Ravens at Bengals
The Andy Dalton to AJ Green show started early and often on Thursday when Baltimore came to town. Dalton threw 4 tds in the 1st half, 3 of them to AJ and the Bengals put it on cruise control and coasted to a rather easy win. Cincy did lose Mixon to an injury and will be without him for a couple weeks but Bernard a comparable back up. Bengals doing it with defense, through two weeks they have sacked opposing Qb's 6 times and are 3rd vs the run allowing just 70 yds per game. Flacco threw 55 passes vs the Bengals, never a good sign but when you dig a big hole early that's what happens. Through two weeks the Ravens have failed to have any single ball carrier surpass 50 yds. Ravens host the Broncos in week 3 as a 5 pt fav, really??? Bengals travel to Carolina for a tough matchup.
Colts at Redskins
Tail of two weeks here for both teams. Skins off an opening week road win in which there defense looked tough and the running game solid, Colts lose at home to Bengals with Luck throwing 53 passes. Fast forward to week 2 where we saw Washington unable to establish a ground game with Peterson who in fairness to him had no holes to run through, O-line looked bad for the Redskins who allowed 3 sacks. Two weeks in a row now Washington's leading receiver was a running back, Smith has to get it to Reed, Crowder, Richardson, etc... On defense where in the world is Ryan Kerrigan?, don't think I heard his name called once on Sunday. Colts with a better game plan here in week 2, Luck with an efficient 21-31 179 yds 2 tds, he found his top target Hilton on a couple key plays including a td. Indy ran the ball 28 times and threw 31, thats more like it Coach Reich! Redskins host the Packers in week 3, only a 2.5 pt dog??? Colts in a back to back road spot heading to Philly to face Wentz in his return.
Panthers at Falcons
For the second week in a row the Falcons saw there game come down to the final play as the Panthers had one last shot at sending it to OT but came up just short. Cam took a beating including a cheap shot that got Damontae Kazee ejected. Despite that he threw for 335 yds and 3 tds and ran for 42 yds for a team high. As in the Indy/Washington game Carolina had a RB lead the way in receiving with McCaffrey hauling in 14 receptions for 102 yds. For the Falcons, Matt Ryan did his best Cam Newton impersonation rushing for 2 tds and also throwing 2 td passes. Coleman filled in nicely for injured Freeman racking up 107 yds on the ground. Falcons were efficient in the redzone scoring four times in four trips, overall a well called game for often criticized Sarkisian, they ran 32 times and passed 28. Panthers head home for a game vs the well rested undefeated Bengals in week 3 while the Falcons host another division rival when the Saints come to town.
Chargers at Bills
What to make of this one? It was pretty much over by half time with the Chargers up 28-6. It really was over at halftime for veteran Vontae Davis who decided it was a good time to retire. Gordon scored 3 tds in the first half, Rivers threw just 4 incompletions the entire game. On defense without there best player the Chargers sacked rookie Allen 5 times and picked him off twice. The Bills have been outscored 78-23 in the first two games and it wont get any easier next week when they travel to Minnesota where the Vikings are a 17 pt fav in week 3! Chargers visit the Rams in the battle of Los Angeles.
Vikings at Packers
So many story lines in this one. I'll say it again, should there really be ties in the NFL? Rodgers played of course, he threw for 281 yds and td but was sacked 4 times. Jimmy Graham grabbed 4 catches for 95 yds in his best game as a Packer so far. Everytime you thought GB had the game won Cousins and the Vikings stormed back, he had 425 yds passing and 4 tds. The final Vikings drive was aided by the refs on a horrible roughing the passer call when Cousins threw a game ending pick. They seriously gotta change this rule, protect the QB but let these men play, nothing wrong with the hit on Cousins here. At any rate the Vikings were able to force O.T. after Crosby hit a 52 yd fg but wait....a time out, another rule I hate. If the whistle doesn't blow before the snap the kick should just count. You wanna ice the kicker then call the t.o. when the kicking team gets to the line, none of this guessing the snap count or whatever it is they allow right now. In O.T. Carlson had a chance to win it for Minny but missed a 35 yarder as time expired and we all just wasted 4 hours of our life that we can't get back. Vikings released Carlson and signed Dan Bailey the NFL's second most accurate kicker...why did Dallas release him? Vikings host the Bills in week 3 while the Packers head to Washington.
