Falcons' Head Coach Pat Johnson seemed very confident heading into this season after a dismal campaign a year ago. With Coach Mike Kleinknecht no longer coaching within the NFC South, most pundits see the division as up for grabs. And while that may still be true, few could have foreseen the spectacularly succesful debut Atlanta had last week as they stunned the Chicago Bears, 42-38, at Soldier Field! QB Michael Penix had, arguably, his best game as a Falcon completing 24 of 27 passes (89%) for 321 yards and 4 touchdowns, HB Bijan Robinson picked right up where he left off last season rushing 24 times for 127 yards and 2 touchdowns, and edge DJ Johnson recorded 3 sacks after having none all of last year! The question now, of course, is whether or not Atlanta can continue to play at such a highly efficient rate? Meanwhile, Washington would suffer a tight, 33-30, loss to the Tennessee Titans that has a few fans concerned. Many of the same woes that plagued QB Jayden Daniels last year were evident again in the opener. Daniels would complete just 50% (13-26) of his throws, be sacked 6 times, and get picked off twice in the defeat.

   Final Analysis: The excellent play of Penix and the less than average level of performance from Daniels has to be seen as a major factor here. Both teams can run the ball fairly well, but it's how the QBs play in those cruclal moments that matters. The Falcons keep the flock flying high. Atlanta 27-23.

1:00 PM-  DALLAS COWBOYS (0-1) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1-0)

Texas Showdown in Steamy Space City! Dreadful Dallas' Opener Has Team Shaken.

    Few things could possibly have gone worse for Dallas last week as the Pokes were crushed by the Colts, 44-22. Rookie QB Diego Pavia was knocked out early in the game and backup Joe Milton would not prove up to the task. In his defense, though, the offensive line was embarrassed all game long by a stunting Colts' defense led by their two rookies edge R Mason-Thomas (3 sacks) and DT Demonte Capehart (2 sacks). The bigger concern was a run defense that was utterly shredded for over 300 yards as both Indy backs tallied over 100 yards rushing that included a terrific 97-yard saunter by backup DJ Giddens! The Cowboys did get 3 sacks from second year edge Donovan Ezeiruaku and rookie MLB Arvelle Reese had a stunning 62-yard interception return for a touchdown as time expired to end the first half. Pavia will return this week. Houston was able to sneak past Cincinnati, 26-23, with a 10-7 4th quarter scoring margin. QB CJ Stroud, who took a great deal of criticism from his woeful efforts last season, was spot on completing 31 of 42 pass attemtps (73%) for 324 yards, 2 touchdowns and, more significantly, no turnovers. Perhps even more impressive, and certainly a huge plus, was the charged play of rookie HB Tony Hardin. The 23rd rated back in this year's draft, the California Golden Bear posted an eye-popping 109 yards rushing on just 10 carries! A pair of other rookies chipped in on defense. Monstrous DT A'Mauri Washington and MLB Austin Romaine each recorded a sack of Bengal QB Joe Burrow while combining for 7 tackles and 2 TFLs.

   Final Analysis: Dallas has some serious rethinking to do before they get on the field again. They were, quite frankly, horrible last week. They ran for just 42 yards and were a dreadful 3-15 on third down. The team would turn it over some 5 times including a special teams fumble. Houston played a near flawless game and was very efficient. Houston 29-23.

1:00 PM- CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-0) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-0)

Panthers and Bucs in Big Early Season NFC South Matchup

    To be truthful, week 2 games often do not mean much in the long run. However, both the Panthers and Bucs have not been 2-0 in quite awhile and the energy is pumped up for this one. The Panthers edged the Minnesota Vikings, 16-10, last week in a game that had little in the way of running the ball, but did have QB Bryce Young play well enough to not lose the game. Tampa Bay would fall behind, 16-6, at the half in their game against the Cleveland Browns. But they would storm back in the second half and shut out Cleveland the rest of the way to pull out a hard fought, 23-16, victory. The Bucs would stifle the run yielding a meager 15 yards on 13 carries from the Browns' backfield and holding Cleveland to 187 total yards.

   Final Analysis: Carolina did not run the ball well against Minnesota and likely will have problems moving the ball on the ground versus a solid Buccaneer defensive front. That means the Panther D will need to play well again, Young will need to not lose the game and the Bucs may need to make a few miscues. Tampa Bay 24-17.

