THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM Buffalo Bills (1-0) at Miami Dolphins (1-0)   

Early AFC East Tilt For First Place

    The Buffalo Bills have been often criticized for allowing their quarterback, Josh Allen, to be pummeled on a weekly basis. However, this past week they protected Allen brilliantly, allowing just 1 sack, enroute to a hard fought, 20-13, victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The offensive success, then aided a ferocious defense that racked up 12 sacks of 'Zona signal caller Kyler Murray while ceding just 65 yards rushing! And, speaking of rushing, the Bills got 75 yards from tailback Ray Davis and an additional 73 yards from James Cook in the big win.

    Miami played the Jaguars in a driving rain and used two big offensive plays to pull out the, 27-17, win. The defense bent, but did not break, much of the game surrendering nearly 400 yards of offense to Jacksonville. QB Tua Tagovailoa threw for just 196 yards, but completed 12 of 15 throws (80%) and did not commit a turnover. HB Raheem Mostert had a huge 73 yard TD run as part of his 14 carry, 145 yards rushing day and the Dolphins' defense sacked Jags' QB Trevor Lawrence 8 times.

Final Analysis: Buffalo can be awfully tough if they can continue to protect Allen. Miami has a solid secondary and some big play weapons that the Bills must keep in check. This one looks like it could become a defensive battle and those type games usually get down to special teams, turnovers, and big plays. Buffalo's pass rush against a weak Miami offensive line could be the difference in this one. Buffalo 24-20.

1:00 PM New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Dallas Cowboys (0-1)

Saints High After Late FG Victory. Pokes Retooling Offense After Week 1 Power Outage

   The Saints rolled up 522 yards of offense last week in their, 32-29, nipping of the Carolina Panthers, but they still needed a field goal from Riley Patterson with 7 seconds remaining to secure the W. HB Alvin Kamara, who will always be a hero in NOLA after he led the team to its 4th PFL championship two seasons ago, had an outstanding game rushing for 111 yards on 24 carries. QB Derek Carr threw for 364 yards and 2 touchdowns on his way to completing 81% of his attempts (26-32) and WR Rashid Shaheed had a day to remember hauling in 10 receptions for 211 yards and a score.

   Dallas, conversely, labored offensively especially in the running game. Aged back Zeke Elliott was anything but a reminder of his old self, stumbling forward for 29 yards on 20 carries! QB Dak Prescott could not find the endzone and seemed obsessed with getting the ball to WR Cee Dee Lamb, who would snare 12 balls for 153 yards, while the rest of the receiving corps had a combined 13 receptions for 114 yards.

   This game could be interesting. The Saints and Kamara can bully teams and, if they can run the ball, Carr can get hot. The Pokes have a tough time stopping the run, and saw Browns' tailback Nick Chubb rush for 107 yards on 21 carries. Dallas must find a way to keep Kamara in check. The Saints' defense allowed Panther QB Bryce Young to carve them up to the tune of 336 yards and 4 touchdowns. They did hold Young to a 58% completion rate and sacked him 6 times, but the unit still gave up big plays. WR Adam Thielen had a huge day with 5 catches for 118 yards and 3 touchdowns and fellow WR Diontae Johnson had an additional 111 yards on just 6 catches! That could mean a big day for Prescott if the Cowboys can get somebody to go along with Lamb in the passing game. The Saints had little to worry about from the Carolina ground game as the Panthers ran the ball just 9 times for 16 yards! They get another backfield, this week, that is not very explosive.

   Final Analysis: Dallas has a few weapons and might be able to have major success throwing the ball. If they can pass the ball, they can score and maybe hang in there with the Saints. New Orleans should be able to run the ball and get Carr going again and this game, in many ways, is similar to the Carolina-Saints game of a week ago. New Orleans 27-24.

