Week Two: September 15-18, 2016
Last week's results: 8-8. Bonus picks: 4-2 Orton technically lost to Wyatt due to being attacked before the match, so I called it a loss, but I get two wins for correctly calling both results in the Tag Team tournament matches.
Thursday Night Football: CBS/NFL Network:
New York Jets at Buffalo: This game will be a war. The Jets played so-so against the Bengals and choked away a potential win and let Andy Dalton and A.J. Green carve them up...but only lost by 1. The Bills had no offense, but the defense, despite all of their preseason losses held the Ravens down and give them a chance. But the Ravens escaped with a win. Now they play each other on a short week. This game will be about defense, for neither offense will be good this week unless the defense break down a lot in this game. Who breaks first? or better yet, more often?
Who wins? Buffalo QB Tyrod Taylor played not to good, but the resurgent Ravens defense and weak offensive weapons had a lot to do with that. Can the Jets do the same? Not on a short week. The Jets had more points and offense, but I am not liking what I see there, either. The Bills are at home and Taylor is a dangerous dual threat QB. But he cannot do it alone, and the defense has to help. The Jets have more on offense right now, and the defense, weak against the pass as it is, could be better this week, especially if Buffalo cannot run the ball again...that is whenever they can get on the field. The Jets can control the clock better and they have more weapons and their defense is at least equal to that of the Bills...which is not saying much. I am taking the road team here. Taylor will throw better, but that won't be enough with injured skill players. Sorry. Jets win (and won't choke for the second week in a row).
New York Jets 24 Buffalo 16
Sunday’s Games: September, 18, 2016
Tampa Bay at Arizona: Tampa, behind QB Jameis Winston looked damn good after a slow start in a upset win at Atlanta last week and they lead the NFC South...by themselves. The offense did well, but seeing WR Vincent Jackson basically do nothing and the Bucs scoring nothing in the 4th quarter as they held off the one-dimensional Falcons is a concern. Jackson needs to contribute this week like Mike Evans and the other receivers and tight ends did or he may be on the bench fast. Arizona, well, played okay, but truth be told, this team had no excuse for losing to a Patriots squad AT HOME with NO Brady (suspension) and a untested backup QB starting AND no Gronkowski (hamstring), period. True, the Cardinals PK should have made that game-winning kick, but one could say the same about PK Graham Gano of Carolina, too. There is a reason why kickers almost never go perfect on field goals during a season. It happens. Now, can a young Bucs team invade Arizona and steal another NFC road game, this time against a current NFC power? If they play the whole game, not 3 quarters like they did last week, yes they can. Arizona cannot fall to 0-2, with Seattle and SF (WTF?) both having won last week and one (Seattle) likely to go to 2-0. In-conference losses hurt almost as much as division losses. Doing it at home can be deadly to playoff hopes. Believe that.
Who wins? The Cardinals have experience and maturity and that means a lot. Youth and confidence goes a long way too. Tampa Bay has the latter and if Jackson shows up this week along with Evans at WR and Winston throws the ball as well as he did last week...the Cardinals won't win, for they won't score enough and the offense will not get enough chances to score. This defense is not the kind to get a lot of INTs or pick-six plays. I think Arizona will get it together...but not this week. I have to take Tampa and the major upset on the road. Sorry, Coach Arians.
Tampa Bay 40 Arizona 30
Tennessee at Detroit: Tennessee had the right plan to stop Minnesota last week....stop Adrian Peterson and score on offense. And they did. The problem is they were not supposed to let the Vikings DEFENSE score TDs against your offense. The Titans did just that (1 pick-six, 1 FR-six) back-to-back to let a winnable game at home slip away. The Lions roared back in Indianapolis and stole a win away from the Colts, with Andrew Luck in their first post-Calvin Johnson game. Now can the Lions go to 2-0 while Green Bay and Minnesota prepare for war in the opening of the new Vikings stadium late that night on SNF? If Lions QB Matthew Stafford plays like he did last week, YES!
However, the Titans have a good young QB in Marcus Mariota, but he had better protect the ball better than last week. And while throwing TD passes to new RB DeMarco Murray is nice, you kind of need him and rookie backup Derrick Henry running the ball for yards and TDs and running time off the clock and not fumbling it away. That is how they can win, right?
Who wins? The Titans could not do the little stuff against a QB (and RB)-challenged Vikings team at home. How are they going to do better on the road against a Lions team who has a QB, RBs (sort of) and pass catchers who can run AND catch? Without controlling the clock majorly....I don't think the Titans can win unless they do to Detroit with turnovers what Minnesota did to them. And this team is too young for that...right now. I have to take Detroit at home.
Detroit 30 Tennessee 21
Baltimore at Cleveland: Ugh. Cleveland played bad, as usual, RGIII played bad and got hurt, as usual, and the Browns got crushed on the road, as usual. The Ravens played tough defense, but the offense could not score more than 1 TD. But that was enough to win at home. Go figure. Now, Cleveland opens at home without Griffin III (gone till midseason, very likely for the year) and now turn back to QB Josh McCown as the undisputed starter. Good thing they didn't trade him. Can he do better? He can't do worse. Cleveland may do better at home with a steadier hand running the show. Don't forget, WR Josh Gordon does return in 3 weeks, so that can help if Cleveland can get a win or two before then. Okay, let's be real. This team sucks and they have a great shot at the first pick in the draft already. The Ravens can win this game handily like the Eagles did if the defense plays like they did last week....unless the offense is even worse than it was last week. That will not be good.
