 |
| Photo by Gerald Herbert/AP |
Written by Sam DeCoste
Boy, it felt good to welcome Scott Hanson and Andrew Siciliano back into our living rooms, to watch NFL Red Zone, to watch primetime football, and to see the NFL return. Now football season is in full swing, and there are some must-see games in Week 2. The week kicks off on Thursday night with an NFC South clash between the Bucs and Panthers, and ends on Monday in a blockbuster matchup between the Jets and the Browns. But of course, the week is highlighted by the NFC Championship rematch between the Saints and Rams in Los Angeles.
Last week was my best ever opening week on the Predix, accurately predicting the result for 13 of the 16 games! Hopefully I can keep up my strong start to the season in this week's Predix. So without further ado, let's get into it!
Here are my records over this season:
My record last week: 13-2-1
Regular season record: 13-2-1
Lock of the Week record: 1-0
Carolina put up quite a fight versus the NFC Champions in their 30-27 loss to the Rams. On a short week, the Panthers should be able to replicate their performance against a divisional opponent and be ready to go. If they ride Christian McCaffrey like they did last week, their ground game will be unstoppable, and fantasy owners everywhere will bask in his reflected glory.
In Tampa, however, the Bruce Arians effect is stalling to take full effect. Jameis Winston played like his old self, which is not what Bucs fans wanted. Throwing three interceptions in the opening game is discouraging, especially since Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't there to put the pressure on Winston anymore. It's more than likely that Arians will abandon the running game early again and try to beat Carolina through the air. if that's what happens, Winston plays right into Carolina's hands.
The Panthers held their own against the Rams, and if they can play the way they did just a few days ago, Carolina will walk away with their first victory of 2019, and Cam Newton's first win since Week 9 of last year.
Prediction: TB 17, CAR 27
Last week was my best ever opening week on the Predix, accurately predicting the result for 13 of the 16 games! Hopefully I can keep up my strong start to the season in this week's Predix. So without further ado, let's get into it!
Here are my records over this season:
My record last week: 13-2-1
Regular season record: 13-2-1
Lock of the Week record: 1-0
 |
| TB @ CAR |
Carolina put up quite a fight versus the NFC Champions in their 30-27 loss to the Rams. On a short week, the Panthers should be able to replicate their performance against a divisional opponent and be ready to go. If they ride Christian McCaffrey like they did last week, their ground game will be unstoppable, and fantasy owners everywhere will bask in his reflected glory.
In Tampa, however, the Bruce Arians effect is stalling to take full effect. Jameis Winston played like his old self, which is not what Bucs fans wanted. Throwing three interceptions in the opening game is discouraging, especially since Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't there to put the pressure on Winston anymore. It's more than likely that Arians will abandon the running game early again and try to beat Carolina through the air. if that's what happens, Winston plays right into Carolina's hands.
The Panthers held their own against the Rams, and if they can play the way they did just a few days ago, Carolina will walk away with their first victory of 2019, and Cam Newton's first win since Week 9 of last year.
Prediction: TB 17, CAR 27
 |
| SEA @ PIT |
The most disappointing performance of opening weekend was undoubtedly the Pittsburgh Steelers. Losing by 30 points to the Pats with the headaches of AB and Bell out the door is not promising for the season to come. Hopefully for Pittsburgh, and for my fantasy team, Juju Smith Schuster is alright and he will be ready to go.
Meanwhile, Seattle squeaked by the Bengals by one point, and struggled mightily on defense. Allowing Andy Dalton to throw for over 400 yards in CenturyLink is not promising for what is to come, especially going into Pittsburgh. Russell Wilson will be able to throw against the Steelers secondary, but I don't know if his defense will be able to contain Ben Roethlisberger on the other side.
In Pittsburgh's home opener, the Steelers should be ready to go and take care of business. They know how to handle defeats and come back the next game and do their jobs, so I will take the home team.
