#me and the sans levi card have something so special going on

[tentacletournament]

Be careful if you did get rain world because of us, the game is extremely difficult. Underneath however, you’ll find a very unique and charming experience.

the only game im capable of playing is dating sims and even then i have a hard time doing the mini games

[ghostmartyr]

SnK 111 Thoughts

If this chapter doesn’t have forty pages of chibi Eren wandering through the woods asking where his nii-san is, what even is the point.

(The point is Drama.

Intrigue.

Fluid.)

Thanks, I hate it?

So yikes, we have a proper ballgame going and everything is awful leading into the ninth inning. It’s going to be extra innings with Paradis’ chief closer out of commission, up against their rival team. Truly one for the record books, people.

First thing is actually first, where the manga, in a fit of hysterics, gives me something I wanted: Numbers.

Over a hundred people have joined Eren’s side, deserting their posts. The suspicion is that they’ve done this out of the belief that the people with the power to rain down armageddon are maybe the safest shadows to hide under, and hey, with all the waffling their government has done about solving the problem of the whole world wanting them dead, why not?

For the larger groups, everything makes a simple amount of sense.

Eren has power, so people gather behind him.

Eren has power, so Paradis will yield to it for the sake of survival.

It’s a bit of a horrifying story, and one that I always take some joy in seeing. There comes a point where individuals have so much power where the only thing stopping them from changing the world however they see fit is their own boundaries.

Whatever Eren’s boundaries are, they’ve changed. He’s willing to kill children for the sake of his mission.

He is the most powerful card Paradis has, and without him, they have nothing.

Leaving them stuck doing whatever he wants them to.

It’s a similar tactic to the one he uses to drag the Survey Corps into his massacre; they need Eren, so they have no choice but to come support him in the choices he’s made as an individual. Everything else falls away in the face of the power Eren wields.

Yeah, the head of their government has been assassinated by his cult. Along with several other lives.

So?

Does that fundamentally change anything?

Does Paradis somehow need the Founding Titan less now that their command is facing disarray?

For a story so often pointing out that if you don’t fight, you can’t win, it’s pretty damn... something that the main character has all but removed the ability of a party he’s allied with to fight. They can’t resist him, and he knows it, and he’s exploiting it at his convenience.

Putting Zeke’s location on the negotiating table is cute, and a nice stall tactic in theory, but for all that Pixis says it’s not submission, Paradis is powerless.

If they don’t conduct rumbling experiments, they have no protection against the world.

They can’t conduct rumbling experiments unless they let the Yeager Bros come into contact.

If the Yeager Bros come into contact, they can do whatever the hell they want.

Which they have already been doing, so picture all of this, only more.

Pixis’ decision is really the only one he can make if he doesn’t want their people at each other’s throats. They can’t publicize how their one and only hope is willing to dismantle their government. They can’t publicize that they can’t trust their military to be acting in the interests that the government puts forth.

There’s a delicate balance here, with the balance being a complete lie because security has already toppled off and discovered that there’s no net below.

Their only prayer is someone swooping in and placing a trampoline down below before the crushing fall is completed, and there’s no guarantee of even that much happening.

If Zeke and Eren don’t want to help, no one can actually force them.

Zeke is one of two living humans in the world who can power the Founding Titan.

Eren currently has the Founding Titan.

They can’t kill Eren outside of a controlled environment, or else the Founding Titan will go who knows where. With Eren’s pile of abilities he’s nommed, fighting to subdue him will be next to impossible. With the added limitation of doing everything they can to avoid killing him?

Armin brings it up as a point of faith; if Eren has the Founding Titan, it shouldn’t matter what Zeke wants out of it.

Eren now has a cult who doesn’t blink twice at assassinating key government officials. Even if it doesn’t matter what Zeke wants, what Eren wants, or is at least willing to put up with, is heavily alarming.

“No, no, we’re not submitting. We’re negotiating.

What do you mean the only thing we have is something we’d have to hand over anyway to get what we want.”

Like.

Hell, man, talk the good game all you want to keep morale up, but you people and your entire society now rise and fall at the whim of a man who has put no effort into making himself look trustworthy.

So, you know.

Ganbatte.

Other special numbers include thirty soldiers + Levi standing in between Eren and Zeke once Eren finds Zeke, Hange, and three unnamed soldiers who are either about to be very dead, very traitor, or the coolest NPC badasses ever.

Meanwhile, Eren still has a hundred.

Just trailing around after him.

With bombs.

Considering Eren could kill most all of those people (except Levi and Hange) without help, I repeat the theme of this post that Paradis is so beyond screwed it has actually become laughable.

Another fun thing of note that only I care about is that even if Eren can’t get to Zeke, he might be able to get to Historia, and Nile appears to be in charge of her security.

The reason only I care about this is because Nile is in charge of her security, and Nile has been fed the story of Historia and NPC Farmer Guy being totes in love 5evr.

(NPC Farmer Guy has no name and no face. I declare him Red Shirt-san, and also reallllllly fucking dead. Especially if my crack theory of the carriage from last chapter rushing off to Historia was correct, meaning that Pieck, theoretically having tracked the carriages, is going to pay the Queen a visit.

Bye Nate.

(his name’s Nate your canon is invalid))

Briefly defending my descent into self-interest, Historia getting zero panels and barely any hearsay about her is driving me nuts for all sorts of reasons.

Two people (count them, two), in the entire world, are capable of drawing out the power of the Founding Titan. One of them is an untrustworthy dick. The other is Historia.

Historia, when last seen under extreme emotional duress, was of the opinion of, “fuck humanity titans did nothing wrong.”

As we can plainly see from her expression at the end of 107, there is nothing but blue skies and happiness going through her boundless considerations of humanity now, and she is most assuredly, definitely on their side as all of her friends ditch her in the middle of the woods and never visit or mention any concern for her except that one guy who has taken up murdering children, and he possibly did that in active defiance of concern for what problems it might cause her.

What could possibly go wrong.

There are about three people who hold the fate of Eldia in their hands, and we know what none of them are thinking. They also all have a much more casual relationship with murder than most of the rest of the cast.

What I’m trying to say is that Paradis your politics are boring because your livelihood hinges on three catastrophically emotionally damaged people, and all of the story’s energy is going towards keeping those people away from thought bubbles or general illumination.

If Historia, Eren, and Zeke decide that you guys die............ you die.

You possibly should have invested more in strategies that weren’t so entirely dependent on renegade children following orders.

