Written by Sam DeCoste
Football season is in full swing as we have already reached Week 3. This week will mark the rematch of Ravens-Chiefs, the debut of rookie quarterback Daniel Jones, the Browns first Sunday night appearance in 11 years.
Week 1 was historically accurate for me, but Week 2 was a struggle. After predicting only half of the games correctly, I need to step up my game. Let's see what I can do. Without further ado, let's get right into it!
Here are my records over this season:
My record last week: 8-8
Regular season record: 21-10-1
Lock of the Week record: 2-0
From week to week, nobody knows which edition of the Tennessee Titans we are gonna get. On a short week, are we going to see the team which wiped out the Browns by 30, or the team not good enough to beat Jacoby Brissett's Colts at home? Who knows, but I think Derrick Henry is an X-factor. He's rushed for 165 yards already in two games, and he broke off a 99-yard touchdown run just last season against this squad. Tennessee can run the ball down their throats and throttle the Jags.
In Jacksonville, this is a must win contest. No question. Jalen Ramsey is already fed up with the franchise, and his days could be numbered if a team generates an offer Jacksonville can't refuse. Doug Marrone is on the hot seat. Nick Foles is out. I'm sure we are all big Gardner Minshew fans already, but I don't think he is explosive enough to pick apart a very good Titans defense, which has given up just 31 points in two weeks.
AFC South rivalry games can go either way, but the Titans are 4-0 against the Jags in their last four meetings. The Titans know how to show up against their rivals to the south, and I think they will be more fundamentally sound than their division rivals on a short week.
Prediction: TEN 19, JAX 14
The Eagles come off a crushing defeat to Atlanta last week, with what should be an easy game back home against Detroit. That's what the Chargers thought last week, and now look at whose laughing.
Philly should win on paper, but Desean Jackson is a huge loss for the Eagles offense. He takes the top of the defense every time he steps on the field, and he can change the game on any snap. Philly loses their downfield element with him out. Carson Wentz will have to rely on his security blanket, Zach Ertz, and feed him more than he has so far in two games.
If not for poor game management, the Lions could be 2-0. But they still have not lost a game, and Matt Stafford is helping their cause. He already has 5 touchdown passes on the season and a passer rating of 102.6. However, their offensive production took a huge nosedive this week, only scoring 13 points against LA. They need to lean more on Kerryon Johnson to carry the load for them. It took them 5 years to find a running back to run for 1,000 yards, but they finally have their man. Use him.
After a heartbreaking loss last Sunday, Philly will bounce back and move to 2-1. Detroit will put up a fight, but Carson Wentz will lead his team to victory once again.
Prediction: DET 17, PHI 23
When you think about it, quarterbacks Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins have plenty in common. Both are making boatloads of money, both have left a lot to be desired over the years, and neither one of them have ever won a playoff game. Which ever signal caller plays better this week will most likely lead his team to victory, because this game could turn out to be one of the most competitive in Week 3.
Through two games, Kirk Cousins has been simply unwatchable. He is putting up career lows through two games of a season with two touchdown passes, 328 yards, and a passer rating of 74.3. The fact that Cousins only attempted 10 passes in Week 1 should stand out. He may be losing the trust of the coaching staff if he only attempts 10 passes in 2019. In order to justify his price tag, Captain Kirk must step up his game otherwise his time in Minnesota could be numbered.
Derek Carr's play has been workmanlike to this point, throwing for 457 yards and 2 touchdowns, but considering the effect the Antonio Brown fallout has had on Oakland, Carr has made the most of his circumstances. But he faces a daunting task to pick apart a brilliant Minnesota defense this week. The Raiders will need to ride Josh Jacobs to the finish line if they are to come away with a win. Keep Cousins and the explosive Vikings offense off the field by chewing the clock and scoring points with your rookie running back. If Jon Gruden sticks to this game plan, the Raiders have a chance.
Minnesota is on upset alert, but it is difficult to imagine the Raiders coming in and snatching a win in U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings are just too powerful to lose to the Raiders.
Prediction: OAK 10, MIN 30
With Drew Brees sidelined for the next month or so, the NFC South is wide open, and Atlanta is right in the mix. With games coming up against the Colts, Titans, Texans, and Cardinals, the Falcons can separate themselves from the pack if they can rack some wins. It starts this week with a surprisingly formidable opponent in the Colts.
