Matt in KC

When we drafted Goodwin, we already had "that type of player" on the roster, which meant to me that we were going to consider their skills an important part of the offense, designing enough plays that require speed that they can weather an injury without truncating the playbook.

Are the Chiefs a that good? No, you can't extrapolate and say they are likely to go undefeated. But they are a good team. With the start they have, I think they end up around 13-3 (if the Bills beat them, amend that to 12-4). Still, this might not be enough to win the AFC West. The Chiefs are showing what a difference good coaching (and better luck) makes this year. A lot has been said already, so I'll just call out a couple points. I have not been impressed with Alex Smith. He refuses to throw the ball into coverage. Bowe wants to wrestle someone for the ball, but he's just not getting the targets. But, Smith seems to be loosening up a bit as the year progresses. This might be the game where that costs him. Because of Smith's cautiousness, he's gone to his speed recievers more, especially on short crossing routes where they can ge open and run after the catch. Avery was his favorite at the start of the year, but, even though the depth chart remains the same, Dexter McCluster seems to be #1 in that role now, but Avery will still get a few shots. The way we've been covering punts, McCluster could very well score for the Chiefs if his first few steps are to his right, away from Marcus Easley. On defense, it all starts with NT Dontari Poe,(despite the media focus on Tamba Hali). Poe has 4.5 sacks so far, 3 passes blocked and has been a real force in the middle. Hali, with his 9 sacks and 4 forced fumbles, deserves the credit he gets, but is less essential to their defense than Poe in my opinion.

Part of my reaction is that you're articulating my fear about Goodwin. I just don't see the evidence to go there yet. What happened with Roscoe has nothing to do with Goodwin. I've been hopeful he's more solid because I see him initiating a lot of contact and he seems to like it. I think there's a certain feel players get for the contact and they get better at flowing with it when they get comfortable. [Off-topic, but this is exactly my concern with Manuel, he looks completely awkward with any conact.]

I think Graham is a little more polished than Goodwin at this point. But, the fact that it's close is a huge compliment to Goodwin, who I think has a much higher ceiling. If and when the playoffs are out of reach, we should be giving Goodwin more playing time to mature. Until then, cycle him in occasionally, and let him run back kickoffs. The area I see Goodwin as much better is blocking.

At first glance, I thought you should do it. Why keep 2 TEs like that...? But the more I look, the less I like it. Graham is scoring more per week than Thomas, you can use him as a flex, and Thomas won't help your WRs with their bye weeks. And, Cameron has his bye week #10. I'd decline this trade and counter back D Thomas for Cameron. My other thought is you trying to upgrade at RB instead. You seem pretty thin at RB for a 10 team league.

So, that time Goodwin dove for the ball, and you thought he might be hurt (but wasn't) is an example of how he gets hurt often like Roscoe? Or maybe this time, when he hurt his elbow, but seems to have a great attitude and is playing through it.... We have a young developing players with some skills beyond what anyone else has on the roster. He seems to be doing fine for a first year WR.

I'd say a big play or two earns the Bills a TD, and they get a FG or two. J. Charles, and McCluster each get a TD, and a third comes from somewhere else late in the game (defense?) + 2-3 FGs Result: Bills 10-13 points; up to 20 if they can get a defense/Special Teams TD. Chiefs: 27-30

I don't see any way he ever takes the field wearing #78, but still. I think, like us, it's going to take the Bills a matter of hours to see this, then set it straight.

That's crazy! The number isn't officially retired, but still....

Chiefs 27 Bills 16

I loved the use of small text, but won't repeat what you said....

Bloody hell!

While Leonard has played better than I expected, that makes him just what we purchased: a veteran that isn't exceptional, but is a good low-end starter. I think Byrd has been playing very well, from what I've seen. In broad strokes, I'd say: Leonard - makes good decisions, but may be a step behind at times; not as physical or a solid tackler Searcy - A bigger young guy who is pretty fast and likes to hit. He tackles well, but may be out of position or late, but appears to be developing. Williams - better coverage skills than the above, and has made good decisions this year. He's still prone to some mistakes, but appears to be continuing to improve. (Though he hasn't played as well as the start of the year IMO, I cut him a lot of slack for jumping between positions.) Byrd - He has been flying around and is clearly a cut above the others listed here. He's starting to look like he's in game-shape. While he "sells out" throwing his body into tackles, he comes off as smaller, and doesn't bring the same force as Aaron Williams. (I was just shocked to see on the roster that he's listed 4 pounds heavier than A. Williams!?) Duke Williams - Not ready for prime time. He's a worse DB than Justin Rogers at this point, but that's not a knock on him. He's a very young player who will need at least a year to be able to hold his own on the field, and may never get there.

I've been looking at the charts each time you update them, Big Cat, and really appreciate your efforts. I like the detail, but agree with Dibs, in that when I look at it, that's the exercise I'm eyeballing to see what they mean (i.e. short-yardage vs. medium or long runs).

Why do I feel like the joke ended up being on me?

What a joyous day for them! We mock this guy sometimes, but it's nice to see him and his hob-goblin friends so happy!

I could see the Dolphins beating NE, though I still favor the Pats outright. (I agree w JR on the rushing game being the reason) I think the Jets/Cinci game is a toss-up, or slightly favoring the Bengals. I don't think Cromartie can cover AJ Green, and don't think the Jets can likely run effectively on the Bengals. If I had to pick another underdog to win this week, it would be the Raiders over Steelers, or Giants over Eagles. The Giants are a team I just don't think is as bad as their record and could "awaken" any given week.

I would rather have Demaryius Thomas and Tony Gonzalez.

I think I'd probably only consider the below, in this order: Steelers or Eagles - This is close and I don't really trust either one. Giants - if Vick is out they might be my favorites Miami - I think they match up well against the Pats.

Baltimore works. 2001 looks like it should have had a Home game for he Bills, but I just read here that the current rotation started in 2002. Cincinnati work too. Indi works too. What specifically do you think doesn't match the scheduling pattern at this link since 2002? Or were you looking back before 2002? http://johnnyroadtrip.com/schedules/nfl_future_afce.htm Remember, the Home vs Away alternates every 3 years for all AFC teams, the between years if they are played (based on previous year's division rank) follow a different alternation: A-A-H-H-A-A-H-H.

I would make the trade. It looks like Gordon would normally start for you, but not Ivory. I too picked up and am planning to play Ivory as a bye-week cover. I also think Khiry Robinson is going to have a big week against us, especially coming off a bye. I don't quite have the guts to play him though. I have Ivory and Mike James this week (Forte and Foster on a bye week).

Holy cow! You might have warned me about the spoiler!

Thanks. That's what I suspected, but with the criticism of the link I was open to learning more. So, there's nothing wrong with the link. You just need to realize the divisions listed at the bottom each year mean the team that finished with your rank in that division.

What determines the home vs. away for future opponents, or is it just randomly determined at the time of scheduling: two home, two away from each division?

I neglected to call out McKelvin's good play. He looks like a legitimate starting CB. What a nice change!