NFL 2022 Week 3 Preview

 

Week 2 was a chaotic set of games as there were huge comebacks from teams deep in the mire, teams close to their first win could not seal the deal, unlikely sides maintained perfect starts to the seasons and some teams showed their true colours.

After the hype of Week 1 there was much mayhem with crazy endings. Six teams remain unbeaten with two meeting in the match of the week

                                                                    GAME OF THE WEEK 

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BUFFALO BILLS (2-0) at MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-0)

The Dolphins comeback on the road in Baltimore backed up the offensive potential shown in season opener when dismantling the Patriots at home, yet to come back from such a deficit versus the better Baltimore Ravens will certainly help people take notice. Tua had 6 touchdowns in a career day, but this was helped by the speed of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle whose running of routes essentially gassed the Ravens secondary who had no steam left come end of the game.

Now they face the rampant Bills at home in a tasty AFC East contest for superiority at this early stage of the season. The Bills though provide a true test in terms of elite offence and defence, how does the Miami offensive line cope with Von Miller's explosive play-making which forces mistakes and with Josh Allen playing at an early MVP standard the Bills balance on run and pass with Allen as a run option himself this will be a true test of the Dolphins playoff credentials. For me though the Bills should have no problem handing the Fins their first L of the season.

Week 3 Schedule 

Houston Texans (0-1-1) at Chicago Bears (1-1) - Tricky affair to predict as teams aim to get the season moving, yet home field advantage will count here albeit in a low scoring affair

Las Vegas Raiders (0-2) at Tennessee Titans (0-2) - Someone's season is starting Sunday, yet neither team has wanted to win as yet. The Raiders have the explosive players and the Titans could turn it round but this is two teams with bad luck facing off against each other. Raiders by a field goal.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) at Indianapolis Colts (0-1-1) - The Chiefs looked to have clicked into gear and not missing Hill at all. The defence should eat up the Colts who have flattered to deceive to date, expect Ryan to turn the ball over plenty and KC to motor to another win

Detroit Lions (1-1) at Minnesota Vikings (1-1) - The Vikings (well Cousins) came crashing back to earth on Monday night in Philly with a classic 3INT prime time outing. The Lions lost a game scoring 35 points and scored 36 in a victory last week. They seem to have a bit more invention on offense this year and enough game changers on D to make some noise and not fear going into US Bank Stadium. Fancy Detroit for a road upset here.

Baltimore (1-1) at New England (1-1) - Both teams sit at .500 yet have huge question marks. The Ravens were run ragged by Miami last week, whereas this will be a more attritonal affair in the trenches. Lamar has the x-factor but Damien Harris holds the key for the Patriots in their first home game of season.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) at New York Jets (1-1) - Its Burrow v Flacco. One for the ages here. Old vs new. AFC best vs AFC worst from last year yet the Jets have the better record and their D-line has enough potency to give Burrow some sack fever again. Jets might just have enough if the Bengals again fail to click. Jets by 4

Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) at Washington Commanders (1-1) - Will Carson Wentz haunt his former side, well it is reliant upon his defence stopping the run machine of Philly and Jalen Hurts who shows flashes of brilliance in each game thus far. However, the weapons at the Eagles disposal is too much for Washington to overcome here. Eagles stay perfect

New Orleans Saints (1-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-2) - The disappointing Panthers return home versus the Saints for a tough divisional battle. The Saints showed some battle but with Jameis Winston less than 100 percent with back injuries the opportunity for Carolina to get on the board here.

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) at Los Angeles Chargers (1-1) - This should be an intriguing contest. Jags are pretenders to the throne and their division is wide open and perhaps they are facing the similarly upstart Chargers who despite losing to the Chiefs had their moments. Hopefully Herbert is 100 % if not the potential road win is on the cards due to the Jaguars offensive capabilities.

Los Angeles Rams (1-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-1) - this is a game about consistency, can Kyler Murray put four quarters of electrifying play together or will the Rams defence upset his rhythm, while they had kittens nearly versus the Falcons last week you feel experience will be key here. Rams in a close one.

Atlanta Falcons (0-2) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1) - but for a few plays going the other way, the Falcons could be 2-0 instead they are winless and are on the road versus the Seahawks, a team with a bit of fight left but no playmakers. Geno Smith versus Marcus Mariota is one for the die hards but again home field should count for much here. Similar to Chicago's contest.

Green Bay Packers (1-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) - speaking of history, Rodgers v Brady one more time. Tampa have a plethora of injuries and need to get some sort of fluidity in their offense if possible, while their D was more impressive in New Orleans last week. It seems Green Bay are giving the ball more to Aaron Jones and not Rodgers, so if the Bucs can stop the run they win the game.

San Francisco 49ers (1-1) at Denver Broncos (1-1) - Sunday Night Football was made for Jimmy G, the true Mr. Unlimited, there is nothing he cannot do. While the question marks remain on Denver and Nathaniel Hackett's playcalling and unwillingness to let Russ cook coupled with a limp red-zone efficiency, you think the 49ers have a little bit more to offer and with George Kittle possibly returning and their sterner defence the 49ers are primed to take first place in the competitive NFC West

Monday Night Football

Dallas Cowboys (1-1) at New York Giants (2-0) - the game that is on prime time every season features an undefeated Giants side who will be hopeful that Daniel Jones can lead them to victory, although Micah Parsons and his fellow Cowboys defence look ready to wreck havoc on the G-Men. Cooper Rush led the Boys to an unlikely victory last week but a two game winning streak is here for the taking.

Follow me @JamieGarwood for more NFL takes/opinions

NFL 2022 Week 2 Preview

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

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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.

Follow me on Twitter @JamieGarwood

Beware The LA Rams

BEWARE THE RAMS

After a thrilling Week 10 of NFL action where a lot of divisional and intra-conference action (teams facing each other for the first time in four years) it was the match-up at the tremendous new stadium in Inglewood, home to both Los Angeles teams that turned heads.

The Los Angeles Rams hosted the once rampant Seattle Seahawks - whose wings have now definitely been clipped following a 5-0 start to the season and an MVP calibre start by Russell Wilson - have now lost 3 out of the last 4 to land on a 6-3 record following the Rams 23-16 victory yesterday.