 1:00 PM Tampa Buccaneers (1-0) at Detroit Lions (0-1)

Can Lions' Goff Rebound? Bucs Optimistic About D and Mayfield

   The Detroit Lions were expected to be one of the more high-powered teams in the PFL this season. While that may still become a reality, the club cannot be happy about its week 1 performance against the Los Angeles Rams in a lopsided, 28-7, whipping. QB Jared Goff had a rough day getting sacked 9 times, tossing two picks, and completing only 50% of his throws. Obviously, the offensive line must do better or the team needs to re-examine its offensive game plan. The defense did intercept Ram QB Matt Stafford twice and stuffed the LA running game for just 40 yards, but the group could not overcome the offensive short-comings as the Lions were down, 28-0, at the half.

   Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense was the difference in a tight, 20-17, win over the Washington Commanders. TBay limited Washington to a mere 45 yards rushing and 157 yards passing out of rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Daniels would be sacked 9 times and HB Austin Ekeler would run for only 47 yards on the day. Not everything was rosy in Buc-land though.  The Bucs struggled to run the ball with Rachaad White recording only 57 yards on 20 carries (2.8 YPC). Still, the offense converted 8 of 15 third downs (53%) and Baker Mayfield would complete 23 of 30 attempts for 316 yards, 2 TDs, 0 turnovers, and a sparkling 132 QBR!

   Final Analysis: Detroit is much better than they showed in week 1. Tampa Bay is a better running team than they revealed in their debut. Expect Goff to play better and Mayfield may come back to earth a bit and for this one to be tight.  Detroit 27-25.

1:00 PM Indianapolis Colts (0-1) at Green Bay Packers (1-0)

Johnny U vs Bart Starr? No, But Old Rivalry Returns to Lambeau!

      The Colts and Packers renew an ancient rivalry that was a top shelf game back in the late 1950's and early 60's. QBs Jordan Love (Green Bay) and Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis) are not all-time greats yet, but they are indicative of the type signal callers starting to dominate the PFL. Indy would drop their season opener, 24-9, to Houston as Richardson would complete just 47% of his throws and star back Jonathan Taylor would rush for only 50 yards on 12 carries. The Packers, meanwhile, had Love complete 68% of his attempts, but also absorb 7 sacks, in his team's, 26-10, victory over the Eagles down in Brazil. It was Green Bay's defense that was the difference intercepting Philly QB Jalen Hurts three times, sacking him 5 times, and holding star back Saquon Barkley to a near invisible 25 yards rushing on 8 carries.

   Both teams need to have better outputs from their running game. The Colts, in particular, have to get Taylor going. If they can run the ball, then Richardson's read options can become effective as well as play action. The defense played pretty well against CJ Stroud, but allowed ex-Bengal Joe Mixon to rush for 125 yards and 2 scores on 20 carries. The Colts used DT DeForest Buckner almost exclusively at NT/DT as indicated by his 57 play snap count. Green Bay's interior blockers, howeever, of guards Elgton Jenkins and Jordan Morgan along with center Josh Meyers are not very strong nor very big. Jenkins and Morgan both weight just 311 Lbs and have 89 and 87 strength ratings respectively. Meyers weighs just 310 Lbs with an 89 strength number. The Packers had a very tough time trying to run the ball with the slow footed Josh Jacobs against an Eagles' front that featured 336 Lbs and 97 strength DT Jordan Davis and 315 Lbs 95 strength DE Jalen Carter. Fortunately for Green Bay, the Colts do not possess those types of players up front, so one can anticipate the Packers having some improved running success.

   Green Bay had NT Kenny Clark hold up pretty well allowing LBs Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper to combine for 20 tackles and DEs Rashard Gary and Preston Smith to pile up 4.5 sacks. I like the potential matchups on the left side for the Colts where LG Quenton Nelson and LT Bernhard Raimann might be able to clear the way for Taylor, but Preston Smith is no slouch on the Packer right side.

  Final Analysis: Green Bay's Jacobs is not a break away threat, but he can be a solid inside presence. The Colts must make sure he does not start to get it going. Conversely, Indy has to get Taylor rolling early on to set up Richardson's read option and play action game. Backers Cooper and Walker for the Pack are super quick, have size, and are excellent tacklers and could be the difference again this week. Green Bay's secondary is solid as well versus a slower Colts WR corps.  Green Bay 26-20. 