Browns at Saints
Another game where kickers were a big part of the story. Saints struggled again at home to a team that we all think is improving but still not in the same league as New Orleans. Browns defense looks good this year, they limited Brees to 243 yds and 2 tds and allowed just 62 yds on the ground. So far this season Cleveland is +6 in turnover ratio. Taylor hit Callaway for what they thought was a go ahead td and potential game winning td late in the 4th qtr but Zane Gonzalez missed the PAT and the Saints went down and scored a go ahead fg shortly after. Gonazlez who is 2-5 in fg att and has missed two PAT's has been released as has distraction Josh Gordon. Cleveland has short week hosting Jets Thursday night and the Saints travel for the first time this year to Atlanta for a divisional show down.
Dolphins at Jets
Two weeks into the season and the Dolphins lead the division! Don't get too excited yet Miami fans. The Jets played mistake filled footbal with 3 turnovers and failing to put points on the board just before halftime deep in the redzone. After a nice debut on MNF rookie Darnold struggled throwing 2 ints, 1 in the end zone and the Jets failed to establish a running game with Crowell following up a 100+ yd game with just 35. How old is Frank Gore? He passed Curtis Martin for 4th all time on the rushing list with 9 carries for 25 yds but probably made the play of the game when he caught a pass on 3rd and 19 to convert and allow the Dolphins to burn the clock. Jets have quick turn around game at Cleveland Thursday. Dolphins will host the 0-2 Gruden led Raiders.
Chiefs at Steelers
Couldn't ask for a much better start than what Mahomes has done, he had more td passes (6) against the Steelers than he had incompletions (5) and now has 10 tds and 0 ints in the first two games. This Chiefs offense looks like a machine, Kelce and Watkins each had 100+ yds receiving and Hill added 90, they even got Hunt involved this week racking up 75 yds on the ground and grabbing 1 reception for a td. Rothlisberger threw 60 passes (again never a good thing) for 452 yds and 3 tds but the Steelers rushed for just 33 yds. Do they miss Bell yet (20th in rushing 96 ypg)? Brown was limited to just 67 yards receiving. Why didn't the Steelers try an onside kick with 2 minutes to go and trailing by just 5? Chiefs will bring there offensive show home for the first time this year when they face the 49ers at Arrowhead in week 3. The Steelers, 1 pt favs head to Tampa to take on Fitzmagic.
Eagles at Bucs
When i looked at the Bucs schedule it looked like an 0-3 start with 3 playoff teams from last year the Saints, Eagles and Steelers as there first 3 opponents. Fast forward to week 3 and they sit at 2-0 disposing of New Orleans on the road and winning the home opener against the Superbowl champions. Fitz has been outsanding throwing for over 400 yards in both games as well as 4 tds in both. He has only thrown 1 int and has earned the starting job even when Winston returns. Djax seems reborn scoring on a 75 yd td pass to start the game and he finished over 100 yds again this week. The Bucs have been great against the run allowing just 67 ypg (2nd in the league). Eagles will get Wentz back in week 3 so Philly fans shouldn't hit the panic button yet. Curious to see if the injury will affect him and the chemistry he had before is still there. Couple key injuries for the Eagles, Ajayi left but returned. WR Wallace and T Peters left in the first half. Philly host Indy in a back to back road game for the Colts and the Bucs host the Steelers in what will be the final game of Winston's suspension.
Texans at Titans
Might have been the boringest game of the week. Titans used a fake punt and scored the opening td of the game on a pass from a defensive player. JJ going against a recently signed player from the practice squad did nothing, 2 tackles and never got to back up qb Gabbert. Gabbert threw just 20 passes as the Titans pounded the ball 35 times for 100 yds between 3 different ball carriers. Hopkins and Fuller both scored tds and had over 100 yds. Texans with poor clock management at the end had ball down to Ten 21 yd line but time expired before they could attempt a game tying fg. Jags may clinch this division by week 12. Texans host the Giants who will be playing back to back road games, Titans travel to Jacksonville fresh off a big win vs New England (let down spot)?...probably not
Cardinals at Rams
Complete mis match from start to finish. Gurley scored 3 tds and missed a bunch of time because of cramping. Zuerleins injury forced the Rams to go for 2 pt conversions which were all successful. Might be time to start Rosen if you're the Cards. Bradford threw for just 90 yds and Zona never even crossed mid field til the final minute. The Cardinals managed only 5 first downs, stud Rb Johnson was limited to 48 yds and they lost Fitzgerald in the 4th qtr to a hamstring injury. Cardinals have been outscored 40-0 in the first half this season. Gonna be a long year for this Arizona team. Cards get the Bears on a short week, Rams set for a battle with the Chargers. Can Rivers and company at least make the Rams defense look human?