The scoreline marks it out as a tight affair but the Rams forced three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble on the QB), they had 33 minutes of the clock due to their three headed monster at running back (Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown, Cam Akers) to hog the ball, yet it is the wealth of receiving talent at Jared Goff's disposal that jumps out - three receivers with over 50 yards (Josh Reynolds - 94, Tyler Higbee - 60 and Cooper Kupp - 50) as well as six receptions for Robert Woods - helped them amass 302 air yards to marry that 106 rushing yards off of 29 rushing attempts.

Yet it is the defence that again is resolute, while playing the Seahawks the numbers will inflate due to the structure of the game changing with Russell forcing plays they were restrained to 248 passing yards, top receiver Tyler Lockett had only 66 yards off of 5 grabs. 

The Rams allow on average 199.7ypg in passing and 96.8ypg on the ground; these are stellar numbers in the scheme of a season that is altering as a more pass happy league and a season where many teams are having success on the ground as the season draws on - think of DeAndre Swift and Antonio Gibson.

They have the best defender in the league in Aaron Donald who heaps pressure on the QB but he was overshadowed by his teammates - Leonard Floyd (3), Terrell Lewis (2) and Michael Brockers (1) - who combined for six sacks on Wilson yesterday.

This defence will be tested over the last seven games on the season no doubt. They travel to Tampa Bay for Monday Night football next week where the Bucs seemed to find the balance on offense following the egg laid against New Orleans with Roland Jones having a 98 yard touchdown amongst a huge day for himself.

There follows  back-to-back division tussles at San Francsico and on the road at Arizona; injuries have scupped the Niners attempt to defend their conference title while the darling Cardinals with Kyler Murray are atop the NFC West standings on a 2-0 division record; the two games between the Rams and Cardinals will most likely dictate who gets the home field divisional round playoff game and maybe even the overall #1 seed if the Saints cannot maintain fluidity if Drew Brees misses time with his rib injury.

After the first of the Arizona contests is an AFC East hosting of the Patriots and the sorry Jets before ending with a holiday double-bill of Seattle on the road and Arizona at home in the new year perhaps for the division title.

It promises to be an interesting end for the most competitive division in the NFL - the balance of the Rams is what stands out (passing offense, ground attack, stellar defence) against the Cardinals who are creative and riding a sea of consistency currently due to the air attack of Murray to his illustrious receivers. 

However, do not discount the Seahawks who are dearly missing the running back tandem of Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde who are both injured at least to take the onus off of Wilson to make magic happen always - if they get the ground force back the schedule is not awful. After this Thursday where they meet the Cardinals again they have a four game stretch of at Philadelphia, v Giants, v Jets and then in the nations capital to face the franchise before ending with Rams and at 49ers. On the face of it that is five winnable games on paper if they get healthy and still have Russell Wilson under centre.

Fascinating to see if two or even three teams from the NFC West make the now seven team playoff structure.

NFL Free Agency Day 2 Takeaway - Thank You Tom

THANK YOU TOM

After the feeding frenzy of Day 1, the thought was there was not many more storylines to consider except the one person that everybody in the NFL universe wanted to hear from, and at 7.45am Boston time, Tom Brady the greatest Patriots player and the greatest Quarterback the game has ever seen in terms of victories and longevity posted the following statement on

And with that the rest of Day 2 was immaterial, instead it became a day of reflection and goodbyes to No.12 and perhaps after the initial shock and dumbfoundment of it all perhaps it is a time to respect a decision but also how the Patriots perhaps need to fall in line with the rest of the league.

Tom Brady is 42 when the season reconvenes in August pre-season, and as a player he has never had the payday his play naturally deserves and yet Brady ended up taking hometown discounts to stay with the franchise for the betterment of it by giving them the opportunity to purchase talent around him.

This process of 'do your job' and the blueprint has undoubtedly worked culminating in six Super Bowl triumphs, all led by the same QB and head coach with Brady going to the playoffs eighteen times in his career only missing it twice one when he was injured.  Now he is heading for one of three destinations - Tampa Bay to hook up with guru Bruce Arians and a plethora of offensive weapons at his disposal, Los Angeles Chargers which is near to home in California or even Las Vegas to join Jon Gruden and the Raiders. Brady finally has what he wanted, to be coveted to be adored and sought after by admirers something he has never experienced since being drafted in the sixth round by the Patriots in 2000.

Personally, this writer has no problem with Brady's departure while I will miss him and it will take a good few games to realise he is not the QB in Foxboro, there is a part that realises that every dog has its day and Brady who is now the other side of 40 and he has taken a step back in terms of production while you take that statement with a pinch of salt due to the lack of weapons he had following the retirement of Rob Gronkowski and the Antonio Brown furore.

Brady is the greatest player in the Patriots history, and it sticks a little in the stomach that the organisation did not try to entice him to stay offering an option significantly less than those offered by others.  The Patriots need to get in line quick with the rest of the NFL, they are good at finding nuggets through their scouting but they never have paid the stars with people leaving in their prime to get their pay day - this was evidenced the day before by Kyle Van Noy departing for the Miami Dolphins. Van Noy was paramount to the most recent Super Bowl victory over the LA Rams and following another great year he leaves like Richard Seymour did before him.

While this is a sad day for Patriots nation, the cynical nature of this football world means that no-one stays forever, cycles recycle and the world moves on - but never forget what Tom Brady did by defeating the Greatest Show on Turf, leading a dynasty (twice), having one of the greatest passing seasons in history, a few plays from a perfect season.

He was the guy who got up after a Pick 6 in the Super Bowl to lead the Patriots from a 28-3 deficit to the greatest comeback in recent memory. Brady did that and coupled with his performance v Seahawks, he defined himself as the greatest clutch quarterback - a determined competitor who never gave up

We still get to enjoy Tom Brady for perhaps two more seasons, albeit in another uniform, but thanks Tom. You are the greatest.

NFL Free Agency Day 1 Takeaways

The 2020 NFL Free Agency was highly anticipated due to the pervading cloud of the movement of Tom Brady will he or will he not leave the team he has won six Super Bowls with and head for pastures new in the ongoing twilight of his career.

