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,  

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.

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

Divisional Playoffs Weekend...or Why I'm a Bad Person...

It's Divisional Playoff weekend, everybody. The Elite Eight. New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers; Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots; Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens; New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers. Last weekend, every home team won. I was 2 for 4. Atlanta, Atlanta, Atlanta...only 2 points? God Bless, him...I hope he does, but it's getting harder to imagine TG winning a Super Bowl, much less a playoff game. Pittsburgh...I have nothing but disgust for you.

Last weekend, a person on Twitter made the following declaration. "If you don't like Tebow, you are a bad person." Well, anonymous person on Twitter who I no longer follow, I don't like Tebow. Once again, I think Tim Tebow the person is a great guy. I think he is an awesome role model. I don't even blame him for the media shoving him down my throat for the last week, because they have obviously forgotten those debacles against the Chiefs, the Bills and, oh, yeah, the Patriots. That's right, he's walking on water this week because he pulled a Doug Flutie.

Well, I'm not rooting for Tebow this weekend. That's right, I'm rooting for the Evil Empire-Emperor Belichick and Darth Brady. Why you may ask? Because I'm a hater, and like Mayhem, it's what I do. My team is at home, the Chargers are at home, the Raiders are at home, so where do I want Denver-Rocky Mountain high watching the Conference title games and the Super Bowl from the comforts of their luxurious homes. If my Chiefs can't be there, I refuse to root for any team that comes from the AFC West. Especially, not Denver. Not Denver, ever. As a result, I will not root for Tebow. Why? Because he plays for Denver. You root for him, if it makes you happy. I'll be over here hoping Brady will drop a double-nickel on Tebow like his idol Montana did to Elway in Super Bowl XXIV.

That said, here are my picks sure to go absolutely wrong.

Saturday, January 14:

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers : New Orleans

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots : New England

Sunday, January 15:

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens : Baltimore

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers : Green Bay

That's all I've got everybody. You enjoy your three day weekend. I know I will. Until next time, "He's a good running back. he does a good job for them."~Brian Urlacher. Because it's what I do...

NFL Week 12 Picks...The Leftovers Edition

Happy Sunday, everybody!!! Well, Thanksgiving is over. Black Friday assaulted more victims, and Cyber Monday will begin tomorrow. Christmas is in full effect. Even the NBA is in the Christmas spirit giving their fans a season starting on Christmas Day. Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

Of course, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving with a turkey. This year, it was the Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh who may be staring down a suspension after stomping on a Packers player Evan Dietrich-Smith. As if that wasn't bad enough, he delivered the lamest "explanation" ever. Didn't matter at the end of the day the Packers smacked the Lions to stay perfect. The Cowboys served the Dolphins a hot plate of disappointment, and Big Brother John Harbaugh's Ravens defeated little brother Jim's 49ers.

Happy Thanksgiving...Turkey Day Picks

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Everywhere throughout the country people are busy getting their turkey and fixings together to settle down for the grub fest of the year. You know, until Christmas...We gather the family together to give thanks for making it through another year together. I'd like to take a moment to thank those military men and women who protect this country. I also want to give a shoutout to my fellow teachers who are in the trenches every single day. I'm thankful for you guys, and even if the kids don't see it now, some of them will thank you someday, too. I'd like to thank God for my family, friends, and relatives. Every day, I know I'm blessed-even when they get on my last nerve, I am blessed to have them.

NFL Week 9 Picks: A look back at the Folly...

It's week nine ladies and gentleman! It's hard to believe that the season is half over, but on the positive, my Chiefs are on a four game winning streak and tied for first in the AFC West!!! Now, I don't have any illusions that they will win the West, but it is awesome that they are still in the conversation. At the beginning of the season, I took a look at the NFL landscape and made bold predictions about how the season would unfold (not really, bold, but I made them none the less.)

NFL Picks: Week One...And They're off...

Week One exploded with a bang with the Packers and Saints shoot out at Lambeau Field. I am so looking forward to the Pomp and Circumstance that come with the first games of the season, especially since they fall on the 10th anniversary of September 11th.