Lions at 49ers
SanFran nearly gave the game away when Garoppolo threw an int that turned the game around only to be negated by a penalty. Lions made too many mistakes but looked a lot better than they did against the Jets in week 1. Stafford threw 53 passes (too many) for 347 yds and 3 tds. Tate, Jones and Golliday all had tds. On defense the Lions sacked Garoppolo 6 times, thats 8 now in 2 weeks so pretty good there but lost CB Slay to a concussion, that's a big loss to the secondary if he misses time. Lions halftime adjustments haven't paid off, in 2 games now they have been outscored 45-10 in the 3rd qtr alone! For SF Brieda had a nice game with 138 yds rushing and a td, while Jimmy G did enough to get the job done. Lions will host an angry Pats team on Sunday night in a Patricia vs Belichek matchup, 49ers travel to Arrowhead for what should be an entertaining game.
Raiders at Broncos
Raiders defense played a great first half limiting Denver to just 2 first downs and led 12-0 at halftime. Carr had a big game for Oakland after being called out by Gruden, he went 29-32 288 yds and a td hitting Cooper for 10 receptions and 116 yds. In the end it was the Case Keenum show. He led the Broncos to a game winning drive that set up McManus for a game winning 36 yd fg. Keenum struggled with accuracy completing less than half of his passes but a strong Denver defense and a good rushing attack by Lindsay, 14 carries 107 yds got the job done. Broncos head to Baltimore in week 3 while Oakland travels to the first place Dolphins Sunday.
Patriots at Jaguars
The rematch of last years AFC championship game goes to the Jags this time. If your Jacksonville now you just have to keep winning and hope for home field advantage in the playoffs because I guarantee the Patriots would love another shot at them. Bortles outplayed Brady throwing 4 td passes, 3 in the first half and was not sacked. Cole emerged as the Jags go to guy here with some outstanding catches as he went over 100 yds and scored. The story here really is the Jags defense, they sacked Brady twice and forced him to fumble once. Most importantly they held Gronk to just 2 catches for 15 yds, when is the last time he's had a stat line like that? White, a RB was the leading receiver for New England with 7 catches for 73 yds. Pats still searching for that WR until Edleman returns have traded for troubled potential star Gordon. If you're Gordon and you mess this oppurtunity up aren't you just done? A reunion with Patricia and the Lions await the Pats in week 3, the Jags face division foe Tennessee.
Giants at Cowboys
Looked like it was gonna be an entertaining game when Prescott hit Austin on a 64 yd td pass on the 3rd play of the game but that was about it for explosive plays. Cowboys defense sacked Manning 6 times (without Lee in line up), that's 9 now for the year and limited rookie Barkley to just 28 yds although he did catch 11 balls out of the backfield for 80 yds. Yet another team, the Giants who had a RB lead the team in receiving. Beckham caught just 4 for 51 yds. Cowboys brought a balanced attack running 25 times including 7 for Prescott who fooled the Giants defense a few times on keepers and throwing 25 times. Fifth time in 6 years that the Manning led Giants have started 0-2 and they haven't scored a td until the 4th qtr in both games this year. Cowboys get Seahawks in Seattle and the Giants head to Houston for a date with JJ.
Seahawks at Bears
Poor Russell Wilson, Seahawks O-line is awful allowing 12 sacks in 2 games! They are the 4th worst rushing team in the league at just 69 ypg. Wilson threw a pick 6 and spent most of the night running for his life. Seattles defense did play decent given all the new faces, they intercepted Trubisky twice and sacked him twice. Robinson got 14 targets and caught 10 of them for 83 yards in an otherwise boring offensive game for fantasy players. Seattle hosts Dallas on a short week favored by 1?, Bears travel to lowly Arizona.