Meanwhile, Seattle squeaked by the Bengals by one point, and struggled mightily on defense. Allowing Andy Dalton to throw for over 400 yards in CenturyLink is not promising for what is to come, especially going into Pittsburgh. Russell Wilson will be able to throw against the Steelers secondary, but I don't know if his defense will be able to contain Ben Roethlisberger on the other side.
In Pittsburgh's home opener, the Steelers should be ready to go and take care of business. They know how to handle defeats and come back the next game and do their jobs, so I will take the home team.
Prediction: SEA 10, PIT 31
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman did not pay $84 million for a game manager. Kirk Cousins completed just eight passes for 98 yards against the Falcons last week. Their top two weapons, Diggs and Theilen, had a combined five catches. While Minnesota dominated, they cannot win that way in 2019.
Green Bay also took care of business on the road against the Bears, holding the Bears offense to just 254 yards and three points. But the offense struggled mightily, and it took the unit ages to convert a first down, and to give Aaron Rodgers time in the pocket. The Vikings are as good a defense as the Bears, but at home, Rodgers will be better than 203 passing yards and one touchdown.
Lambeau Field is one of the most difficult places to win in the league, and I can't see Kirk Cousins outdueling Aaron Rodgers after what we saw in Week 1.
Prediction: MIN 17, GB 23
It was a sight for sore eyes for Cowboys fans to see Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper on the same field after a turbulent offseason of unsettling negotiation. But Dallas played just about a complete game on offense. Prescott threw for over 400 yards, four scores, and both Michael Gallup and Amari Cooper shredded the Giants secondary with over 250 combined receiving yards.
In the nation's capital, Case Keenum looked good himself. Throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns in Philly is remarkably impressive. That being said, Washington blew a 17 point lead, and completely capitulated. DeSean Jackson carved them up with 154 yards and two deep touchdowns, and Dallas is coming in with the likes of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and Randall Cobb on the outside. It's going to be another long day on the defensive side of the ball for the Redskins.
If Keenum can move the ball like he did against Philly, the Redskins have a shot. But they would also need Dak Prescott to forget how to play football. Dallas will coast to another victory and move to 2-0.
Prediction: DAL 33, WSH 21
Both teams had to work overtime in Week 1. The Chargers outlasted Jacoby Brissett's Colts while the Lions had to settle for a tie after blowing an 18 point lead.
Surprisingly, the Chargers defense really struggled to contain an offense which is still recovering from Andrew Luck's shocking retirement, giving up over 200 rushing yards, two touchdowns to T.Y. Hilton, and 24 points at home. If they play the same way against the Lions, Matt Stafford will have another field day, and they won't forfeit another double digit lead.
That being said, Detroit failed to put the Cards away when they were up by 18 points. Their fourth quarter defense was absolutely pathetic, and they can't afford to let Philip Rivers carve them up the way a rookie quarterback did last week.
This game is going to be closer than people think, but I still lean towards the better football team.
Prediction: LAC 20, DET 17
Jacoby Brissett did Andrew Luck proud in his season debut versus the Chargers, throwing for 190 yards and two touchdowns with just six incompletions. Indy's gameplan took the Chargers all the way to overtime, but the Chargers couldn't be stopped in the fifth quarter.
Meanwhile, the ultimate party poopers, the Tennessee Titans, are riding high after a thumping of the Cleveland Browns on opening day. Mariota threw for three touchdowns, Derrick Henry had 159 total scrimmage yards, and AJ Brown came up big in his debut as well. With Andrew Luck retired, Nick Foles out indefinitely, Tennessee is right in the mix for the AFC South.
This is the game which thrusted Indy into the postseason last year, and the one which eliminated Tennessee. But with Andrew Luck gone, the Titans stand a chance to win the game. They will do it should Mariota avoid any costly turnovers, and if Derrick Henry can continue to step up. Indianapolis still has a chance, but I still believe the Colts are recovering from Luck's retirement, and the Titans are more talented than them at this moment in time.
Prediction: IND 20, TEN 27
For the second straight week, the Buffalo Bills are headed to MetLife Stadium to play a New Jersey team. After a thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Jets, the Bills take on the Giants in what could turn out to be another ugly day for New York.