The Birds are Falling, and I'm Eating a Little Crow

Welcome to the first Round of the NFL Playoffs, ladies and gents! I always find myself a little sad during the first week of the playoffs, because that means that in a mere four weeks, the NFL season will end with Super Bowl XLV. An added dilemma this year is the possible lockout if the NFL does not hammer out their CBA. There is enough crazy dramas in the world. Could we resolve this gentleman? The 49ers hired Jim Harbaugh as their new coach, and most of us collectively yawned. Miami retained Tony Sparano after they couldn't get Harbaugh. The Bengals and Marvin Lewis hemmed and hawed before deciding to finally stay married instead of playing the field. The Titans decided to stick with Jeff Fisher for the 17th season.

Earlier this year I made my predictions for the NFL Season...Looking back, I didn't fare too badly.
AFC East Champions-New England Patriots. My Pick-New York Jets
AFC North Champions-Pittsburgh Steelers. My Pick-Baltimore Ravens
AFC South Champions-Indianapolis Colts. My Pick-Indianapolis Colts
AFC West Champions-Kansas City Chiefs. My Pick-San Diego Chargers

AFC Wildcards-Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets. My Picks-New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans

Seriously, I picked the Titans? What was I thinking? Clearly I wasn't. I definitely didn't see my Chiefs jumping the Raiders, much less the Chargers.

NFC East Champions-Philadelphia Eagles My Pick-Dallas Cowboys
NFC North Champions-Chicago Bears My Pick-Green Bay Packers
NFC South Champions-Atlanta Falcons My Pick-Atlanta Falcons
NFC West Champions-Seattle Seahawks My Pick-San Francisco 49ers

NFC Wildcards-New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers. My Picks-New Orleans Saints, New York Giants

I completely read the NFC, because I thought that Dallas and New York were going to take the top spot. New York missed it by thismuch. I drank the 49ers Kool Aid, and it left a horrible taste in my mouth. The Seahawks...smh...there are no words for the NFC West division. None at all.

Last week, I posted a 10-6 record which brought my season total to 92-66. Not bad...So here are my picks for the Wildcard Round...

Saturday, January 8
New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks-New Orleans Saints
New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts-New York Jets

Sunday, January 9
Baltimore Ravens v. Kansas City Chiefs-I have to pick my Chiefs...I know, I had Baltimore going to the Super Bowl, but I have to go with my heart and not my brain.
Green Bay Packers v. Philadelphia Eagles-Green Bay. I picked them earlier. I'm gonna stick with the Pack.

Byes-New England, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and Chicago

Good luck, guys. Those are my wayward picks...check back to mock my failure next week...
Until next week, “It was all self-inflicted. We were in the driver’s seat. And then we were in the passenger seat. And now we’re in the back seat.”-Keith Bullock. Go Chiefs!!!!

Predictions that Went Horribly, Horribly Wrong

What's up, everybody!!! I don't know about everybody else, but I'm just about ready to put that bird in the oven, mash those potatoes, and throw that gravy in the boat, and celebrate Thanksgiving-the day we are thankful for all we have received through the year and celebrate with gluttony and football. But, before we get to the turkey, it is the time of the year when DianaDishes likes to look back and recall the predictions we made at the beginning of the football season. Trust me, my predictions are about as competent as the person who thought it was a good idea to give Sarah Palin a reality show...Clearly, not that smart.

Let's start in the AFC East. These were my picks back in September:

1. New York Jets
2. New England Patriots
3. Miami Dolphins
4. Buffalo Bills

I didn't do to bad a job picking the East. Currently, the Patriots (6-1) are in first followed by the Jets (5-2), the Dolphins (3-4), and the Bills (0-7). I didn't think the Bills would be that bad...bad, but not that bad. Even though the Patriots are rolling right now, it is not entirely inconceivable that the Jets can come back and take the East.

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Houston Texans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars

I have to brag a little with the AFC South...Totally, nailed the South, and truly I feel that it will end this way. The Colts (5-2) are in 1st followed by the Titans (5-3), the Texans (4-3), and the Jaguars (4-4). This race will come down to the wire, but I don't think I'm stepping out on a limb to say that Peyton and the Colts will take the South.