Day One fell on the eve of St. Patrick's Day, 16th March, and judging by some of the movements you may have to test the GM's not for the Coronavirus but if they were just too merry on the Irish juice a day early turning it into a long weekend of frivolity.

The frivolity turned into a feeding frenzy as the barriers of hunting season were shorn down allowing unrestricted free agents to flirt openly with suitors who flashed a war chest in their direction.

Never was the frenzy more apparent than in Houston where Bill O'Brien the man who would be a better Bill if only he listened to that angel on his shoulder once in a while, decided to trade away his team's best offensive weapon to Arizona for next to nothing in terms of value and setting his team, a team that won a competitive division into a position of suspected mediocrity.

Talk is that O'Brien and DeAndre Hopkins did not get along and O'Brien was not willing to give Hopkins the money he felt he was due. Hopkins is at the peak of his powers, turning 28 in June and one of the top 3 receivers in the league and helped make Deshaun Watson one of the most highly coveted quarterbacks in his fledgling years of his career.

Hopkins was dealt to the Arizona Cardinals for David Johnson, a 2nd round pick this year and  a fourth round pick next year. Arizona get Hopkins and a fourth round pick this year. It is one thing to give away a stud receiver such as Number 10 but to not get a first round pick minimum in return is mind-boggling. O'Brien has seemingly put his pride and need to look like the big man on campus and forsaken the immediate future of his franchise, the franchise he is charged with protecting.

Bill O'Brien - relearning the first song he learnt at kindergarten

The Texans won the AFC South last year and for the most part it was a competitive division, and in the playoffs their rivals Tennessee put on the after-burners led by Derrick Henry to look like the more settled team.  The Titans gave Ryan Tannehill a big contract as a reward for shepherding the team to the AFC Championship and Henry will get the franchise tag.

Now the Texans are going to rely upon a receiving core of perennially injured Will Fuller and Kenny Stills, tight end Darren Fells and running backs Carlos Hyde (who refused an offer from the team last week) and now David Johnson who since his breakout season of 2016 where he rushed for 1239 yards, has rushed for 1308 total yards in three seasons. Johnson is a step back for this offense and yet the real need is the requirement to garner protection for your elite quarterback who is under constant duress. The inability to get draft capital for the OL in the upcoming draft and still not addressed it in free agency - Jack Conklin was available for Tennessee but he signed for 3 years/$42m with Cleveland. The answer was in your division but again O'Brien took his eye off the ball and failed to see the bigger picture.

Jack Conklin - now with Cleveland Browns

Speaking of Conklin's move to Cleveland, the Browns may well have found a big piece of the puzzle to help them over this hump and it starts with protecting Baker Mayfield who suffered from pressure all season. Conklin is rated as one of the best run blockers in the league, hence the gargantuan numbers Henry had in Nashville and you can expect more of the same for Nick Chubb. This idea fits well with the new scheme to be utilised by Kevin Stefanski akin to his time as offensive coordinator in Minnesota - run hard, open up for passing game, strong OL.

This will be helped as well by the Browns' purchase of Austin Hooper - 4yrs,$44m - big money for a safe pair of hands in a two tight end system with David Njoku, but Hooper will provide security for Mayfield with Jarvis Landry likely to miss the start of season due to hip surgery and he will keep the chains moving when they need to.  For Baker he has a safety blanket now.

Big day for Miami on both sides of ball

Miami Dolphins are big movers signing two big names on defence - Byron Jones - 5yrs/$82.5m - from Dallas gets his big payday following a stellar run in Texas, but Brian Flores is focusing on the secondary to make big strides this season albeit against an AFC East division with not many elite receivers and Shaw Lawson - 3 yrs/$30m - a good run blocker who has not reached the heights expected but the talent is there to source out. With Kyle Van Noy expected to go also, Miami is making strides to help out their woeful defence from last year.  This has been added with some stability for OL with Ereck Flowers - 3yrs/$30m - for a man who has been up and down in his career, can he maintain decent numbers but firstly protection for Fitzpatrick before the rise of Tua to the mainstream.

Another team to strengthen an already good defence is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who signed Jason Pierre-Paul to two years $27m, a man who despite his hand injury is still doing great numbers and will add experience to one of the best young units.

In a rare trade where it is win win for both sides, the Indianapolis Colts dealt their first round pick this year (No.13 overall) to the San Francisco 49ers for Defensive End DeForest Buckner, an elite defensive player who is a good purchase for a team that knows it has some offensive stars in their division and with the prospective signing of Philip Rivers to Indy, they need to make sure they give him the ball as much as possible. The 49ers have a pick to plug that gap with Buckner gone and have a young defence to still pick up pieces.

Big offensive move was Stefon Diggs leaving Minnesota to go to Buffalo and become the no.1 receiver on that team that needs a stand out presence and a downfield weapon for Josh Allen's big arm, while they did well with Cole Beasley and will be eager to overtake the Patriots as all windows are small but to win the AFC East is the target this year and with Diggs arriving you have a now happy wide receiver and a team ready to take its shot.

It is only Day One, more madness is sure to follow no doubt with TB12 still the standout free agent everyone is eager to see what he does next.

Follow me on Twitter @JamieGarwood or @NextToTheAisle

NFL 2018 - Week 5 Preview

The NFL starts making a bit more sense once teams have played a significant proportion of their games. Remember we are four weeks in and bar Washington and Carolina, all teams have played 25% of their games. That is a quota enough to start making clear who are contenders, who are also rans and who are looking for the draft next year already - looking at you New York G-men.

What did we learn from Week 4 - that the two best teams are the Rams and the Chiefs, they have two young quarterbacks who are ready to reach for that brass ring and make noise that needs to be heard. Whilst the Rams were thoroughly dominant in usurping the now treading water Vikings, the Chiefs had to come from behind to get a road win in Denver - a big step for Patrick Mahomes and company.

The false economy I alluded to last week was evident in the very poor performance by the Miami Dolphins who laid a huge egg on the road in New England, a team that still has question marks on Brady's consistency and yet could not muster a jab on them. The Chicago Bears are legitimate contenders now, partly due to a weird division where teams trip up at every occasion and also having a Top 3 defence led by Khalil Mack and Mitch Trubizky looking able to make plays and amazingly throw across his body.