Indy forced overtime versus the Chargers and won a tight game against their division rivals in Tennessee, and are proving that they are not out of the race even without Andrew Luck. Jacoby Brissett has not been ground breaking, averaging 168 passing yards per game, but the Colts have weapons on both sides of the ball to cause problems for the opposition. Marlon Mack and T.Y. Hilton are explosive playmakers, and the Colts defense is allowing just 338 yards per game.
Matt Ryan, meanwhile, needs to get his act together. He leads the league in interceptions with 5, which is atrocious. He is putting his team in unfavorable positions, and it almost led to an 0-2 start. If he can control the ball and keep it out of the hands of the defense, Atlanta will be much more productive.
In the current landscape of the NFC South, the Falcons can make a run at the division. But they have to win games like these, against teams they are better than. Dan Quinn's squad needs to get the job done.
Prediction: ATL 26, IND 21
The Bills are the kings of New Jersey, and make their long-awaited home debut this week against the winless Bengals. For Buffalo, this is a fantastic opportunity for them to start the season 3-0, and send a message to an injury-ravaged AFC. Josh Allen has stepped up in his sophomore season already, completing 64% of his passes, and leading his team to come from behind victories. John Brown has been especially effective in the Bills new offense, catching 14 balls for 195 yards and a score in two weeks of play. Buffalo is fun to watch on offense again, and it's down to Josh Allen's development and the new weapons in the fold.
While the Bengals are winless, there are positives to take away from the opening two games. Andy Dalton is second in the league in passing yards with 729, John Ross leads the league in receiving yards with 270, and the Bengals are fun to watch. The problem is their defense has been absolutely atrocious, giving up 572 total yards to the Niners last week, including 259 on the ground. It will be difficult for the Bengals to score on Buffalo's superb defense, and for them to contain their suddenly dynamic offense as well.
Cincy could keep this one interesting for three quarters, but the Bills will prevail, and get off to their first 3-0 start since 2011. This is my Lock of the Week.
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are quietly surging back into the playoff conversation after a two-year absence. Green Bay is 2-0, with both wins coming over divisional opponents, to put them at the top of the division. Not to mention Matt LeFleur is the only new head coach to have won a game to this point. The Packers have some things they need to fix, like Aaron Rodgers's production, game management, and running the ball. But they are off to a positive start.
For Denver to finally win a game, they need to run the ball and lighten the load on Flacco. In the loss to Chicago last week, Flacco went to the air 50 times. That is too many pass attempts for a quarterback past his prime, and it puts the team in a losing position. Philip Lindsay and Royce Freeman are dynamic running backs who can be utilized to keep Aaron Rodgers on the sideline, chew the clock up, and move the chains. Are you listening, Vic Fangio?
Green Bay may not be firing on all cylinders quite yet, but they are better than the Broncos. A loss at Lambeau to a team led by Joe Flacco would be quite the surprise.
Prediction: DEN 14, GB 24
Man, it just doesn't get any easier for the Dolphins. After two home games against Baltimore and New England, they have to fly to Jerry's World? Brutal.
I won't waste too many words on this game, or use many adjectives to describe how perennially pathetic the 2019 Miami Dolphins are. We know. Just look at their -102 point differential, the 512 yards they allow per game on defense, and the 192 yards they gain per game.
Meanwhile, Dallas equals good. Dak Prescott is putting up good numbers and Ezekiel Elliott is becoming more acquainted with regular season football every week.The Cowboys should be 3-0 with wins over the Giants, Redskins, and Dolphins, with a huge game looming at New Orleans next week. What's that? Am I looking forward too soon? That's true, you can't afford to overlook the Dolphins. Ha. That's funny.
Prediction: MIA 8, DAL 43
The Daniel Jones era begins in East Rutherford with a road clash against the Tampa Bay Bucs. If you ask me, I'm shocked that Pat Shurmur decided to bench Eli Manning so quickly into the season. While Manning has not set the world on fire with his play, he has not been the liability for the Giants this season. The Giants defense has given up 63 points and 882 yards of offense in two games, which is the reason they are 0-2.
While the Giants are in transition, the Bucs are still figuring out their QB situation. Jameis Winston is two weeks removed from throwing 3 interceptions in the opener, and has not thrown for more than 208 yards through the air in either of the first two games. Winston could potentially be embarrassed the week if his counterpart Jones plays well on the other side. There is as much chance that Winston throws three picks this week as Daniel Jones will.