1:00 PM-JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-0) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (0-1)

Jags Hoping For Quick Start. G-Men Licking Wounds

    The AFC South has been a dog fight each of the prior three seasons with no team really able to separate much from the rest of the division. That means every win can prove to be huge. The Jags would love nothing more than to get off to 2-0 start. An encouraging week 1 had QB Trevor Lawrence looking a whole lot better than last season as he would finish with a 113.1 QBR. He would throw an interception but, otherwise, played well completing 77% (24-31) of his attempts for 286 yards and 2 touchdowns as his Jags won, 32-28, over a game Detroit Lions' squad.  The Giants were totally dominated in their season opener by the Arizona Cardinals dropping a very disappointing, 35-10, game. New York almost completely eskewed the pass with QB Jaxson Dart taking 9 sacks while completing 4 of his 5 throws for 47 yards! The running game showed some promise with HB Cam Skattebo rushing for 78 yards on 13 carries, but that was of little consequence considering the lopsided nature of the game.

   Final Analysis: The Giants love to run the football and it is not likely they will stray too far from that MO. However, the offensive line was confused over and over by the Arizona stunting schemes within defensive formations and simply could not protect Dart at all. The Jags will probably not be as exotic as the Cards in terms of pass rushing tactics and the Giants stand a good chance of having better success throwing the ball which, in turn should open up the ground game as well. A close game seems probable. New York 23-20. 

 1:00 PM- DENVER BRONCOS (0-1) AT BUFFALO BILLS (0-1)

Too Early to be Too Late? Broncos/Bills Hope to Avoid 0-2 Start

    Playing in the rugged AFC East leaves any team, that wishes to contend,  very little margin for error. Buffalo can ill-afford to begin the year at 0-2 in that regard. Denver was frustrated with its season a year ago and that feeling could begin to rise again should they lose this one or find themselves embroiled in a tense game. The reality is both clubs need consistency out of their offenses. The Bills saw QB Josh Allen, unfortunately, have a very poor game against the Green Bay Packers in last week's, 24-3, drubbing, Allen would complete just 48% (20-41) of his pass attempts as the lack of wide receiver separation ability hindered the attack. The receivers take too long to get into their routes putting added pressure on the offensive line to hold up while also having Allen absorb sacks and pressures. HB James Cook began his march to a 4th straight 1000-yard season with a solid 92 yards on 18 carries, but it was not enough to take the heat off Allen. Denver saw KC's Patrick Mahomes outgun Bo Nix as a tight first half evaporated into a Chiefs' second half runaway resulting in a, 37-19, Bronco loss. The Denver D could not get pressure finishing with zero sacks, while KC's pass rush, which had a down year last season, got to Nix 6 times.

   Final Analysis: The Bills do not do well if Allen gets under pressure. The Broncos inability to get to Mahomes, if it repeats this week, could rear its ugly head and allow Allen to have a good game. If that happens, then Cook usually gets going as well and the Bills are off to the races. The formula for success in Buffalo is well known. Denver, on the other hand, is still searching for that right mix. Buffalo 26-22.

 1:00 PM-MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-1) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (0-1)

One of These Two Rivals is Going to Be Hurting!

   It is hard enough to make the playoffs if a team starts out 0-2. It might be near impossible to do it in the AFC East and still hope to win the division. Miami had plenty of offense last week, particularly from HB De'Von Achane (19-121-1), but the defense could not hold up and QB Tua Tagovailoa struggled as the Dolphs lost, 38-31, to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They could not slow down Steelers' rookie QB Tyler Simpson, who would toss 4 TD passes while completing 23 of 31 (74%) throws for 312 yards. The defense could not get to Simpson, who took just 2 sacks, and did not have a turnover in the game. New England's season debut turned, from what was expected to an easy win, into a nightmare loss to the LA Chargers, 23-20. The Pats were able to move the ball between the 20's but would continually stalll inside the red zone. The usually squeaky clean QB Drake Maye would be picked off twice. The offense was not good on third down converting just 3 of 11 times (27%).

   Final Analysis: Both teams cannot be happy with their week 1 outcomes. Maye, though, has a history of bouncing back strong after a so-so performance. Miami has been sliding a bit since last season and some of the problems that threw them off last year were evident again in week 1. New England 30-20

   1:00 PM- CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-1) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-1)

Two More Teams Desperately Trying to Avoid the Dreaded 0-2 Start

   Both teams lost, but both can take away something positive from their defeats. For the Bengals, it was a 50-50 game that just fell, barely, the way of the Houston Texans. For the Saints, it would be battling back from a huge, 20-0, half-time deficit and almost completing the comeback before dropping a slim, 29-25, game to the Eagles. Cinci will need more running than they got last week. Backs Najee Harris and Chase Brown combined for a paltry 29 yards on 16 carries and that is just not enough to allow QB Joe Burrow to be truly effective. Burrow would be intercepted twice and just could not really get into a rhythm. The Saints' Spencer Rattler would also toss two picks, but the Halos did get 106 yards rushing on 16 carries from HB Kendre Miller.