While Eli Manning's stat line against the Cowboys looks rather flattering (30/44 for 306 yards and 1 touchdown), don't be fooled. The Giants were playing catchup in the final three quarters and they were forced to throw the ball to keep up with Dak Prescott, who never looked better in a Cowboys uniform than last Sunday, when he threw for 405 yards and 4 touchdown passes.
On the other side, Buffalo has to protect the rock. Giving the ball away four times and conceding a safety in three quarters should've been the knockout punch for the Bills last week, but the fact that they still managed to come back and win shows the character of this football team. They will compete for four quarters every game.
If the Bills could overcome their deficit versus the Jets, they should be able to handle Eli Manning's Giants without a problem.
Prediction: BUF 23, NYG 10
There is no end in sight for the Patriots dominance any time soon. After a thirty point blowout win over the Steelers, the Pats travel to Miami to play a squad which just lost by 49 points (!!!).
Before you throw at me New England's record at Miami from the past six seasons (1-5), keep in mind that Gronk isn't playing safety anymore. We're about to see Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, and Antonio Brown on the field together for the first time with Tom Brady. If Lamar Jackson could throw for five touchdowns against the Dolphins, Brady may just delete the Dolphins on Sunday.
Only another Miami Miracle can help the Dolphins pull off what would be the mother of all upsets.
P.S.: Until the Antonio Brown investigation concludes, and the Patriots address his sexual assault accusations, I will not comment on his situation in the blog. I will write about the Patriots assuming he plays and focus on the football side of things.
Prediction: NE 41, MIA 14
He may be a running back playing quarterback, but Lamar Jackson was brilliant in Week 1. He becomes the first quarterback to throw for five touchdowns in an opening game since Peyton Manning in 2013, and the first quarterback in his class to do so at all. He is poised for another superstar performance this week, against a Cards defense which allowed 477 yards of offense to the Lions in the opener.
While the Cardinals managed to salvage a tie against Detroit, they can't count on Kyler Murray to throw over 50 passes against the ballhawking secondary of the Ravens. Their offense stalled for three quarters, with only six points on the board until Kliff Kingsbury's offense exploded in the fourth. If they lean on David Johnson, and don't put Kyler Murray in third and long situations, Arizona can stand a chance.
That being said, Baltimore is riding high on momentum after their 49 point win over the Dolphins, and they will steamroll the Arizona Cardinals.
This is my Lock of the Week.
Prediction: ARZ 9, BAL 36
Jimmy Garappolo is still trying to reach the heights he did with San Fran at the end of the 2017 season, but I suppose it's possible we overhyped him. His first appearance of the season resulted in 166 yards passing, a touchdown pass, and a pick six. He doesn't look the same, and it could be a long season for Niners fans if Garappolo's woes continue.
Traveling to Cincy will be a tough ask for this Niners squad, especially after Andy Dalton torched the Seahawks secondary in Seattle last week for 418 yards and two touchdowns, without AJ Green. Under new head coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals look poised for a bounce back season on offense, especially if John Ross is consistent for 16 games. The injury to Joe Mixon is concerning, but it sounds like he could play this week.
The 49ers are still trying to figure things out, while the Bengals look powerful through the air again. I fancy the Bengals and for Zac Taylor to earn his first career win as head coach.
Prediction: SF 14, CIN 21
The Texans were unlucky to lose the game the way they played for four quarters, taking the Saints all the way to the final seconds. Deshaun Watson was brilliant, throwing for three touchdowns, and DeAndre Hopkins showed he is the most complete receiver in the league. But there's no shame in losing to the Saints in the dome. Watson and the Texans showed they are among the favorites to win the AFC South again, and they swept the Jags last season.