Teams that are flailing for life remain the New York Giants who picked Saquon Barkley in a win-now draft pick but are struggling with Eli Manning getting any rhythm; the Pittsburgh Steelers are being let down by no consistency from Big Ben and a weak secondary; the Buffalo Bills could get nothing on the road at Green Bay unable to get pressure on an ailing Aaron Rodgers. In another two weeks it will be clear which teams are playoff bound and which are sucking for a higher draft pick.

Week 5 Predictions
Byes: Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Thursday Night Football
Indianapolis Colts (1-3) at New England Patriots (2-2)
Following Frank Reich's brain fart of a call to punt the ball away to Houston in overtime and allow them sufficient time to get into field goal range, the Colts look a little bit lost. They have not got a lot of talent on the roster and they are struggling to be taken seriously; although Nyheim Hines a fourth round pick at RB had himself a day and is probably a fantasy football pick. They travel to Boston to face New England who have Julian Edelman returning for his first game, expect targets a plenty underneath which could well open up Josh Gordon for big plays downfield. James White was big in this game and the Patriots showed some efficiency on offense for once this season.
Prediction: New England by 10

Sunday
Tennessee Titans (3-1) at Buffalo Bills (1-3)
The Titans are probably the most pleasant surprise finding themselves 3-1 despite starting Blaine Gabbert for one game but they are not scoring a lot but they tough out games sticking with the Super Bowl champs in overtime; their defence is excelling themselves and this is despite a plethora of injuries that seem to mount up for them; Mike Vrabel is getting the best of his charges. The Bills at home finally after what seems an eternity could provide some resistance but can they get any fluency against that D-line of the Titans.
Prediction: Titans by 3

Miami Dolphins (3-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)
The Dolphins were woeful in Boston and a road trip to the red hot Bengals might fill them with dread as Andy Dalton the Red Rifle is throwing for 300+ a game and has weapons everywhere in AJ Green, Ross, Boyd and Bernard. The defence remains elite and will try and snaffle up any productivity the Fins can muster.
Prediction: Bengals by 8

Baltimore Ravens (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-2-1)
The Ravens had a good road win against Pittsburgh and this looks like a good battle between two stellar defences, the Browns swarm hunting the ball at every opportunity while the Ravens will try to win the line and force Mayfield to throw downfield where Eric Weddle will be waiting. Flacco is getting big plays when he needs them with John Brown outside.
Prediction: Ravens by 4

Green Bay Packers (2-1-1) at Detroit Lions (1-3)
The Packers are being very professional, winning games concisely and not outdoing themselves or forcing issues while Rodgers still recuperates on the fly. The defence is exceeding expectations and will fancy their chances against a team struggling for consistency.
Prediction: Packers by 7

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
This should be a great game, the perfect Chiefs have the league's most exciting QB prospect but they do not have a defence that can stop many teams. Blake Bortles has showed an improvement in game management and the ability to find his pacy receivers in open spaces may exploit this leaky Chiefs defence. This is definitely the biggest test of Mahomes career against the Jags.
Prediction: Chiefs by 6

Denver Broncos (2-2) at New York Jets (1-3)
The Broncos had a 10 point lead over the Chiefs and have shown a toughness not seen in recent years as Case Keenum does enough on offence; Von Miller must be licking his lips to attack Sam Darnold as his learning in the big boy league is getting harder with every week; talent wise they have not got enough game changers.
Prediction: Broncos by 7

Atlanta Falcons (1-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2-1)
A match up between two teams with records they would not have been expecting, and the team that loses this matchup could be eliminated from play off consideration as they will be cast adrift at the bottom of their respective divisions. The Falcons have been firing on offence with Matt Ryan not turning the ball over and yet they have been outgunned by Drew Brees and Andy Dalton in the last two weeks; the inability to not get stops on defence may offer hope to the struggling Steelers but they themselves are poor on defence and lack a fire in them to stand toe to toe with rivals currently.
Prediction: Falcons by 6

New York Giants (1-3) at Carolina Panthers (2-1)
The Panthers return from a bye week and are at home to the timid Giants - a team failing to land a punch of note in this season. Barkley is running great but the pressure on Eli Manning to perform at a high level is not coming to fruition; the ability on both sides of Panthers will be too strong for the Giants to even get close. This could be the most one-sided scoreline of the week.
Prediction: Panthers by 12

Oakland Raiders (2-1) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
The Chargers host the Raiders who got their first win last week in overtime against the Browns, though they got a few breaks to go their way. The Chargers are still exciting but they could do with Joey Bosa to return on defence and would it hurt to have a decent field goal kicker to stop leaving points on the field.
Prediction: Chargers by 7

Minnesota Vikings (1-2-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
At the start of the season, this would have been earmarked as a great game now it is between two teams failing to meet expectations. The Eagles are suffering a hangover from Super Bowl celebrations, and the Vikings got hit by the LA Rams buzzsaw which can be forgiven as they are the best team in the league. This is a hard one to call though Cousins showed enough in defeat to warrant another chance to back him.
Prediction: Vikings by 3

Arizona Cardinals (0-4) at San Francisco 49ers (1-3)
The winless Cardinals face the Jimmy G-less Niners, yet the 49ers were resilient on the road against the Chargers and CJ Beathard is a good set of hands in the offense and has weapons that are ready to stand up. The Cardinals could be picking one overall at this rate and be lucky to get 2 wins this season.
Prediction: 49ers by 8

Los Angeles Rams (4-0) at Seattle Seahawks (2-2)
Expect more of the same from the Rams against a defence that was ageing before Earl Thomas' season ending injury on Sunday. The Rams d-line will be able to get after Russell Wilson and this could get nasty early if the Rams explosive offence catches fire again.
Prediction: Rams by 10

Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at Houston Texans (1-3)
This is Sunday night football and everything is bigger in Texas. The Cowboys overcame the Lions despite having 240 total yards from Ezekiel Elliott who is taking the team on his back and dragging them to unlikely victories. The Texans show plenty on offence although the inability to close out a Colts side they were leading 28-10 and nearly tie and/or lose the game is a worry for fans who must still have question marks over Bill O'Brien's tenure.
Prediction: Cowboys by 3

Monday Night Football
Washington Redskins (2-1) at New Orleans Saints (3-1)
The Saints are a very good side able of scoring quickly. From a 12-7 half time scoreline, before you blinked it was 33-18 due to the big playmaking ability of Alvin Kamara. Mark Ingram returns from his PED suspension which will give the Saints another dimension to their play. Can they get pressure to Alex Smith though in an under-rated Washington side, should be a good game.
Prediction: Saints by 7

Fantasy Football Advice

Courtland Sutton (WR, DEN) - have mentioned this man before and his yardage and targets has gone up week upon week. This week away at the Jets expect him to get a red zone look for sure

Nyheim Hines (RB, IND) - a 4th round pick who had a huge day with 2 receiving touchdowns and with a weak backfield in terms of depth and TY Hilton got multiple injuries on a short week against a still unproven New England defence, Andrew Luck will need a safety blanket.