   Final Analysis: This is a very important game for both franchises. Cinci continued its practice from a year ago of throwing to Chase Brown out of the backfield (4 for 26 yards) but, overall, the offense was not balanced. New Orleans cannot, obviously let a team get out on them again like last week. Should be a good one. New Orleans 26-24?

 1:00 PM-INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-0) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-1)

Will Colts Run Roughshod Over Browns?

   One would be hard pressed to imagine the success the Colts had in their season opening, 44-22, rout of the hapless Dallas Cowboys last week. The team ran over, through, and around the Cowboys all game long despite Dallas having a defensive scheme designed to shut down the very plays the Colts were having tremendous success with. Both backs Jonathan Taylor (24-122) and little known DJ Giddens (16-184) had amazing days with Giddens electrifying the Indy crowd with a 97-yard touchdown scamper as he turned away from the stretch run, ran up inside, zigged, zagged and burst into the open! Rookie QB Drew Allar had several escape runs and managed to flip 3 TD passes in the blowout. On the other side of the ball, rookie edge R Mason-Thomas and fellow rook DT Demonte Capehart destroyed the Dallas O-line with a combined 5 sacks. Capehart was the fastest DT in the draft and his speed and quickness the two displayed was on full dispaly as the team often utilized an El Paso 4 Man stunt. The Browns had early success and built up a 16-6 half-time lead in their game against the Buccaneers. But the rainy conditions seemed to slow them down and Tampa Bay would roll to a 17-0 second-half margin enroute to defeating Cleveland, 23-16. Cleveland could not run the ball at all putting too much pressure on second year signal caller Shedeur Sanders to consistently perform despite having several new weapons at his disposal. Rookie WR Nyck Harbor had a somewhat less than stellar debut with 3 receptions for only 33 yards.

   Final Analysis: Tampa Bay rookie tailback Nicholas Singleton was kept in check by the Cleveland front limiting him to 59 yards on 22 carries (2.7 YPC). The D will need to play very well up front to stop the Colts from running over them. That though, is only part of the problem as Allar can hurt teams with his legs and does have the ability to throw the ball. Sanders was sacked 8 times due mostly to the weather and the fact they could not run the ball. The Colts can get after the QB if a team cannot run. Indianapolis 35-16.

 1:00 PM- LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (1-0) AT PITTSBURGH STADIUM (1-0)

Bolts Come in Off Big W to Face Simpson Mania in Steel City!

    The Chargers suffered mightily last season due, all too often, to the poor play of QB Justin Herbert. He would throw an interception against the Patriots late in the game that nearly cost them the win, but the defense was able to hang on securing the upset, 23-20. Top back Omarion Hampton, DT D.J. Reader, and rookie edge Rueben Bain were all kocked out early testing the Chargers' depth. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is in a frenzy over the play of their rookie signal caller, Alabama alum Ty Simpson. He would lead the team to a hard earned, 38-31, win over the Miami Dolphis as he lit up the sky with 4 TD passes! Rookie LT Caleb Lomu was outstanding playing 71 snaps without allowing a sack!

   Final Analysis: This one promises to be a rugged affair. LA cannot get into a shootout type game here as Herbert simply cannot be trusted to not give the game away. If Pittsburgh can get their O going again, it could be a long day for the Chargers. Pittsburgh 32-19.

4:05 PM-MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-1) AT DETROIT LIONS (0-1)

Motown Ho-Down! Vikes/Lions in Key NFC North Battle

    This is one of many games this week pitting two teams that lost in week 1. Minnesota played solid run defense versus the Carolina Panthers last week, but saw an improved Bryce Young beat them. The Lions would come up short in the final quarter in their game against Jacksonville, and see a 26-26 tie result in a tense, 32-28, defeat. The offense played well, as it usually does, but the D would allow the Jags to convert on 53% (7-13) of their third downs. QB Jared Goff would endure 5 sacks and throw 2 interceptions.

   Final Analysis: The Lions should win this one, but the Vikings can be dangerous with the weapons they have on offense. Detroit 31-21.

