8:15 PM MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-1) AT BUFFALO BILLS (0-1-1)

Fins-Bills Try to Stay Close to front Running Jets/Pats

   The Buffalo Bills felt the wrath,yet again, of a Mike Kleinknecht led offense last week as they were drubbed, 54-27. The defense could not find an answer surrendering 518 yards to the Jets. Miami would be outscored, 14-3, in the final quarter of their game against the New England Patriots in a narrow, 28-25, defeat. QB Tua Tagovaolia played well in the loss and the defense did sack Patriot QB Drake Maye 6 times and intercepted him twice, but the club still came up short. Now, these two teams play in a game that, suddenly, has quite a bit of significance. With both the Jets and Patriots sitting at 2-0, the loser of this one could easily find itself looking up a rather steep hill as far as winning the division is concerned.

   The Bills' defense has now allowed its first two opponents (Baltimore and New York) to post 500+ yards of offense. While those two teams seem to have hi-powered attacks, the reality is the D needs to get better. Miami can score, as their 72 points (36 PPG) average can attest. Miami's D has created 7 takeaways in its first two games and that could be a big factor here. Bills' QB Josh Allen has tossed three picks coming in and cannot afford to keep turning it over especially against the opportunistic Dolphin defense.

   Final Analysis: Tough one to call. It does shape up as a high scoring game, but feel the Bills' propensity for turning it over against a defense that can take the ball away could prove the difference. Miami 32-30.   

1:00 PM: CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-0) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-1)

Bengals-Vikes in Big Inter-Conference Matchup

    It has been a while since the Cincinnati Bengals have started a season off going 2-0. They have done it, oddly, in a very different way than anticipated. The offense has not been able to get the running game going (That is nothing new since HB Joe Mixon left town) and is sitting dead last in the league averaging only 52 YPG on the ground. And QB Joe Burrow has played pretty well completing 71% (61-85) of his passes. However, Burrow has thrown for just 567 yards (283.5 YPG) which is not in the top 10 of the PFL! No, the Bengals have been doing it with a rugged defense, of all things, combined with a game managing offense that has the team atop the league in turnover margin (+7)! The D has allowed just 8.5 PPG and some 220 YPG, both tops in the league! Minnesota was able to stave off a potentially disastrous start to their season as they held off a late Atlanta Falcons' rally to win, 31-28, last week. QB JJ McCarthy threw for 398 yards and 4 touchdowns and comes in ranked second in the league averaging 404 YPG. The problem has been a defense that is ceding 470.5 YPG (2nd most in the league) that includes an NFC worst 174.5 YPG versus the run. Still, the D has been able to generate 8 sacks and 4 takeaways on the young season.

   Final Analysis: An interesting matchup for sure. Cinci comes in with a top defense while Minny enters the arena with a hi-level passing attack. The Bengals' offense has been lacking, but the Vikings' defense has been porous. All being added up, the inability to run the football might catch up with the Bengals this week especially if Minnesota QB McCarthy can continue to protect the football. Minnesota 30-23.

  1:00 PM LOS ANGELES RAMS (1-1) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-0) 

Can Rams Take Big Step? Philly Still Flying High despite Coaching Change!

    There are times during any season when a team has to find out something about itself. This could be such a moment for the Los Angeles Rams. They just dropped a painful, 27-26, decision to the Tennessee Titans, but could just as easily be 2-0 as they are 1-1. Still, the PFL is about wins and losses and not what-ifs. Now they have to head to the City-of-Brotherly-Love to meet the undefeated defending PFL champion Philadelphia Eagles. While few would expect LA to win this game, it would go a long way towards giving the team a shot of confidence if they come out of Lincoln Financial with a solid showing. HB Kyren Williams ran for 169 yards on 28 carries in the loss to Tennessee, but Titan DB Amani Hooker would come up with two big interceptions of QB Matt Stafford and rookie QB Cam Ward would complete 77% (31-40) of his throws for 378 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Eagles got into, yet another, wild and whacky shootout in their latest duel with the Kansas City Chiefs. In what became one of the highest scoring games in league history, Philly would rally for 9 points in the final minute of the game to nip KC, 58-56! WLB Zach Baun would be the hero with a late intercpetion of QB Patrick Mahomes that set up the last play trey off the toe of K Jake Elliott. RB Saquon Barkely had a massive day rushing for 251 yards on 26 carries with 4 touchdowns...