1:00 PM New York Jets (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (1-0)

Jets Need to Get Going. Titans Douse Bears' Williams in Debut

    The Jets could not get much going against a stingy San Francisco 49ers' defense and fell late, 30-20. QB Aaron Rodgers had just 183 yards passing and HB Breece Hall could only muster 43 yards on 18 carries to complete a miserable week 1 offensive outing. Tennessee, on the other hand, ruined USC rookie QB Caleb Williams much anticipated debut for the Chicago Bears. The Titans' defense frustrated Williams all game long as he completed 11 passes for 125 yards. Williams got little help from his running game as tailback D'Andre Swift ran for a paltry 22 yards on 7 carries. Tennessee's offense was fairly balanced with newly acquired HB Tony Pollard rushing for a solid 73 yards on 18 carries and QB Wil Levis connecting on 25 of 36 passes for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns.

   New York and Rodgers should pose more of a threat than the Bears did last week, but they need to get the running game going. The defense was very good versus the run shutting down HB Cnristian McCaffrey, but QB Brock Purdy found time to throw for 286 yards and two scores and WR Garrett Wilson scorched them for 129 yards and 11 receptions.

   Final Analysis: The Niners are one of the more talented teams in the NFC and the Jets can be given a bit of a pass because of that fact. New York needs to get rookie power back Braelon Allen involved and shut down Pollard. They should be able to do both. New York 26-20.

GAME OF THE WEEK

1:00 PM San Francisco 49ers (1-0) at Minnesota Vikings (1-0)

Niners and Vikes Aim to Remain Unbeaten

    These two clubs have not been front running organizations in the PFL for awhile now. The Niners have 4 PFL titles to their name, but have not won a championship in 27 seasons and the Vikings have never won a title! Both teams are excited at the opportunity to start their season off on a rare two-game winning streak. San Francisco broke open a close game with the New York Jets to win, 30-20, going away. QB Brock Purdy did not throw an interception and completed 21 of 34 attempts (61%) for 286 yards and 2 touchdowns. RB Christian McCaffrey was not overly impressive running the ball (14-47) but he still managed two rushing touchdowns and then was on the receiving end of a 43 yard TD score giving him three touchdowns on the day! The Vikings would get a much better than expected game out of QB Sam Darnold in their exhilarating, 29-23, over-time defeat of the New York Giants. Darnold threw for 261 yards and two scores while connecting on 72% (18-25) of his throws. The Vikes were also able to get 82 yards rushing on 15 carries out of tailback Aaron Jones. WRS Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison each had 113 yards in receptions with Jefferson hauling in two touchdown passes. 

   The Minnesota defense recorded 12 TFLs while the Niners consistently got into the Jets' backfield for 18 TFLs! This one should get down to the effectiveness of the San Francisco front seven against the Vikings' Oline. Jefferson and Addison are very good talents, but neither has elite lid lifting speed. If the Niners can pressure Darnold, then the Niner secondary should hold up pretty well. 

   The Vikings have solid players at the safety positions that can pursue and tackle. They do not have elite speed at the third level and CB Stephon Gilmore, while a good defender, lacks the speed to stay with true barn burners. San Fran's Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings can all break tackles at any time, so the Viking secondary must tackle well in this one. TE George Kittle is another weapon that can also do damage against secondary and smaller sized players.

   Final Analysis: San Fran matches up pretty well agains the Minnesota corners. Outside of Gilmore, the rest of the CBs do not tackle well and that could lead to RAC yards for San Fran. McCaffrey out of the backfield is yet another worry. San Francisco 26-20.

1:00 PM Seattle Seahawks (1-0) at New England Patriots (0-1)

Seattle "Style" is Back! Pats Need to Grow With Rook Maye at Helm

   The Seattle Seahawks have had success under Coach Steve Dillon when the club can deploy a power running and situational passing game combined with a rugged defense. In last week's, 15-10, battle with the Denver Broncos, Seattle's style of ball was in vintage form. HB Kenneth Walker ran for 97 rough yards on 23 carries, QB Geno Smith completed 15 of 21 throws for 194 yards, and the Seahawk defense racked up 8 sacks of Bronco rookie QB Bo Nix while holding him to a meager 108 yards passing with a long completion of only 15 yards! That defense now gets another rookie signal caller in New England's Drake Maye. Maye was sacked 6 times, picked off once, and completed only 11 passes out of 20 tries in his PFL debut. HB Rhamondre Stevenson just could not get untracked finishing with 78 yards on 23 carries (3.4 YPC) and his numbers simply were not strong enough to ease the burden on Nix. Unfortunately for Nix, his interception would be returned 40 yards by, ya ready?, DT Kris Jenkins for a touchdown!