Against another opponent, Daniel Jones would've been in for a long afternoon. But facing Tampa, Jones could have as optimal a debut as you could ask for. And if Saquon gets rolling like he has the past two weeks, the Giants could find a way to sustain drives. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I think the Giants are going to win this week.
Prediction: NYG 17, TB 16
Cam Newton does not look right. He hasn't looked right since midseason 2018, and it appears his best days could be behind him. Years of taking hits to his shoulder and putting his body on the line might finally be catching up with him.
Carolina is coming into this game looking for their first win of the season, off a shocking home defeat to the Bucs, and a rather stagnant offensive performance. While Cam threw for 333 yards, and Greg Olsen racked 110 yards on 6 catches, the Panthers could not execute in the red zone. Handing the ball to McCaffrey just 16 times is not enough, considering he is the team's most lethal offensive weapon, and he could muster just 37 yards on the ground. He needs to be involved every series for the Panthers to disrupt Arizona's secondary.
In Arizona, Kyler Murray continues to flash promise. He threw for 300 yards in back to back weeks, including 349 against Baltimore, and nearly led the Cards to an improbable Week 1 comeback against the Lions. They just need to involve David Johnson, who can take over a game at any moment. Against a Panthers defense which allows 133 rushing yards per game, there is a part of Carolina's game the Cards can exploit.
Kyler Murray could be one of the more dynamic double-threat quarterbacks has for a long time, and perhaps this is where the hypothetical torch is passed from Newton to Murray.
Prediction: CAR 19, ARZ 21
These teams are coming off uncharacteristically dull showings on offense. A combined 23 points, 452 passing yards, and 2 total touchdowns was surprising to see from these two squads, considering their offensive prowess.
After a thrilling performance from Deshaun Watson and Houston's offense in New Orleans, the Texans whiffed on the offensive side of the ball in Week 2 with a 13 point performance against the Jags. That being said, this may be the most talented offense in the AFC South, with the best set of receivers and the most exciting quarterback. I imagine last week will turn out to be an outlier.
The same can be said for the Chargers, who laid an egg in Detroit last week. It didn't help that Michael Badgley missed two field goals which would have made a substantial difference in the contest. But if Rivers and the offense can move the ball more efficiently in the red zone, they won't have to worry about putting the fate of the game in the hands of a kicker.
This could turn out to be the most entertaining game of the weekend, and it could go either way. My money is on the home team, but just barely.
Prediction: HOU 24, LAC 31
Oh boy, how the fortunes of a franchise can turn after just one year. After being a pass interference call away from the Super Bowl seven months ago, the Saints playoff hopes are on life support with Teddy Bridgewater taking over. And no, I don't think I'm overreacting.
Drew Brees represents New Orleans' identity. His absence could be damaging to their hopes of winning the division or even making it back to the playoffs. Against the Rams a week ago, Bridgewater completed averaged just 5.5 yards per attempt, threw no touchdown passes, and led the Saints to a 9 point performance. That won't keep the Saints competitive. That being said, the Saints have weapons they can lean on. Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas are two of the most explosive playmakers in the league, but their careers to this point have been attributed to the play of Drew Brees. With Teddy Bridgewater calling the shots, they will become invisible.
In Seattle, the Hawks are a tough out. Russell Wilson is still at the top of his game and he has weapons himself, like Cris Carson, Tyler Lockett, and the developing DK Metcalf. They are coming off a very impressive road win over the Steelers, and it can all be attributed to the play of Russell Wilson, who threw for 300 yards and 3 scores.
With Drew Brees gone, the odds are against the Saints, and a road victory over Russell Wilson and the Seahawks seems unfathomable based on what we saw in LA last week.
Prediction: NO 12, SEA 20
The Steelers are about to look like The Office without Michael Scott. It just won't be the same without Ben Roethlisberger, the face of the franchise since 2005. Their already dim playoff hopes hinge on James Conner, Juju Smith Schuster, and the new starter at QB, Mason Rudolph. He will be making his first career start, and will look to turn the Steelers season around and get them back in the playoffs. And if Rudolph plays well enough, he could force Ben Roethlisberger into early retirement.
In San Fran, the season could not have started better. Two road games, two wins, and dominant wins over Tampa and Cincinnati. Garappolo has left more to be desired from his start in San Fran back in 2017, but he was outstanding last week, throwing for 297 yards and 3 scores. The defense is getting the job done as well, allowing just 17 points in each of their first two games, and forcing 5 turnovers. This team is trending in the right direction.