Who wins? The Ravens know that if they win, they will be 2-0 with the winner of the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh street fight that will be going on to the north. They need every win and every advantage if the Ravens wish to make the playoffs this year (and they cannot assume there will be a wild-card to grab). This is not a gimme win, but it is a winnable game that you cannot let slip away with tougher games coming up. I think Cleveland will be better and score more than last week...but not by much. Baltimore has too much experience and talent to blow this one. Ravens win in a close one.
Baltimore 24 Cleveland 16
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: Now to the aforementioned street fight. These teams hate each other. You saw the playoff game. You saw the regular season games last year. Enough said. The Steelers are at home, which means kicking will be FUBAR except at chip shot range. They have defense (some) and heart. They don't have RB Le'veon Bell or WR Martavius Bryant (suspensions), but as long as you have QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Antonio Brown and the ageless RB DeAngelo Williams along with coach Mike Tomlin (NUPE!), you have a lot more than a puncher's chance to win. The Bengals have QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green...and not a lot behind them. The defense is okay, but not all that. Oh, and did I say they hate each other? Right, who plays better and who keeps their composure better wins this game. Watch this game, but it might not be for the faint at heart.
Who wins? The Bengals have a penchant for blowing important games for no good reason lately (see the playoffs last year...and for the last 5 years straight!). You cannot blame all of this on Dalton (injured and missed the playoff game) or Green (playing with injuries all the time). How Bengals coach Marvin Lewis still has his job here, I do not know. If he wants to be the coach in 2017, besides making and winning a playoff game this year, winning division road games like this will help. Dalton and Green will play well and hopefully NOT get hurt and it is too early to speak on the first two, but the Bengals are not doing the third...not this week. Pittsburgh is too strong in mind and talent and body to blow this game at home. And I meant all three literally. Steelers win.
Pittsburgh 28 Cincinnati 23
Kansas City at Houston: The Chiefs pulled out a exciting win at home over the Chargers last week, though they needed overtime to do it. They also did it without RB Jamaal Charles, still recovering from the injuries that cost him most of last year. This team, however won nearly every game including a road playoff beat-down of the QB-needy Texans without him. Assuming Charles does not play this week either, can they do it again? Maybe. Chiefs coach Andy Reid is good. So is QB Alex Smith (who ran in the game winning TD in OT) and they have weapons at WR and RB to handle the load. The defense, while not fully healthy, is solid. But so is that for Houston who won their opener here over Chicago with new starting QB Brock Osweiler doing his job, despite all-world DE J.J. Watt not having a big impact. The defense did their job and held down a shaky Bears offense. Can they do the same on the considerably better Chiefs or will we see a repeat of the blowout at the site of this season's Super Bowl?
Who wins? Houston should be worried since Watt and former top overall pick DE J. Clowney barely made the stat sheet against Chicago. But they both finished the game so that is a start. But Houston needs the full power Watt (forgive the pun) along with Clowney and the rest to be dominant to slow down the Chiefs, AND they need the offense under Osweiler to be on fire to keep Smith and the Chiefs offense off the field. And I am not convinced either will occur. KC will not steal this one like last week, but a win is a win. Still, one good hit on Smith will crush the house of cards the Chiefs have at QB, especially with their former backup now in Philadelphia. I am taking the Texans to find a way at home. I don't know what the record for overtime games (notice I didn't say wins) in one season for teams is, but KC may be well on their way to such after this one.
Houston 27 Kansas City 24 (OT)
Miami at New England: Miami should have stolen a win in Seattle...but choked it away in the final moments. New England should have lost at Arizona.....but they got help from a missed kick and bad offense from the Cardinals and won. The Patriots come home for the first of 3 straight at home, and the second of four games without Tom Brady. Backup QB Jimmy Garropolo did a good job and the Patriots look closer to the AFC power they have been in recent years rather than a team with their collective manhood chopped off with great malice. If TE Rob Gronkowski (hamstring) is able to play instead of staying home last week, this could be a worse beating for Miami, unless they can flip a switch and play well on offense and shut down the remaining Patriots on offense. Tall order indeed.
Who wins? For all of the bad things he did in Detroit, Miami DE N. Suh IS a very good defensive tackle. And for once, the pain he caused a opposing player, in this case, Seattle QB Russell Wilson was a accidental step on the foot that could happen to anyone. But if he and his defensive mates can stay in the face of Miami QB Ryan Tannehill and RB Adrian Foster and hold them down, Miami has a poor chance of stealing this one. Garropolo is better than most backup (and some starting) QBs in this league..and most don't have the weapons NE has to offer. I don't see Miami pulling this off...and how the hell does Miami always play in Foxboro while it is warm and not at the end of the year when it is cold? Crazy. Whatever. Patriots win...again.
New England 27 Miami 16
Jacksonville at San Diego: The Chargers lost a heart-breaker at KC in OT last week. Worse than than that, they lost their best WR, Keenan Allen for the year (again) with a torn ACL (this time). But, the season is not over...yet. As long as they have QB Phillip Rivers, this team is NOT a easy out. The Jaguars came close to upsetting the Packers at home...but they didn't. This game will be interesting and close. The heat of Jacksonville almost did the Packers in, but the heat of San Diego likely won't affect the Jags. If this game is close at the end....tossup.
Who wins? The Chargers are a tough team to beat at home, but the young Jaguars have enough pieces on both sides of the ball to steal this one. Point is, the Chargers are not the power the Packers are and if the Jaguars can steal a road win, this may be their best shot to do such the entire year...maybe. What the hell, I need a few upsets. I am taking the Jaguars to steal a win..in overtime.
Jacksonville 31 San Diego 28 (OT)
Seattle at Los Angeles: Perhaps it is fitting that the reborn Los Angeles Rams opens their return to the West Coast against two of the other teams that are on the West Coast having faced the Niners in their new home 6 days ago and opening their “temporary” new home against Seattle. Doing it in Weeks 1 and 2 is strange, but what can you do? The opponents were pre-set years ago, but the schedule-maker could have thought a little more on the placement in the schedule. Whatever.