Mark Ingram (RB, NO) - back from a four week suspension, it will be intriguing to see what this does for Alvin Kamara's carries and numbers. Either way it will not stop New Orleans' offensive juggernaut.

Nick Chubb (RB, CLE) - he had three carries for 105 yards for two touchdowns. One carry was for 1 yard. He had a big day, at home to Baltimore might be a tough match-up but he will provide that option for Baker Mayfield.

Follow me on Twitter for NFL @JamieGarwood

Collision of Wills

Out from the University of Nebraska Press, the novel by Jack Gilden looks deep in to the conflicted relationship between two titans of the NFL - Johnny Unitas and Don Shula - and how this helped model the present day NFL

Johnny Unitas is lauded as the first great quarterback, his legacy is untouchable as that of a gifted athlete but a born leader who helped the Baltimore Colts be vaulted to elite status as one of the premier teams of American football before the merger of the AFL and NFL which led to the Super Bowl being created. While Unitas never won the premier competition, his influence and type of play to change it from a brutal battle reminiscent of trench warfare to one embracing passing quarterbacks and dynamic receivers is relevant today more than ever.

The first modern day QB - Johnny Unitas

Don Shula is one of the great coaches in NFL history, winner of two Super Bowls and still the only coach to oversee a perfect season in the sport when with the Miami Dolphins in 1972.  Yet he started as a player himself, playing with Unitas as a linebacker for the Colts before becoming a coach.  When he became coach of the Colts, his style and manner clashed directly with Unitas who was the figurehead of the franchise - one is outgoing, personable and respected; the other (Shula) was introvert, cold and demanding.

This collision of personality types led to a complex relationship between two men who were very similar in terms of Christian values, morality and work ethic; yet this tempestuous relationship played out against a changing social-political landscape of the United States in the mid to late 1960s with the advent of the sexual freedom, the Vietnam war, political assassinations and civil rights.

Don Shula and  Unitas (19)

The times were a changing, as they were in the NFL, gone were the days of running backs pounding the rock time after time into monsters of defensive lineman, the game used to be won at the line of scrimmage but the advent of west coast offence and embracing of athleticism meant that more faith was being thrust into the now archetypal figure of the quarterback - a man who can make decisions based on defensive shifts and blitz coverage, he passed the ball in the air more to receivers running down field. More points were being scored and games were becoming more appealing to broadcasters who began to screen games live in prime time; and the person throwing the ball became the photogenic persona that praise was bestowed upon weekly.

Gilden's expertly researched book is full of anecdotes about not just the two named stars of the book but also the luminaries and contemporaries who are connected to the two men either as team-mates, rivals, coaches. The roll call of Hall of Fame talent that are name checked are Vince Lombardi, Jim Brown, Dick Butkus, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor , George Halas, Chuck Noll, Al Davis, Joe Namath and Bubba Smith.

Namath is testament to the quarterback becoming the star, a charming handsome man who famously guaranteed that the New York Jets would defeat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl 3 in Miami; Namath was true to his word as the Colts suffered five turnovers as Shula had no answer to the Jets defence, shepherded by another famous name, Weeb Ewbank.

In the UK, we have a shorter history and knowledge of the NFL, names that I have mentioned before will be well known to many a true NFL fan, yet for all my knowledge I cannot recall nor remember hearing the name of Weeb Ewbank before.

Weeb Ewbank and QB, Joe Namath - Champions of Super Bowl 3, January 1969

Ewbank was the coach of the Jets during Super Bowl 3 and was also the coach of the 1958 Championship game won by the Baltimore Colts. Both times Ewbank built small teams from ruins and created winning franchises; created two greatest-ever quarterbacks for their franchises in Unitas and Namath; yet he was unceremoniously sacked from the Colts pathing the way for Shula to take an already excellent team and make them winners.

Yet reading Gilden's transcript of the Super Bowl triumph, it is Ewbank who marshals the team to victory - Namath does not throw that much but is accurate when he needs to be, the defence swamp Earl Morrall forcing mistakes that they capitalise on.

While Lombardi and Shula became the mouthpieces for their team, Ewbank gladly stepped aside and let his players take the credit, even if it means overshadowing his achievements.

Written with great purpose and elaborating cleverly on the socio-political context of the late 1960s, Gilden makes clear that without these men as forefathers you cannot have the spectacle that the NFL has become now, this institution that has become the No. 1 sport in America. During the 1960s, it was behind baseball in terms of popularity and exposure. Now the NFL is far and away the biggest team sport in America, with talk continuing of a franchise being based in London someday.

Without this collision between Unitas and Shula, we would not be in a position we are now, and thanks to Unitas he made the athlete the star. Many casual observers can name a dozen starting quarterbacks easily, can they name five head coaches.

Collision of Wills is published by University of Nebraska Press on October 1st.

NFL 2018 - Week 4 - False Economy

What struck me most about watching the bewildering set of results happen on Sunday was not just the Any Given Sunday motto ringing truer than ever, but that there is a False Economy in the league. We buy stock in people who are hot and then the next week go colder than England in February.

This rang true for the Minnesota Vikings who were the epitome of complacent at home to the winless (now winning) Buffalo Bills; the Jacksonville Jaguars get revenge versus the New England Patriots yet cannot muster any offense superiority versus the Tennessee Titans who somehow have two wins both coming by a combined six points. The Miami Dolphins are 3-0 but have beaten three losing teams and face another one this week in New England in a tasty divisional encounter.