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Cleveland Browns
   

Well, I got two of these right anyway. I figured Baltimore (5-2) would be in first, but I didn't think Pittsburgh (5-2) would be tied at 1st with them. I figured that Cleveland (2-5) would be in last place, but I really, REALLY didn't expect the Bengals (2-5) to be tied in last place with them or that T. O. and Ocho would have a show together...The Bengals and that show are more than an atrocity...Sorry, Marvin Lewis. I'm still holding with Baltimore, but the North will have two teams in the playoffs.

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Denver Broncos
4. Oakland Raiders

The AFC West has been the biggest surprise of the year, especially for me. I am a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, and I expected improvement adding the rookies Eric Berry, Javier Arenas, and Dexter McCluster, as well as, coordinators Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel. Seriously though, how many of you would have had the Chiefs (5-2) in first place, the Raiders (4-4) in second, followed by San Diego (3-5) and Denver (2-6). Yeah, me either. I'm not ruling out San Diego making their annual comeback, but I'm riding or dying with my Chiefs. GO CHIEFS!!!

The NFC...The NFC is the ugly stepsister to the AFC, and this year has been as wide open as ever.

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys
2. New York Giants
3. Washington Redskins
4. Philadelphia Eagles

See, I should have know that I couldn't trust the Dallas Cowboys. I go and pick the enemy, and they fail...wait a minute, did I jinx them...Bwah-ha-ha-haaaaaa. Anyway, I should have gone with Brother Eli, because the Giants (5-2) are looking down on the Eagles (4-3), the Redskins (4-4), and the Cowboys (1-6). Let's say that again, the Cowboys are 1-6. I am without words. So, I'll say Eli and the Giants will be the one's still standing at the end.

NFC South

1. Atlanta Falcons
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I chose the Atlanta Falcons, because I didn't, I couldn't, I wouldn't take the Saints to repeat. I thought the Bucs were going to show much improvement, but I didn't expect this. The Falcons (5-2) and the Bucs (5-2) are in first, followed by the Saints (5-3) and the Panthers (1-6). I still think the Falcons will take the South. Yeah, Raheem, I said it.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Chicago Bears
4. Detroit Lions

Yeah, I thought Minnesota would fall off a bit, but to fall to a tie with the Lions, I didn't see that coming. The Packers (5-3) are in first followed by the Bears (4-3), the Vikings (2-5), and the Lions (2-5). Even with their multiple injuries, I still see the Pack winning the North.

NFC West

1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. Seattle Seahawks
4. St. Louis Rams

Apparently, I sipped the Mike Singletary Kool-Aid, because I really thought the 49ers were on their way to the top...yeah, not so much. The Seahawks (4-3) have rebound and are now in 1st followed by the Sam Bradford led Rams (4-4), the Cardinals (3-4), and the 49ers (1-6) are in last. I'm going to take a chance and say that the Rams will win the West. Why not?

Here were my playoff picks:
AFC Wildcards-New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans
NFC Wildcards-New Orleans Saints, New York Giants

AFC Champions-Baltimore Ravens...I said it...I mean it...It will probably be wrong...but I'm telling you. I feel like this is going to be the Ravens year.

NFC Champions-Green Bay Packers...After much soul searching, I chose Green Bay. I don't know why. I just did. (Saints are making me re-think this right about now.)

Super Bowl XLV Champions-Baltimore Ravens

I think the Giants will win the East, so I'm picking Chicago to be the other wildcard. I'm switching my AFC wildcard to Pittsburgh. I'm going to stick with my AFC Champs and NFC Champs. I am also sticking with Baltimore ultimately winning (watch Pittsburgh or New England mess it up).

I didn't jump ship too badly this time. Maybe my new predictions will turn out better, or maybe there is a short in my crystal ball. Anyway, until next time, "Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life."~Sophia Loren

DianaDishes Predictions Sure to Go Wrong...

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!!! The long break is over!! It's time for some football!!! It's hard to believe that the NFL season ended 214 days ago with the New Orleans Saints lifting the Lombardi Trophy and celebrated with a party the size of which the Big Easy has never seen, and may never see again. Tonight, the Saints are going to take the field against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings, the team they snuffed out in the AFC Championship game.