The Andy Dalton to AJ Green show started early and often on Thursday when Baltimore came to town. Dalton threw 4 tds in the 1st half, 3 of them to AJ and the Bengals put it on cruise control and coasted to a rather easy win. Cincy did lose Mixon to an injury and will be without him for a couple weeks but Bernard a comparable back up. Bengals doing it with defense, through two weeks they have sacked opposing Qb's 6 times and are 3rd vs the run allowing just 70 yds per game. Flacco threw 55 passes vs the Bengals, never a good sign but when you dig a big hole early that's what happens. Through two weeks the Ravens have failed to have any single ball carrier surpass 50 yds. Ravens host the Broncos in week 3 as a 5 pt fav, really??? Bengals travel to Carolina for a tough matchup.
Colts at Redskins
Tail of two weeks here for both teams. Skins off an opening week road win in which there defense looked tough and the running game solid, Colts lose at home to Bengals with Luck throwing 53 passes. Fast forward to week 2 where we saw Washington unable to establish a ground game with Peterson who in fairness to him had no holes to run through, O-line looked bad for the Redskins who allowed 3 sacks. Two weeks in a row now Washington's leading receiver was a running back, Smith has to get it to Reed, Crowder, Richardson, etc... On defense where in the world is Ryan Kerrigan?, don't think I heard his name called once on Sunday. Colts with a better game plan here in week 2, Luck with an efficient 21-31 179 yds 2 tds, he found his top target Hilton on a couple key plays including a td. Indy ran the ball 28 times and threw 31, thats more like it Coach Reich! Redskins host the Packers in week 3, only a 2.5 pt dog??? Colts in a back to back road spot heading to Philly to face Wentz in his return.
Panthers at Falcons
For the second week in a row the Falcons saw there game come down to the final play as the Panthers had one last shot at sending it to OT but came up just short. Cam took a beating including a cheap shot that got Damontae Kazee ejected. Despite that he threw for 335 yds and 3 tds and ran for 42 yds for a team high. As in the Indy/Washington game Carolina had a RB lead the way in receiving with McCaffrey hauling in 14 receptions for 102 yds. For the Falcons, Matt Ryan did his best Cam Newton impersonation rushing for 2 tds and also throwing 2 td passes. Coleman filled in nicely for injured Freeman racking up 107 yds on the ground. Falcons were efficient in the redzone scoring four times in four trips, overall a well called game for often criticized Sarkisian, they ran 32 times and passed 28. Panthers head home for a game vs the well rested undefeated Bengals in week 3 while the Falcons host another division rival when the Saints come to town.
Chargers at Bills
What to make of this one? It was pretty much over by half time with the Chargers up 28-6. It really was over at halftime for veteran Vontae Davis who decided it was a good time to retire. Gordon scored 3 tds in the first half, Rivers threw just 4 incompletions the entire game. On defense without there best player the Chargers sacked rookie Allen 5 times and picked him off twice. The Bills have been outscored 78-23 in the first two games and it wont get any easier next week when they travel to Minnesota where the Vikings are a 17 pt fav in week 3! Chargers visit the Rams in the battle of Los Angeles.
Vikings at Packers
So many story lines in this one. I'll say it again, should there really be ties in the NFL? Rodgers played of course, he threw for 281 yds and td but was sacked 4 times. Jimmy Graham grabbed 4 catches for 95 yds in his best game as a Packer so far. Everytime you thought GB had the game won Cousins and the Vikings stormed back, he had 425 yds passing and 4 tds. The final Vikings drive was aided by the refs on a horrible roughing the passer call when Cousins threw a game ending pick. They seriously gotta change this rule, protect the QB but let these men play, nothing wrong with the hit on Cousins here. At any rate the Vikings were able to force O.T. after Crosby hit a 52 yd fg but wait....a time out, another rule I hate. If the whistle doesn't blow before the snap the kick should just count. You wanna ice the kicker then call the t.o. when the kicking team gets to the line, none of this guessing the snap count or whatever it is they allow right now. In O.T. Carlson had a chance to win it for Minny but missed a 35 yarder as time expired and we all just wasted 4 hours of our life that we can't get back. Vikings released Carlson and signed Dan Bailey the NFL's second most accurate kicker...why did Dallas release him? Vikings host the Bills in week 3 while the Packers head to Washington.