Okay okay, enough pointing and laughing at the futility of government in shounen. Mikasa! How you liking your entire page of dialogue! Does it feel good? Does it make up for the gaping hole Eren being a nutcase is causing?

Of course it does!

I don’t know how I feel about Kiyomi, but I am glad that her relationship with Mikasa is so obvious in its self-interest. Mikasa isn’t being yanked around; she knows this person caring about her blood hasn’t translated to caring about her people.

Whatever Mikasa’s genes, Paradis is her home, and she considers herself as Eldian as anyone on it.

What’s interesting in that conversation is that Hizuru is still doing what it can to avoid being an ally of Paradis. They’re letting this one clan mess around, but unless results can be produced, the whole scheme is dead to them.

...

You know. Paradis had better start hoping that there’s still some massive secret to the Titans, because with the current knowledge available, they are just... so incredibly screwed on so many different levels.

I’m inclined to think that Kiyomi wanting Mikasa safe is one of the few shreds of honesty she has left. I’m an optimist. A child connected to the days of honor long gone... hey, it’s a romantic concept, even conniving foxes can have one last hurrah in them.

But also, Mikasa just doesn’t deserve people piling more lies on her.

A promise to protect someone calls to her heart. I’m sure Mikasa has thought those words to herself many times; whatever happens to Paradis, her priority has always been her family. Not a blood family, like Kiyomi holds on to, but one bound to her with ties of steel.

Only now her family is at odds.

Mikasa might care more about her family than anything else, but in practice, she’s a compassionate, responsible young woman. She can’t turn her back on the world just because her family has. She’s going to bleed herself dry trying to do the best for both of them.

That’s not a happy thought, because even if Mikasa, with all her strength and ability, fights for anyone in this conflict with all her heart, the concept of winning is a far off dream. Her supernatural gifts don’t make the world turn. Her gifts simply mean she might survive when everything around her explodes.

Yuck.

And also hey, Connie, I love you man, but you turn those angry eyes away from Mikasa pronto.

Then we’ve got the many trials of Nicolo.

Featuring Gabi and Falco.

...

I don’t wanna. I can skip this part.

Uggghgghghhgh.

Hell, this is a lot faster than I thought this disaster would come out, and it’s a lot grimmer than I really want and in general just ow.

Nicolo is a prisoner of war. He is allowed to cook. He finds light in cooking for people like Sasha. He’s Marleyan, and Eldians are devils, but being around them, his heart softens to them, and his role becomes something more complicated.

As a soldier, fighting the demons of Paradis is just what you do.

As a person, fighting people like Sasha, Jean, and Connie...

With a heavy heart, he can hand off laced wine to their superiors. He can continue to operate as a soldier fighting against Paradis. But the very thought of Connie and Jean being caught up in that sends him into a panic, and he falls back on racist rhetoric to cover it up.

Rhetoric his heart isn’t even in anymore, because more than killing, Nicolo finds himself in cooking. In bringing people happiness.

And Gabi killed the person who shows him that. The person who gave him solace from the hell of war.

It doesn’t matter that she’s a child, or a Warrior Candidate, or anything but the person who killed Sasha.

She cares about Falco’s life. That comes to stand as another condemnation of her. She knows what it is to care about someone? She’s valued enough that this boy is willing to jump in front of a blow meant for her?

Did she think the person she killed wasn’t?

It’s destructive and awful, and Gabi finally has a defense for herself that isn’t just brainwashed rage at the island. That girl? The one she shot? That’s the girl who shot someone she knew. Guards who watched over Warrior Candidates training, in charge of penning up Eldians, but they were still people Gabi saw a home in.

She can’t justify the loss of Sasha, but she can justify shooting back, especially at someone who just clubbed Falco in the head.

But she’s still just a brainwashed child.

Sasha’s father watches two people, profoundly touched by his daughter, ripping each other apart because they’re in pain. Sasha changes Nicolo for the better. Sasha and her path in life is what’s breaking this child.

A child is calling his daughter a devil. She’s been brought into this conflict and all she sees is the enemy, and the good there must be in fighting that enemy.

Gabi doesn’t even try to fight back when Sasha’s father holds up the knife.

She’s bleeding and in tears, and for one of the only times, she isn’t reacting with violence. She’s just a stunned little kid, wondering if the people who’ve fed and housed her on this island of evil are about to kill her. Like she killed the daughter they loved so much.

Of course the man who raised Sasha doesn’t lay a finger on her.

Of course the man who has to physically hold down his child to try to force her to stop eating so she won’t die of starvation later understands how hard the world is.

Horrific things have happened.

He isn’t going to bring one more into this world.

And Gabi... from the very start, she’s been the most passionate about becoming a Warrior. She’s going to follow in her cousin’s footsteps. She’ll commit war crimes, she’ll take on a death sentence, she’ll do whatever it takes. She’s a Warrior.

She’s a kid.

She doesn’t want these kind people to hate her.

Kaya reacts the same way Gabi has to everything so far. She charges in with the only weapon she can find, trying to kill the problem because the emotional strain of what’s actually going on is too big for her young heart to take.

Kaya, who really has been kind. Who’s the reason they’re here. Who’s been trying to get her and Falco home.

Kaya’s in tears, and Falco’s unconscious and bleeding.

All because of what Gabi’s done.

Nicolo sees the same thing.

That’s why he comes clean.

The world is such a cruel place.

They’ve got to spare the beauty where they find it.

I’m not going to touch that plot bomb, because the manga can do it for me in future chapters. Zeke having a bunch of government officials drink his spinal fluid is honestly on par with every other thing he’s done, so. One more point to the Paradis Screwed column.

So last word goes to Mikasa.

I mentioned in the chapter where Louise and Mikasa talked that Louise had seen Mikasa’s strength impact her life, but completely missed the kindness behind that strength. Mikasa is terrifying as a soldier. She’s cold and relentless.

As a person, she will ask the child who killed her friends to see her wounds, and hold her close to keep another child from hurting her.

Mikasa is kind.

Gabi has met so many good people on this island, and all of them are in tears.

It’s funny and sad that Mikasa and Armin take her into the back room to calm down. For all their lives practically, they’ve been looking after a reckless wild child who gets into fights they have to finish for him.

Gabi is as driven and passionate and full of anguish as Eren as a child, and now she’s with two of the people who know that.

Armin and Mikasa might not know how to help Eren, but they can help this little girl.

And Mikasa can keep another little girl from knowing what it’s like to knife someone in the back because they killed someone you love.

Welcome to Emotions.

Where everything is absolutely awful except maybe the people feeling them.