It didn't even take one quarter of football for Jacksonville's season to take a left turn. Nick Foles is out indefinitely with a broken clavicle, which means it's Gardner Minshew II's time to shine. And surprisingly enough, Minshew was quite impressive in his first NFL game, throwing for 275 yards and two scores in a comeback attempt versus Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Houston played fantastic for four quarters, and deserved to win the game. In a matchup between Deshaun Watson and Gardner Minshew, I will take Deshaun Watson every time.
Prediction: JAX 13, HOU 24
Just one week back to football, and Pat Mahomes is already in MVP form. Throwing for 378 yards and 3 scores, Mahomes is playing at a high level once again. Hopefully, his ankle injury is not severe, because any Super Bowl hopes the Chiefs have die if he goes down.
While Carr didn't play at the level of Mahomes in Week 1, the Raiders won comfortably against Denver even after the Antonio Brown fallout. I felt apprehensive about Oakland's passing game without Brown, especially combined with the mental anguish the Raiders had to suffer through it all. But Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller combined for 13 receptions and 175 yards and a score, making up for the void of AB.
The Raiders will compete for four quarters, and the Chiefs defense will give them opportunities to keep themselves in the game. But in the end, Patrick Mahomes will lead the Chiefs to another easy victory. Knock on wood if you're with me.
Prediction: KC 38, OAK 27
Saints fans have been awaiting this rematch since January. New Orleans felt so irritated they boycotted the Super Bowl last year. The players will be ready, and they will be excited at their first chance at revenge against the team which robbed their Super Bowl ticket.
It will be challenging for the Rams to contain the Saints freight train, especially following Goff's underwhelming performance against Carolina. Goff averaged 4.8 yards per pass attempt last week, passing for only 186 yards against a rather weak secondary. He will need to step his game up, and Sean McVay needs to give more touches to Todd Gurley to open the offense up.
Last year's NFC Championship has had an emotional impact on not just the Saints, but New Orleans altogether. They've been pissed off for eight months about it, and the Saints will channel their frustrations into this game and do enough over four quarters to prevail.
Prediction: NO 24, LAR 23
The Bears dominated the line of scrimmage in Week 1 versus Green Bay, but Mitchell Trubisky was not up to the task. He threw for just 228 yards and an interception, in a 3 point offensive performance. Trubisky needs to be better, and it starts this week with a tough test versus a formidable Broncos defense.
While the Broncos mightily underwhelmed Monday night, they typically play poorly on the road (4-12 since the 2017 season). But at home, especially in their home opener, they turn it on. Denver has not lost a home opener since 2011, and their chances of upsetting the Bears are not bad, considering the state of Chicago's offense. Bradley Chubb and Von Miller can match the pass rush of Khalil Mack and co, and cause Trubisky too many problems to overcome.
One of these will start the season 0-2, which wasn't in either team's plans to start 2019. While the Denver offense could struggle versus an elite defense, I trust Joe Flacco as a veteran QB more than I trust Trubisky. Denver will pull off the upset.
Prediction: CHI 9, DEN 17
There's a reason Carson Wentz is my fantasy quarterback. Although the Eagles were half asleep for the first half, they woke up in the second and Carson Wentz played lights out. Oh, and DeSean Jackson is going to be a weapon for Wentz this season.
Meanwhile, the home team comes in off a very disappointing loss to the Vikings, where the Falcons were shut out for three quarters. Dirk Koetter's offense needs to start fast in order to set the tone for the game, otherwise it will be another slow day at the office.
This one should be a barnburner, and it could go either way. But if Case Keenum can throw for 380 yards against this Eagles defense, imagine what Matt Ryan will do in the dome. It's time for us to see Falcons light it up.
Prediction: PHI 28, ATL 30
After months of anticipation, our first look at the new look Cleveland Browns ended in disaster. Three interceptions for Baker Mayfield, 123 rushing yards conceded, five sacks allowed, 31 points allowed in the second half, and a 30 point defeat. For a team looking to turn the fortunes of their franchise around, a loss like this will set the tone for their season.