With Big Ben healthy, this game had Game of the Year potential. But now, this is San Francisco's game to lose. The Niners will move to 3-0 for the first time since 1998.
Prediction: PIT 17, SF 20
My record last week: 8-8
Regular season record: 21-10-1
Lock of the Week record: 2-0
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| TEN @ JAX |
In Jacksonville, this is a must win contest. No question. Jalen Ramsey is already fed up with the franchise, and his days could be numbered if a team generates an offer Jacksonville can't refuse. Doug Marrone is on the hot seat. Nick Foles is out. I'm sure we are all big Gardner Minshew fans already, but I don't think he is explosive enough to pick apart a very good Titans defense, which has given up just 31 points in two weeks.
AFC South rivalry games can go either way, but the Titans are 4-0 against the Jags in their last four meetings. The Titans know how to show up against their rivals to the south, and I think they will be more fundamentally sound than their division rivals on a short week.
Prediction: TEN 19, JAX 14
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| BAL @ KC |
Buckle up, ladies and gentlemen. This game is must see television. Last season, the Chiefs won a thriller in Arrowhead over the Ravens, 27-24 in overtime. And already in Week 3, both teams come in 2-0, and both quarterbacks are playing at MVP levels.
Mahomes hasn't missed a beat so far this season. Passer rating of 136.3, completion percentage of 71.4%, 821 passing yards, and 7 touchdown passes. He is playing like the reigning MVP, and he is making the Chiefs an unstoppable force on offense. Their offense scores every possession and they establish large leads by half, forcing the other team to play catch up every drive. Against a quarterback like Lamar Jackson, a game script like this could be very effective for them.
I know I'm bashing Lamar Jackson unfairly, considering e's already thrown for 596 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. His play as a quarterback has been considerably better in just these first two weeks, but he's faced the Dolphins and Cardinals defenses, who rank 32nd and 31st in total defense respectively. Jackson will need to continue to play at that level for Baltimore to have any chance to upset the Chiefs.
The Ravens haven't been tested against offenses like this, and Pat Mahomes will do what he did last year and outlast the Ravens for four quarters.
Prediction: BAL 21, KC 28
Mahomes hasn't missed a beat so far this season. Passer rating of 136.3, completion percentage of 71.4%, 821 passing yards, and 7 touchdown passes. He is playing like the reigning MVP, and he is making the Chiefs an unstoppable force on offense. Their offense scores every possession and they establish large leads by half, forcing the other team to play catch up every drive. Against a quarterback like Lamar Jackson, a game script like this could be very effective for them.
I know I'm bashing Lamar Jackson unfairly, considering e's already thrown for 596 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. His play as a quarterback has been considerably better in just these first two weeks, but he's faced the Dolphins and Cardinals defenses, who rank 32nd and 31st in total defense respectively. Jackson will need to continue to play at that level for Baltimore to have any chance to upset the Chiefs.
The Ravens haven't been tested against offenses like this, and Pat Mahomes will do what he did last year and outlast the Ravens for four quarters.
Prediction: BAL 21, KC 28
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| DET @ PHI |
Philly should win on paper, but Desean Jackson is a huge loss for the Eagles offense. He takes the top of the defense every time he steps on the field, and he can change the game on any snap. Philly loses their downfield element with him out. Carson Wentz will have to rely on his security blanket, Zach Ertz, and feed him more than he has so far in two games.
If not for poor game management, the Lions could be 2-0. But they still have not lost a game, and Matt Stafford is helping their cause. He already has 5 touchdown passes on the season and a passer rating of 102.6. However, their offensive production took a huge nosedive this week, only scoring 13 points against LA. They need to lean more on Kerryon Johnson to carry the load for them. It took them 5 years to find a running back to run for 1,000 yards, but they finally have their man. Use him.
After a heartbreaking loss last Sunday, Philly will bounce back and move to 2-1. Detroit will put up a fight, but Carson Wentz will lead his team to victory once again.
Prediction: DET 17, PHI 23
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| OAK @ MIN |
When you think about it, quarterbacks Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins have plenty in common. Both are making boatloads of money, both have left a lot to be desired over the years, and neither one of them have ever won a playoff game. Which ever signal caller plays better this week will most likely lead his team to victory, because this game could turn out to be one of the most competitive in Week 3.