The Saints remain the most complete offensive unit in the league week in, week out but are being upstaged by the Patrick Mahomes show who led his side to a perfect record. The Rams are favourites for the NFC because no-one can stand up to them on either side of the ball.


Week 3 Predictions: 9-6 - Best pick KC over 49ers by 10 points, they won by 11
Week 4 Preview
Byes: Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers

Thursday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings (1-1-1) at Los Angeles Rams (3-0)
It may only be late September, but the Vikings laid the biggest egg in time for Easter; like Sunday they were either too late or way too early; much like our supposed hype for them. The defence vaulted Josh Allen to new heights and a Bills side much derided put on a show in Minnesota. The last thing you want is to probably travel cross country, lick you wounds and play the most complete team in the NFL. Alas, the Vikings play the Rams on Thursday night - the same Rams who are scoring at will and have enough on defence to stop the Vikings.
Prediction: Rams by 9

Sunday
Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
Despite Matt Ryan throwing for 5 TDs and no turnovers, they succumb to bitter rivals the Saints in OT. The Bengals lost on the road to Carolina, but still showed offensive production but could not contain Cam or McCaffrey. The Falcons at home are the surer bet here you feel with Calvin Ridley having three TDs himself on Sunday, the two headed monster of Ridley and Jones may pay dividends again.
Prediction: Falcons by 7

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) at Chicago Bears (2-1)
The Fitzmagic is era, its over, turn off the lights, the Winston regime returns, crab legs all round. They may have lost but the Bucs were unfortunate in certain aspects and rallied in the fourth quarter for a memorable comeback. Now the decision has to be made in regards to who starts, however they would be doing Fitzpatrick a disservice should Winston step back in. On the road to the Bears could be a challenge, and Fitz can get the ball out quicker which may be necessary against that Chicago line whereas Winston is prone to lapses in concentration. Dependent upon who starts is how my pick goes, at the moment I'm leaning towards the Bucs in a closely run contest.
Prediction: Bucs by 2

Detroit Lions (1-2) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
The Lions got a win at home to the underwhelming Patriots, and now travel to Dallas who lost to Seattle last week. The Cowboys have little or no offense and are reliant on Elliott so expect Detroit to load the box on run plays and contain Zek, and with Darius Slay in the secondary the Lions have playmakers to turnover, this could well be a road upset if Stafford does not get flustered.
Prediction: Lions by 3

Josh Allen was eye-catching to say the least v Minnesota

Buffalo Bills (1-2) at Green Bay Packers (1-1-1)
The Bills had the performance of the season, defeating the Vikings 27-6 racing out to a 27-0 halftime lead; the defence swarmed the Vikings in a showing that shocked many but Josh Allen had a coming out party to make passing plays and even hurdled tackles showing athleticism. The Packers meanwhile were not impressive again, their weaknesses being overshadowed by 'We have Rodgers' constantly - Washington got to Rodgers over and over, so if Buffalo can build upon that show they may well have a .500 record.
Prediction: Bills by 3

Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) at Tennessee Titans (2-1)
The Titans have probably been the least convincing side with more questions than answers remaining, yet they overcame the Jaguars in a field-goal battle. The Eagles have Carson Wentz back and they did enough to defeat the Colts but they were dominant in terms of possession outgaining by 170 yards and twenty minutes more time in possession. This was indicative of the Eagles last year, Wentz under centre controlling the game with long drives then suffocating the opposition. Eagles should have enough but they remain in close encounters not blowing anyone out yet.
Prediction: Eagles by 6

Houston Texans (0-3) at Indianapolis Colts (1-2)
In this divisional matchup, this is a must win as the loser will no doubt be eliminated from winning the division and the Texans need to show something. Time and again Deshaun Watson makes mistakes, three red zone turnovers this season has crippled their offence and the line did not force enough mistakes out of Eli. A returning Andrew Luck is showing life and the Texans' secondary of the Texans may be under attack from TY Hilton this week.
Prediction: Colts by 3

Tom Brady will be seeking consistency at home to Miami this week

Miami Dolphins (3-0) at New England Patriots (1-2)
Following the Patriots road loss in Detroit, this game becomes about AFC East supremacy. Traditionally, the Dolphins do not travel well to Boston and they would feel they have enough to overcome the Foxboro hoo-doo based on confidence, however, there three wins have come against the Titans, Jets and Raiders who have one win between them. They have beaten who they have faced but can they still trouble Tom Brady who cannot seem to find people downfield whilst Gronk is double teamed, and yet once the game was out of reach James White was finding room. The defence cannot make plays forcing the Lions to three punts all game. This will be close but could be messy.
Prediction: Patriots by 3

New York Jets (1-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)
The Jaguars laid an egg themselves this week as they failed to defeat the Titans as they were again without Leonard Fournette and did not replicate their gameplan versus the Patriots failing for fluency on offence. The Jets had the indignity of losing to the Cleveland Browns, yet were 14-0 up in that game. There is hope in NY for Sam Darnold but expect an angry reaction from the Jaguars on home turf.
Prediction: Jaguars by 6

Baker Mayfield - The No.1 overall pick now starts for Cleveland

Cleveland Browns (1-1-1) at Oakland Raiders (0-3)
The Raiders are bad, they cannot seemingly play a full game. I remember Mike Lombardi stating this about teams last season, there are 45 minute, 50 minute and so on. The Raiders are currently playing 45 minutes and do not show up for the remainder. They burst to a 10-0 lead and yet left enough time for the Dolphins to come back. The Browns meanwhile are walking on air, the era of Baker Mayfield has begun and they must be giddy with this match up and the possibility of a winning streak.
Prediction: Browns by 3

Seattle Seahawks (1-2) at Arizona Cardinals (0-3)
The Cardinals are bad also, they seemingly cannot function and yet they were 14-0 up and lost 16-14 as the Bears shook off jet lag to get the win. David Johnson was involved but for only 31 yards on 12 carries. Sam Bradford turned the ball over too much forcing Josh Rosen to come in and attempt to muster a 4th quarter comeback. The Seahawks won their home opener versus the Cowboys and in this divisional match up should have enough to win so long as Wilson has time to make plays, though Chris Carson had 102 yards off 32 carries (!) talk about a workload, they forced three turnovers on Dallas also so expect more of the same versus the wingless Cards.
Prediction: Seahawks by 7