Things didn't go as planned in East Rutherford, either. The Jets squandered a 16 point lead in the second half and lost the game 17-16 to Buffalo. For the Jets to contend and hold on to leads in the fourth quarter, Sam Darnold needs to step up. Completing 28 passes for 175 yards is game manager football. The Adam Game honeymoon is over, it's time for Darnold to show how he's developed after his first full offseason. The Jets can win the game if they ride Le'Veon Bell right to the finish line, because he is the best player on the field for this game.
It's too early to write off the Browns or the Jets, but one of these teams will walk out of MetLife Stadium at 0-2 this Monday. I think the Jets will prevail over the Browns, who still need to find their identity.
Prediction: CLE 14, NYJ 23
Thank you for reading Franchise Quarterback! I hope you enjoyed the Predix and stay tuned for weekly Predix every Wednesday for breakdowns of all the upcoming games!
 |
| MIN @ GB |
Green Bay also took care of business on the road against the Bears, holding the Bears offense to just 254 yards and three points. But the offense struggled mightily, and it took the unit ages to convert a first down, and to give Aaron Rodgers time in the pocket. The Vikings are as good a defense as the Bears, but at home, Rodgers will be better than 203 passing yards and one touchdown.
Lambeau Field is one of the most difficult places to win in the league, and I can't see Kirk Cousins outdueling Aaron Rodgers after what we saw in Week 1.
Prediction: MIN 17, GB 23
 |
| DAL @ WSH |
It was a sight for sore eyes for Cowboys fans to see Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper on the same field after a turbulent offseason of unsettling negotiation. But Dallas played just about a complete game on offense. Prescott threw for over 400 yards, four scores, and both Michael Gallup and Amari Cooper shredded the Giants secondary with over 250 combined receiving yards.
In the nation's capital, Case Keenum looked good himself. Throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns in Philly is remarkably impressive. That being said, Washington blew a 17 point lead, and completely capitulated. DeSean Jackson carved them up with 154 yards and two deep touchdowns, and Dallas is coming in with the likes of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and Randall Cobb on the outside. It's going to be another long day on the defensive side of the ball for the Redskins.
If Keenum can move the ball like he did against Philly, the Redskins have a shot. But they would also need Dak Prescott to forget how to play football. Dallas will coast to another victory and move to 2-0.
Prediction: DAL 33, WSH 21
 |
| LAC @ DET |
Surprisingly, the Chargers defense really struggled to contain an offense which is still recovering from Andrew Luck's shocking retirement, giving up over 200 rushing yards, two touchdowns to T.Y. Hilton, and 24 points at home. If they play the same way against the Lions, Matt Stafford will have another field day, and they won't forfeit another double digit lead.
That being said, Detroit failed to put the Cards away when they were up by 18 points. Their fourth quarter defense was absolutely pathetic, and they can't afford to let Philip Rivers carve them up the way a rookie quarterback did last week.
This game is going to be closer than people think, but I still lean towards the better football team.
Prediction: LAC 20, DET 17
 |
| IND @ TEN |
Meanwhile, the ultimate party poopers, the Tennessee Titans, are riding high after a thumping of the Cleveland Browns on opening day. Mariota threw for three touchdowns, Derrick Henry had 159 total scrimmage yards, and AJ Brown came up big in his debut as well. With Andrew Luck retired, Nick Foles out indefinitely, Tennessee is right in the mix for the AFC South.
This is the game which thrusted Indy into the postseason last year, and the one which eliminated Tennessee. But with Andrew Luck gone, the Titans stand a chance to win the game. They will do it should Mariota avoid any costly turnovers, and if Derrick Henry can continue to step up. Indianapolis still has a chance, but I still believe the Colts are recovering from Luck's retirement, and the Titans are more talented than them at this moment in time.
Prediction: IND 20, TEN 27
 |
| BUF @ NYG |
While Eli Manning's stat line against the Cowboys looks rather flattering (30/44 for 306 yards and 1 touchdown), don't be fooled. The Giants were playing catchup in the final three quarters and they were forced to throw the ball to keep up with Dak Prescott, who never looked better in a Cowboys uniform than last Sunday, when he threw for 405 yards and 4 touchdown passes.
