Week 2 Preview
Well Week 1 of the NFL never fails to disappoint. From stunning upsets in Chicago, to exemplary play from Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, to the regular fourth quarter downfall of the Atlanta Falcons to the belligerent Seattle Seahawks usurping Russell Wilson's return with his new team Denver Broncos.
I have not written a preview piece in some years, yet some things still remain. Tom Brady for one who won another season opener and Mike Tomlin proving doubters wrong.
Week 1 Predictions: 9-7
Week 2 is loaded with some great games and it kicks off with a humdinger for Thursday Night Football
Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
The AFC West is the most loaded of all eight divisions, and the clash of two potential AFC Champions in Week 2 promises fireworks with over 60 points predicted. Mahomes looked imperious throwing 5TDs in his first game without Tyreek Hill. Herbert looked solid also throwing 3 TDs while Derek Carr threw 3 picks. On the road though I feel the Chargers may not have enough to combat the offensive prolifigacy of the Chiefs who pulverised the sorry Cardinals. A home win here but it might come down to a field goal score.
GAME OF THE WEEK
vs 
Miami Dolphins @ Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were very professional in their road win at the Jets, and the Dolphins were efficient so this could sneakily be the best contest of the weekend. Now the Ravens had trouble containing dynamic WRs last year such as Jamarr Chase so the two punch of Hill and Jaylen Waddle may provide a test. Can the Dolphins D nullify Lamar will be a big question? Looking forward to this game.
REST OF THE SLATE
New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns
The Jets remain woeful while the Browns picked up an impressive road win in Carolina who failed to click, yet the tandem of Hunt and Chubb remains for Jacoby Brissett to marshall and game manage. Now the Browns have a chance to go 2-0 early in the season while Deshaun Watson serves his 11 game suspension. The Jets showed some heart but no potency and Zach Wilson's return cannot come soon enough, yet they look like they may be picking Top 3 in the draft again.
Washington Commanders @ Detroit Lions
The Lions showed some real spirit in their loss to the Eagles, and the Commanders came from behind to defeat the troubling Jaguars. Wentz threw for 4TDs but still 2 INTs so if the Lions D can shake off some first half rustiness they have shown the ability to get stops but this could be a high scoring affair.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints
The Bucs did more than enough to defeat the Sadboys of Dallas, and the Saints came back from a 16-point deficit to win on the road in Atlanta. The Saints did better in 2nd half and they may be able to combat or restrict Leonard Fournette who was the motor for Bucs easy road victory in Arlington. Another division battle for the Saints may serve them well again, though you feel experience will provide the Bucs and Brady with a 2-0 start to the season on the road.
Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants
It is so good to see Saquon Barkley back playing well and with purpose, the G-Men came back from double digits down to defeat Tennessee on the road. The Panthers were sluggish and nearly had a comeback of their own to crow about yet could not seal the deal. This should be a tight perhaps ugly affair with the Panthers D possibly stepping up after looking lacklustre versus the Browns.
New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers held on to beat the Bengals on the road in OT, while the Patriots had a tough time in Miami barely landing a punch on the Dolphins. With worries over Mac Jones' lower back, the Steelers now without TJ Watt will still feel they are able to beat the depleted Patriots with Trubizky doing enough. Back the under in this one as the Steelers seek a 2-0 start.
Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars were a disappointment in my eyes, some open TDs dropped and not enough impetus to attack Wentz denied them a road victory, T-Law does need to start leading this team to some wins. A homecoming may provide that versus the Colts who could only tie with the Texans. Michael Pittman had a huge game as did the ever dependable Jonathan Taylor now if Matt Ryan could just eliminate those turnovers.
Miami Dolphins @ Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were very professional in their road win at the Jets, and the Dolphins were efficient so this could sneakily be the best contest of the weekend. Now the Ravens had trouble containing dynamic WRs last year such as Jamarr Chase so the two punch of Hill and Jaylen Waddle may provide a test. Can the Dolphins D nullify Lamar will be a big question? Looking forward to this game.
Atlanta Falcons @ Los Angeles Rams
The Superbowl champions got hammered by a rampant Buffalo Bills at home, and the Falcons fly into town and whilst the Falcons had moments it was that less than stellar D that undid the good work by Mariota in the first half. You think the Rams will be able to bounce back here by double digits.
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers lost in a bathtub to Chicago so most of the team get a pass, except coach Kyle Shanahan whose questionable play-calling continues to plague him. The loss of Eli Mitchell did not help, nor George Kittle to support Trey Lance who showed flashes of his potential amidst the monsoon. Geno Smith led Seattle to a big win versus a returning Russell Wilson, so can the defence maintain that form against an offence that will definitely want to prove themselves on dry land.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are in a sorry position at the moment; Dak Prescott is out with a thumb injury the dearth of talent on both sides of the ball is there for all to see. They were limp versus the Bucs, while the Bengals nearly pulled off a great comeback. The talent was there and while Burrow was still sacked 7 times, you feel give him a clean pocket his weapons will be far too much for the Cowboys this Sunday.
Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos
The Broncos need a bounce back and they need to be on the same page, they had nearly 200 more yards than the Seahawks and lost by a point. They were moving up and down the field with ease versus the Seahawks yet could not make it count. The Texans did okay but allowed the Colts and Taylor to pound them to a tie. So in DFS play Javonte Williams to have a big day and Mr. Unlimited to have a big day at Mile High.
Arizona Cardinals @ Las Vegas Raiders
This is a crossroad game for both sides with dynamic offensives which had question marks hanging over them going into the first week of the season, now enter Week 2 with those question marks still hanging over them. Derek Carr had three interceptions, Kyler Murray looked inefficient with Deandre Hopkins absent. Kliff Kingsbury may well be on the hot seat as on paper the Raiders have that little bit more.
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers
Green Bay for the second season running were punched in the mouth during Week 1; the Vikings had their way with them as Justin Jefferson had 184 yards and two touchdowns, one he had so much room he had nobody within 15 yards of him until he got five yards from the endzone. The Bears showed some solidarity and character in overcoming the 49ers and the elements to surprise the 49ers. Justin Fields has his moments but is do they have enough talent is a question and Rodgers missed Allen Lazard massively.
Monday Night Football Doubleheader
Tennessee Titans @ Buffalo Bills
The Bills made a statement with their rampant victory in Los Angeles putting a marker down for the first game of season, Josh Allen was accurate and Stefon Diggs/Gabe Davis did wonders while Von Miller shone on defence. The Titans are in a quandry as they have an ageing star players - Derrick Henry looked sluggish, Tannehill is he over the hill - and again bad luck with kickers.
Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles soared to a three point victory on the road in Detroit, yet they were never in danger of succumbing to the Detroit Dan Campbells as they ran the ball at will, all three running backs and Jalen Hurts rushing for a TD. The Vikings perhaps had the most impressive overall performance on both sides of the ball from a team cutting up the Packers and laying a marker down in that division. Fittingly, the last game of this week could be the best.
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