Better than expected, actually. 10 and six and 25th place in my football pool. No disgrace.

I went wrong on the Giants, Saints, Bills, Chiefs, Seahawks and Packers. Philadelphia saved my butt with that late touchdown and I think I have a certain back-up long snapper to thank for getting the San Diego-Oakland game right. And thank goodness I didn't withdraw my pick of Tampa over Carolina as I was thinking of doing -- I look like a pro with that pick!

I think I was even good enough to tie a Fannation friend who cheers for Oakland. 10-6 for you too?

And what do we make of that San Diego-Oakland game anyway? The Chargers offense looked anemic (or was it the Raiders defense that was spectacular?) and Oakland probably would have won if it weren't for the injury to their long snapper (and their complete failure to prepare their backup long snapper for the possibility that he might have to step in there!).

Or should we blame the Carson-Palmer led offense which was so ineffective that it forced Oakland into punting situations so often? Isn't there a point where, as a coach, you just say to yourself: f--- it. We'll go on fourth down every time rather than risk another punt attempt!?

In the other Monday night game, that was some buzz saw Cincy found itself facing, wasn't it? You gotta like what you saw from Baltimore (on both offense and defense) against a Bengals team that everyone expects to compete this season. Does Ray Lewis ever get old? How about Ed Reed? And that no huddle offense seems to be making a real difference for Joe Flacco and his suddenly formidable offensive squad.

Key player for Baltimore's O: I'd say it's that fullback, Vonta Leach. He's coming into his second year with the Ravens and they're starting to figure out how much of a difference-maker he can be.

I've got to make my picks for next week now and I'm still trying to sort through that Oakland game. My faith in the Chargers has been shaken even despite the win but what do I do with the Raiders?