The Rams played like (bleep) in their opener, if you didn't stay up to watch it. I was annoyed. Rams coach Jeff Fisher may have been mad, but looked stoic for the entire game. Not good. Maybe doing Hard Knocks wasn't a good thing (I don't think they had a choice...oops). Now they get a Seattle time who also played like (bleep) at home, but had barely enough to beat Miami. Worse yet, QB Russell Wilson (ankle) is hurt and while he, by his own words, plans to play, Wilson will look like a shorter Dan Marino or Peyton Manning if he can't move around like he usually does. The Seattle defense did their job but Miami's offense played weak. However, even with a healthy RB Todd Gurley, the Rams offense is even worse. So either this could be the luckiest break in a while for Seattle that the Rams are the opponent or....some crazy (bleep) is about to befall the Seahawks on the road. Which will it be?
Who wins? The Rams could not score any points against a young Niners defense while they watched their own stout defense got run over and later lost their composure, unfortunately. Seattle's defense, led by (most of) The Legion of Boom secondary, is a lot better than that. Wilson's injury is a problem, especially if he doesn't play or is forced out early (the backup QB is Treyvon Boykin, by the way, and they have a third QB, Jake Heaps on the practice squad. I sense he might be activated to the active roster before Saturday, if Coach Pete Carroll is wise and careful). If that happens, Seattle is in deep bird (bleep), even against the Rams. A Rams win would be a big deal, especially if the Niners lose at Carolina (right?) and if the Cardinals choke to the visiting Bucs. That keeps them in the division race, though it is early. But all that won't happen, right? LOL? Let's be real. Seattle could run the ball 40 times and get Wilson stand around and get this win. It just won't look pretty. Wins beat pretty losses any day. Seahawks escape, barely. I won't bet on the Rams getting more than 1 TD (if any) unless the defense or special teams scores twice. Unlikely. The Seahawks will drop the Rams to 0-2.
Seattle 20 Los Angeles 9
New Orleans at New York Giants: This could be a scoring party. True, the Saints are not the same team outdoors as they are in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome (or any other domed stadium) but when you have QB Drew Brees, no defense is safe. He will get yards, he will lead the team to score points. Unfortunately, their defense is not so good and is shorthanded. The Giants have QB Eli Manning and some weapons on offense too, including WRs Odell Bechham, Jr and the returned Victor Cruz who scored last week in his first game in nearly 2 calendar years. The defense was okay...but they were playing at Dallas with no Tony Romo, some guy who looked like Dez Bryant who barely made the score sheet, and the same boneheaded play with it matters most and allowed the Giants to not choke the game this time (wow!). The Saints could well run us any many points that they did against my Raiders...if not more...but can the Giants with their new coach, new look defense and old hand at QB keep up?
Who wins? Everybody who takes the over in combined points scored. The Giants get their PK back from suspension, but he likely will only be kicking PATs (hope he does not miss any, like the replacement did last week!) for touchdowns will be the name of the game here. The Giants may have faster CBs than Oakland's Sean Smith (damn), but those Saints WRs are faster than stock cars at Talledega (Google NASCAR and Talledega if you don't get the reference, kids.) and Brees knows how to use them. If Brees does NOT get better stats than last week, it will because 1) the Giants played a perfect defensive game...NOT 2) Brees and/or 2 of his WRs get hurt early..let's hope not or 3) the Giants run the ball really well, control the clock and the Saints offense gets less than 17 minutes of possession time...for the game. The Giants might do number 3 and that will be good. But the Saints will shred that defense and not need long possessions anyway. I am taking the old master over Mr. Patriot-killer this time. Saints win.
New Orleans 45 New York Giants 30
Indianapolis at Denver: It is kind of weird to see at Colts-Broncos game without Peyton Manning on the field for one or the other. But perhaps that is why this game is so early in the schedule. However, Colts QB Andrew Luck is back from last year's injuries and played well last week, only to watch the Lions use a late field goal and safety on the final play to steal the win away. The Broncos got away with a win last week when the game winning field goal was missed. But they face the dangerous Colts who can score points with Luck under center. Can their defense slow down the Colts enough to let young Broncos QB Trevor Siemien and the offense to keep up?
Who wins? Denver got away with a win against Carolina with a little help...leave it at that. Luck is smaller than Cam Newton, but he can throw with the best of them and can run some too. Denver's defense will be challenged like they were last week. But in the end, Denver's offense will not be able to save them..yet. I am taking the Colts.
Indianapolis 33 Denver 27
San Francisco at Carolina: Carolina had a chance to win in Denver, despite the beating (partially with hits that were not flagged) on reigning MVP QB Cam Newton, but Denver survived when the game winning field goal was missed after a timely "icing of the kicker". The Panthers enjoyed the weekend off and watched only Tampa Bay win in their division. Meanwhile, the Niners crushed the Rams way too easily (WTF?) at home on Monday night and now travel East on a short week to face the rather annoyed NFC champs. Worse yet, these Panthers are a lot stronger than the punch-less Rams. But if Newton is not at full strength or worse yet, goes down in this one, the Niners will have a real shot if backup QB Derek Anderson has to relieve Newton. Could the young Niners go to 2-0 and put playoff teams behind them (for now) and hang with the Seahawks like old times (figuring the Rams will NOT upset the Seahawks in their first game in their (former) and current temporary LA home?
