My ever inflated ego would love to believe everyone had the date marked on their calendar for this column’s return. My stronger grip on reality takes the “oh please, not HER again approach.

I wanted to include her photo in her very fetching Saints beanie but alas the picture was too large

Of course, one advantage is I get to proudly post my Meemaw photo of our newest little sports fan – my little Noodle, Davina. She has gear for every game – Cal, San Jose State (her Auntie Ashleigh goes there), the Saints and the Raiders. On a good weekend, we’ll need to change her clothes several times.

It’ll be interesting to watch nastiness, dirty plays and antagonism for a change that doesn’t involve a SCOTUS nominee.

So onward…..random thoughts for the new season:

Flyboy and I decided we’d give the league another chance this year.  We’ll see if the networks stick to their guns and don’t give these asshat players a spotlight for their anthem antics.  I say broadcast the anthem, networks – there will be at least ONE fine military man or woman or police officer at attention and saluting that you can focus on.  Or the crowd signing (because they do – off-key and badly in many cases, but with all the pride in their country they can muster).

Nike is doubling down and broadcasting the Krapperdick “sacrifice” ad during the game.  I see vacant chairs, beers being pulled from refrigerators, channels being switched momentarily.  Lot of money to put out for a commercial no one’s going to watch, Nike.  Well, that’s not true.  I’ll watch if the “Krapperdick sacrifice” has something to do with a rotisserie and an open spit.  Nike’s new slogan?  Just D0-fuss.

Oh, and Krapperdick’s kneeling partner in crime, Eric Reid, safety for the 49ers, was also given his release in May and as of yet is still unemployed.  And I couldn’t be happier.  He can watch the games at Krapper’s house while all the rest of their little friends are out playing.

So here it is – at my house, the buzz is how the Raiders will do under Gruden and the loss of Kahlil Mack.  Also, we ask ourselves = will the Saints repeat their fantastic season of 2009?  My answer to that is no — hell can only freeze over once….

So I hope the beer is cold, the wings are spicy and the chips and dips are ready, because HERE WE GO……

The NFL Matchups

Bills @ Ravens
Steelers @ Browns
Bengals @ Colts
Titans @ Dolphins
49ers @Vikings
Texans @ Patriots
Buccaneers @ Saints
Jaguars @ Giants
Chiefs @ Chargers
Redskins @ Cardinals
Cowboys @ Panthers
Seahawks @ Broncos
Bears @ Green Bay

Monday’s Games (the annual Two-Fer!)
Jets @ Lions
Rams @ Raiders

In the MLB, here’s what the Boys of Summer are up to (now that football has hit the airwaves, your best bet to catch will be ESPN (ugh!) or your local station not carrying the football game.  Of course you could buy one of those TV packages):

Indians @ Blue Jays
Orioles @ Rays
Phillies @ Mets
Padres @ Reds
Cardinals @ Tigers
Cubs @ Nationals
Marlins @ Pirates
Royals @ Twins
Angels @ White Sox
Giants @ Brewers
Dodgers @ Rockies
Rangers @ Athletics
Braves @ D-Backs
Yankees @ Mariners
Astros @ Red Sox

In the PGA, the BMW Championship from Newtown Square PA (CW – your backyard?) had some pretty impressive play by Tiger Woods in the opening round.  Interesting that Tiger leaves the game after a major scandal, eats several humble pies, and returns after rest and recuperation.  And the result?  He’s brought back the crowds to the lesser tournaments.  Sure, you see huge galleries at the Masters, the U.S. Open, the Players and the PGA Championship, but when you get that sized gallery at the Bridgestone, it’s a feat.  Also full props to Tiger for not taking the bait and the opportunity to trash Trump last week.  American sports fans do love to embrace their errant kids.  (Uh, not to fast, Krapperdick – I said “errant kids” – not juvenile delinquents – you can go sit over there with Michael Vick).