[chunyuan]

Xmas gift #30

This is my fanfic for @gootbuttpaladin this Christmas, I hope you like it even though it’s my first time writing something like this and it has a lot of mistakes. Anyways, Merry Xmas to you and every Ereri fan out there!

Note: No smut, sorry T_T

"Love consists of this: two solitudes that meet, protect and greet each other."

— Rainer Maria Rilke

------

Levi glares at the dead clock on the wall.

It is seven forty in the morning, but the damn clock only showed five and fifty. Since when did the clock die? He remembers changing the batteries two weeks ago. Then he remembers the clock has been running for more than ten years, and it is breaking down more often than ever.

Damn that clock. He is going to be late for work now. He must get up, find something to eat quick and maybe call a cab. Since going by bus is not really an option if he wanted to show up before nine. That is how much time you waste when you choose to live thirteen kilometers away from where you work.

However, as he gets up to the bathroom, passing the damn calendar, does he remember that today is the first day of his maternity leave. He cussed himself for being old and forgetting things easily.

Yes, Levi Ackerman is pregnant at six months. At the age of thirty two, no less. With an alpha who is nine years younger than him, no less. Said alpha is still snoring on his bed, naked and face full of bliss. Levi sighs and goes back to bed, sitting on one side and stroking his alpha’s head.

“Eren, wake up. You’re gonna be late soon.”

The alpha’s eyes flutter at the call of his name, but remain closed no matter what.

“Five more minutes, Levi. Your bed is literally calling me to go back to dreamland with it.” With a yawn, the alpha turns his back on Levi and buries himself deep under the blankets, which sure smells exactly like the “love nectar” they produced last night.

“If you don’t wake up now, I’m gonna kick you until you shit yourself, I promise. Or worse…” Levi rolls his eyes, trying to think of some more threatening threats, and smirks. “Or worse, I will send your most embarrassing photos to Jean. Like the one when you shit  yourself thinking I was selling drugs.” He adds with a more playful tone.

The alpha groans. “Hey! I was six! And why do you only remember the moments I embarrassed myself?”

Eren got up to get ready to work nevertheless, but not before kissing Levi on the cheeks, a gesture he always does each morning. Levi watches his alpha grumpily stumbles into the bathroom with a chuckle, amused at how that alpha is still a bit childish.

He met Eren when he was in middle school. His mother Kuchel owns a spa, and she has many regulars, including Eren’s mother. The two ladies developed friendship over the addiction of skincare, and since both were proud of their sons, wanting the two of them to meet and be friends either. So the next weekend Mrs. Jaeger came into the spa with her four-year-old son clinging onto her hands, obviously not feeling good at being at an unfamiliar place.

However, when he laid eyes on Levi, who was eleven at the time, he literally ran up to the older boy.

“Big brother wants to play with me?”

Even though he was still a child who got uncomfortable being at a stranger’s place, the alpha subconsciously knew his status as the controller and acted upon instincts when seeing an omega. It was not in a way that demanded submission, but it was still full with pride, mixed with a bit of playfulness as well as curiosity of a child. Moreover, the small alpha’s eyes were shining as if hoping to be accepted.

Cute, Levi thought. He always wanted a younger brother anyways. And that was how their bond was formed.

Except that the cute younger alpha grew up too fast for Levi’s liking. When Eren turned fifteen, the alpha was ten centimeters taller than Levi. He felt so small all too suddenly at first, but their bond turned a bit differently after Eren got his first rut, which was after his sixteenth birthday.

They felt attracted to each other. All of a sudden Eren smelled like both honey and thyme, while to Eren, Levi smelled like sweet basil and pine mixed with a bit of ginger. And Levi was glad he was smaller than Eren, shorter than Eren, because nothing felt as good as being embraced by the younger alpha. Nothing could compare to being showered with kisses softly by Eren, while he himself caressed every inch of the younger’s body. Nothing could compare to being tangled with each other whispering I love you and crying tears of happiness. They are mates.

Levi smiles at the memories. Eren has gone to work for half an hour now, after clumsily making breakfast for both of them, stuffing a big sandwich into his mouth and literally ran to catch the bus. The alpha graduated a year ago with two diplomas in Culinary and Life Science. Levi understood the choice of Life Science, since Eren was always fascinated by the world, but Culinary was an odd major for an alpha. Especially with Eren’s shitty cooking when they first started dating. He still does not know now, but Eren’s cooking has improved a lot, and he can even make restaurant-leveled dishes, unlike Levi who can only cook regular meals.

Looking at his belly and touching it in a tender way, Levi whispers.

“Well, isn’t your father a great alpha?”

-----

Levi spends the first two weeks of his maternity leave preparing gifts for Christmas. Eren helps him decorate the tree and their house when he comes back from work, and does all the cooking everyday. Since Levi is pregnant, their family and friends will gather at their place this year instead. Christmas party will be a big party consisting of more than ten people, too many for Levi’s usual liking, but he does not mind when it comes to the ones he loved. Even his past roommates Isabel and Farlan, as well as best friend Hange will be there. Things seem a bit busy, but Levi and Eren prepare well and the Christmas party is full of warmth and happiness. Laughter fills the air as all of them have dinner, which all the food is made by Eren.

When it is all over and everyone went back to their hotels, Levi is pulled into a hug by his mother.

“I see that Eren takes care of you well. You are so chubby now. Must be all of Eren’s delicious cooking.” She smiles as she caresses his hair.

“Mom…” He stutters.

“He loves you.” She cuts him off, glancing at Eren who is sending his side of family off, before turning to look at Levi lovingly.

“Yeah. He’s a good alpha.” Levi blushes while answering.

As he sends his mother on her taxi, Levi remembers ten-year-old Eren asking him these questions over and over:

“Levi-san! Why do you always drink tea? Why do you eat so little? You don’t like milk? You should drink milk everyday like me! My brother Zeke is younger but he’s bigger than you! I don’t like broccoli, but Mom says it’s good for my health so I eat it, you should too!”

Then he knows. He now knows why his alpha husband chose to study Culinary back then, and his heart feels full already at the thought.

----

Eren Jaeger glares at the dead clock on the wall.

It reads four fifteen. It is around that time when their Christmas party starts, so he does not really realise it is dead. It is fucking dead, again. After saying goodbye to his mother-in-law, he leads Levi inside and runs to grab his phone, still charging upstairs to check the time.

Thank God, it is only eleven twenty. He still has a lot of time to prepare.