Who wins? Logic says to take the Panthers at home. However, the status of the beat-up but tough Newton makes you have to wonder how ready and effective he will be (on the field), even with a extra couple of days to recover from the opener. New Niners coach Chip Kelly is not known as a defensive guru, but even he has to realize the opportunity his team has to pressure Newton and steal one on the road, right? Like I said, I have to pick a few upsets and this is a big one. I am taking the 49ers in a big upset.
San Francisco 29 Carolina 27
Dallas at Washington: Cowboys and Redskins...enough said. Dallas week is so much fun in the DC area. I am not really kidding. You live in the DMV, you know what I mean. Here are the changes for 2016: No RG III (IR with Cleveland) or RB Albert Morris (backup in Dallas) for Washington. No Tony Romo (hurt..again) or DeMarco Murray (starting in Tennessee) for Dallas. Dallas rookie starter Dak Prescott did okay against the Giants, but WR Dez Bryant barely showed up and the lack of awareness of the other Cowboys cost the Cowboys the chance at a long FG to win the game. The Redskins seemed to barely show up against the Steelers without some weapons, but had the two that matters the most and they crushed the Redskins. But this is Dallas week. Winning this game (and the rematch in Dallas later) means (in some ways) more than making the playoffs! But it is early for that kind of talk. This game is THE game in a lot places. This one will not be the prettiest in the rivalry, but it will be fun.
Who wins? The Redskins are far more intact and experienced on offense and defense than Dallas is. However, the young Dallas rookies have talent and Washington QB Kirk Cousins has been known for having some bad games, but usually not as bad as his predecessor at QB. If Cousins can run the offense on Sunday like he did last year to a division title, I don't think these Cowboys can keep up. This game is big for both teams, but figuring the rematch in Dallas may have a healthy Romo and at least some of the injured or suspended defenders back, (plus not wanting to potentially fall 2 games behind the Giants and Eagles so early), Washington will find a way to get this done. I am taking the home team.
Washington 30 Dallas 27
Atlanta at Oakland: The Falcons made a decent showing at home last week, but were shocked by the Buccaneers and 4 TDs from their QB Jameis Winston. The Raiders rallied from 17 down to steal a win in a tough place to win, New Orleans. Now the Raiders come home for their opener looking to go 2-0 for the first time in a long while and keep pace with Denver and KC and potentially be alone in first if the Raiders win and the others do get upset. Has this team turned that corner into a playoff team again? This game, like last week will go a long way toward proving such for these young Raiders.
Who wins? Atlanta is known to be less potent outdoors, but they are still dangerous with QB Matt Ryan under center. But with both starting receivers, including Julio Jones nursing injuries, their speed will be diminished and may work right into the hands of the Raiders defense and free agent pickup CB Sean Smith who got burned a lot by the smaller and faster Saints receivers. Here, he can get some redemption and confidence back before the Raiders go back on the road and start their conference schedule at Tennessee and Baltimore in the next two weeks. Bottom line, the Raiders are as dangerous and deep on offense as Tampa was and they have the defense to slow down the Falcons. Most importantly, this game is in Oakland and it is not easy to win here staring at the Black Hole. Period. Oakland is making their move and that process will continue here. Raiders win again..a little more comfortably this time, I hope.
Oakland 37 Atlanta 27
Sunday Night Football on NBC:
Green Bay at Minnesota: The long-awaited opening of Minnesota’s new stadium (and future Super Bowl site) has already been marred with the season-ending (if not more) loss of franchise QB Teddy Bridgewater in the preseason. However, the Vikings stood tough in Nashville, and beat the Titans with 2 defensive TDs and not with all-world RB Adrian Peterson, who was shut down. Green Bay will be a much harder task, even at home. The Packers survived a late comeback and the heat of Jacksonville and will be happy to be indoors for this one. If the Vikings want to be in the playoffs again and hopefully get a home playoff game for their new home and future Super Bowl site, this is a must win game. Green Bay has less pressure, but a division (and conference) road loss could be problematic later. You never know how a week 2 loss can screw you up in Week 17.
Who wins? The emotions will favor Minnesota and being at home will be great, but to get their biggest rival in that first home game is tough. But if they win, the momentum is big and could help the franchise in a lot of ways. And do it in prime time! I see a upset coming and I am taking the Vikings to get this win to christen their new home...and do it with a field goal late in overtime. Sorry, Green Bay...no Hail Mary winner this time. Vikings win.
Minnesota 34 Green Bay 31 (OT)
Monday Night Football: September 19, 2016
Philadelphia at Chicago: Pennsylvania’s other NFL team gets an early MNF appearance. They crushed a hapless Cleveland team at home who was over-matched, even with Philly's rookie quarterback starting Week 1, especially after the new Cleveland QB, Robert Griffin III was injured on a play where he was on the wrong place on the sideline at the wrong time. Chicago and their oft-injured QB Jay Cutler was decent, but spent much of the game running for his life. He is kind of familiar with that. So the Bears, with the support of President Obama come home to face the new look Eagles. But these Bears don't have the teeth that Bears teams of old did. And they need such to beat these Eagles. True the Bears should be a tougher challenge than the Browns were in Philly. But will they? Figuring the Giants might lose to the dangerous Saints and someone must win Cowboys-Redskins and both already have a loss, the Eagles have a chance to move into first alone, depending on those results and get momentum over the rest of the NFC East. But will they?
Who wins? The Bears have pride and they are not totally weaponless. But even Cutler and the offense at their best may not be enough, for their defense does not seem ready for a Eagles team with some weapons and a rookie QB who might really be pretty good..though it is too early to tell. Without the great defenses of yesteryear, these Bears may slow down, but won't beat these Eagles. Sorry, Mr. President, but I am taking the Eagles.