   The Patriots played well versus the run limiting Bengals' back Zach Moss to 42 yards on 15 carries (2.8 YPC). If they can stop Walker and compel Smith to throw in predictable situations, they could have some success in this one. They did pick off Cinci QB Joe Burrow twice, but they also saw him throw three TD passes and connect for 248 yards.

   Final Analysis: Seattle might have some trouble running the ball and this could get them out of their comfort zone. However, the Seahawks have one of the better secondaries in the PFL and have a solid defense up front that should be able to handle Maye. Seattle 22-17.

1:00 PM New York Giants (0-1) at Washington Commanders (0-1)

Old Rivalry Heats Up in DC's FedEx Stadium

  This is an old, and at times, contentious rivalry. Neither team can afford to start their season at 0-2, so this one has some early season significance. The Giants lost a tough, 29-23, OT game to the Vikings. Unfortunately, some old bugaboos reared their ugly heads yet again. QB Daniel Jones would not throw a single touchdown pass and saw CB Mekhi Blackmon pick him off and take it to the house for 41 yards. HB Saquon Barkley is with the Eagles now. Running back Devin Singletery was relatively ineffective rushing 21 times for 79 yards (3.8 YPC) and might find himself in a halfback battle as Purdue rookie Tyrone Tracy ran 6 times for 46 yards (7.7 YPC). The defense could not stop Minnesota HB Aaron Jones (15-82-5.5 YPC) nor QB Sam Darnold (18-25-261-2).

   Washington dropped a close one to Tampa Bay, 20-17, with all eyes on rookie QB Jayden Daniels. If the offensive line had protected him a bit better (9 sacks) his stat line likely would have been much better. Still, considering the pressure he faced, his outing was encouraging. Daniels threw for 222 yards, completed 17 of 28 throws, and did not commit a turnover. HB Austin Ekeler needed to be better than his 11 carry, 47 yard performance.

   Final Analysis: The Giants have seen Jones play like this before. Who the top back is this week is a mystery, but the running game must play better and the defense cannot let either Ekeler or Daniels get untracked. Time will tell if the Commanders can pass protect or not and if the Giants have a defense that is capable of being disruptive. Expect Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns to be difference makers in this one, while Commanders' Dlinemen Da'Ron Payne and Jonathan Allen could be trouble up front. Washington 24-21. 

1:00 PM PM Los Angeles Chargers (0-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-1)

Bolts and Cats Yearn For Initial W

   These two teams need a win badly. The Chargers likely win their game a week ago against the Raiders if not for 4 Justin Herbert interceptions and a Gus Edwards fumble leading to a very one-sided -5 turnover margin. Carolina had to be a bit optimistic, despite their last second loss to the Saints, with the showing of QB Bryce Young. The second year signal caller threw for 338 yards and 4 touchdowns giving hope to the Charlotte area fan base. The problem, though, wasa running game that was essentially abandoned and ineffective.

   It is highly unlikely Herbert and the Bolts will turn it over 5 times again this week. If they can keep the TOs down, then a pretty good defense might get its chance to shine. That unit stuffed starting Raider HB Kareem Hunt for 2 yards on 12 carries and limited QB Gardner Minshew to just 183 yards passing while sacking him 7 times. Basically, the Chargers have a good enough defense to win as long as the offense can stay on the field a bit and not give the game away.

   The Panthers have reason to be happy following Young's game, but the running game must be better and utilized more. In addition, the defense cannot give up big plays like it did last week. The D cannot allow a back to rush for over 100 yards, like the Saints' Alvin Kamara did, nor allow a QB to throw on them for another 364 yards, like Derek Carr was able to do, and still hope to win this one.