Christmas is always a special season. Not only because it is a family union, but because it is also Levi’s birthday. His omega’s birthday. Moreover, the other is pregnant with his child. He wants to make it as memorable as possible.

He considered many options on how he should celebrate this day. Food was out the question, since he would cook too much for the whole family anyways. Levi does not wear anything too fancy, so clothings and jewelry were not that magnificent. Levi likes reading books, but Eren was sure he got every book out there already. Pregnancy makes Levi lose sleep often, reading is a way to spend the extra time, especially when he is always home now.

Levi rarely wanting anything makes Eren want to shower his omega with many things. His omega deserves the best, after all he was the one who saved Eren from the very beginning of time. Levi was the one who saved his life, his soul, his entire being.

Especially two thousand years ago.

It is ironic that they were reborn like this, but to Eren it is also a blessing. This time he is the one in control. This time he is the provider, taking care of Levi and ensuring his safety. Eren’s heart and inner alpha swell with pride because he is doing those things well, even though their house is still small, even though Eren have not advanced as far as others. However, Levi is living a happy life with him and their friends, not suffering in silence because of the lost comrades like in the other lifetime.

Most importantly, they are expecting their first child.

Smiling in content, Eren takes out his prepared gift and heads downstairs to the kitchen. He is going to make some hot cocoa first to warm his omega husband first.

---

Levi is opening his presents one by one. He is not picky with what people give him, but he likes the surprise. When your life has people like Hange around, surprises are both horrible and amusing. Especially when he receives an absolutely normal gift this time. Gingerbread bath bombs, along with some Himalayan massage salt. Levi could draw himself a bath right now.

Farlan and Isabel give him sexy lingeries. To spice it up since we guess he holds back such a long time now, you know. It is what the card inside say, or something along the lines. Okay, they are not bad. Not bad at all. Levi wonders what Eren will think when the alpha sees this.

Then he immediately dismisses the thought because his alpha will absolutely like it. A lot.

Other presents are pretty much normal, things he can use for daily activities. His mom gives him some baby oil, Eren’s parents give them children’s clothes and a cot. Too soon since they will be gathering around the house again when Levi is due anyways. Mikasa and Armin, Eren’s best friends, give him a songbook and some records for their gramophone.

Levi happily takes the records out and put one of them in the player. Their gramophone is old, but he loves the genuine, classic and nostalgic sound it makes. It is also the only thing his great grandfather left him with. While it is on, he turns to Eren who is carefully putting two cups of hot cocoa on the table.

“I love this song.” He exclaims and gives the alpha a hug.

They stay like that for a moment when the song plays, swaying a bit to the music as they enjoy each other’s warmth. Levi leans into Eren’s broad shoulder, while Eren’s hands supporting and caressing Levi’s lower back.

They have to sit down when Levi feels a kick coming from the baby. Sipping the hot cocoa his alpha made, Levi relaxes into the couch. Eren’s hands are still caressing both his hair and back, with the occasional slip onto his thighs.

“Don’t tell me you are horny, because you smell really enticing right now.” Levi remarks, but does nothing to stop Eren’s wandering hands, instead he chooses to lean into the alpha and inhales.

“Really? Are you sure it’s not you who feels horny because cocoa stirs you up?” Eren says jokingly, then brings both his hands to cup Levi’s face. Their eyes linger on each other for God knows how long, before Eren kisses Levi’s lips softly.

Levi melts into the kiss. Eren’s kisses always have a mysterious power over him. Want and lust aside, Eren always manages to make Levi feel safe. Just like this nest, where they can live and do things they like without a care in the world, Eren leads Levi into some kind of dream-like state, except that it is real.

I feel like I can live like this forever. Levi thinks as he puts his hands on the alpha, letting the kiss deepen. Eren is being extremely passionate and careful as time goes by, especially when Levi is in this vulnerable state, pregnancy. And all those things just add up to the fuel in their love life, sending sparks after sparks throughout their bodies where they touch.

After a long while, Eren pulls back and kisses Levi’s cheeks and forehead softly. The omega whines a bit, but lets his alpha end their session nonetheless. He still smells like an overwhelming mess, though.

“Now let’s exchange gifts. Your Xmas gift to me and my double gifties to you.” Eren chuckles and places a small red box in Levi’s lap, while Levi pulls out...a sock under the tea table. Eren rolls his eyes, but seeing the stern look on Levi’s face, he dares not to laugh just because.

“Since I’m your Santa, I suppose putting your gift in a sock is the traditional way.” Levi says as he drops the poorly knitted sock into the alpha’s hands, eyes averting away. “And I have plenty of time to kill anyways. Open it.”

The object inside is the exact opposite of its container. It is soft and it has a beautiful pattern and in a color that matches Eren’s eyes. Eren smiles softly as he pulls the item out of the sock, fingers sliding on the smooth material. It’s a tie, something Eren can wear to work and be reminded of Levi in many ways and vice versa.

While Eren feels loved and contented, the omega, however, has an intrigued look on his face after seeing his Christmas and birthday gifts. Inside the box lies a key, along with two airplane tickets. How mysterious. He carefully picks up the key and inspects it. Looks like a car key. The two airplane tickets has the destination of Paradis, somewhere so far away that Levi has not been to yet, but it is deemed the perfect place for a honeymoon. Why a honeymoon again? He is sure their honeymoon to Etruria last summer was ecstasy enough Eren got Levi pregnant right away. How wonderful.

Sensing the curiosity of the omega, Eren speaks out as he links their hands together. “You know, the key is for our new car. I suppose it’s time we have our own commuting vehicle. As for the tickets, it’s for summer holidays. I want us to be there together next summer.” He knows Levi loves traveling, but the omega does not like it being on public holidays. Bunches of motherfuckers out there. However, Eren can only accumulate enough paid leaves at that time.

“Well, you bought a car?”

“We can travel on our own with it. It’ll be easier if we need a quick ride here and there too.”

Levi does not want to be a burden on his alpha. A house, a large enough balance in their bank account and his love seem too plenty already. Sometimes Eren tries too hard to be considered successful. He knows it is not because Eren wants to be recognized, but to make life easy for the omega instead. That is why Levi lets Eren pamper him. However, as their child is due soon, buying a car means they are being short of money. Levi’s smells must have given his thoughts away, since Eren pulls him close and comforts the omega. “Don’t worry, I can always make more money.” Eren’s words always have the little kind of magic which can make Levi relax right away.

Yes. Eren can always make more money. After all, he is an alpha, a man with strength and knowledge, as well as some kind of leading power. Eren will always easily find a suitable job. And I can, either. Levi thinks.