Philadelphia 28 Chicago 17
Last week's results: 8-8. Bonus picks: 4-2 Orton technically lost to Wyatt due to being attacked before the match, so I called it a loss, but I get two wins for correctly calling both results in the Tag Team tournament matches.
Thursday Night Football: CBS/NFL Network:
New York Jets at Buffalo: This game will be a war. The Jets played so-so against the Bengals and choked away a potential win and let Andy Dalton and A.J. Green carve them up...but only lost by 1. The Bills had no offense, but the defense, despite all of their preseason losses held the Ravens down and give them a chance. But the Ravens escaped with a win. Now they play each other on a short week. This game will be about defense, for neither offense will be good this week unless the defense break down a lot in this game. Who breaks first? or better yet, more often?
Who wins? Buffalo QB Tyrod Taylor played not to good, but the resurgent Ravens defense and weak offensive weapons had a lot to do with that. Can the Jets do the same? Not on a short week. The Jets had more points and offense, but I am not liking what I see there, either. The Bills are at home and Taylor is a dangerous dual threat QB. But he cannot do it alone, and the defense has to help. The Jets have more on offense right now, and the defense, weak against the pass as it is, could be better this week, especially if Buffalo cannot run the ball again...that is whenever they can get on the field. The Jets can control the clock better and they have more weapons and their defense is at least equal to that of the Bills...which is not saying much. I am taking the road team here. Taylor will throw better, but that won't be enough with injured skill players. Sorry. Jets win (and won't choke for the second week in a row).
New York Jets 24 Buffalo 16
Sunday’s Games: September, 18, 2016
Tampa Bay at Arizona: Tampa, behind QB Jameis Winston looked damn good after a slow start in a upset win at Atlanta last week and they lead the NFC South...by themselves. The offense did well, but seeing WR Vincent Jackson basically do nothing and the Bucs scoring nothing in the 4th quarter as they held off the one-dimensional Falcons is a concern. Jackson needs to contribute this week like Mike Evans and the other receivers and tight ends did or he may be on the bench fast. Arizona, well, played okay, but truth be told, this team had no excuse for losing to a Patriots squad AT HOME with NO Brady (suspension) and a untested backup QB starting AND no Gronkowski (hamstring), period. True, the Cardinals PK should have made that game-winning kick, but one could say the same about PK Graham Gano of Carolina, too. There is a reason why kickers almost never go perfect on field goals during a season. It happens. Now, can a young Bucs team invade Arizona and steal another NFC road game, this time against a current NFC power? If they play the whole game, not 3 quarters like they did last week, yes they can. Arizona cannot fall to 0-2, with Seattle and SF (WTF?) both having won last week and one (Seattle) likely to go to 2-0. In-conference losses hurt almost as much as division losses. Doing it at home can be deadly to playoff hopes. Believe that.
Who wins? The Cardinals have experience and maturity and that means a lot. Youth and confidence goes a long way too. Tampa Bay has the latter and if Jackson shows up this week along with Evans at WR and Winston throws the ball as well as he did last week...the Cardinals won't win, for they won't score enough and the offense will not get enough chances to score. This defense is not the kind to get a lot of INTs or pick-six plays. I think Arizona will get it together...but not this week. I have to take Tampa and the major upset on the road. Sorry, Coach Arians.
Tampa Bay 40 Arizona 30
Tennessee at Detroit: Tennessee had the right plan to stop Minnesota last week....stop Adrian Peterson and score on offense. And they did. The problem is they were not supposed to let the Vikings DEFENSE score TDs against your offense. The Titans did just that (1 pick-six, 1 FR-six) back-to-back to let a winnable game at home slip away. The Lions roared back in Indianapolis and stole a win away from the Colts, with Andrew Luck in their first post-Calvin Johnson game. Now can the Lions go to 2-0 while Green Bay and Minnesota prepare for war in the opening of the new Vikings stadium late that night on SNF? If Lions QB Matthew Stafford plays like he did last week, YES!
However, the Titans have a good young QB in Marcus Mariota, but he had better protect the ball better than last week. And while throwing TD passes to new RB DeMarco Murray is nice, you kind of need him and rookie backup Derrick Henry running the ball for yards and TDs and running time off the clock and not fumbling it away. That is how they can win, right?
Who wins? The Titans could not do the little stuff against a QB (and RB)-challenged Vikings team at home. How are they going to do better on the road against a Lions team who has a QB, RBs (sort of) and pass catchers who can run AND catch? Without controlling the clock majorly....I don't think the Titans can win unless they do to Detroit with turnovers what Minnesota did to them. And this team is too young for that...right now. I have to take Detroit at home.
Detroit 30 Tennessee 21
Baltimore at Cleveland: Ugh. Cleveland played bad, as usual, RGIII played bad and got hurt, as usual, and the Browns got crushed on the road, as usual. The Ravens played tough defense, but the offense could not score more than 1 TD. But that was enough to win at home. Go figure. Now, Cleveland opens at home without Griffin III (gone till midseason, very likely for the year) and now turn back to QB Josh McCown as the undisputed starter. Good thing they didn't trade him. Can he do better? He can't do worse. Cleveland may do better at home with a steadier hand running the show. Don't forget, WR Josh Gordon does return in 3 weeks, so that can help if Cleveland can get a win or two before then. Okay, let's be real. This team sucks and they have a great shot at the first pick in the draft already. The Ravens can win this game handily like the Eagles did if the defense plays like they did last week....unless the offense is even worse than it was last week. That will not be good.