   Final Analysis: It is probable the Chargers have a better offensive performace. The Panther defense is not likely to improve much over the season and could get tested again this week. That means Young will need to at least duplicate his week 1 numbers or the running game will have to be significantly improved. Not sure I see either being likely. Los Angeles 29-19.

1:00 PM Cleveland Browns (1-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)

Is Browns' D Up to the Task? Jags Give Up Big Plays in Close Loss

    The Cleveland Browns used a rugged run defense to stop the Dallas Cowboys, 16-9, last week. Starting QB DeSahaun Watson would be benched in favor of Jameis Winston who would find TE David Njoku for a 4th quarter 69 yard TD play that proved to be the game winner! Jacksonville won all the statistical aspects of its game versus the in-state rival Miami Dolphins, but the club gave up two big plays that cost them dearly. HB Travis Etienne had a solid day rushing for 101 yards on 20 carries and QB Trevor Lawrence completed 23 of 31 passes for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, Lawrence would be sacked 8 times and the defense would see Miami WR Jaylen Waddle get deep for a 73 yard strike and HB Raheem Mostert rip off another 73 yard jaunt for another score leading to the, 27-17, defeat.

   Cleveland only managed 208 total yards of offense in their win. But HB Nick Chubb bulled his way for 107 yards on 21 carries and, while the passing game was pretty much dormant outside of the Njoku score, the Browns did not turn the ball over. They were 0-2 inside the red zone and their 4-14 (28%) third down conversion rate is a concern entering this one. 

   Jacksonville did get into the red zone 5 times against the Dolphins, but came away with just 1 TD and a FG (20%). They were 5-13 (38%) on third down and had a big sack fumble deep inside their own territory. Still, there were many encouraging signs between the success of Lawrence and the running of Etienne. And, if the club can find a way to clean up the pass protection, the team should be able to score. That, though, is a big question mark as it may be rough sledding for the Jags to run the ball on the Browns' defensive front. If they cannot move the ball on the ground, then the pass protection will become a larger issue.

   Final Analysis: Cleveland's lack of throwing accuracy out of either Watson or Winston, particularly in the medium range zones, can stymie the attack at times. Lawrence has the same problem and that means both teams need solid running games to allow for the short passing game and deep ball big plays to work. This looks to shape up as a defensive battle, but feel Jags have a bit better overall offense. Jacksonville 25-21.

1:00 PM Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) at Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

Raiders in Early Season Big Game test. Ravens' Coach Rob's Stock Surges After Dumping KC Again!

   It has been quite some time since the Raiders have been involved in any type of game that has had true meaning. While they are heavy dogs against the Ravens, the truth is a win, or even a solid outing, would be seen as a nice positive yardstick signalling improvement. Baltimore stopped the Kansas City Chiefs, 26-23, with another gem of a game plan by Coach Rob. The Ravens would get after QB Patrick Mahomes for 11 sacks and an interception. The pressure did not allow Mahomes time to get the ball downfield very often, as indicated by his long pass completion of 32 yards. HB Isiah Pacheco was not his usually dominating self rushing just 7 times for 33 yards!

   Vegas cannot let the Baltimore defense dictate this game and get after QB Gardner Minshew. The Ravens can dominate teams up front with excellent edge pressure coming from DEs Yannick Ngakoue and Nnamdi Madubuike. That means tackles Kolton Miller and Thayer Munford must hold up. That may be easier said than done, though, as Miller let up 3 and Munford gave way to a fourth sack in last week's game!

   Ravens' QB LaMar Jackson threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns last week, but HB Derrick Henry did not get going (21-47-2.2 YPC) and LJax never ran a read option nor tucked and ran. Baltimore will need to find the balance between Henry's and Jackson's running.

   Final Analysis: To be truthful, Baltimore has one of the best rosters in the game and weapons all over the field. Vegas could pull off a stunner, but it is seems a bit of a long shot at best. Baltimore 32-16.