“All right.” The omega agrees with his alpha about their new car and the trip in summer, when their child is already born.

A journey to an exotic island with his husband should not sound like some burden. Levi decides it would be best if they can enjoy every bit and piece of their life. They are not rich, and certainly not anything more special than other alpha and omega couples, but Levi knows they are happy.

Happy being with each other.

Levi lets Eren lead him to their bedroom, turning in for the day. They exchange whispers of love as well as Happy birthday and Merry Christmas. Lying in the arms of his alpha, Levi dreams of the warm sunshine and breeze of the sea. In his dreams, there are familiar people as well as faces he has never seen before, but they are all celebrating something together. There are so many people around him, too many to his liking, of course, but somehow the feeling is not bad.

Especially when Eren is there in his dream, too.

“To get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with.” - Mark Twain

END

[thesportssoundoff]

DC, Mighty Mouse, “marketing African Americans differently” and attempting to dissect hows and whys

Joey

June 8th, 2017

HABOY.

There's no real way to parse this because, in essence, there's no definite truths. When DC talks about advertising/promoting to African Americans, it's tough because in MMA (and in pro wrestling), I can't think of any definitive examples of what would actually be a successful promotion of African Americans. What's more, I guess there's probably a lack of adulthood in terms of realistically discussing and analyzing what IS or IS NOT successful promotion in general and specifically successful promotions to groups of people (Asian fighters to Asian markets, Latin american/South American etc etc etc). If there was ONE actual definitive way to do this shit, everybody would be doing it. Star creation is luck, promotional design and the right talent and there's never an easy to follow pattern as to how to pull that off. Against better judgment, let's swim some treacherous waters:

1- The UFC (and MMA in general) absolutely could better market to African Americans/Black combat sports fans. Of that I'm sure there is no disagreement.

2- How? I 'unno. Maybe you can hire some people to better analyze how you can do that OR it's like with Bob Arum on White people; ya just kinda chalk it up as a loss.

3- When I look at the top draws in boxing who are Black/African American what have you (because SURELY we wouldn't consider Anthony Joshua an African American!), the reality is that MMA as a whole kind of sort of conflicts with what made a lot of those guys super popular. First let's begin by defining the main players I'm looking at. To me the big draws of the past 20-25 years or so are guys like Floyd Mayweather, Roy Jones Jr, Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins (MIGHT be stretching it here), Adrian Broner (does great TV numbers with really no sort of promotional push) and maybe a Keith Thurman? Removing heavyweights sans Tyson because I think we can agree Tyson is a DIFFERENT transcendent sort of name.

Whereas in boxing, trash talk and shit talk is really accepted, it's almost like MMA works hard to run AWAY from that. All of those guys mentioned above are pretty much great talkers. Thurman's an underrated talker to be entirely honest. The sport in many ways tries at times to nearly drown itself in humility and politeness and while I don't want 1,000,000 Conor McGregor's running around---the best fights draw more often than not on a basis of SOME element of dislike. As a boxing promoter pal once told me, it doesn't have to be real but it has to feel real. Fight promotion in many ways is simply about taking what works in pro wrestling/theater (people want to see real combat with a party they aim to root for or two parties they want to see BOTH get hurt) and subtracting what doesn't (over the top contrived nonsense, overcomplicated matters). Sometimes being humble is more than acceptable, GSP drew big money being humble as did Anderson Silva, but even THEY needed an antagonistic rival to draw the biggest money they could. Humble on its own in MMA, at least in today's MMA, can't draw significant money.

Now of course this goes any race, gender, orientation so on so forth. Anytime a conflict of significance FEELS real, you don't have to be a certain race or nationality to want to see this shit go down. Even if you buy into the idea of Japanese fans being ultra polite and all about the sport, I'd bet Rampage vs Wanderlei beefing it out did way better business than humble sportsman Fedor mowing down dudes. I'm just using the guys who drew big in boxing who were African American who drew big money and how they did it. It's not just about the skills, it's about the style that goes along with it. THAT, in turn, brings us to....

4- The MMA model directly car crashes with what makes a lot of those guys super popular. Going back to Bob Arum for a second, when Floyd Mayweather and Bob Arum had their big split apart, it came down to Bob not seeing what Floyd was seeing. Bob wanted another Sugar Ray Leonard but Floyd Mayweather believed that the public tide was turning. The rap lifestyle of flash, sizzle and big money was where the push was----and so with no true way to reconcile, the split occurred. Floyd ultimately was OBVIOUSLY correct as "Money" Mayweather has carried boxing (with pinch hits from Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquaio, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez kinda) over the past however many decades. Look at Broner's poor man's (irony?) version of Floyd Mayweather act. Even being an utter goofball with the Buddy Landel edition of Floyd's Ric Flair, Broner does BIG business numbers whenever he fights. It's not just about who you are and how good you are, it's about flashing the rewards and repping the lifestyle while ya do it. Bernard Hopkins is clearly the outlier in this regard as B-Hop is notorious for being a guy who sits on money like it's about to hatch or something but look at Tyson, Floyd, RJJ, Broner and even "Sugar" Shane Mosley. There's a lifestyle to be lead here.

MMA doesn't pay in that way. No fighter ever will approach Floyd's major paydays and it could be realistic argued that this sport is 20 years away from making what Floyd made on the low side of his PPV fights before his big breakout. Right now ONE guy in this business could demand 1 mil plus and he's probably on his way out soon. Whether it can or can't is always going to be open to interpretation I guess---but I think we'd all agree that the UFC (or Bellator or anybody) aren't going to overpay somebody (in their eyes) on a gamble. Mighty Mouse the fighter may be worth $1,000,000 on resume, history and skills but from a promotional standpoint, his net worth is probably not even close to that. The UFC (or so on so forth) probably aren't going to upset their pay structure on the hopes that seeing a blinged out fighter draws in a section of the audience that's not tuning in now. Could it? I mean I guess it could since Conor McGregor's trying it but it sure seems like a lot of folks see through McGregor's rent everything for a day then return it gimmick. MMA doesn't pay in a way that's drawn in the more modern African American casual audience and until that changes, you'll forever be talking about the what if's of the whole damn thing.