   Final Analysis: Hard to envision the Rams being able to slow down a Philadelphia offensive juggernaut that is averaging a league best 570.5 YPG and is tied with the Chicago Bears in the NFC putting up 42.5 PPG.  Philadelphia 33-20. 

  1:00 PM GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-0) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-1)

Pack to Hit Road for First Time. Browns Coming Off Big Emotional Win Over Ravens!

   Green Bay has won its first two games of the season, but both were at friendly Lambeau Field. Last week, the team played a Thursday Night contest versus the Washington Commanders in a torrential downpour that favored the hosting Packers. A week after running for just 8 yards against the Detroit Lions, HB Josh Jacobs powered his way for 216 yards on 23 carries while finding the EZ twice. Meanwhile, Cleveland may have turned the entire AFC North Divison upside down with its upset of the Baltimore Ravens, 45-32, last week! They had come off a disappointing week 1 loss to the Bengals and were facing an 0-2 start to the season as well as within the division. Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders had an excellent game throwing for 371 yards and two touchdowns while not turning it over and another fellow rookie, ex-Ohio State Buckeye tailback Quinshon Judkins, rolled for 125 yards on 27 carries in the big W! The defense had a mixed bag type game. The unit allowed burly back Derrick Henry to run for 144 yards on just 19 carries and saw QB Lamar Jackson throw for 317 yards and three tocuhdowns, but the D also sacked L-Jax 7 times and picked him off twice. MLB Carson Schwesinger would take one of those picks back 65 yards for a score and R-edge Joe Tryon-Shoyinka would drop the Ravens in the endzone for a safety!

   The Browns did a serious 180 last week on offense after a stagnant week 1 performance. If Sanders and  Judkins can maintain balance again this week, Cleveland should come out on top. The Packers have shown they can adapt and be diverse. QB Jordan Love will need to avoid the sack with the Browns having recored 11 already. Tryon-Shoyinka and all-world DE Myles Garrett each have 2.5 traps and WLB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has 2! Of course, the Packers can get after the QB as well. Edge Micah Parsons has recorded 2 sacks in each of his two games to date.

   Final Analysis: This one should get down to the better defensive effort. If Cleveland can stop the run and get after Love, they should be just fine. If the Packers can slow down the Sanders/Judkins duo, they shoud be just fine. Cleveland will need to do well on 1st and 2nd down. Their 36% third down conversion rate and 25% red zone number are worry spots. Green Bay 27-24.

1:00 PM: LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-1) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (0-2)

Vegas in Need of a W. Commanders, Without Leadership, Could be in Trouble?

     The Raiders are coming off a huge, 34-13, win over the LA Chargers as they pulled away from a, 10-10, halftime tie with a 24 point second half outburst. RB Ashton Jeanty rushed for 78 yards on 16 carries and WLB Germaine Pratt would block a J.K. Scott punt out of the back of the endzone for a safety in the big win. Washington would visit the Green Bay Packers for a Thursday Night game at Lambeau Field and found themselves playing in a torrential downpour. They would slog their way through the contest before dropping a, 31-13, decision. The defense had a hard time containing Packer HB Josh Jacobs who got loose off the edges several times for big plays as Vonn Miller (250 Lbs) and Frankie Luvu (235 Lbs) were often dominated by the larger Green Bay offensive tackles.

   Final Analysis: Without a tseady staff in place, Washington could struggle to hold down Jeanty especially on the edges. Would expect Jeanty to have a big day. NO LINE

 1:00 PM: NEW YORK JETS (2-0) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-1)

Jets Set to Bomb Bucs' Boat?

   The NY Jets have become the latest team to embrace Mikey-Ball football. Gang Green has piled up 98 points (49 PPG) in their first two outings to lead the league in that category. Speedy WR Mecole Hardman, as predicted, leads the league in yards with 318 and already has 3 touchdown receptions. QB Justin Fields leads the league with 7 TD passes and also has 3 rushing scores! The Bucs had HB Bucky Irving record his second straight outstanding game as he ran for 155 yards on 19 carries in TBay's, 31-16, win over Houston. QB Baker Mayfield bounced back from his 3 interception week 1 game and did not have a pick while completing 17 of 21 throws (80%) for 212 yards and 2 TDs.

   Final Analysis: New York is ripping teams to pieces with its big play passing attack , the running of tailback Breece Hall (101 YPG), and the escapability of Fields. All three Jet top wide receivers are averaging 13.5 YPR or better and already have combined for 5 touchdowns. The Bucs have some firepower of their own and can get after the quarterback as seen by their 12 sacks to date. Still, see the Jets having a bit too much. New York 31-21.

