The Armchair Quarterback’s Guide To The NFL: Week 13

The Armchair Quarterback’s Take Of The Week

32 Things That I Am Thankful For This NFL Season

Author Note: Keep in mind that these are coming from a die-hard Kansas City fan that is slightly cranky coming off of two straight loses.

I am thankful that the New England Patriots have overcome all the injuries they have suffered. The league is more interesting when Tom Brady and Darth Hoodie are a force in the league.

I am thankful that the Miami Dolphins are still fighting and playing competitive football despite all the “bullying” distractions they’ve faced. There are a lot of good players/men on that team that don’t deserve to have their season ruined by that drama.

I am thankful that the New York Jets have won just enough games that Rex Ryan may get to keep his job. His press conferences are always good for some entertaining sound bites.

I am thankful that the Buffalo Bills are getting some return on the investment they made in Mario Williams. When a smaller market team shells out the cash to sign a star player it can be a complete train wreck if they don’t produce. This season Williams is producing.

I am thankful that the Cincinnati Bengals’ Giovani Bernard looks like the real deal. Selfishly, I thought he could be a break out player in Cincy’s offense so I grabbed him in several fantasy leagues. Now just get the guy some more touches!

I am thankful that the Baltimore Ravens’ TE Dennis Pitta has begun practicing again. When they let Anquan Boldin leave, Pitta was supposed to fill the roll as Joe Flacco’s security blanket. If they get him back and squeeze into the playoffs, watch out.

I am thankful that the Pittsburgh Steelers are struggling with Todd Haley as their offensive coordinator. Sorry Steeler fans, the guy was a hot mess when he coached my favorite team and then wrote “Chiefs Suck!” on a bar napkin. He has to go.

I am thankful that the Cleveland Browns have shown so much fight this season despite not having a QB and trading away their “star” running back. That team is a good QB away from being a force in the AFC.

I am thankful that the Indianapolis Colts are coming back down to earth. Look, it’s just not fair that you got Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck back to back. Most teams have to suffer through about 12 horrible QBs before they find a true star, you got them back to back. Jealous? Yes, yes I am.

I am thankful that the Tennessee Titans found a #1 WR option in Kendall Wright. After wasting a top pick on Kenny Britt (who looks absolutely worthless) it’s nice that they were able to redeem themselves with Wright who has been their best offensive player this season.

I am thankful that the Jacksonville Jaguars have shown some fight and won a few games so that coach Gus Bradley should be allowed to come back. I think Bradley is a good coach and would like to see what he could do with a real QB and some more roster talent.

I’m thankful that the Houston Texans…………okay, I’ll be honest, the only thing I’m thankful for when it comes to the Texans is that they’ve slumped this year. I thought they would be the most complete team in the AFC, and now that’s one less team my Chiefs have to worry about. Plus, I’m bitter that I pick them to win every week and they keep letting me down.

I am thankful that my beloved Kansas City Chiefs have risen from the ashes of the most miserable season I have ever seen last year and are 9-2. They may have lost two straight, but after last season, that’s nothing.

I am thankful that the Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning doesn’t like cold weather. I hope it blizzards this week in Kansas City (it’s not suppose to). Truth be told, I’m guessing that the Broncos will win the AFC West, but good luck winning a Super Bowl that’s played outside in New York this year!

I am thankful that the San Diego Chargers…………sorry, I can’t do it. The loss is just too fresh in my mind. Bitter? Yes, yes I am. At least Andy Reid boxed out your loud mouth QB. That was the highlight of the game for me (sadly).

I am thankful that the Oakland Raiders were in such bad shape when the current regime took over. If they hadn’t been, I think Oakland would be a real force because I think their current coaching staff and general manager have some real potential to get things turned around if given time.

I am thankful that the Dallas Cowboys never change. It’s nice to know there will always be plenty of talent on the roster, but just enough crazy in the owner’s box to keep them from being really good.

I am thankful that the Philadelphia Eagles aren’t trying to make Nick Foles run a college read option offense. Chip Kelly has had the smarts to see what Foles can do and tailor the offense to get the most out of him in a big way. His 16 TDs, no INTs, and 9.59 yards per attempt should have Philly fans excited about the future.

I am thankful the New York Giants have rebounded from an 0-6 start to win 4 of their last 5 games. I’m a fan of Tom Coughlin and didn’t want to see him run out of town if the season continued to be as miserable as those first six weeks were.

I am thankful that the Washington Redskins keep feeding Alfred Morris the ball despite all the hype around RGIII and the fact that they are losing games. This isn’t a fantasy thing, Morris is just one of my favorite players in the NFL and a great all around story.

I am thankful that the Detroit Lions showcase what an absolute freak Calvin Johnson is every week. He is one of the best players of this generation.

I am thankful that the Chicago Bears offense keeps putting up numbers, because that defense has issues.

I am thankful that the Green Bay Packers are getting a taste of what other teams have to deal with. Aaron Rodgers will be back soon, but in the meantime, welcome to life without a Hall of Famer behind center!

I am thankful that the Minnesota Vikings are able to keep featuring the brilliance of Adrian Peterson despite the fact that they have no passing game to keep defenses honest. Like Calvin Johnson, Peterson is one of the players that is just amazing to watch.

I am thankful that the New Orleans Saints proved me wrong and are once again among the league’s best. New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in the world and they deserve a winner.

I am thankful that the Carolina Panthers are proving the doubters wrong. It seems like there was a TON of negativity thrown towards the Panthers and Cam Newton last season, now they are one of the three best teams in the NFC.

I am thankful that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t give up on their season. They have some talent on that roster and I thought that they would quit on their coach after the season started poorly. I give those players credit, they’re still fighting every week.

I am thankful that the Atlanta Falcons are hitting rock bottom. Sorry, you should have sent Tony Gonzalez back to Kansas City instead trying to save face. I mean, what has keeping him accomplished? The mid round pick you could have landed for him sounds pretty good now, doesn’t it?

I am thankful that the Seattle Seahawks aren’t always flashy. In a league that seems to focus exclusively on the pass, they play smash mouth football and great defense. They’ve had some close calls, but they play so tough every week.

I am thankful that the San Francisco 49ers are having to fight it out for a playoff spot this season. Coaching in the NFL seems to have just been too easy for Jim Harbaugh. I don’t wish the 49ers any ill will, but Harbaugh needed to know that in the NFL, nothing comes easy.

I am thankful that the Arizona Cardinals keep proving me wrong. I keep picking against them, they keep winning. Good for them. They are the “Ying” to the Houston Texans “Yang”.

I am thankful that the St. Louis Rams have found a way to win without their star QB. This is another team that could have quit on the season, but Jeff Fisher has kept this team in it.

Now it’s on to the Armchair Quarterback’s Week 13 predictions……