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...