 1:00 PM: PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-1) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-0)

   Steelers, Coming Off Big Win, Face Undefeated Pats in Foxboro. Pats Eying AFC East Again

   Pittsburgh rolled over the Seattle Seahawks, 41-10, last week in an unexpected rout. QB Aaron Rodgers was efficient and HB Jaylen Warren was steady in the victory. But it would the defense that was the big story this week as CB Darius Slay and SS Deshan Elliott would intercept Seahawk QB Sam Darnold and take both picks to the house! New England did not have a very good day, at all, statistically in their game versus the Miami Dolphins last week, but they still found a path to come away with the,28-25, victory. 

   Final Analysis: The Steelers have been a solid offensive team the past few seasons. If they can get the defense to follow along this season, they can be a tough out. New England sputtered last week and have not been able to get their running game going. HB Antonio Gibson has posted 18 carries for 71 yards (3.94 YPC) in his first two outings. The Patriots will probably need to get their running game going a bit this week. QB Drake Maye, who was near flawless a season ago, has already thrown 3 picks on the young season. Pittsburgh 30-24.   

 1:00 PM: ATLANTA FALCONS (1-1) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-1)

Which Team has a Rebound Game?

   The Atlanta Falcons fell behind the Minnesota Vikings by 17 points in the fourth quarter before rallying late. They would, though, eventually lose the game, 31-28. The Falcon running game continued to power forward as HB Bijan Robinson rolled up 183 yards rushing on just 15 carries and now has 377 on the season. He trails league leader Saquon Barkley by just 2 yards, but comes into the game averaging an incredible 9.2 YPC! QB Michael Penix could not, however, replicate his week 1 performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and would be intercepted 3 times by the Viking secondary. He did complete 72% (24-33) of his passes for the second consecutive week, but he did not find the endzone. Carolina saw QB Bryce Young, once again, place doubt in the ownership's mind as he could only connect on 53% (14-26) of his throws in last week's 38-17, stomping at the talons of the Cardinals. He did, though, not have a turnover and had 2 TD passes in the defeat. The bigger issue could be a defense that has allowed teams to rush for 145.5 YPG and has recorded only 2 sacks on the season. Those numbers do not bode well versus the Falcons' running game nor against Penix.

   Final Analysis: Just not seeing how the Panthers can handle the Falcons if Atlanta can run the ball as well as it has in weeks 1 and 2. The inability to stop the running game has, then, stymied the Panther pass rush as teams are constantly in solid down and distance situations. Atlanta 28-17.

GAME OF THE WEEK

1:00 PM: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-1) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (1-1)

Where Have We Seen This Show Before? Colts-Titans in Meaningful AFC South Tussle

    It seems, just about every season, that these two teams find each other playing in a game of importance within the AFC South division. The division has not seen a team win the South with more than 9 wins in each of the past two seasons and this might be year 3. That means every single game is critical especially head-to-head engagements. The Colts were able to avoid an 0-2 start by scoring a late TD to nip the Denver Broncos last week, 23-19. It was not an impressive performance as the quarterbacking tandem of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones would get smashed into the turf another 12 times after the duo absorbed a staggering 16 sacks the prior week by the Miami Dolphins. The running game was not good either, as tailback Jonathan Taylor continued his struggles finishing with 20 yards on 15 carries. Tennessee survived in their, 27-26, nailbiter versus the LA Rams last week. Rookie QB Cam Ward would throw for 378 yards and 2 touchdowns and DB Amani Hooker would snag two Matt Stafford passes out of the air to save the day.

   Final Analysis: Neither team seems settled yet. The Colts are ranked 31st in rushing averaging 53 YPG and the Titans are right behind ranked 27th (72.5 YPG). Without a running game, Indy has had to lean on Richardson and Jones and that has led to a bevy of sacks that is hard to imagine can be sustained. Tennessee's Ward could be the difference in this one and see this as a likely tight contest. Tennessee 20-17.

1:00 PM: HOUSTON TEXANS (0-2) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (0-2) 

Winless Squads Aim for initial W

    The Texans and Jags are both seeking their first win of the year. Fortunately for both, they reside within the AFC South division and, it seems, no team can ever separate from the pack. The reality is the winner of this one will be no worse than 1 game out of first place behind either the Colts or Titans who play each other this week. Scoring could be at premium in this one as the two teams come in ranked 32nd (Houston-255 YPG) and 31st (Jacksonville-266 YPG) in total offense! The Jags are last in the AFC in scoring (14.6 PPG) and the Texans are right behInd them (16 PPG). 

