Adrian Peterson and remembering what’s important

"Said my homeboy Reek, he just lost one of his kids

And when I heard that I just broke into tears

And see in the second hand; you don't really know how this is

But when it hits that close to home you feel the pain at the crib

So I called mine, and saddened my wife with the bad news

Now we both depressed, countin’ our blessings cause Brad's two

Prayin’ for young souls to laugh at life through the stars

Lovin’ your kids just like you was ours

And I'm hurtin’ for you dog; but ain't nobody pain is like yours

I just know that heaven'll open these doors

And ain't no bright side to losin’ life; but you can view it like this

God's got open hands homey, he in the midst… of good company

Who loves all and hates not one

And one day you gon' be wit your son

I could've rapped about my hard times on this song

But heaven knows I woulda been wrong" - Scarface (This Can't Be Life)

Sometimes we forget that the world isn’t simple. Football players are many things other than a mechanism for point gathering on our favorite teams (or fantasy teams, for that matter.) I was happy about the outpouring of sympathy and empathy for All Day after the news about the death of his son.  While there were people who said things like "AD better be playing on Sunday" because of their fantasy teams, the response has mostly been positive. On the other hand, I also understand that concern for NFL stars’ personal lives doesn’t rank highly on people’s radars. It’s a sad, sad story all the way around. 

Today will have  a shorter post just discussing the games viewable in Denver and NY

Early Games

CBS

Pittsburgh @ New York Jets (NY)

Jacksonville @ Denver  (CO)

None of these games should be fun to watch. The Jets should grind out an ugly game against the Steelers. Denver should miss out on covering their crazy +27.5 point spread. Out of the games this year only 5 had a point differential over 27.5

FOX

Green Bay @ Baltimore (CO) 

Should be a competitive game between former Super Bowl winners. Both teams need a win as they play in extremely competitive "North" divisions (NFC North and AFC North)

Late Game

New Orleans @ New England  (NY)

This should be the best game of the  weekend. This game features a match up 2 of the best QB's of the past decade. Brees is leading his team to a divisional championship. 

Sunday Night

Washington @ Dallas

The NFC East has been a profound disappointment this year. The Cowboys might clinch the division with a win here, and I'm only half joking. Dallas has played well this year, however Washington does a good job in Dallas. This game will be really close and fun to watch. 

Monday Night

Indianapolis @ San Diego

Both of these AFC teams were considered to be dead in the water when the season started. Now they are playoff contenders. Both have been helped by amazing QB play. Rivers has put up a Comeback Player of the Year season and Luck may be a borderline MVP candidate (as much as non-Peyton Manning players can be MVP candidates this year)