So, everyone is giving their two cents about who will win in which conference, and why they will be the team to be the first to hold up the Lombardi Trophy while standing on the Star in Cowboy Stadium. Well, that's not me. I'm not going to spend a lot of time telling you that I perused a lot of magazines to come up with my opinion (I did, but that's not how I came up with them). I could tell you that I've spent every waking moment watching NFL Live, Sportscenter, NFL Total Access, but I'd be lying, because I've spent most of my time watching Investigation Discovery, which gives me a weekly dose of my favorite news correspondent, Troy Roberts (Happy Birthday, Troy!). Yes, I could lie to you, but I'm going to be honest. I'm pulling this pretty much out of my...well, you get the picture.

AFC East

1. New York Jets
2. New England Patriots
3. Miami Dolphins
4. Buffalo Bills

I truly do believe that Rex Ryan's defense is going to eat up the AFC East. Although Tom Brady is playing for a new contract, he has to deal with a petulant Randy Moss, who wants a new contract. God only knows what's happening in Miami with Chad Henne behind center, and even though they managed to pull in Brandon Marshall. Buffalo...well, at least you had the 90's.

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Houston Texans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Let's face it, this is Peyton's division to lose. Tennessee and Houston have both improved, but I doubt they will knock off Peyton. Watch they prove me wrong. David Garrard, you've always got that super-fly velvet jacket, and Maurice Jones-Drew, you've got video evidence that you knocked down Shawne Merriman. Thaaat's about it, Jacksonville. See ya, in LA unless the Chargers beat you there, too.

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Cleveland Browns

Time is winding down for the scariest man in the NFL Ray Lewis, and I think these guys are going to try to bring home one more ring for Ray-Ray. Cincinnati tasted the good life last year, and it was sweet, but I don't see them repeating. I still don't understand why anybody in Cincy thought it was a good idea to start TO and his little Buddy OchoCinco on the same time. Pittsburgh may surprise us once Big Ben is let out of the naughty boys box (jerk). Sorry, Mike Tomlin, I hope y'all finish behind Cleveland. Cleveland...I got nothing.

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Denver Broncos
4. Oakland Raiders

Even with the injuries and hold-outs in San Diego, I still think the Chargers are the team to beat in the West. Kansas City hired new coordinators, and well...and they are my team. I will not put the Donks or Crazy Al's body shop Raiders, who aren't much better, ahead of my Chiefs. I really do think they will surprise some people this year. They may even beat the Chargers on Monday Night Football, but I would be insane if I said I thought they were going to win the division.

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys
2. New York Giants
3. Washington Redskins
4. Philadelphia Eagles

I don't really care...I hope they all rip each other apart. That said. Eli, do me a favor. Reclaim the East. The last thing I need is Cowboys fans winning number 6 before the 49ers, much less winning it in Dallas. Washington is a mess, and Philly has a new quarterback (They are still probably better than me Chiefs.

NFC South

1. Atlanta Falcons
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I believe that Atlanta will be much better this year with Matt Ryan entering his 3rd season and his second with Tony Gonzalez. Now, y'all know, I was going to mention TG. Don't hate me Saints fans. I love the Saints just as much as anybody, but I don't see them repeating. Carolina will be better, and Tampa Bay will get to see what Josh Freeman has in him...but maybe next year for both.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Chicago Bears
4. Detroit Lions

I have a feeling that Aaron Rodgers and the Pack are going to run rough shot over the NFC North. I don't care that Lord Favre did decide to grace us with another year. Chicago...Nice knowing you, Lovie. Detroit...you've got Matt Stafford and Ndom..Ndam...*Google* Ndamukong Suh...

NFC West

1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. Seattle Seahawks
4. St. Louis Rams

Mike Singletary finally found a way to win with them, and he will continue to do it now that Kurt Warner has left the Arizona Cardinals in the capable hands of...Derek Anderson. It worked well in Cleveland, right...oh, yeah. Matt Hasselbeck will get hurt, and Sam Bradford plays for St. Louis...

AFC Wildcards-New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans
NFC Wildcards-New Orleans Saints, New York Giants

AFC Champions-Baltimore Ravens...I said it...I mean it...It will probably be wrong...but I'm telling you. I feel like this is going to be the Ravens year.

