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After a horrible start to the week, I ended up 8-6 last week in my predictions, though that is hardly the stuff of legends. Seemed as though the injury bugs and turnover streaks were rampant last week, so maybe there will start to be some settling as some good teams look to get their first win, and some other teams start to settle down where they were destined to be. Also, on a side note, thank you all for your kind words this past week upon the passing of my mother; it was definitely appreciated. That said....
Chicago (1-0) @ Green Bay (0-1)
Chicago won their first game going away, though the chances that they have a 4-0 turnover ratio every week might be a bit remote. Hurts was able to throw 2 TD’s in a week where he only attempted 13 passes and completed just 9, averaging a ridiculous 19.2 YPC. While it’s hard to see that playing out every week, and the fact they are facing a Dak Prescott who faced luck just about on par with Carr last week, I have to give the nod to the Bears, given their advantages on paper. Chicago 31 – Green Bay 24
Los Angeles (A) (0-1) @ Los Angeles (N) (0-1)
The NFC West got shut out this past week, and one of these teams are going to start the season 0-2, which is kinda hard to believe. While both teams lost by nearly identical scores, the Chargers managed to stay in the game until late, when their comeback hopes blew up in their faces, while the Rams never really seemed to find their footing against the Jags. This should be a very close and very entertaining game, but I am giving the ever so slight edge to the Bolts, as the Rams are really limited in the secondary this week. Los Angeles (A) 35 – Los Angeles (N) 31
Kansas City (1-0) @ Cincinnati (1-0)
Kansas City took advantage of the stars they did have, with Tua throwing for 5 TD’s on only 19 attempts, and Ja’Marr Chase catching all but 46 of Tua’s 287 passing yards. While KC had to face a future up-and-comer in Trevor Lawrence, Russell Wilson has already earned his accolades, and it will be a tall task to ask a Chief’s secondary to match last week’s performance. I strongly suspect that Nino will find a way to have Wilson take his shots and bring KC back to earth. Kansas City 17 – Cincinnati 27
New Orleans (1-0) @ Cleveland (1-0)
Cleveland laid down the wood against my Cardinals last week, and that defensive front 7 is totally brutal, and while Don also laid the wood down on Atlanta, they are shopping in vastly different lumber yards. Stan is a good man, and won’t hurt Don too much, and everyone has to lick their wounds at some point. New Orleans 13 – Cleveland 31
Buffalo (1-0) @ Carolina (0-1)
The 49ers managed to keep Mahomes out of the end zone last week, and while San Fran probably has the best safety tandem in the league, Buffalo probably has the best CB duo in Darius Slay and J.C. Jackson, so the task won’t be getting easier. That said, the 49ers managed to get 124 yards on the ground, and while Jamaal Williams is good, his prowess doesn’t come close to the talent the Bills have on the ground. Somehow, I see Mahomes getting his this week, but not having the ball long enough to pull out the win. Buffalo 28 – Carolina 24
New York (1-0) @ Dallas (1-0)
Dallas’ offense last week upheld their preseason love by scoring 38 points against a Seahawks team that really wasn’t comparable on paper. Unfortunately, glimpses of the worries about the Cowboys’ defense also seemed upheld, and will need to perform a lot better against a Giants team that pulled off a close win against the Super Bowl runners-up last week. I expect that this will also be a nip/tuck affair, but talent showing on defense for the Giants might be able to stop just enough drives to earn their 2nd win. New York 31 – Dallas 28
Atlanta (0-1) @ Minnesota (0-1)
Both teams had disappointing starts last week, but Minnesota has to feel it as though they just didn’t make enough plays in a game that was fairly close on the stats line, and despite dominating time of possession. Eric is an old pro at this and while he very well may end up holding onto the ball for 36 minutes this week, I just don’t think the results will go against him. Atlanta 17 – Minnesota 27
Seattle (0-1) @ Pittsburgh (0-1)
Both these teams had a rough go last week, and may be in contention for Bryce Young next season; that said, while both teams do need an infusion of talent, Pittsburgh does have Roethlisberger, who beats Darnold most weeks, as well as more weapons and talent overall. It wouldn’t take a major shift in the winds for the Seahawks to notch their first win, it would have to be enough to drive a sailboat, and I am not going to predict any such storm this week. Seattle 21 – Pittsburgh 27
Philadelphia (1-0) @ Washington (1-0)
The Commanders put up an impressive showing against the Dolphins, being led by a very Jimmy G-like performance (1 TD – 2 Ints for 329 yards) and upon the legs of one Derrick Henry. While that was a most impressive win, Philly was out there performing their own miracles, stopping the Raiders 2 point conversion with under 2 minutes left to seal their win. This is DKS and anything can happen, but I just don’t see Washington getting those same performances against the Eagles’ D. Philadelphia 27 – Washington 17.
Tampa Bay (0-1) @ Detroit (1-0)
The scheduling gods were especially kind to the Lions to start this season, giving them Pittsburgh last week and Atlanta next week. However, as we have learned, a game may be winnable on paper more so than on the field, and this should be a good game. While I think it will be close, I think Goff out slings the young Lawrence, and gives the Lions a real chance at starting 3-0 before getting into the real meat of their schedule. Tampa Bay 21 – Detroit 24
Miami (0-1) @ Jacksonville (1-0)
Jacksonville managed to start their season off right against the always tough Rams, while Miami stumbled out of the gate against Washington. While their fortunes managed to go in drastically different directions, I don’t think this is a matchup that tends to change the forces, and probably not even all that close. Miami 14 – Jacksonville 31
Denver (0-1) @ San Francisco (1-0)
For San Francisco to make the playoffs, last week’s win was important, as there will be a lot of competition to get those last couple of spots. Denver kept it close with the Giants, but this week face a defense that is a shade below what they faced last week. Meanwhile, get better Lance, and even with a sub, the Broncos should be able to secure a victory. Denver 32 – San Francisco 24
Tennessee (1-0) @ Arizona (0-1)
Tennessee comes off an impressive win against the Vikings, while the Cardinals got b**** smacked by the Browns, so a reasonable person would give the nod to the Titans. Somehow I think that the football gods might even things out, but I refuse to predict it until I see it happen. Tennessee 31 – Arizona 28
Las Vegas (0-1) @ Indianapolis (0-1)
Two teams that should be in the running for the Super Bowl is looking at starting 0-2, so this one will take on added meaning as someone may have to dig themselves out of a bit of a hole. I am going to continue with my pre-season prediction for the Raiders though this one could really go either way, especially if Davis Mills doesn’t start playing better. Las Vegas 31 – Indianapolis 28
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