Through two games, Kirk Cousins has been simply unwatchable. He is putting up career lows through two games of a season with two touchdown passes, 328 yards, and a passer rating of 74.3. The fact that Cousins only attempted 10 passes in Week 1 should stand out. He may be losing the trust of the coaching staff if he only attempts 10 passes in 2019. In order to justify his price tag, Captain Kirk must step up his game otherwise his time in Minnesota could be numbered.
Derek Carr's play has been workmanlike to this point, throwing for 457 yards and 2 touchdowns, but considering the effect the Antonio Brown fallout has had on Oakland, Carr has made the most of his circumstances. But he faces a daunting task to pick apart a brilliant Minnesota defense this week. The Raiders will need to ride Josh Jacobs to the finish line if they are to come away with a win. Keep Cousins and the explosive Vikings offense off the field by chewing the clock and scoring points with your rookie running back. If Jon Gruden sticks to this game plan, the Raiders have a chance.
Minnesota is on upset alert, but it is difficult to imagine the Raiders coming in and snatching a win in U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings are just too powerful to lose to the Raiders.
Prediction: OAK 10, MIN 30
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| ATL @ IND |
With Drew Brees sidelined for the next month or so, the NFC South is wide open, and Atlanta is right in the mix. With games coming up against the Colts, Titans, Texans, and Cardinals, the Falcons can separate themselves from the pack if they can rack some wins. It starts this week with a surprisingly formidable opponent in the Colts.
Indy forced overtime versus the Chargers and won a tight game against their division rivals in Tennessee, and are proving that they are not out of the race even without Andrew Luck. Jacoby Brissett has not been ground breaking, averaging 168 passing yards per game, but the Colts have weapons on both sides of the ball to cause problems for the opposition. Marlon Mack and T.Y. Hilton are explosive playmakers, and the Colts defense is allowing just 338 yards per game.
Matt Ryan, meanwhile, needs to get his act together. He leads the league in interceptions with 5, which is atrocious. He is putting his team in unfavorable positions, and it almost led to an 0-2 start. If he can control the ball and keep it out of the hands of the defense, Atlanta will be much more productive.
In the current landscape of the NFC South, the Falcons can make a run at the division. But they have to win games like these, against teams they are better than. Dan Quinn's squad needs to get the job done.
Prediction: ATL 26, IND 21
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| CIN @ BUF |
While the Bengals are winless, there are positives to take away from the opening two games. Andy Dalton is second in the league in passing yards with 729, John Ross leads the league in receiving yards with 270, and the Bengals are fun to watch. The problem is their defense has been absolutely atrocious, giving up 572 total yards to the Niners last week, including 259 on the ground. It will be difficult for the Bengals to score on Buffalo's superb defense, and for them to contain their suddenly dynamic offense as well.
Cincy could keep this one interesting for three quarters, but the Bills will prevail, and get off to their first 3-0 start since 2011. This is my Lock of the Week.
Prediction: CIN 17, BUF 27
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| DEN @ GB |
For Denver to finally win a game, they need to run the ball and lighten the load on Flacco. In the loss to Chicago last week, Flacco went to the air 50 times. That is too many pass attempts for a quarterback past his prime, and it puts the team in a losing position. Philip Lindsay and Royce Freeman are dynamic running backs who can be utilized to keep Aaron Rodgers on the sideline, chew the clock up, and move the chains. Are you listening, Vic Fangio?
Green Bay may not be firing on all cylinders quite yet, but they are better than the Broncos. A loss at Lambeau to a team led by Joe Flacco would be quite the surprise.
Prediction: DEN 14, GB 24
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| MIA @ DAL |
I won't waste too many words on this game, or use many adjectives to describe how perennially pathetic the 2019 Miami Dolphins are. We know. Just look at their -102 point differential, the 512 yards they allow per game on defense, and the 192 yards they gain per game.
Meanwhile, Dallas equals good. Dak Prescott is putting up good numbers and Ezekiel Elliott is becoming more acquainted with regular season football every week.The Cowboys should be 3-0 with wins over the Giants, Redskins, and Dolphins, with a huge game looming at New Orleans next week. What's that? Am I looking forward too soon? That's true, you can't afford to overlook the Dolphins. Ha. That's funny.
Prediction: MIA 8, DAL 43
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| NYJ @ NE |
It seems unfair how easy New England's schedule actually is. After throttling Pittsburgh in Week 1, and getting a free bye in Miami last week, Luke Falk's New York Jets come marching in. Come. On.
