As a commissioner for my group I have long strived to make a fun and challenging league. I have tweaked point systems, what players are used and points versus head to head. Here are some ideas.

1) Most important, play with people you know. The public leagues are fun and more challenging but they don't compare. You can gain bragging rights that will last till next year if you beat all your buddies.

2) Live Drafts. Nothing is better than turning in your card to the Commish. You can develop your own individual war room and build your powerhouse. Hold the offense and defensive drafts separate. It becomes long and boring. Besides you don't want to have to take Ed Reed over Brett Favre.

3) Play Head to Head. Points aren't any fun. When your team sucks and that last place team beats you, you hurt. The sting of defeat. Again trash talking is acceptable.

4) Use defensive players. If they guy playing doesn't know who Darren Sharper is then he shouldn't be playing. There is more skill to drafting players than picking one defensive team.

5) No more than 12 people. Talent is too thin. It can become boring if your best running back is injured and you have to start Maurice Morris or Brandon Jacobs.

6) Trophy. There has to be something worth competing for.

I have noticed that the most called penalty is holding.  Holding is a ten yard penalty and usually a drive killer.  If you watch punt or kick returns you will see atleast one penalty for holding.  Since holding can be "called" every play why not reduce the penalty.  Sure holding is cheating but ten yards.  Why not five yards, an inadvertant face mask is five yards.  Offsides is five yards.  I hate to see decent kick returns ruined by a ten yard holding call.  Or the ref flagging a guy for holding and the offense looking at 2 and 20.  Any other ideas for changing penalties?

1) Seahawks- Already in. Should dominate the NFC playoffs. I feel a surprise in the air. An upset from the Buccs or Bears possible?

2) Bears- Will make it. Not a tough schedule to end the season. Rex Grossman gives the team a better chance to score, I predict he will play in two of these last three. Orton provides them with depth at QB if Grossman goes down again. Defense wins championships but the offense needs to score. They will be tough.

3) Giants- Win the East. They are not playing well and injuries are springing up. they should be healthy come playoffs. It will be hard for them to make a run if Manning and Plaxico play like they have lately. Eli's completion percentage will haunt him in the playoffs. Second round knock out, there are better teams.

4) Buccs- Win their division. The defense is playing great and Williams injury gave him some rest. If Simms plays not lose they could upset Seattle.

5) Panthers- Barely make it. The have one easy game left versus New Orleans. The offense is weak leaving the defense to carry them. Take away Steve Smith, and Foster/Davis, they will do nothing. Its a challenge but The Buccs, Bears, and Seahawks can do it.

6) Cowboys- Barely make it. The road is easier for them than the Vikings and Falcons. Baring a meltdown they make it. First round lose is sure to be in their future.

7) Vikings- The ship has sunk. They play some tough games down the stretch with the scandal reappearing. The next three are tough defenses. Maybe one win out of three games.

8) Falcons- Not going to make it. They aren't playing well and the road to the playoffs are tough. Panthers, Buccs, and Bears are left. And Vick is hurting. Sorry Mora maybe next year.

9) 49ers- Out of it. Maybe in two years..... I hope. Bring Eddie back.

1) Colts- Already in.  Should play in the Super bowl if Manning doesn't lose the big game again.  Edge and the D should help Manning.

2) Broncos- Should be in this week.  They are the best team to beat the Colts.  The D can match up well if the rookies hold their own.  Williams, Baily and Foxworth can match Indy's receivers.  The linebackers have the speed to cover and catch edge.  The Red neck quarterback is their weakness.

3) Bengals-  Should be in this week.  Could falter in the first round.  D will hurt them and a good opponent can beat them. 

4) Patriots-  Should be in this week, If Brady plays.  Tough team.  They will lose because Rodney Harrison is not there.  One and done.

5) Chiefs-  Will come down to the Chargers game.  Hottest team not in Indiana or Seattle.  Tough running game and an emerging passing game.  The D is improving could make a run in ####'s last year.  The team is better than people want to believe.

6) Steelers- Last game of the year.  Ok, The Jags have the easier schedule, but the team is injured.  The Steelers can make a run and would be a better team to watch in the Playoffs.  They can beat the Bengals this time around.  I want to see them but I think the Jags will get in.

7) Jaguars-  Could make it because of schedule.  The team is not that good, the defense is.  Too many injuries.  Texans and Titans could shock them; a major could on the Texans.

8) Chargers-  Only a miracle.  Colts, Broncos, and Chiefs in the last three games.  I have never really thought they were as good as people said.  Too limited on offense and a weak secondary will be their demise.  Just start wondering who will be the quarterback next year.

Going against popular belief they Texans have not tanked the season. Dom Capers can feel the pressure with Dan Reeves in the mix. The Texans have some easy games left. The Cardinals will be close and the 49ers will not give them trouble. It is obvious the team has played better against bad teams. A different kicker and they could have won their second game.

The 49ers have Jacksonville, St. Louis, and the Texans. Three loses, I don't care who is playing defense the 49ers offense can't score. Smith will learn but right now he is not going to lead them to victory. He has no one to help him. The 49ers are the worst team in the league, they got lucky twice.