New Orleans Saints (2-1) at New York Giants (1-2)
You can have your Mahomes and Fitzmagic but if there is a more entertaining team week in, week out than the Saints let me know. They can go toe to toe with any team, overcoming a near flawless Matt Ryan by winning in overtime. Two receivers - Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara - had 100+ yard games, with Kamara adding 66 yards on the ground. They travel to the Big Apple to face a Giants team who got a much needed win in Houston, they got offense and shut up shop to get the win. However, can that Giants secondary and core stand up to the offensive barrage they should face.
Prediction: Saints by 8

San Francisco 49ers (1-2) at Los Angles Chargers (1-2)
Two losing sides meet but two teams going in different directions, the 49ers had bad news as they lost both Jimmy G to an ACL tear and with that goes any hope the Niners had of causing a stir in a bridging year. They still have Breida and Goodwin is back who had a good connection with CJ Beathard last year in relief.  The Chargers show potential as always and yet cannot get the victories to back up that up, expect that to alter this Sunday.
Prediction: Chargers by 10

Baltimore Ravens (2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1-1)
The Steelers redeemed themselves somewhat against the Bucs getting a vital road win to remain relevant in the now competitive AFC North, a home game versus the Ravens means no respite and this rivalry will be enhanced again. Steelers won thanks to big plays from Vance McDonald and Antonio Brown, yet the underrated secondary picked off Fitzpatrick three times. This will be a game won at the line of scrimmage, if only the Steelers had a ground and pound type running back.
Prediction: Steelers by 3

Patrick Mahomes - the front runner for the MVP

Monday Night Football
Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) at Denver Broncos (2-1)
The Broncos ran out to a big lead on Sunday, but could not sustain the performance at Baltimore. They return to Mile High to face the dominant KC offence and the hottest property in the NFL right now - Patrick Mahomes. The question remains though on the KC defence which bleeds points against anybody. The Broncos have those two quality wide receivers and a decent running back combo (if one remains on the pitch). Can the Broncos make Mahomes look mortal, we shall see, but no fresh quarterback has seen the field like Mahomes has, though the possibility of Von Miller getting him is appetising.
Prediction: Chiefs by 6

Fantasy Football Advice

- Tyler Boyd (CIN, WR) with injury concerns remaining over AJ Green, Boyd had a big day with 6 catches for 132 yards and a touchdown. He overtakes John Ross as the #2 in Bengals depth chart.

- Baker Mayfield (CLE, QB) now confirmed as the starter you can anticipate Mayfield going big against the haphazard Raiders. He will find comfort in targets such as Duke Johnson (himself one to pick up) and Jarvis Landry.

- Marquis Goodwin (SF, WR) had a great relationship with CJ Beathard last year in his six games as starter - expect more of the same. Beathard will also dump off to Breida much like he did to Carlos Hyde for catches in space. Breida has had a great start and luckily has not suffered as bad an injury as sadly Garoppolo has.

- Stirling Shephard (NYG, WR) has been a good receiver for a couple of seasons for the Giants who no doubt will be involved in a shootout with New Orleans this week.

NFL 2018 - Week 3 Preview

By the end of Week 2 there are some events becoming more set in stone; this occurs because teams maintain a week 1 performance level or they have a drop off because they may be on the road or suffering from home debut nerves. Other people maintain performance and still we are surprised - those that we are surprised by are Ryan Fitzpatrick and Patrick Mahomes; Mahomes has started his career with three road games and three road wins.

On Sunday in Pittsburgh, he showed no nerves as he threw for 6 touchdowns and no turnovers as the Chiefs gained their second win of the season; they are tied with the Broncos who defeated the Raiders at home. The Chiefs are in better shape and more impressive as they opened on the road while Denver have had the comfort of Mile High.

Cleveland still cannot catch a break; they lose by three points in New Orleans with new field goal kicker missing two extra points and two field goals. A team that cannot win, will always find a new way to lose.

Jacksonville are not going away and neither is Blake Bortles - he shouldered responsibility with Leonard Fournette hamstrung - throwing for four touchdowns as the Patriots questionable defence cost them again. Early days in the season but the Pats are behind the Dolphins for East supremacy but no shame in losing to a genuine contender in the AFC but may count come playoffs and home field advantage.

Week 3 Preview
Thursday Night
New York Jets (1-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-1-1)
A team that conspires its own downfall play a team that came back down to earth. Tyrod Taylor again played badly but he will probably get the start due to quick turnaround, while Sam Darnold threw for over 300 yards but two interceptions proved costly as the early scores came from costly turnovers. Miami did not have do much to gain the victory. The Jets may have a few more weapons but can the Browns get it together, we hope.
Prediction: Browns by 2

Sunday
New Orleans Saints (1-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-1)
The NFC South is going to be the toughest division this year, three good teams anyway but one team exceeding expectation. The Saints got over the line versus Cleveland though they the reliance on Kamara is proving them to be one-dimensional. The Falcons bounced back at home to Carolina, and they are a different beast in the Mercedes-Benz stadium seemingly. The Falcons have a greater balance on both sides while the Saints look for an answer before Ingram returns.
Prediction: Falcons by 7

San Francisco 49ers (1-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)
The Chiefs finally get home to Arrowhead and the atmosphere will be electric, the 49ers will be buoyant after their first victory of the season however they are going up against a rampant KC offense led by the lights out Patrick Mahomes who had six touchdowns and no turnovers on the day in Pittsburgh. The defence is giving up numbers though so it will again be a 60 point game probably, but does JimmyG have the firepower to contend with Tyreek Hill and company.
Prediction: Chiefs by 10

Oakland Raiders (0-2) at Miami Dolphins (2-0)
The Dolphins have quietly gone under the radar gaining two wins to lead the division, and they face the woeful Raiders at home who have to travel from coast to coast. Although they showed improvement and lost only by one point, you feel the chance was gone and this will be a tough trip for them. Miami though have an efficiency and force turnovers that result in points; facing a mistake prone Oakland side that could be a match made in heaven.
Prediction: Dolphins by 3