5- There's almost an uneasiness to go back and look at what has drawn in the African American audiences, or just big audiences involving African American fighters, before. Now off the bat, we don't know the composite of what the household breakdown is or what the demos were but let's JUST look at the big drawing fights with African Americans at the top of the billing. The biggest fights off the top of my head are Rashad Evans vs Rampage Jackson, Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones vs Rashad Evans. There's elements of uncomfortable in that, ya know? The Rampage/Rashad beef, as fun as it was, involved a lot of really uncomfortable moments where Rashad accused Rampage of essentially of dumbing himself down for the UFC audience and running a minstrel show (a similar complaint/accusation was levied by King Mo at Rampage). Rashad vs Jon Jones was a massive falling apart between two guys who were essentially brothers to one another and Daniel Cormier vs Jon Jones involved shoes being thrown, Jones roaring on a stage like a madman and DC once proclaiming that the fans didn't like EITHER of them but they hated Jon Jones more so he was the by default babyface. I mean if  YOU were an African American looking to get into MMA, would that kinda shit drive you in?

6- What if the fighter who can appeal to African Americans just isn't in the UFC right now? Or MMA in general?

7- The UFC promotes everybody the same. The comment that always comes up is "THEY HAVE SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL TACTICS FOR GUYS THEY WANT TO PUSH" but common sense suggests they really don't.  The only person who is unique in that regard was Ronda Rousey but she's different. Guys debut on prelims, if they wow then the UFC will social media the hell out of them and then if win AGAIN they get hot and get moved up to a main card and if they catch even more smoke, the UFC starts to trumpet the guy in the same way they trumpeted everybody else. Some guys take and some guys don't. There's no absolute way to make it work. While they COULD do something different to market towards African Americans, they may just be fine with how they do things in general because the levy hasn't broken yet or at least not entirely. It's just kind of doing what it always does.

So where's all this leading? I mean I 'unno. I think we can all agree that the growth of the sport is paramount to fans, promoters, TV execs, web people etc etc etc. If there's a large community of folks who might like this madness as much as we do but they're not being drawn in for one reason or another then shit, we should all want them in. This failboat of a sport is for all!  The problem is that I just don't think there's an obvious solution. What's worked in the past for the African American audience in combat sports really can't work in MMA. They can't quite mind the gap between "I'd like to like MMA" and "I'd like to pay to watch MMA" because of SO many factors right now prohibiting it. Now of course I'd like to see more effort in promoting to other groups of people but unless they have a good plan in place to implement it, I suppose no effort and bad effort equal out to all the same. There's no Bill Watts (never thought I'd namedrop this guy on here, Jesus Christ) to come up with great ways to elevate an MMA version of the Junkyard Dog. Maybe that's not a bad thing though given Watts' reputation.

And even Daniel Cormier is quite honest about Mighty Mouse not fitting into a set group. He's a nerdy short dude who doesn't talk a lot of trash and as dynamic as he is in the cage, his personality fits for a very small niche of people like myself and probably the folks reading this. He's a niche guy and while I'm glad to be in that niche, I understand the limited appeal. In my mind, the one demo you can market Mighty Mouse to are to kids and teenagers given the fact he's not super big and does internet streaming and while this is a perfect comp, the Ray Mysterio factor of "look at this smaller guy doing cool shit!" should have some impact in MMA.

So I guess, in the end, figuring this whole thing out is truly a matter of determining the How's and Whys'.

[fresnosucks01]

“Daddy, Am I Special?”

“Daddy, am I special?“ asks every annoying suburban kid when they are in grade school. It is a way of reconciling the stress of being in a social environment that makes you realize that you are ordinary, and the immense amount of pampering that suburban American parents subject their kids to. This is especially true if you are White American. You are told that if you play your cards right, you can, one day, be The President of the United States of America. 

Some people as they grow, as they learn, and they mature, as they are exposed to culture, they grow out of this validation seeking phase. We learn to slowly accept our insignificance until of course, we do something that is truly significant.

But you can’t expect a bunch of Fresno kids, sheltered from the multicultural, civilized world that we happen to live in, living in their little White bubble, to grow up. So, you end up with what one can call the #FresnoFamous crowd. 

The #FresnoFamous crowd moves from some filthy ranch in Clovis to an equally filthy, and insanely overpriced (no, seriously, like $2000/Month) studio in Downtown Fresno, and is delusional enough to have that “rags to riches” story published in some inconsequential local newspaper. Oh, the #FresnoFamous crowd, they promise you Absinthe in the opening night of their Downtown Mall (*GROAN*), so you fly from San Diego to see them, only to realize that it’s Gin and tonic with sprayed “Absinthe flavoring.” #FresnoFamous crowd rolls together. If you ever see a crowd of girls with the haircuts of popular girls from 80s movies (and equally outdated fashion sense), and guys whose fashion sense has not evolved since their fraternity days, you know you are amongst the #FresnoFamous. If you see a group of self-absorbed in-group people at the bars, you know that you among the legendary #FresnoFamous.

As an outsider who occasionally visits my Alma Mater, Fresno State, I see them at bars, and at every social function that I attend. I see their social media posts accepting awards, such as Fresno 40 Under 40, or Best Employee at Home Depot, or Best Car Salesperson at Jimmy Bob’s Kia Lot, or The Best Social Media Manager at Mom’s Bakery. And I can’t help but wonder if these are the same people who carry around mugs that say “Daughter # 1,” “Son of The Year,” etc, well into their 30s. Oh, the Walmart wisdom of the #FresnoFamous. One of these specimens, actually, once tried to lecture me on Country Club Etiquette (of course this was a country club where people wore Levis and Cowboy boots and MAGA hats). 

Because in the eternal ennui of being stuck in the middle-of-nowhere, of the boredom of suburban soon-to-be soccer mom, and hockey dad nightmares, one must make sure that get an award for the Best Dressed Maid at the Barn Dance hosted by The Rotary Club, and Social Media King award at the local Young-People-Who-Like-Coke-And-Tequila club yearly gala. Well, #FresnoFamous all I am going to say is, you know who else got the 40 Under 40 award, the douchebag Manager at the Local-Gym-for-People-Who-Can’t-Read-Good (True Story, different gym, of course). 

But by all means, do continue to post your pictures from, and continue telling out-of-towners, and people from the civilized world, about the award you won at the Local-Bearded-And-Hatted-Lawyer’s Gala ((and they do brag)). But just know that we are laughing at you, from the coast.  

[actutrends]

The Saints haven’t proven themselves this season against contenders

Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

After falling at home to the San Francisco 49ers in a shootout, something feels off with the New Orleans Saints. It feels like they’re still unproven.