Browns at Saints
Another game where kickers were a big part of the story. Saints struggled again at home to a team that we all think is improving but still not in the same league as New Orleans. Browns defense looks good this year, they limited Brees to 243 yds and 2 tds and allowed just 62 yds on the ground. So far this season Cleveland is +6 in turnover ratio. Taylor hit Callaway for what they thought was a go ahead td and potential game winning td late in the 4th qtr but Zane Gonzalez missed the PAT and the Saints went down and scored a go ahead fg shortly after. Gonazlez who is 2-5 in fg att and has missed two PAT's has been released as has distraction Josh Gordon. Cleveland has short week hosting Jets Thursday night and the Saints travel for the first time this year to Atlanta for a divisional show down.
Dolphins at Jets
Two weeks into the season and the Dolphins lead the division! Don't get too excited yet Miami fans. The Jets played mistake filled footbal with 3 turnovers and failing to put points on the board just before halftime deep in the redzone. After a nice debut on MNF rookie Darnold struggled throwing 2 ints, 1 in the end zone and the Jets failed to establish a running game with Crowell following up a 100+ yd game with just 35. How old is Frank Gore? He passed Curtis Martin for 4th all time on the rushing list with 9 carries for 25 yds but probably made the play of the game when he caught a pass on 3rd and 19 to convert and allow the Dolphins to burn the clock. Jets have quick turn around game at Cleveland Thursday. Dolphins will host the 0-2 Gruden led Raiders.
Chiefs at Steelers
Couldn't ask for a much better start than what Mahomes has done, he had more td passes (6) against the Steelers than he had incompletions (5) and now has 10 tds and 0 ints in the first two games. This Chiefs offense looks like a machine, Kelce and Watkins each had 100+ yds receiving and Hill added 90, they even got Hunt involved this week racking up 75 yds on the ground and grabbing 1 reception for a td. Rothlisberger threw 60 passes (again never a good thing) for 452 yds and 3 tds but the Steelers rushed for just 33 yds. Do they miss Bell yet (20th in rushing 96 ypg)? Brown was limited to just 67 yards receiving. Why didn't the Steelers try an onside kick with 2 minutes to go and trailing by just 5? Chiefs will bring there offensive show home for the first time this year when they face the 49ers at Arrowhead in week 3. The Steelers, 1 pt favs head to Tampa to take on Fitzmagic.
Eagles at Bucs
When i looked at the Bucs schedule it looked like an 0-3 start with 3 playoff teams from last year the Saints, Eagles and Steelers as there first 3 opponents. Fast forward to week 3 and they sit at 2-0 disposing of New Orleans on the road and winning the home opener against the Superbowl champions. Fitz has been outsanding throwing for over 400 yards in both games as well as 4 tds in both. He has only thrown 1 int and has earned the starting job even when Winston returns. Djax seems reborn scoring on a 75 yd td pass to start the game and he finished over 100 yds again this week. The Bucs have been great against the run allowing just 67 ypg (2nd in the league). Eagles will get Wentz back in week 3 so Philly fans shouldn't hit the panic button yet. Curious to see if the injury will affect him and the chemistry he had before is still there. Couple key injuries for the Eagles, Ajayi left but returned. WR Wallace and T Peters left in the first half. Philly host Indy in a back to back road game for the Colts and the Bucs host the Steelers in what will be the final game of Winston's suspension.
Texans at Titans
Might have been the boringest game of the week. Titans used a fake punt and scored the opening td of the game on a pass from a defensive player. JJ going against a recently signed player from the practice squad did nothing, 2 tackles and never got to back up qb Gabbert. Gabbert threw just 20 passes as the Titans pounded the ball 35 times for 100 yds between 3 different ball carriers. Hopkins and Fuller both scored tds and had over 100 yds. Texans with poor clock management at the end had ball down to Ten 21 yd line but time expired before they could attempt a game tying fg. Jags may clinch this division by week 12. Texans host the Giants who will be playing back to back road games, Titans travel to Jacksonville fresh off a big win vs New England (let down spot)?...probably not
Cardinals at Rams
Complete mis match from start to finish. Gurley scored 3 tds and missed a bunch of time because of cramping. Zuerleins injury forced the Rams to go for 2 pt conversions which were all successful. Might be time to start Rosen if you're the Cards. Bradford threw for just 90 yds and Zona never even crossed mid field til the final minute. The Cardinals managed only 5 first downs, stud Rb Johnson was limited to 48 yds and they lost Fitzgerald in the 4th qtr to a hamstring injury. Cardinals have been outscored 40-0 in the first half this season. Gonna be a long year for this Arizona team. Cards get the Bears on a short week, Rams set for a battle with the Chargers. Can Rivers and company at least make the Rams defense look human?