On the other side, Buffalo has to protect the rock. Giving the ball away four times and conceding a safety in three quarters should've been the knockout punch for the Bills last week, but the fact that they still managed to come back and win shows the character of this football team. They will compete for four quarters every game.
If the Bills could overcome their deficit versus the Jets, they should be able to handle Eli Manning's Giants without a problem.
Prediction: BUF 23, NYG 10
 |
| NE @ MIA |
Before you throw at me New England's record at Miami from the past six seasons (1-5), keep in mind that Gronk isn't playing safety anymore. We're about to see Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, and Antonio Brown on the field together for the first time with Tom Brady. If Lamar Jackson could throw for five touchdowns against the Dolphins, Brady may just delete the Dolphins on Sunday.
Only another Miami Miracle can help the Dolphins pull off what would be the mother of all upsets.
P.S.: Until the Antonio Brown investigation concludes, and the Patriots address his sexual assault accusations, I will not comment on his situation in the blog. I will write about the Patriots assuming he plays and focus on the football side of things.
Prediction: NE 41, MIA 14
 |
| ARZ @ BAL |
He may be a running back playing quarterback, but Lamar Jackson was brilliant in Week 1. He becomes the first quarterback to throw for five touchdowns in an opening game since Peyton Manning in 2013, and the first quarterback in his class to do so at all. He is poised for another superstar performance this week, against a Cards defense which allowed 477 yards of offense to the Lions in the opener.
While the Cardinals managed to salvage a tie against Detroit, they can't count on Kyler Murray to throw over 50 passes against the ballhawking secondary of the Ravens. Their offense stalled for three quarters, with only six points on the board until Kliff Kingsbury's offense exploded in the fourth. If they lean on David Johnson, and don't put Kyler Murray in third and long situations, Arizona can stand a chance.
That being said, Baltimore is riding high on momentum after their 49 point win over the Dolphins, and they will steamroll the Arizona Cardinals.
This is my Lock of the Week.
Prediction: ARZ 9, BAL 36
 |
| SF @ CIN |
Jimmy Garappolo is still trying to reach the heights he did with San Fran at the end of the 2017 season, but I suppose it's possible we overhyped him. His first appearance of the season resulted in 166 yards passing, a touchdown pass, and a pick six. He doesn't look the same, and it could be a long season for Niners fans if Garappolo's woes continue.
Traveling to Cincy will be a tough ask for this Niners squad, especially after Andy Dalton torched the Seahawks secondary in Seattle last week for 418 yards and two touchdowns, without AJ Green. Under new head coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals look poised for a bounce back season on offense, especially if John Ross is consistent for 16 games. The injury to Joe Mixon is concerning, but it sounds like he could play this week.
The 49ers are still trying to figure things out, while the Bengals look powerful through the air again. I fancy the Bengals and for Zac Taylor to earn his first career win as head coach.
Prediction: SF 14, CIN 21
 |
| JAX @ HOU |
It didn't even take one quarter of football for Jacksonville's season to take a left turn. Nick Foles is out indefinitely with a broken clavicle, which means it's Gardner Minshew II's time to shine. And surprisingly enough, Minshew was quite impressive in his first NFL game, throwing for 275 yards and two scores in a comeback attempt versus Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Houston played fantastic for four quarters, and deserved to win the game. In a matchup between Deshaun Watson and Gardner Minshew, I will take Deshaun Watson every time.
Prediction: JAX 13, HOU 24
 |
| KC @ OAK |
Just one week back to football, and Pat Mahomes is already in MVP form. Throwing for 378 yards and 3 scores, Mahomes is playing at a high level once again. Hopefully, his ankle injury is not severe, because any Super Bowl hopes the Chiefs have die if he goes down.
While Carr didn't play at the level of Mahomes in Week 1, the Raiders won comfortably against Denver even after the Antonio Brown fallout. I felt apprehensive about Oakland's passing game without Brown, especially combined with the mental anguish the Raiders had to suffer through it all. But Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller combined for 13 receptions and 175 yards and a score, making up for the void of AB.