There’s no doubt about who is the best team in the NFC South this year. The New Orleans Saints clinched the division on Thanksgiving night by defeating the archrival Atlanta Falcons in their own building, eliminating the Dirty Birds from playoff contention in the process. New Orleans was the first team to punch its ticket into the NFC playoffs, but why don’t we feel ecstatic about it?

In their biggest game of the season thus far, the Saints dropped a barn burner at home to the San Francisco 49ers on a last-second field goal off the toe of Robbie Gould. Few teams win in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome not wearing black and gold, much less a good, old-fashioned southern shootout. Yet, Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers beat the Saints at their own game.

With that loss, the NFC South Champion Saints fell to 10-3 on the year and in third place in the NFC playoff standings, behind top-seeded San Francisco (11-2) and the Green Bay Packers (10-3). Few teams in the NFL are harder to beat at home than the Saints, but that’s now two defeats in the Superdome this year for Sean Payton’s team. Something feels a tad off with this team now.

If you give the Saints a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs, you have to love their chances of getting to the Super Bowl. However, it’s also been 10 years since New Orleans got to play for a Lombardi Trophy. Now, it looks like the Saints will be forced to play on the road or — God forbid — outside in the NFC playoffs. To date, the Saints have one road playoff victory as a franchise.

But what’s off with this team? They have one of the best quarterback/head coach combos in NFL history in Drew Brees and Payton. Their pass rush is phenomenal, led by Cameron Jordan. You can trust the Saints on special teams with savvy veterans like punter Thomas Morstead, kicker Wil Lutz and the versatile Taysom Hill. Of course, they have an elite wide receiver in Michael Thomas.

But at the end of the day, this more likely than not will be the Saints’ year to get back to the Super Bowl. Hopefully, for Who Dat Nation, their inevitable postseason defeat in January won’t be as gut-wrenchingly painful as the last two. We’ll spare reminding them of two of the worst moments in franchise history, as these were the two most talked-about losses of 2017 and 2018 easily.

What it really comes down to is this: This team doesn’t have the tenacity to win multiple playoff games in the physical NFC and get to the Super Bowl. It’s the same reason we shouldn’t trust the Packers to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time in nearly 10 years either. Both of these teams are too finesse to beat the likes of San Francisco and the Seattle Seahawks in January.

Sure, we can say that the Saints beat Seattle on the road earlier this season, but that was with Teddy Bridgewater filling in for Brees. The Seahawks had very little tape of Bridgewater in the Saints offense to get ready for them. But it was a solid victory for the Saints nonetheless. They played great football with Bridgewater filling in for Brees, going 5-0 without their greatest player.

But if you look at the games that Brees has started, this is a completely different team. The Saints are only 5-3 in games Brees has been under center for the Saints, with losses to the Los Angeles Rams, Falcons and now the 49ers.

Atlanta is a huge rival, so divisional losses happen, even to a bad Falcons team. But losing to physical, run-the-ball-down-your-throat teams like the Rams and the 49ers are when they’re playing their best football. That’s a problem and one the Saints have yet to solve.

Looking at their final three regular-season games, we could see the Saints going 3-0, but if they’re going to drop a game, it will be on the road to another physical, power-running team in the Tennessee Titans up in Nashville. Derrick Henry is battling through injuries, but the Titans’ bell-cow back is having a monstrous season for Tennessee, easily his best since winning the Heisman.

So we’re likely looking at the Saints getting to 12-4. That’s a phenomenal record, but one that probably won’t get them home-field advantage in the NFC. Heck, it might not even get them a first-round bye. Can you even imagine that?

If the 49ers win out, which they can totally do, they will be the No. 1 seed in the NFC at 14-2. As long as they don’t lose to Seattle, they’ll be the No. 1 seed at likely 13-3. Green Bay has just one meeting with all three division rivals the rest of the way. The Packers might lose on the road to the Minnesota Vikings, but they could get a top-two seed over the Saints in the NFC playoff picture.

With the way the NFC is shaking out, the Saints will either play at home in a dome this January or have to brave the elements on the road outside. Do you think they’re going to win at Lambeau Field, CenturyLink Field or Levi’s Stadium in January? Me neither.

Should they draw the Vikings in the No. 3 vs. the No. 6 game on Wild Card Weekend, that’s a brutal first-round game for them. Like the 49ers, Seahawks, Rams and Titans, the Vikings are a run-the-ball-first offense with a physical offensive attack and play great defense. That is the recipe for success against the 2019 Saints. Can you imagine what the Baltimore Ravens would do?

At the end of the day, are the Saints a good team? Absolutely, and their record is every indication of that. But are they a great team? That, I’m not so sure of. When it comes down to a battle of two teams in the trenches, where one man is trying to burrow through another man’s soul, the Saints aren’t going to be able to hold their own once the game gets gross. Finesse only gets you so far.

The post The Saints haven’t proven themselves this season against contenders appeared first on Actu Trends.

[ghostlybouquetballoonstuff-blog1]

Stop Off Destinations For A Trip To Australia

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The benefit for a backpacker of Europe is that it's a lot easier and cheaper than most places in the world for intra travel i.e. travel between the different international locations inside Europe. These embrace Artwork gallery of NSW, Australian museum, Museum of Sydney and so on. The Land Down Under covers 7,686,850 square kilometers of land space providing wild and exhilarating destinations which are arduous to overlook. For instance, if you are going abroad, the policy should provide safety in that country. For those who love to savor some good wine, then vacation in Australia will never go away you disillusioned. As a way to choose the suitable kind and quantity of journey insurance, take a while to consider the choices available to you. It's essential to keep in mind that Australian Student visa is divided into a number of categories with 'fundamental course of research' and 'nationality' as the first standards. 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Fortuitously, Australia is a tremendous destination for even small price range travelers, akin to students. Join a day journey to the Tiwi Islands and tour the neighborhood, meet the people and buy high quality prints, pottery and artwork from the native art centres. Generally insurers will offer you a policy that excludes claims attributable to your condition or they could not provide a policy due to the destination of your travels. Find vacation lodging to fit your budget. Even when the calendar is not busy and bustling with festivals and parties, you'll discover out soon enough that to travel Australia is to lose observe of time and to plunge into the world. Good luck in finding your subsequent seniors entertainment skilled. Some professionals choose to repeatedly take up new postings in order that they'll see all parts of the world. Sport plays a significant function in the Australian culture and the Sydney Olympic Park homes modern sport venues.