   Final Analysis: Jacksonville just got a new HC on-board and it may take some time for the staff to get a grip on the club. J-Ville could be a real fractor if the leadership turns things around quickly. The Jags do own a league worst -4 turnover ratio and that should be just enough to get Houston its first win. Houston 28-16.

4:00 PM: DALLAS COWBOYS (0-2) AT CHICAGO BEARS (2-0)

Winless Pokes, Now Without a Coaching Staff, Head to Soldier Field VS Hot Bears

   Longtime Dallas Coach, Len Barnhart, has left the club leaving the Cowboys without a full-time staff. Chicago ran roughshod over the Vikings in week 1 and followed that up with a, 44-24, win over the Detroit Lions. QB Caleb Williams has been near flawless throwing for 812 yards and 6 touchdowns with just a lone turnover. He has completed 69% (58-84) of his passs attempts for a 118.7 QBR! WRs Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, and Luther Burden are all averaging 14.9 YPC or better. The Bears' 764 yards passing leads the league and the team's 42.5 PPG is tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for tops in the NFC.

NO LINE

4:05 PM: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-0) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (0-2)

Heavenly Start to Season for Saints. Grounded Seahawks Depressed

   Things could not have begun any better for the Saints. They have dumped both the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers and now face a third NFC West team in three weeks in the form of the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle and Coach Steve Dillon have been accustomed to being a front running, playoff team over the past few seasons. Things have been very different, thus far this season, for the franchise. QB Sam Darnold and HB Kenneth Walker have been up and down over the first two games. The team suffered three turnovers, that included two pick-6's by the Pittsburgh Steelers, last week and committed 80 yards of penalties as it lost its second in a row to start the new campaign, 41-10.  

   The Saints have won two very tight games (32-28 versus Arizona and 34-28 against San Francisco). QB Spencer Rattler has been excellent throwing for 7 TD passes without a single turnover. it seems likely, though, that sooner or later Rattler is going to make some mistakes and that could turn close wins into close losses. The running game has been problematic and, as proof, consider that Rattler actually is the team's leading rusher with 73 yards and 2 touchdowns! Backs Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller have combined for just 66 yards on 33 carries (2.09 YPC) with zero touchdowns. Seattle has been able to run the ball, albeit inconsistently, with tailbacks Kenneth Walker Jr. and Zach Charbonnet working for 215 yards on 39 tries (5.51 YPC). However, QB Sam Darnold has been able to complete just 60% (45-74) of his throws and does not have a TD pass on the season yet. That has led to a league worst 19% (5-26) third down conversion rate for Seattle.

   Final Analysis: New Orleans has been able to breach the 30 point plateau in each of its first two games despite lacking a running game. They have, though, given up 104.5 YPG versus the run and that could open the door for Seattle to get their running game going and maybe some third down conversions. Still, the Seahawks are last in the league in scoring (13 PPG) and that simply will not get it done. New Orleans 27-16. 

4:05 PM:  DENVER BRONCOS (1-1) AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (0-2)

Disorganized Broncos at SOFI Versus Bolts Team Hunting Win #1

    The Denver Broncos just seem like a team that is not organized. The offense is clanky and the defense gives up big plays at inopportune times. The Chargers are coming off a dreadful performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, as they were drubbed, 34-13. The Bolts need to protect QB Justin Herbert better (8 sacks in the Raiders' game) and could do that by going to a shorter, quicker passing concept. Denver crushed Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Anthony Richardson 11 times last week, but still lost, 23-19, as QB Bo Nix could only complete 54% (20-37) of his attempts for just 196 yards and no touchdowns. Denver has been woeful running the football coming in averaging 33.5 YPG on the ground!

   Final Analysis: Denver is welcoming in a new coaching staff. The offense has been extremely anemic especially running the football and the team comes in averaging just 23 PPG. It is hoped the new look and stability can get things moving in the right direction, but it may take some time and the change will not occur until week 4..  The Chargers have not been able to find the endzone at all scoring 12 and 13 points in their first two games! This one looks like a low scoring affair and whichever team can find some type of offensive groove should win. Los Angeles 21-18.

