By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

This is a good week to pay attention to the Dallas Cowboys. Why?

Well, we’re fresh off Greg Hardy’s latest outburst, with this one coming on the field, and we’re also a week away from seeing a much different look for the Cowboys on offense.

Dez Bryant is closer to playing (maybe this Sunday!), and Tony Romo is expected back in Cowboys practice next week. If you were one of those dedicated, loyal, ride-or-cut-once-he-hits-IR people like myself, you probably are itching to move Bryant from your bench to your starting lineup. Same goes for Romo.

Patience, my friends. The time is near.

Also, I bet you’re glad you listened to me about the Dolphins this week. Yes? I thought so.

Let’s get a hot streak going. Follow my picks for more success. Or don’t, and risk failure — and loneliness. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

We must be prudent with our judgment of the Miami Dolphins.

I was very high on the Dolphins’ potential heading into this season, but under Joe Philbin’s watch, they limped through the first four weeks. Enter interim coach Dan Campbell, and they have reeled off two wins in a row, scoring 82 points in the process.

But the New England Patriots await on Thursday.

This game could very well go one of two ways. Either a rejuvenated Dolphins team plays up to its competition and we get somewhat of a shootout, or the surge of energy under Campbell fizzles upon arriving in Foxborough, Mass., and the Patriots dominate all phases of the game in a blowout win.

I want to be excited. But with arguably the best team in the league next up on the schedule for the Dolphins, I can’t — yet. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

Play Carson Palmer.

I know you were going to. But in case you’re like my buddy Austin, who happens to overthink almost every fantasy scenario (including Andy Dalton or Sam Bradford last week), stop while you’re ahead. Palmer is your guy.

How’s that for an intro? Let’s get into my Week 7 selections. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full post on Ohio.com

NFL.com has a poll running on the side rail of its fantasy homepage right now. It reads:

Which fantasy disappointment are you most panicked about?

• C.J. Anderson

• Brandin Cooks

• Andrew Luck

• DeMarco Murray

• Other

Do we even need an “other”?! Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

Sometimes, things just don’t go your way.

Players have bad days. Farmers’ crops don’t yield much. Students fail tests. It happens.

If you listened to me and benched Gary Barnidge last week, I apologize. Apparently, the worst position matchup couldn’t keep him from again doing Gary Barnidge things, like making catches with his backside and inner thighs. How many Gary Barnidges does it take for the Browns to finish with a winning record? The world might never know. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

The Buffalo Bills’s running back position has had so many ups and downs in four weeks, it should be up for a Daytime Emmy.

First, we had LeSean McCoy and his vitriol toward former coach Chip Kelly. Then, we had rookie sensation Karlos Williams. Now, with both sidelined, we get Boobie Dixon and Dan “Boom” Herron. Boom and Boobie? Really? Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
Beacon Journal copy editor
Read full column on Ohio.com

Another Sunday, and another round of choices.

Sip your coffee, let the ink run onto your fingers (or take thumbs to keyboards) and solve this dilemma — with my help. Continue reading →