NFC Champions-Green Bay Packers...After much soul searching, I chose Green Bay. I don't know why. I just did. (Saints are making me re-think this right about now.)

Super Bowl XLV Champions-Baltimore Ravens

Well, there they are DianaDishes Predictions Sure to go Wrong. Feel free to tell me that I'm a moron in the comment section. Just remember, you can't call me anything that I haven't been called all ready, probably by my mom...

Enjoy the season! I need to go check my five fantasy teams. Until next time, "There are truths of which I have an inkling, but of most I have only a penciling."~Robert Brault

Fantasy Defense Report

Happy Labor day weekend, everybody! I hope everyone is enjoying what I am sure is a three day weekend for most people. This is the last of my fantasy reports. This week I'm looking at the fantasy Defense/Special Teams. You usually can begin to pick up a good D/ST around the 6th or 7th round of your draft. I would not pick one earlier than that. Here are the teams that I'm looking to be top performers this year. I don't rank them. These are the teams I'm hunting for when I'm planning my draft.

The New York Jets. The stars of Hard Knocks, Rex Ryan and his defense are the toast of the town these days. Last season, the Jets and Darelle Revis, who just signed this morning have wrecked havoc all over the AFC West. They led the league giving up only 236 points last season. They recovered 14 fumbles and had 17 interceptions, led by Revis and his 6 INTs, scoring 2 touchdowns. The defense also had 32 sacks led by Calvin Pace with 8 and David Harris with 5.5. According to ESPN.com, the Jets scored 161 fantasy points last season. They are projecting them to have a 133 points this season.

The Baltimore Ravens. This team, too, was once the star of Hard Knocks, and it is an appropriate title for a group lead by one of the most fearsome guys in the league, Mr. Ray Lewis. The Ravens gave up only 261 points last season. They had 32 sacks led by Jarrat Johnson with 6 and Trevor Price with 6.5. They had 10 fumble recovers and 22 INTS, Dawan Landry and Dominique Foxworth led the team with 4 INTS each, for 3 touchdowns. They scored 153 fantasy points in 2009 and are projected to score 119 this season.

The San Francisco 49ers. One of my old favorites, the 49ers have been on an upswing since Mike Singletary became head coach, and they drafted the gorgeous Patrick Willis. The Niners allowed 281 points last season. They were tied for second place in the league with 44 sacks, led by Manny Lawson with 6.5, Justin Smith and Ahmad Brooks with 6 each. They recovered 15 fumbles and snatched 18 picks led by Dashon Goldson with 4 INTS. They led the league with 167 fantasy points last season and are projected to score 117 points this season.

The Green Bay Packers. I personally have drafted the Pack this year, even though they are not one of my favorite teams. I recognize the skill. The Pack put the quarterback down last year with 37 sacks, led by Clay Matthews with 10 (I love me some Clay Matthews). The Pack recovered 11 fumbles and had 30 picks, 9 of which were Charles Woodson's, last season for 4 touchdowns (3 scored by Woodson). Last season, they scored 152 fantasy points and are projected to earn 112 this season.

The Minnesota Vikings. While I don't particularly care for what's going on on the offensive side of the ball, there is no denying that the Vikes are a defensive team to be reckoned with. The Vikes gave up 312 points last season. They led the league with 48 sacks, with Jared Allen taking the lead with 14.5 sacks. They also had 13 fumble recoveries and 11 interceptions, led by Cedric Griffin with 4 INTs. Last season, they scored 126 fantasy points and are projected to earn 112 this season.

Other Top Ten Fantasy D/STs: The Dallas Cowboys, The Philadelphia Eagles, The Pittsburgh Steelers, The Cincinnati Bengals, and The New Orleans Saints (get well soon, Darren Sharper).

Rookie on the Rise: Ndamukong Suh from Nebraska. All eyes are on the number 2 pick in Detroit, who has all ready picked up his first fine for practically body slamming a quarterback. In 2009, he had 12 sacks, 82 tackles (47 solo), and an interception. He had 212 career tackles and 23 sacks at Nebraska. Good luck with the Lions young man...

Well, that's it y'all! No, I will not be doin a post on kickers. Because they are kickers...just pick one. Last year's great, will be this year's goat. Good luck...