Who wins? The Ravens know that if they win, they will be 2-0 with the winner of the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh street fight that will be going on to the north. They need every win and every advantage if the Ravens wish to make the playoffs this year (and they cannot assume there will be a wild-card to grab). This is not a gimme win, but it is a winnable game that you cannot let slip away with tougher games coming up. I think Cleveland will be better and score more than last week...but not by much. Baltimore has too much experience and talent to blow this one. Ravens win in a close one.
Baltimore 24 Cleveland 16
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: Now to the aforementioned street fight. These teams hate each other. You saw the playoff game. You saw the regular season games last year. Enough said. The Steelers are at home, which means kicking will be FUBAR except at chip shot range. They have defense (some) and heart. They don't have RB Le'veon Bell or WR Martavius Bryant (suspensions), but as long as you have QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Antonio Brown and the ageless RB DeAngelo Williams along with coach Mike Tomlin (NUPE!), you have a lot more than a puncher's chance to win. The Bengals have QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green...and not a lot behind them. The defense is okay, but not all that. Oh, and did I say they hate each other? Right, who plays better and who keeps their composure better wins this game. Watch this game, but it might not be for the faint at heart.
Who wins? The Bengals have a penchant for blowing important games for no good reason lately (see the playoffs last year...and for the last 5 years straight!). You cannot blame all of this on Dalton (injured and missed the playoff game) or Green (playing with injuries all the time). How Bengals coach Marvin Lewis still has his job here, I do not know. If he wants to be the coach in 2017, besides making and winning a playoff game this year, winning division road games like this will help. Dalton and Green will play well and hopefully NOT get hurt and it is too early to speak on the first two, but the Bengals are not doing the third...not this week. Pittsburgh is too strong in mind and talent and body to blow this game at home. And I meant all three literally. Steelers win.
Pittsburgh 28 Cincinnati 23
Kansas City at Houston: The Chiefs pulled out a exciting win at home over the Chargers last week, though they needed overtime to do it. They also did it without RB Jamaal Charles, still recovering from the injuries that cost him most of last year. This team, however won nearly every game including a road playoff beat-down of the QB-needy Texans without him. Assuming Charles does not play this week either, can they do it again? Maybe. Chiefs coach Andy Reid is good. So is QB Alex Smith (who ran in the game winning TD in OT) and they have weapons at WR and RB to handle the load. The defense, while not fully healthy, is solid. But so is that for Houston who won their opener here over Chicago with new starting QB Brock Osweiler doing his job, despite all-world DE J.J. Watt not having a big impact. The defense did their job and held down a shaky Bears offense. Can they do the same on the considerably better Chiefs or will we see a repeat of the blowout at the site of this season's Super Bowl?
Who wins? Houston should be worried since Watt and former top overall pick DE J. Clowney barely made the stat sheet against Chicago. But they both finished the game so that is a start. But Houston needs the full power Watt (forgive the pun) along with Clowney and the rest to be dominant to slow down the Chiefs, AND they need the offense under Osweiler to be on fire to keep Smith and the Chiefs offense off the field. And I am not convinced either will occur. KC will not steal this one like last week, but a win is a win. Still, one good hit on Smith will crush the house of cards the Chiefs have at QB, especially with their former backup now in Philadelphia. I am taking the Texans to find a way at home. I don't know what the record for overtime games (notice I didn't say wins) in one season for teams is, but KC may be well on their way to such after this one.
Houston 27 Kansas City 24 (OT)
Miami at New England: Miami should have stolen a win in Seattle...but choked it away in the final moments. New England should have lost at Arizona.....but they got help from a missed kick and bad offense from the Cardinals and won. The Patriots come home for the first of 3 straight at home, and the second of four games without Tom Brady. Backup QB Jimmy Garropolo did a good job and the Patriots look closer to the AFC power they have been in recent years rather than a team with their collective manhood chopped off with great malice. If TE Rob Gronkowski (hamstring) is able to play instead of staying home last week, this could be a worse beating for Miami, unless they can flip a switch and play well on offense and shut down the remaining Patriots on offense. Tall order indeed.
Who wins? For all of the bad things he did in Detroit, Miami DE N. Suh IS a very good defensive tackle. And for once, the pain he caused a opposing player, in this case, Seattle QB Russell Wilson was a accidental step on the foot that could happen to anyone. But if he and his defensive mates can stay in the face of Miami QB Ryan Tannehill and RB Adrian Foster and hold them down, Miami has a poor chance of stealing this one. Garropolo is better than most backup (and some starting) QBs in this league..and most don't have the weapons NE has to offer. I don't see Miami pulling this off...and how the hell does Miami always play in Foxboro while it is warm and not at the end of the year when it is cold? Crazy. Whatever. Patriots win...again.
New England 27 Miami 16
Jacksonville at San Diego: The Chargers lost a heart-breaker at KC in OT last week. Worse than than that, they lost their best WR, Keenan Allen for the year (again) with a torn ACL (this time). But, the season is not over...yet. As long as they have QB Phillip Rivers, this team is NOT a easy out. The Jaguars came close to upsetting the Packers at home...but they didn't. This game will be interesting and close. The heat of Jacksonville almost did the Packers in, but the heat of San Diego likely won't affect the Jags. If this game is close at the end....tossup.
Who wins? The Chargers are a tough team to beat at home, but the young Jaguars have enough pieces on both sides of the ball to steal this one. Point is, the Chargers are not the power the Packers are and if the Jaguars can steal a road win, this may be their best shot to do such the entire year...maybe. What the hell, I need a few upsets. I am taking the Jaguars to steal a win..in overtime.
Jacksonville 31 San Diego 28 (OT)
Seattle at Los Angeles: Perhaps it is fitting that the reborn Los Angeles Rams opens their return to the West Coast against two of the other teams that are on the West Coast having faced the Niners in their new home 6 days ago and opening their “temporary” new home against Seattle. Doing it in Weeks 1 and 2 is strange, but what can you do? The opponents were pre-set years ago, but the schedule-maker could have thought a little more on the placement in the schedule. Whatever.