    4:05 PM- NEW YORK JETS (1-0) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-0)

Gang Green Bay Duel in Lambeau

   The PFL Champion Jets have lost 1 game (To New England) in their last 21 outings and seem near invincible yet again. In their week 1 matchup, versus a very good Baltimore Ravens' team, New York easily stopped HB Derrick Henry making his team one-dimensional. QB Justin Fields was not overly dynamic, but he did not turn the ball over and threw 2 TD passes. Green Bay, meanwhile, won their game in Head Coach Mike's debut, 24-3. QB Jordan Love distributed the football with WRs Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Matthew Golden snaring a combined 18 receptions for 230 yards. The defense, obviously, was stellar sacking Bills' QB Josh Allen 6 times and limiting him to a very low 49% completion rate. Edge Micah Parsons garnered DPOW accolades racking up 4 sacks!

   Final Analysis: Until proven otherwise, the Jets are the high fliers in this league. The Pack can win this one, but will need to keep the game within range and not allow New York to get into the upper 30-point plateau. Love will need to perform well, Parsons will have to get pressure on Fields, and the secondary will have to avoid surrendering the big play. New York 31-22.

4:05 PM- SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (0-1) AT LOS ANGELES RAMS (0-1)

Questions Abound in San Fran as Dismal Debuts Douse Rams' Enthusiasm

    The pre-season chatter surrounding Niners' quarterback Brock Purdy was mostly centered on his propensity for turning the ball over. Those simmering embers of worry may have burst into a full fledged inferno after he found the Vegas Raiders' secondary a startling 6 times in his club's, 31-17, loss last week. If San Francisco has ambitions of getting back to the post-season, and doing any damage at all, this trend has to reverse itself starting this week. The Rams, on the other hand, came into their season full of hope and anticipation after they tabbed QB Fernando Mendoza and HB Jeremiyah Love with the first two picks in this year's draft. That energy, however, quickly dissapated as the team was thoroughly trashed by the Seattle Seahawks, 27-9. Mendoza would complete less than 60% of his throws, be intercepted once, and not have a TD pass, while Love would muster just 46 yards on 10 carries even sharing time with fellow back Kyren Williams! The Rams' run defense was not up to the task either allowing Seahawk HB Kenneth Walker to trample them to the tune of 165 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 14 carries.

   Final Analysis: Very disappointing week 1 for these two teams. The Rams have the offensive weapons now to score, but the defense has to be much better as well. San Fran has to find some way to get Purdy in rhythm and stop finding the uniforms of opposing teams. However, the absence of top notch speed at the wide receiver spots is extending the time it takes for separation and putting tremendous pressure on the offensive line to hold up and for Purdy to, all too often, play under duress. San Francisco 26-23.

    The Kansas City Chiefs looked alot like the team that had dominated the AFC West for years putting to rest, at least for one week the depressing memories of last season's debacle. QB Patrick Mahomes was near flawless completing 82% (28-34) of his passes for 407 yards, 3 touchdowns, no turnovers, and, noticeably, zero sacks! HC Pat Johnson ditched veteran back Isaiah Pacheco and inserted Brashard Smith into the lineup. Smith responded with a 19-84-1 stat line giving the Chiefs offensive balance. The KC defense had been the league's top sack unit over the past number of years but, last season, the defensive front sagged and had nay sayers suggesting stud D-lineman Chris Jones may have seen his better days. Well, Jones was back, and so were his buddies, in a big way as he posted 3.5 sacks and a forced a fumble as the Chiefs pulled away in the second half for a, 37-19, win over the Denver Broncos. For his efforts, Jones was recognized as the AFC's DPOW. The Seahawks endured an equally down campaign last year missing the playoffs for the first time in many years as they finished with one of the worst records in the PFL. HC Steve Dillon took his team to task and came back this season with a renewed focus on getting back to Seahawk football. Top back Kenneth Walker racked up 165 yards and 2 touchdowns on 14 carries, QB Sam Darnold managed the game throwing just 16 times (But was an efficient 12/16-153 with no turnovers and just 2 sacks), and the Seahawk D returned to traditonal form.

   Final Analysis: If the Chiefs can get their offense percolating again this week, it is not likely Seattle will be able stay with the hot brew as it would require them to get away from the preferred Modus Operandi. On the other hand, there were signs that the Chiefs can be run upon and Seattle will certainly try to control the game (and the KC pass rush) with their ground and pound method. Still, it is hard to keep Mahomes and Co. under wraps especially if they are getting a running game as well. Kansas City 30-25.

4:15 PM-LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-0) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (0-1)

Will Silver and Black Turn Ravens Black and Blue?