Buffalo Bills (0-2) at Minnesota Vikings (1-0-1)
The Vikings have a lot going for them, but for a questionable roughing the passer call they may have lost to Green Bay; while the Bills were again abysmal versus the Chargers. Josh Allen is starting for Buffalo and he showed promise but he has no talent outside and if LeSean McCoy cannot get running room there is little chance for productivity. The Vikings defence will be too strong for the Bills
Prediction: Vikings by 9

Indianapolis Colts (1-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)
Andrew Luck is an inspiring figure gaining his first win since his return usurping Alex Smith and the Washington franchise who stutter despite the good efforts of Chris Thompson. The Eagles meanwhile, got thrashed by the Bucs and Fitzpatrick who showed up their questionable secondary. The Colts have one great receiver and the Eagles did well against one great WR such as Julio Jones, the problem was against a squadron of WR. The Eagles may have Carson Wentz back which would be interesting to see, and they may have enough.
Prediction: Eagles by 6

Green Bay Packers (1-1-0) at Washington Redskins (1-1)
The Packers have Aaron Rodgers who is nursing himself through a knee injury, this may be the toughest game to pick as the Packers have a questionable secondary which Washington may exploit. Alex Smith has the skills to manage this game, while the Packers still need to find their offensive identity despite having a great quarterback.
Prediction: Washington by 3

Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) at Carolina Panthers (1-1)
This should be a great contest, the Bengals came out firing against the Ravens and shot out to a huge lead that they never gave up. The Panthers will be licking their wounds after losing in Atlanta, but McCaffrey got a huge amount of yardage and can Carolina get to Dalton enough to force mistakes.
Prediction: Panthers by 4

Tennessee Titans (1-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-0)
The Jaguars are for real, despite the injury to Leonard Fournette, Blake Bortles had the keys to the cars and drove through New England with reckless abandon, Keenan Cole had a huge day with great runs supplemented by Ryan Grant. Bortles was able to find receivers open anywhere on the field. The Titans got a good game out of Blaine Gabbert but can imagine Sacksonville having a field day here.
Prediction: Jaguars by 7

Denver Broncos (2-0) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
Another good even contest, the Ravens will be in need of a reaction following the woeful submission to the Bengals on Thursday night. The Broncos rode their luck at home to Oakland but they have a perfect record. Again though the big travel across country may count against them, the Ravens though face a formidable defensive line while Keenum has shown great poise under duress. A field goal to split them here.
Prediction: Ravens by 3

New York Giants (0-2) at Houston Texans (0-2)
One team will get a win, unless we have our third consecutive tie, and for all the promise and talent on display in the Big Apple there is a real worry that the Giants may be looking at a terrible September; is Eli Manning just past it now? The Texans have a home game opener and they showed promise but need to find better protection for Deshaun Watson who nevertheless threw to both DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller for over 100 yards each. The Texans may have enough, while the Giants are merely treading water.
Prediction: Texans by 6

Los Angeles Chargers (1-1) at Los Angles Rams (2-0)
The Battle for LA - but the Rams are appearing to be the most complete team in the NFL, they brushed aside the Arizona Cardianls 34-0, Todd Gurley ripped them up and the defence swallowed up Sam Bradford. Goff is executing McVay's game plan with little fuss and you cannot see anything but a Rams victory here. The prediction may seem harsh but this due partly to Rivers prone to errors be it fumbles or interceptions.
Prediction: Rams by 10

Chicago Bears (1-1) at Arizona Cardinals (0-2)
This Bears defence is frightening, they looked good admittedly against a poor O-line of Seattle which necessitated to Russell Wilson having kittens; yet it is Trubizky doing enough when required either with passes or on his feet. There is a nice balance in Chicago which may come to greater fruition, and this defence against a weak Cardinals side may eat up more sacks again on the road.
Prediction: Bears by 6

Dallas Cowboys (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (0-2)
A few seasons ago this would have been a prime time fixture, now it is two franchises in a state of flux and flabbergast. A one-dimensional Dallas side reliant upon a running back due to the lack of receivers against a Seahawks side who still have defenders to make plays. Can Seattle get to Dak enough, does Dallas have enough pressure to force Russell to get out of his comfort zone with Doug Baldwin still sidelined. Feel the Seahawks will sneak this one in an ugly contest.
Prediction: Seahawks by 3

New England Patriots (1-1) at Detroit Lions (0-2)
The Patriots have a questionable defence, they leave receivers wide open and cannot get pressure up front on third downs to force mistakes from the relevant quarterback; they face a good quarterback with receivers but their old defensive co-ordinator Matt Patricia who has not had a good start to his head coaching career. The Patriots should have enough to overcome this defence and the importance of having match ups and fooling the Lions is key, would like to see more of James White.  The Patriots got outplayed and even Brady cannot overcome that defence and scoreline.
Prediction: Patriots by 7

Monday Night Football
Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
It is strange how schedulers are sometimes laughed at, and yet happen stance or good fortune results in hot properties getting their due attention. The Buccaneers have turned some heads with a road win in the opener in the Superdome followed by a defeat at home of the Superbowl champions, Philadelphia Eagles. Thanks in no small part to the resurgent Ryan Fitzpatrick, with 8 touchdowns in two games, but a defence that is swallowing up offensive lines. This is the last game of Jameis Winston's suspension, meaning the Bucs will have a huge decision to make. Fitzpatrick has made great start to seasons before and tailed off, but he gives a level of dependency you will not ordinarily get from Winston with fewer turnovers. Plus the explosive nature of three wide receivers gives them a match up nightmare for any defence, and facing a Steelers secondary that gives up big plays after big plays - can you see anything but the continuing Fitzmagic spell?
Prediction: Bucs by 8

Fantasy Advice
- Austin Ekeler (LAC, RB) - has to share workload with Melvin Gordon for carries but outrushed Gordon who was used more in screens, had 98 total yards on Sunday in Buffalo. Will aim to get a TD this week albeit against the stellar Rams defence.
- Philip Lindsay (DEN, RB) does all the hard work - 107 yards off 14 carries but Royce Freeman got the TD. On the road at Baltimore that may alter this week.
- Philip Richardson (WAS, WR) - 63 yards off of four targets, they are at home to Green Bay and their questionable secondary. Ample opportunity there for big numbers.