    The Cards enter the game as the defending NFC West champs, but are much more accustomed to getting heat from the Seattle Seahawks than the Niners. That has now changed a bit early on in the season. Arizona had a nice rebound game last week as they pushed past the Carolina Panthers, 38-17. HB Trey Benson showed up rushing for 138 yards on 23 carries as part of an impressive 212 total rushing yards performance. San Francisco dropped its game with the Saints, 34-28, as backs Christian McCaffrey and Brian Robinson could only muster a combined 77 yards on 23 carries (3.35 YPC).

   San Fran will need to shut down the 'Zona ground game and force QB Kyler Murray to the air. However, that would be only part of the task as Murray will need to be contained as well. The diminutive, but electric, Murray can wreak havoc once he gets outside the pocket. Arizona is tied for third in the NFC with 11 sacks while the Niners have posted just 4 on the season. In a bit of an oddity, both teams do not have a takeaway on the year and are just two of four PFL teams in that category!

   Final Analysis: Arizona looks like the team that is playing the better overall ball right now. Do feel, though, that McCaffrey and QB Brock Purdy could show up in this one and make it interesting. If SF can halt the Cardinal running game they can win here. San Francisco 26-22.

8:20 PM: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-1) AT NEW YORK GIANTS(2-0)

KC Hurting After Outgunned, Again, by Philly. G-Men in Playoff Mood?

   It would be hard to imagine scoring 56 points in a game and losing, but that was the case for the Chiefs last week as they were dumped in their most recent encounter with the rival Philadelphia Eagles, 58-56. QB Patrick Mahomes would make a fatal error inside 1 minute remaining and his team leading, 56-55, tossing an interception into the arms of Eagle WLB Zach Baun. The Chiefs would then watch K Jake Elliott boot the game winner as time expired. One thing that was back, however, was the running of HB Isaiah Pacheco. Pacheco, coming off perhaps the worst game of his career, rushed for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 13 carries as the normally explosive KC ground game re-emerged. However, the defense was torn to pieces by Eagle RB Saquon Barkley (26-251-4) and QB Jalen Hurts (34-45-445-2). The Giants got 314 yards passing and 4 touchdowns out of rookie QB Jaxson Dart last week as Big Blue defeated the rival Dallas Cowboys, 28-14. New York built up a 28-0 halftime lead and cruised from there. This one could get down to the Giants' run defense (#2 in the league allowing just 47.5 YPG) against the Kansas City running game led by Pacheco. Another key could be a New York D that has just 5 sacks thus far against Mahomes. If Mahomes has time, he can carve up virtually any defense out there. 

   Final Analysis: Dart will need to play extremely well in this one and the Giants will need to control the clock a bit with the power running of rookie halfback Cam Skattebo. New York lacks the speed on the corners to match WRs Rahee Rice, Xavier Worth, and Marquise Brown so zone is likely the way they will have to go. That means the front 7 must get pressure on Mahomes or he is going to find his targets. Feel the G-Men will not be able to contain the Chiefs enough nor get enough out of the Dart/Skattebo duo to hang in here. Kansas City 32-20.   

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:15 PM: DETROIT LIONS (0-2) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-1)

Lions Hurting, Ravens Coming Off Shocker Loss to Browns

    Quite frankly, the Baltimore Ravens have easily ruled the AFC North for quite some time now. They have been able to dominate teams on defense with the ability to stuff the run, play excellent m2m defense, and then get after the quarterback in predictable down and distance situations. That formula, however, was blown to pieces by a fired up Cleveland Browns' team last week in a stunning, 45-32, upset. Baltimore's pass defense would be smoked by rookie QB Shedeur Sanders for 371 yards and 2 touchdowns and that opened the door for another rookie, halfback Quinshon Judkins, to gash the run D for 125 yards on 27 carries. Obviously, if the Browns can do it so can the Lions with Jared Goff at quarterback and speedy Jahmyr Gibbs at tailback. Goff did not have a good game last week as his Lions lost, 44-24, in a closer game than the score indicates. Gibbs ran for 119 yards on 13 carries and could be big in this one.

   The main problem Detroit has, though, is trying to stop the Baltimore offense. QB Lamar Jackson did throw 2 interceptions last week that included a pick-6, but he still had 317 yards passing with 3 touchdowns. In addition, HB Derrick Henry rumbled for 144 yards on 19 carries. Detroit does have a formidable front 7 that can hold up vs the run. The interior of the line is big and strong with Alim McNeil and D.J. Reader in there along with Aiden Hutchinson coming off the edge. Nonetheless, the Ravens can attack teams from every which way.

   Final Analysis: Dangerous game here for the Ravens, but they should score more than enough to send the Lions to an 0-3 start. Baltimore 33-23.