In his first game in Pats colors, Antonio Brown looked good. Although he only caught 4 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown, Brown put in promising work after just eight days with the team, and he will continue to be more involved as the weeks go by. It's still taking me time to adjust to his new number 17.
Interestingly enough, this will be the first time Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown face off against one another after spending 5 years together in the Steel City. Neat.
As if I haven't already convinced you how this game is going to end, I have a five word question for you. Luke Falk or Tom Brady? Mic drop.
Prediction: NYJ 3, NE 38
In his first game in Pats colors, Antonio Brown looked good. Although he only caught 4 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown, Brown put in promising work after just eight days with the team, and he will continue to be more involved as the weeks go by. It's still taking me time to adjust to his new number 17.
Interestingly enough, this will be the first time Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown face off against one another after spending 5 years together in the Steel City. Neat.
As if I haven't already convinced you how this game is going to end, I have a five word question for you. Luke Falk or Tom Brady? Mic drop.
Prediction: NYJ 3, NE 38
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| NYG @ TB |
While the Giants are in transition, the Bucs are still figuring out their QB situation. Jameis Winston is two weeks removed from throwing 3 interceptions in the opener, and has not thrown for more than 208 yards through the air in either of the first two games. Winston could potentially be embarrassed the week if his counterpart Jones plays well on the other side. There is as much chance that Winston throws three picks this week as Daniel Jones will.
Against another opponent, Daniel Jones would've been in for a long afternoon. But facing Tampa, Jones could have as optimal a debut as you could ask for. And if Saquon gets rolling like he has the past two weeks, the Giants could find a way to sustain drives. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I think the Giants are going to win this week.
Prediction: NYG 17, TB 16
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| CAR @ ARZ |
Carolina is coming into this game looking for their first win of the season, off a shocking home defeat to the Bucs, and a rather stagnant offensive performance. While Cam threw for 333 yards, and Greg Olsen racked 110 yards on 6 catches, the Panthers could not execute in the red zone. Handing the ball to McCaffrey just 16 times is not enough, considering he is the team's most lethal offensive weapon, and he could muster just 37 yards on the ground. He needs to be involved every series for the Panthers to disrupt Arizona's secondary.
In Arizona, Kyler Murray continues to flash promise. He threw for 300 yards in back to back weeks, including 349 against Baltimore, and nearly led the Cards to an improbable Week 1 comeback against the Lions. They just need to involve David Johnson, who can take over a game at any moment. Against a Panthers defense which allows 133 rushing yards per game, there is a part of Carolina's game the Cards can exploit.
Kyler Murray could be one of the more dynamic double-threat quarterbacks has for a long time, and perhaps this is where the hypothetical torch is passed from Newton to Murray.
Prediction: CAR 19, ARZ 21
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| HOU @ LAC |
These teams are coming off uncharacteristically dull showings on offense. A combined 23 points, 452 passing yards, and 2 total touchdowns was surprising to see from these two squads, considering their offensive prowess.
After a thrilling performance from Deshaun Watson and Houston's offense in New Orleans, the Texans whiffed on the offensive side of the ball in Week 2 with a 13 point performance against the Jags. That being said, this may be the most talented offense in the AFC South, with the best set of receivers and the most exciting quarterback. I imagine last week will turn out to be an outlier.
The same can be said for the Chargers, who laid an egg in Detroit last week. It didn't help that Michael Badgley missed two field goals which would have made a substantial difference in the contest. But if Rivers and the offense can move the ball more efficiently in the red zone, they won't have to worry about putting the fate of the game in the hands of a kicker.
This could turn out to be the most entertaining game of the weekend, and it could go either way. My money is on the home team, but just barely.
Prediction: HOU 24, LAC 31
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| NO @ SEA |
Drew Brees represents New Orleans' identity. His absence could be damaging to their hopes of winning the division or even making it back to the playoffs. Against the Rams a week ago, Bridgewater completed averaged just 5.5 yards per attempt, threw no touchdown passes, and led the Saints to a 9 point performance. That won't keep the Saints competitive. That being said, the Saints have weapons they can lean on. Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas are two of the most explosive playmakers in the league, but their careers to this point have been attributed to the play of Drew Brees. With Teddy Bridgewater calling the shots, they will become invisible.