    This one could turn into a serious Tour de Force matchup. The Raiders, no doubt, will attempt to  pummel the Baltimore defense with the continuous rushing of sophomore back Ashton Jeanty who ran for 133 yards on 21 carries in last week's, 31-17, win over San Francisco. The Ravens, of course, will try to get HB Derrick Henry going after he was shut down last week by the Jets as he ran for a mere 19 yards! Baltimore, however, does have the talented Lamar Jackson running the show at quarterback and he is capable of having a big game at any time. Still, when he becomes the sole option, the club seems to struggle offensively. A bit under the proverbial wire was the play of Raider rookie DT CJ Fite who was an inside pass rush demon on his way to a 4 tackle, 3 sack start to his career!

   Final Analysis: Both teams have a knack for getting into close games and seem comfortable in that environment. When two teams meet, that like to keep games tight, it usually lends itself to a low scoring affair with one team or the other making the big mistake. Vegas' rookie QB Dante Moore has talent, but he completed less than 60% of his attempts last week for only 122 yards while being picked off once and getting sacked 4 times out of his 26 drop backs (15%). If Vegas falls behind too much or if Jeanty cannot move the ball into favorable down and distance situations, Moore may be tasked with a bit too much. Expect a tight one here, but feel Jackson might have 1 more bullet in his gun than the Raiders have. Baltimore 21-18.

8:20 PM-ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-0) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-0)

Cards Invade Eagles' Nest. Super Bowl Hopefuls Meet in City of Brotherly Love

    The Eagles have a new HC in Len Barnhart marking the third different coach in the last 3 seasons for the franchise, But, if week 1 was any indication, it seems the team will keep winning despite the lack of coaching stability. Philly would race off to a 20+ point lead over the New Orleans Saints last week then see the gap evaporate before holding on for a tension filled, 29-25, victory. HB Saquon Barkley rushed for 92 yards on 21 carries but, as always, it would be the arm and legs of QB Jalen Hurts that would prove decisive. Hurts threw for 271 yards and 2 TDs without a turnover, but also added 32 yards on 6 carries and was problematic, yet again, getting outside the pocket and extending plays. Arizona wiped out the New York Giants with a variety of defensive schemes and solid offensive play. New York would get just 5 first downs on the day and finished with an incredible -11 yards passing as QB Jaxson Dart would be mauled for 9 sacks while getting the ball into the air just 5 times all game! If the Cards can contain Hurts and limit Barkely, it seems probable another romp is forthcoming. WR Marvin Harrison was terrific hauling in 8 Kyler Murray balls for 135 yards and 3 TDs, but it would be the play of rookie addition Antonio Williams that folks noticed the most. The Clemson product pulled in 6 balls for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns and did not have a drop on the day.

   Final Analysis: Arizona utilizes some slick defensive maneuvers and has a great feel for what it wants to do on offense. The Eagles, despite the talent, do have a new HC and are likely still feeling things out. That is a bad combo against a Cardinal team that is the heavy favorite to get to the Super Bowl this season, and are motivated, after losing a close NFC title game to New Orleans last year. Arizona 35-16.

8:20 PM-CHICAGO BEARS (1-0) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (1-0)

Shocked Bears Look to Regroup. Titans Coming Off Nailbiter Win

    Few prognosticators foresaw the Bears losing to the upstart Atlanta Falcons, 42-38, last week. The defense, though, was simply not able to halt Atlanta with QB Michael Penix having one of his best days as a pro and HB Bijan Robinson rolling along for 127 yards on 24 carries. Yes, the offense was ablaze, as was expected, with QB Caleb Williams throwing the ball all over Soldier Field. However, he would be sacked 6 times and intercepted 3 times in the loss. The picks were extremely unanticipated considering he had 11 interceptions for all of last year! The Falcons' running success neutralized Chicago's pass rush and the Bears would conclude the game with just 3 sacks. Tennessee outlasted the Washington Commanders, 33-30, with the usual suspects leading the way. TE Chigoziem Okwonko continued to befuddle and frustrate defenses as he got his mitts on 9 receptions for 112 yards with a lone drop. He has had an increased number of drops recently finishing with 11 last season on 96 targets (11.5%), but he remains a main cog in the Titans offensive game plan. Newcomer free agent signing George Pickens had a solid first game with 8 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, but he had 2 drops.

   Final Analysis: After last week's flop, it is a good bet Chicago will be loaded for bear this time around. Expect the D to be better and the O to avoid the turnovers. The Titans have a rep for being a serious yo-yo team. They can look great one wekk and then have ya scratching your head the next. Got a feeling the itch this week is going to be a very upset bunch of Bears. Chcago 34-20.