The Raiders will compete for four quarters, and the Chiefs defense will give them opportunities to keep themselves in the game. But in the end, Patrick Mahomes will lead the Chiefs to another easy victory. Knock on wood if you're with me.
Prediction: KC 38, OAK 27
 |
| NO @ LAR |
It will be challenging for the Rams to contain the Saints freight train, especially following Goff's underwhelming performance against Carolina. Goff averaged 4.8 yards per pass attempt last week, passing for only 186 yards against a rather weak secondary. He will need to step his game up, and Sean McVay needs to give more touches to Todd Gurley to open the offense up.
Last year's NFC Championship has had an emotional impact on not just the Saints, but New Orleans altogether. They've been pissed off for eight months about it, and the Saints will channel their frustrations into this game and do enough over four quarters to prevail.
Prediction: NO 24, LAR 23
 |
| CHI @ DEN |
The Bears dominated the line of scrimmage in Week 1 versus Green Bay, but Mitchell Trubisky was not up to the task. He threw for just 228 yards and an interception, in a 3 point offensive performance. Trubisky needs to be better, and it starts this week with a tough test versus a formidable Broncos defense.
While the Broncos mightily underwhelmed Monday night, they typically play poorly on the road (4-12 since the 2017 season). But at home, especially in their home opener, they turn it on. Denver has not lost a home opener since 2011, and their chances of upsetting the Bears are not bad, considering the state of Chicago's offense. Bradley Chubb and Von Miller can match the pass rush of Khalil Mack and co, and cause Trubisky too many problems to overcome.
One of these will start the season 0-2, which wasn't in either team's plans to start 2019. While the Denver offense could struggle versus an elite defense, I trust Joe Flacco as a veteran QB more than I trust Trubisky. Denver will pull off the upset.
Prediction: CHI 9, DEN 17
 |
| PHI @ ATL |
There's a reason Carson Wentz is my fantasy quarterback. Although the Eagles were half asleep for the first half, they woke up in the second and Carson Wentz played lights out. Oh, and DeSean Jackson is going to be a weapon for Wentz this season.
Meanwhile, the home team comes in off a very disappointing loss to the Vikings, where the Falcons were shut out for three quarters. Dirk Koetter's offense needs to start fast in order to set the tone for the game, otherwise it will be another slow day at the office.
This one should be a barnburner, and it could go either way. But if Case Keenum can throw for 380 yards against this Eagles defense, imagine what Matt Ryan will do in the dome. It's time for us to see Falcons light it up.
Prediction: PHI 28, ATL 30
 |
| CLE @ NYJ |
After months of anticipation, our first look at the new look Cleveland Browns ended in disaster. Three interceptions for Baker Mayfield, 123 rushing yards conceded, five sacks allowed, 31 points allowed in the second half, and a 30 point defeat. For a team looking to turn the fortunes of their franchise around, a loss like this will set the tone for their season.
Things didn't go as planned in East Rutherford, either. The Jets squandered a 16 point lead in the second half and lost the game 17-16 to Buffalo. For the Jets to contend and hold on to leads in the fourth quarter, Sam Darnold needs to step up. Completing 28 passes for 175 yards is game manager football. The Adam Game honeymoon is over, it's time for Darnold to show how he's developed after his first full offseason. The Jets can win the game if they ride Le'Veon Bell right to the finish line, because he is the best player on the field for this game.
It's too early to write off the Browns or the Jets, but one of these teams will walk out of MetLife Stadium at 0-2 this Monday. I think the Jets will prevail over the Browns, who still need to find their identity.
Prediction: CLE 14, NYJ 23
Thank you for reading Franchise Quarterback! I hope you enjoyed the Predix and stay tuned for weekly Predix every Wednesday for breakdowns of all the upcoming games!
Comments
Post a Comment
Agree with the experts? Or do they have it all wrong? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!