4:05 PM Los Angeles Rams (1-0) at Arizona Cardinals (0-1)

Rams' New Staff Push For 2-0 Start. Cards Need to Find Their Offense

   The pre-season chatter surrounding the Rams was whether or not the absence of Coach Mike Kleinknecht on the sidelines would prove a significant change for the worse. All LA did in week 1 was to sack Detroit Lions' QB Jared Goff 9 times, intercept him twice, and hold him to a miserable 50% completion rate (16-32) in their convincing, 28-7, win. The Rams scored all 28 of their points in the first half! While the Rams were enjoying their big win, the Cardinals' offense was getting whipped by a frenetic Buffalo Bills' defense. Arizona's diminutive QB Kyler Murray would be hounded for 12 sacks as the offensive line simply could not protect him. Veteran back James Connor did run for 65 yards, but only got 12 carries in the narrow, 20-13, defeat.

   The Rams' defense, while it did harass Goff, ceded 99 yards on 17 carries to Jahmyr Gibbs and the impact of the absence of legendary DL Aaron Donald was apparent. Arizona does not possess a vaunted running game and Connor lacks edge speed, so there is a very good chance the LA front does not get pushed too hard in this one. If the Cards cannot run effectively, then the burden will, yet again, fall on the legs and arm of the injury prone Murray.

   The Cardinals could not get to Bills' QB Josh Allen who has had a long history of being among the most sacked signal callers in the league. However, the Bills employed a much safer quick passing scheme designed to get the ball out of Allen's hands quicker and were able to run the ball extremely well. LA rushed just 10 times all game long with HB Kyren Williams, but the team may find success this week against the weaker Arizona front.

   Final Analysis: Arizona has deficiencies it may not be able to resolve. They must get James going. That might be a possibility, though, as LA just is not as stout against the run as in the past without Donald in there. That being said, QB Matt Stafford can be awfully good and the Rams have some real weapons out there that the Cards probably cannot slow down. Los Angeles 30-18.

4:25 PM Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Denver Broncos (0-1)

Return of Steel Curtain Defense? Denver's Rook QB Nix Has a Ways to Go

   It is way too early to baptize this latest version of the Pittsburgh Steelers has some defensive monster, but one had to be impressed with the Tour-de-Force shutout the unit put on the Atlanta Falcons in last week's, 6-0, win. The D stopped top back Bijon Robinson (15-46-3.1 YPC) and kept QB Kirk Cousins from locating any of his talented targets in the endzone. They sacked him 6 times and held him to a woeful 193 yards. The flip side, of course, is how bad the Steelers' offense looked. QB Russell Wilson was not good and held the ball too long leading to 4 sacks. Justin Fields played a bit, completed 3 of 4 passes for 43 yards, and might have done enough to be given the reins this week. Plodding HB Najee Harris was slammed to the turf all game long finishing with a horrendous 17 yards on 15 carries as the offensive line could not create any holes.

   The Broncos started rookie QB Bo Nix in their, 15-10, loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Nix was given a limited offensive playbook and did not complete a pass for more than 15 yards and was sacked 8 times on 29 drop backs (27.6%)!. Seattle's secondary is among the best in the game and, quite frankly, Denver was not able to solve the flurry of Seahawk blitzes. HB Javonte Williams, once again, showed he can be a stud back rushing 15 times for 62 yards.

   Final Analysis: This figures to be another tough defensive battle. Nix is young and does not seem to have enough to truly loosen up defenses, while the Steelers have problems of their own with Harris and either Fields or Wilson trying to operate behind a shaky offensive line. Not seeing much scoring here. Pittsburgh 17-14?

4:25 PM Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)

Bengals Got by Patriots' Rook Maye...Can they Get by Mahomes and Angry Chiefs?

    The Cincinnati Bengals got by the New England Patriots, 34-16, despite playing a bit sloppy at times. DT Kris Jenkins had a rare 40 yard pick 6 of rookie Drake Maye to offset a mixed bag effort from the offense. QB Joe Burrow did throw three TD passes, but he was also picked off twice, and HB Zach Moss was able to gain just 42 yards on 15 carries. The defense played pretty well as Patriot back Rhamondre Stevenson did his best to take the heat off Maye with a rugged 78 yards on 23 tries.  The Chiefs ran into nemesis Coach Rob, who is now at the helm in Baltimore, and experienced much of the same as they had when they faced him as HC of the Patriots. QB Patrick Mahomes was under siege all game long and would be sacked 11 times and intercepted once. KC was not able to get top back Isiah Pacheco going and he would conclude his day with just 7 carries for 33 yards.