The Rams played like (bleep) in their opener, if you didn't stay up to watch it. I was annoyed. Rams coach Jeff Fisher may have been mad, but looked stoic for the entire game. Not good. Maybe doing Hard Knocks wasn't a good thing (I don't think they had a choice...oops). Now they get a Seattle time who also played like (bleep) at home, but had barely enough to beat Miami. Worse yet, QB Russell Wilson (ankle) is hurt and while he, by his own words, plans to play, Wilson will look like a shorter Dan Marino or Peyton Manning if he can't move around like he usually does. The Seattle defense did their job but Miami's offense played weak. However, even with a healthy RB Todd Gurley, the Rams offense is even worse. So either this could be the luckiest break in a while for Seattle that the Rams are the opponent or....some crazy (bleep) is about to befall the Seahawks on the road. Which will it be?
Who wins? The Rams could not score any points against a young Niners defense while they watched their own stout defense got run over and later lost their composure, unfortunately. Seattle's defense, led by (most of) The Legion of Boom secondary, is a lot better than that. Wilson's injury is a problem, especially if he doesn't play or is forced out early (the backup QB is Treyvon Boykin, by the way, and they have a third QB, Jake Heaps on the practice squad. I sense he might be activated to the active roster before Saturday, if Coach Pete Carroll is wise and careful). If that happens, Seattle is in deep bird (bleep), even against the Rams. A Rams win would be a big deal, especially if the Niners lose at Carolina (right?) and if the Cardinals choke to the visiting Bucs. That keeps them in the division race, though it is early. But all that won't happen, right? LOL? Let's be real. Seattle could run the ball 40 times and get Wilson stand around and get this win. It just won't look pretty. Wins beat pretty losses any day. Seahawks escape, barely. I won't bet on the Rams getting more than 1 TD (if any) unless the defense or special teams scores twice. Unlikely. The Seahawks will drop the Rams to 0-2.
Seattle 20 Los Angeles 9
New Orleans at New York Giants: This could be a scoring party. True, the Saints are not the same team outdoors as they are in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome (or any other domed stadium) but when you have QB Drew Brees, no defense is safe. He will get yards, he will lead the team to score points. Unfortunately, their defense is not so good and is shorthanded. The Giants have QB Eli Manning and some weapons on offense too, including WRs Odell Bechham, Jr and the returned Victor Cruz who scored last week in his first game in nearly 2 calendar years. The defense was okay...but they were playing at Dallas with no Tony Romo, some guy who looked like Dez Bryant who barely made the score sheet, and the same boneheaded play with it matters most and allowed the Giants to not choke the game this time (wow!). The Saints could well run us any many points that they did against my Raiders...if not more...but can the Giants with their new coach, new look defense and old hand at QB keep up?
Who wins? Everybody who takes the over in combined points scored. The Giants get their PK back from suspension, but he likely will only be kicking PATs (hope he does not miss any, like the replacement did last week!) for touchdowns will be the name of the game here. The Giants may have faster CBs than Oakland's Sean Smith (damn), but those Saints WRs are faster than stock cars at Talledega (Google NASCAR and Talledega if you don't get the reference, kids.) and Brees knows how to use them. If Brees does NOT get better stats than last week, it will because 1) the Giants played a perfect defensive game...NOT 2) Brees and/or 2 of his WRs get hurt early..let's hope not or 3) the Giants run the ball really well, control the clock and the Saints offense gets less than 17 minutes of possession time...for the game. The Giants might do number 3 and that will be good. But the Saints will shred that defense and not need long possessions anyway. I am taking the old master over Mr. Patriot-killer this time. Saints win.
New Orleans 45 New York Giants 30
Indianapolis at Denver: It is kind of weird to see at Colts-Broncos game without Peyton Manning on the field for one or the other. But perhaps that is why this game is so early in the schedule. However, Colts QB Andrew Luck is back from last year's injuries and played well last week, only to watch the Lions use a late field goal and safety on the final play to steal the win away. The Broncos got away with a win last week when the game winning field goal was missed. But they face the dangerous Colts who can score points with Luck under center. Can their defense slow down the Colts enough to let young Broncos QB Trevor Siemien and the offense to keep up?
Who wins? Denver got away with a win against Carolina with a little help...leave it at that. Luck is smaller than Cam Newton, but he can throw with the best of them and can run some too. Denver's defense will be challenged like they were last week. But in the end, Denver's offense will not be able to save them..yet. I am taking the Colts.
Indianapolis 33 Denver 27
San Francisco at Carolina: Carolina had a chance to win in Denver, despite the beating (partially with hits that were not flagged) on reigning MVP QB Cam Newton, but Denver survived when the game winning field goal was missed after a timely "icing of the kicker". The Panthers enjoyed the weekend off and watched only Tampa Bay win in their division. Meanwhile, the Niners crushed the Rams way too easily (WTF?) at home on Monday night and now travel East on a short week to face the rather annoyed NFC champs. Worse yet, these Panthers are a lot stronger than the punch-less Rams. But if Newton is not at full strength or worse yet, goes down in this one, the Niners will have a real shot if backup QB Derek Anderson has to relieve Newton. Could the young Niners go to 2-0 and put playoff teams behind them (for now) and hang with the Seahawks like old times (figuring the Rams will NOT upset the Seahawks in their first game in their (former) and current temporary LA home?
