerry all walk away from the game.  We unfortunately lost Derrick Thomas in the worse way possible.  Although we never, ever wanted to admit it, we all realized at some point that you, too, would leave the field.

Championship Sunday...or why I don't cry at Chick Flicks

Good Championship Sunday Morning!!!  Are you guys ready???  I know I am!!  How about that Divisional weekend?  The Ravens/Broncos game was insane, intense, and inconceivable.  Double-over time to give Ray Lewis and the Ravens another shot against Tom Brady and Patriots for the Lamar Hunt trophy (a trophy, fyi, that has never been hoisted by the team that was owned by Lamar Hunt).  The Green Bay Packers were handled handedly by Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers, while the Atlanta Falcons did everything in their power to try to give that game to Seattle.

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.

 

Wild Card Weekend 2013...

Welcome back!  The NFL Regular season came to an end last week, and we bid a fond farewell to playoff stalwarts the New York Giants (too little, too late), the Pittsburgh Steelers (couldn't overcome those weeks without Big Ben), the San Diego Chargers (Here's hoping Philip Rivers remembers he's Philip Rivers), the Chicago Bears (man, it will be tragic not seeing Jay Cutler pouting on the sidelines), the New Orleans Saints (Drew and Sean are getting the band back together next season), and the Dallas Cowboys (who Romo'd their way out of the playoffs).  See ya, next season boys!

Several coaches not only had to say goodbye to the playoffs, but had to say farewell to their jobs as well.  Black Monday saw 7 NFL Coaches cleaning out their offices:   Romeo Crennel (Kansas City), Chan Gailey (Buffalo), Andy Reid (Philadelphia), Pat Shurmur (Cleveland), Lovie Smith (Chicago), Norv Turner (San Diego), and Ken Whisenhunt (Arizona). Rumors are swirling that more may be getting the ax as early as today.  In addition to head coaches, GM's have been getting kicked to the curb as well including, Rod Graves (Arizona), Tom Heckert (Cleveland), Scott Pioli (Kansas City), A.J. Smith (San Diego), Mike Tannenbaum (New York Jets), and Gene Smith (Jacksonville).  Many of these were expected (in the case of Scott Pioli hoped, wished, and protested for), but I will admit I was surprised by the firing of Lovie Smith and Ken Whisenhunt.  

If you haven't heard, Andy Reid is about to be announced as the new head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.  Reid will be the twelfth head coach in Chiefs history, and the fourth since 2005.  Sigh, I don't know how I feel about this signing.  I'm not striking up the band just yet.  I think I'm just going to take a wait and see approach.  I mean, the Chiefs ended the season with a 2-14 record-the fourth losing season since 2005.  When your team is in the basement, there is no where to look but up, right?

Ray Lewis announced that he would be retiring at the end of the Ravens run in the playoffs.  I've always been a little ambivalent about Ray Lewis.  I'll admit that I've never really quite known how to feel about him.  I will say this about Ray Lewis.  He is a heck of a football player.  The man has been an out and out leader on the field-one of the most feared defenders even as his body was starting to turn on him.  He is one of the most intense players to ever take the field, and I've enjoyed watching him play and will miss watching him explode from the Ravens tunnel. 

At the start of the season, I made my picks for the year.  Let's see how they turned out, shall we?

AFC East-New England Patriots (Right on the money.  12-4 with a bye)
AFC South-Houston Texans (Correct.)
AFC North-Baltimore Ravens (Correct. 
AFC West-Kansas City Chiefs (Eliminated. Could not have been more wrong.  Y'all forgive me for this gaffe.  Denver took the AFC West without much of a fight for the rest of the division.  Heck, the Broncos were the only team with a winning record.  Who thought Peyton would be back with such a vengeance?  Yeah, everybody.)
Wild Cards-Pittsburgh (Eliminated), Denver (Won the division)  Cincinnati made the cut.  So in the AFC, I was 4 for 6.  Not bad...I picked Houston to win it all.  I don't think I'm going to stick with that pick.

NFC East-New York Giants (Wrong.  Didn't see Washington taking this division.  Not at all.)
NFC South-Atlanta Falcons  (Correct with a bye)
NFC North-Green Bay Packers (Correct)
NFC West-San Francisco 49ers (Correct)
Wild Cards-Chicago (Eliminated.  Adrian Peterson and the Vikings power ran their way into the playoffs.), New Orleans (Eliminated. Seattle and their Rookie QB made the grade instead)
I picked Atlanta for the NFC Champs.  I'm going to stand by this pick, but they have me terrified with the way they have played as of late. 

Even with some of those craptastic predictions, I ended the season with a 135-80 pick record.  Not too shabby...

So, here are my Wild Card picks.  I will say I was more comfortable with my Saturday picks than my Sunday picks.

Saturday, January 5
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans:  Cincinnati (I've pretty much lost faith in Houston)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers:  Green Bay (I think Aaron and the boys get it together.)
Sunday, January 6
Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens:  Baltimore (Either of these teams are capable, and each team is playing with added inspiration)
Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Redskins:   Washington (If this were in Seattle, I probably would have picked Seattle.  These teams are a close match up, and it really could go either way.

That's all I've got today.  Enjoy your Wild Card Weekend!  Until next week, "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."~Vince Lombardi