   Mahomes will almost certainly bounce back this week and Pacheco is very likely to have a big game as well. The usually aggressive and dominating Chiefs' defense could only get to Baltimore's Lamar Jackson for two sacks, but the run D was excellent shutting off Derrick Henry much of the game. The Bengal offensive line is not over-powering and could get pushed around by the Chiefs, especially if Burrow must drop back too often and in predictable situations. Zach Moss is not a real edge threat and the running game for Cincinnati will probably have some difficulty moving the ball. That, in turn, could turn the KC pass rush loose.

   Final Analysis: Cinci looked fine last week against a limited offense in New England. They now face a horse of a very different color. They cannot be nearly as sloppy as they were last week and expect to win here. Burrow will need to be very good and the running game has to be at least good enough to make the Chiefs respect the possibility of a ground game. Just feel KC is much more balanced when it is playing well. Kansas City 30-18.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM Chicago Bears (0-0) at Houston Texans (1-0)

Bears' Rook QB Caleb Williams' Debut Flops. Houston Offensive Balance and D look Good

   The much Ballyhooed arrival of Chicago rookie QB Caleb Williams did not quite reach expectations. The Ex-USC Trojan Williams would throw for only 125 yards and complete just 44% of his attempts in his team's, 23-13, loss to the Tennessee Titans. Williams' lone bright spot came when he tossed his first career touchdown pass, to fellow rookie WR Rome Odunz, in the opening quarter that sent the Soldier Field faithful into a frenzy, albeit short lived. Houston, meanwhile, showed why it is a top contender in the AFC. They were able to unveil a balanced attack with QB CJ Stroud, and off-season free agent acquisition HB Joe Mixon, to swat away the Indianapolis Colts, 24-9. Mixon made his presence felt with a fine 125 yard, 2 touchdown game and Stroud was efficient finishing without a turnover while posting 193 yards passing and a touchdown.

   Both teams have, arguably, above average defenses. Houston was able to keep the Colts out of the endzone last week holding top back Jonathan Taylor to 50 yards rushing. Chicago could not overcome the lack of offensive production and the Titans had a solid day at the races. HB Tony Pollard ran for 73 yards on 18 carries and QB Wil Levis benefitted from the running game's success throwing for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns. The balance of the Texans could, obviously cause trouble for the Chitown gang especially if the Bears' offense bogs down again.

   Final Analysis: Chicago has good reason to be excited about Williams, but the team might not be ready to be a contender just yet. Houston is talented and has an identity. Houston 28-16.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:15 PM Atlanta Falcons (0-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (0-1)

Two Birds Seeking to Take Flight. Teams Combined for 10 Points Last Week

   These two teams have way too much talent to have a repeat of last week's double dud. Atlanta would be shutout, 6-0, by the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Eagles were being plucked by the Green Bay Packers, 26-10. Falcon QB Kirk Cousins would throw for only 193 yards and tailback Bijan Robinson rushed for 46 yards as the offense was stifled. Eagles' QB Jalen Hurts had a much worse game, however, completing 55% of his pass attempts for 166 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions! Ex-Giant HB Saquon Barkley was expected to have a profound impact in Philly but, instead, was able to put together a less than stellar 8 carries for 25 yards stat line.

   Obviously, a week 1 debacle does not a season make, and both rosters are way too gifted to lay too many eggs this year. The game features two top running backs in Robinson and Barkley. Hurts is seen as a top tier signal caller and Cousins in a veteran who is surrounded by elite talents in the backfield, tight end, and WR spots. Yes, C Jason Kelce is no longer playing for Philly, but the offensive line is still very good as is the group in front of Cousins. This one really just gets down to which team can make the best adjustments coming out of week 1.

   Final Analysis: Two good teams here. Neither played well last week and both need to make serious improvements to their offenses. This makes predicting this one rather tricky and see no real favorite here.

NO LINE