In Seattle, the Hawks are a tough out. Russell Wilson is still at the top of his game and he has weapons himself, like Cris Carson, Tyler Lockett, and the developing DK Metcalf. They are coming off a very impressive road win over the Steelers, and it can all be attributed to the play of Russell Wilson, who threw for 300 yards and 3 scores.
With Drew Brees gone, the odds are against the Saints, and a road victory over Russell Wilson and the Seahawks seems unfathomable based on what we saw in LA last week.
Prediction: NO 12, SEA 20
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| PIT @ SF |
In San Fran, the season could not have started better. Two road games, two wins, and dominant wins over Tampa and Cincinnati. Garappolo has left more to be desired from his start in San Fran back in 2017, but he was outstanding last week, throwing for 297 yards and 3 scores. The defense is getting the job done as well, allowing just 17 points in each of their first two games, and forcing 5 turnovers. This team is trending in the right direction.
With Big Ben healthy, this game had Game of the Year potential. But now, this is San Francisco's game to lose. The Niners will move to 3-0 for the first time since 1998.
Prediction: PIT 17, SF 20
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| LAR @ CLE |
For the first time since 2008, Sunday Night Football is back in Cleveland. The Browns will be receiving primetime attention they have not been able to enjoy for a very long time, and hopefully we will see their best football under the lights. It should be exciting stuff with the Rams coming into town, off to another fast start.
Now begins a daunting stretch for the Browns. After the Rams on Sunday night, they've gotta face the Ravens, 49ers, Seahawks, and Patriots. They were able to handle Luke Falk's Jets rather comfortably on Monday night, but Sean McVay's gang will be ready to go. The key to a Cleveland victory is pressuring Goff, and not giving him ample time to find Woods, Kupp, Cooks, or Gurley. Myles Garrett on his own has 5 sacks already, and 8 as a team. But the Rams have protected Goff well so far, only allowing 2 sacks in the opening two weeks. If the Rams can contain the Browns pass rush, Goff will pick apart Cleveland's secondary.
The Browns have never won on Sunday Night Football, and it would be amazing for Cleveland to see them change history this week. But the Rams are a better football team who have their identity, and they will out-coach, out-execute, and outplay the Browns.
Prediction: LAR 28, CLE 20
Now begins a daunting stretch for the Browns. After the Rams on Sunday night, they've gotta face the Ravens, 49ers, Seahawks, and Patriots. They were able to handle Luke Falk's Jets rather comfortably on Monday night, but Sean McVay's gang will be ready to go. The key to a Cleveland victory is pressuring Goff, and not giving him ample time to find Woods, Kupp, Cooks, or Gurley. Myles Garrett on his own has 5 sacks already, and 8 as a team. But the Rams have protected Goff well so far, only allowing 2 sacks in the opening two weeks. If the Rams can contain the Browns pass rush, Goff will pick apart Cleveland's secondary.
The Browns have never won on Sunday Night Football, and it would be amazing for Cleveland to see them change history this week. But the Rams are a better football team who have their identity, and they will out-coach, out-execute, and outplay the Browns.
Prediction: LAR 28, CLE 20
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| CHI @ WSH |
Chicago was one doink away from starting the season 0-2, but young kicker Eddy Pineiro saved the Bears at the death with his 53 yard game winning field goal. So far, the kicking has been the only thing going right for the Bears, because Mitch Trubisky and the offense have seemingly taken a massive step backwards.
Trubisky is averaging just 174 passing yards per game, including just 120 in Denver last week. This type of production will not get it done in 2019. He is arguably being outplayed by his counterpart in this game, Case Keenum. Keenum has 5 touchdowns on the year already with 601 yards passing and a passer rating of 111.2. He has surprisingly kept the Redskins competitive, and the young stud Dwayne Haskins off his back for the time being.
As the saying goes, winning cures all. A win takes the Bears to a winning record, and it would bail Trubisky out of what has been a woeful start to the season.
Prediction: CHI 19, WSH 14
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!
Trubisky is averaging just 174 passing yards per game, including just 120 in Denver last week. This type of production will not get it done in 2019. He is arguably being outplayed by his counterpart in this game, Case Keenum. Keenum has 5 touchdowns on the year already with 601 yards passing and a passer rating of 111.2. He has surprisingly kept the Redskins competitive, and the young stud Dwayne Haskins off his back for the time being.
As the saying goes, winning cures all. A win takes the Bears to a winning record, and it would bail Trubisky out of what has been a woeful start to the season.
Prediction: CHI 19, WSH 14
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!
Daniel goat jones
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