Who wins? Logic says to take the Panthers at home. However, the status of the beat-up but tough Newton makes you have to wonder how ready and effective he will be (on the field), even with a extra couple of days to recover from the opener. New Niners coach Chip Kelly is not known as a defensive guru, but even he has to realize the opportunity his team has to pressure Newton and steal one on the road, right? Like I said, I have to pick a few upsets and this is a big one. I am taking the 49ers in a big upset.
San Francisco 29 Carolina 27
Dallas at Washington: Cowboys and Redskins...enough said. Dallas week is so much fun in the DC area. I am not really kidding. You live in the DMV, you know what I mean. Here are the changes for 2016: No RG III (IR with Cleveland) or RB Albert Morris (backup in Dallas) for Washington. No Tony Romo (hurt..again) or DeMarco Murray (starting in Tennessee) for Dallas. Dallas rookie starter Dak Prescott did okay against the Giants, but WR Dez Bryant barely showed up and the lack of awareness of the other Cowboys cost the Cowboys the chance at a long FG to win the game. The Redskins seemed to barely show up against the Steelers without some weapons, but had the two that matters the most and they crushed the Redskins. But this is Dallas week. Winning this game (and the rematch in Dallas later) means (in some ways) more than making the playoffs! But it is early for that kind of talk. This game is THE game in a lot places. This one will not be the prettiest in the rivalry, but it will be fun.
Who wins? The Redskins are far more intact and experienced on offense and defense than Dallas is. However, the young Dallas rookies have talent and Washington QB Kirk Cousins has been known for having some bad games, but usually not as bad as his predecessor at QB. If Cousins can run the offense on Sunday like he did last year to a division title, I don't think these Cowboys can keep up. This game is big for both teams, but figuring the rematch in Dallas may have a healthy Romo and at least some of the injured or suspended defenders back, (plus not wanting to potentially fall 2 games behind the Giants and Eagles so early), Washington will find a way to get this done. I am taking the home team.
Washington 30 Dallas 27
Atlanta at Oakland: The Falcons made a decent showing at home last week, but were shocked by the Buccaneers and 4 TDs from their QB Jameis Winston. The Raiders rallied from 17 down to steal a win in a tough place to win, New Orleans. Now the Raiders come home for their opener looking to go 2-0 for the first time in a long while and keep pace with Denver and KC and potentially be alone in first if the Raiders win and the others do get upset. Has this team turned that corner into a playoff team again? This game, like last week will go a long way toward proving such for these young Raiders.
Who wins? Atlanta is known to be less potent outdoors, but they are still dangerous with QB Matt Ryan under center. But with both starting receivers, including Julio Jones nursing injuries, their speed will be diminished and may work right into the hands of the Raiders defense and free agent pickup CB Sean Smith who got burned a lot by the smaller and faster Saints receivers. Here, he can get some redemption and confidence back before the Raiders go back on the road and start their conference schedule at Tennessee and Baltimore in the next two weeks. Bottom line, the Raiders are as dangerous and deep on offense as Tampa was and they have the defense to slow down the Falcons. Most importantly, this game is in Oakland and it is not easy to win here staring at the Black Hole. Period. Oakland is making their move and that process will continue here. Raiders win again..a little more comfortably this time, I hope.
Oakland 37 Atlanta 27
Sunday Night Football on NBC:
Green Bay at Minnesota: The long-awaited opening of Minnesota’s new stadium (and future Super Bowl site) has already been marred with the season-ending (if not more) loss of franchise QB Teddy Bridgewater in the preseason. However, the Vikings stood tough in Nashville, and beat the Titans with 2 defensive TDs and not with all-world RB Adrian Peterson, who was shut down. Green Bay will be a much harder task, even at home. The Packers survived a late comeback and the heat of Jacksonville and will be happy to be indoors for this one. If the Vikings want to be in the playoffs again and hopefully get a home playoff game for their new home and future Super Bowl site, this is a must win game. Green Bay has less pressure, but a division (and conference) road loss could be problematic later. You never know how a week 2 loss can screw you up in Week 17.
Who wins? The emotions will favor Minnesota and being at home will be great, but to get their biggest rival in that first home game is tough. But if they win, the momentum is big and could help the franchise in a lot of ways. And do it in prime time! I see a upset coming and I am taking the Vikings to get this win to christen their new home...and do it with a field goal late in overtime. Sorry, Green Bay...no Hail Mary winner this time. Vikings win.
Minnesota 34 Green Bay 31 (OT)
Monday Night Football: September 19, 2016
Philadelphia at Chicago: Pennsylvania’s other NFL team gets an early MNF appearance. They crushed a hapless Cleveland team at home who was over-matched, even with Philly's rookie quarterback starting Week 1, especially after the new Cleveland QB, Robert Griffin III was injured on a play where he was on the wrong place on the sideline at the wrong time. Chicago and their oft-injured QB Jay Cutler was decent, but spent much of the game running for his life. He is kind of familiar with that. So the Bears, with the support of President Obama come home to face the new look Eagles. But these Bears don't have the teeth that Bears teams of old did. And they need such to beat these Eagles. True the Bears should be a tougher challenge than the Browns were in Philly. But will they? Figuring the Giants might lose to the dangerous Saints and someone must win Cowboys-Redskins and both already have a loss, the Eagles have a chance to move into first alone, depending on those results and get momentum over the rest of the NFC East. But will they?
Who wins? The Bears have pride and they are not totally weaponless. But even Cutler and the offense at their best may not be enough, for their defense does not seem ready for a Eagles team with some weapons and a rookie QB who might really be pretty good..though it is too early to tell. Without the great defenses of yesteryear, these Bears may slow down, but won't beat these Eagles. Sorry, Mr. President, but I am taking the Eagles.
Philadelphia 28 Chicago 17
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