[greyhoundofloyola]

NFC Predictions

By Austin Medina- The NFL season is near. Even though I am in Ireland, updates and predictions will be posted. The grind doesn’t stop. This upcoming season is very exciting. For the NFC, the Atlanta Falcons are only looking forward and whatever you do, do not mention “28-3.” Their division is stacked this year with Carolina having a healthy Cam Newton back, the Buccaneers on the rise, and let’s not forget Drew Brees is still alive in New Orleans. The Cowboys look to continue the dominance from a year ago, but how long will Ezekiel Elliot be suspended for? Currently it is six games for actually not getting convicted of anything. This is all the Giants need to win the division, adding Brandon Marshall this offseason. The Seahawks look to be a juggernaut this year especially on defense. Healthy Earl Thomas III, Kam Chancellor, and adding Sheldon Richardson will give them a top-3 defense, along with Baltimore and Houston. And that bad man in Green Bay will be looking for redemption after getting romped in Atlanta in last year’s NFC Championship.  

Here are my predictions by division:

East

Giants- I love the additions the G-men made. Adding Brandon Marshall to an already stacked receiving core that has Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard. Signing offensive tackle DJ Fluker is an upgrade to Erick Flowers, who has been horrendous. They also drafted tight end Evan Engram out of Ole Miss. Consistency on offense is key for the Giants to win the division, but I believe these additions provide that. The defense is tremendous and Big Blue, unlike Dallas, doesn’t have to play a tough schedule with #1 teams.

Record: 10-6

 Cowboys- The question marks of this season scare me for the Boys. Zeke Elliott was wrongfully suspended, however he still was suspended for six games. Dallas has a tough schedule this year and now there is more tape on Dak Prescott. I don’t want to believe Sophomore Slump, yet Dak will not repeat last year’s success. The defense is chaotic, with suspensions and lack of experience. I don’t know if the defense will have enough bodies for the Week 1 matchup against New York.

Record: 9-7

 Eagles- I love what Philly did in the offseason. They were certainly buyers in the offseason, obtaining WR Alshon Jeffery, CB Ron Darby, OL Chance Warmack, and DT Timmy Jernigan. They drafted spectacular, getting both Derek Barnett and Sidney Jones. Guard Lane Johnson is also coming back from injury, which is a big deal. They’re just not there yet for me, I believe next year they will be even scarier.

Record: 9-7

 Redskins- Sloppy. The Redskins in general are a sloppy franchise. When the light shines, they fold. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t sign Kirk Cousins to a long term deal. The man has been putting up top-tier numbers. Is Dan Snyder that cheap and unsure? Focus on changing the Redskins logo.

Record: 6-10

 West

Seahawks- Seattle on paper is my favorite in the NFC. A coach and quarterback who have been and won the biggest game. Russ Wilson has come a long way and he is now capable of running his own offense. It doesn’t hurt that his defense is amazing. The Legion of Boom comes into the season healthy and hopefully Sherman’s attitude can be put in check. Adding Sheldon Richardson to a defensive line that has Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril is unfair. Going to be fun watching the Seahawks this year.

Record: 12-4

 Rams- The Rams are in the same position for the last few years. A great defense with question marks on offense. Jared Goff is in his second year, and he definitely wants to forget last season. That being said, giving him Sammy Watkins to work with gives the Rams a new dimension. Watkins may also be able to take some pressure off of Todd Gurley, who was running against “eight in the box” last season. Watch out for that #99 player. He’s something special!

Record: 7-9

 Cardinals- I love Bruce Arians and Larry Fitz. But Carson Palmer is only getting older and more fragile. The Cards took a huge step back a season ago and they have gotten worse. They lost both safety Tony Jefferson and DT Calais Campbell for nothing. I’m concerned that teams will be able to run up the gut now, with Campbell’s departure. And it is a shame because David Johnson is just so good. He is an early MVP candidate in my book and a definite fantasy number one.

Record: 7-9

 49ers- The Niners are still rebuilding and have made great progress. They have been drafting great and making sound signings. Yet the thought of Brian Hoyer just doesn’t get me out of bed. Hoyer is the best of the worst quarterbacks and with not much talent around him, the weather is looking foggy in San Fran.

Record: 5-11

 North

Packers- Aaron Rodgers is a man on a mission this year. Thought the Packers didn’t make many moves, in exception for TE Martellus Bennett, they are still the favorite in the North. The level of play by Rodgers is ridiculous and this offense will roll over teams. Go Pack Go!

Record: 12-4

 Vikings- The defense in Minnesota has stayed consistent. Gritty defense is always a favorite of mine. Though offensively speaking, the loss of Adrian Peterson is heartbreaking. The leader and soul of the Vikings is gone. Sam Bradford will have the Vikings be average at best, because Bradford is average at best.

Record: 9-7

 Lions- Matthew Stafford is becoming more and more big time as the years go on, yet in a division where Green Bay can put up 35 points a night, you need a defense. The Lions defense is simply not impressive, and the loss of Deandre Levy may prove to be more crucial than thought.

Record: 8-8

 Bears- Chicago is in the dumps and look to be embracing it. They did draft quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who played maybe 10 games in college. Even still, they are starting journeyman QB Mike Glennon. Glennon will probably crack at the coin toss and the lack of talent on both sides of the ball will only result in loss after loss.

Record: 2-14

 South

Falcons- The Falcons were one quarter away from being Super Bowl Champions. Yet MVP Matt Ryan choked it away, along with his entire team. Personally I don’t think the Falcons will recover from this in the playoffs, but they have 17 weeks before that to destroy teams with their aerial attack. The weapons are just insane, with wide receivers Julio Jones and Mohammed Sanu, and running back Devonta Freeman. The loss of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is also a big blow. The Falcons will win games this season, but when playoffs come around I believe it’ll be one and done.

Record: 11-5

 Panthers- A healthy Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly means there is hope again in Carolina. The Panthers look to get back to their winning ways and the addition of rookie Christian McCaffrey gives the Panthers more excitement. Kuechly back as the anchor on defense will make Carolina a huge threat in the South. The depth of this division will make all these games must-watch television.

Record: 10-6

 Buccaneers- The rising Bucs are here with Famous Jameis as the figurehead. I love his presence and leadership. Surrounded by so much young talent including wide receiver Mike Evans, linebackers Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander, and new tight end OJ Howard will make the Bucs a tough out. The acquisition of receiver Desean Jackson is another reason to watch Tampa this year and not sleep on them.

Record: 8-8

 Saints- With Drew Brees, it’s tough to predict the Saints at the bottom of the division. Yet Nola has not made moves on defense and it doesn’t help that when Brees puts up 34 points, the Saints give up 35.

Record: 6-10