Lions at 49ers
SanFran nearly gave the game away when Garoppolo threw an int that turned the game around only to be negated by a penalty. Lions made too many mistakes but looked a lot better than they did against the Jets in week 1. Stafford threw 53 passes (too many) for 347 yds and 3 tds. Tate, Jones and Golliday all had tds. On defense the Lions sacked Garoppolo 6 times, thats 8 now in 2 weeks so pretty good there but lost CB Slay to a concussion, that's a big loss to the secondary if he misses time. Lions halftime adjustments haven't paid off, in 2 games now they have been outscored 45-10 in the 3rd qtr alone! For SF Brieda had a nice game with 138 yds rushing and a td, while Jimmy G did enough to get the job done. Lions will host an angry Pats team on Sunday night in a Patricia vs Belichek matchup, 49ers travel to Arrowhead for what should be an entertaining game.
Raiders at Broncos
Raiders defense played a great first half limiting Denver to just 2 first downs and led 12-0 at halftime. Carr had a big game for Oakland after being called out by Gruden, he went 29-32 288 yds and a td hitting Cooper for 10 receptions and 116 yds. In the end it was the Case Keenum show. He led the Broncos to a game winning drive that set up McManus for a game winning 36 yd fg. Keenum struggled with accuracy completing less than half of his passes but a strong Denver defense and a good rushing attack by Lindsay, 14 carries 107 yds got the job done. Broncos head to Baltimore in week 3 while Oakland travels to the first place Dolphins Sunday.
Patriots at Jaguars
The rematch of last years AFC championship game goes to the Jags this time. If your Jacksonville now you just have to keep winning and hope for home field advantage in the playoffs because I guarantee the Patriots would love another shot at them. Bortles outplayed Brady throwing 4 td passes, 3 in the first half and was not sacked. Cole emerged as the Jags go to guy here with some outstanding catches as he went over 100 yds and scored. The story here really is the Jags defense, they sacked Brady twice and forced him to fumble once. Most importantly they held Gronk to just 2 catches for 15 yds, when is the last time he's had a stat line like that? White, a RB was the leading receiver for New England with 7 catches for 73 yds. Pats still searching for that WR until Edleman returns have traded for troubled potential star Gordon. If you're Gordon and you mess this oppurtunity up aren't you just done? A reunion with Patricia and the Lions await the Pats in week 3, the Jags face division foe Tennessee.
Giants at Cowboys
Looked like it was gonna be an entertaining game when Prescott hit Austin on a 64 yd td pass on the 3rd play of the game but that was about it for explosive plays. Cowboys defense sacked Manning 6 times (without Lee in line up), that's 9 now for the year and limited rookie Barkley to just 28 yds although he did catch 11 balls out of the backfield for 80 yds. Yet another team, the Giants who had a RB lead the team in receiving. Beckham caught just 4 for 51 yds. Cowboys brought a balanced attack running 25 times including 7 for Prescott who fooled the Giants defense a few times on keepers and throwing 25 times. Fifth time in 6 years that the Manning led Giants have started 0-2 and they haven't scored a td until the 4th qtr in both games this year. Cowboys get Seahawks in Seattle and the Giants head to Houston for a date with JJ.
Seahawks at Bears
Poor Russell Wilson, Seahawks O-line is awful allowing 12 sacks in 2 games! They are the 4th worst rushing team in the league at just 69 ypg. Wilson threw a pick 6 and spent most of the night running for his life. Seattles defense did play decent given all the new faces, they intercepted Trubisky twice and sacked him twice. Robinson got 14 targets and caught 10 of them for 83 yards in an otherwise boring offensive game for fantasy players. Seattle hosts Dallas on a short week favored by 1?, Bears travel to lowly Arizona.
