Quick Picks; Week Two
Every week throughout the season, we make our Quick Picks (in bold) on the upcoming slate of games, focusing on the key points for each match-up. After a relatively quiet Week One, teams will now begin to find their feet as they shake off the rust. Here’s the run-down for Week Two.
Houston Texans @ Cincinnati Bengals (TNF)
Thursday night’s match-up sees two struggling teams battle for a first win. Both teams were manhandled by dominant defenses in their opening games, but with left tackle Duane Brown still holding out, Houston’s woes should continue as Deshaun Watson makes his first ever NFL start. Even though the Texans defense should be primed for a rebound against an awful Bengals offensive line, they will also have to cover more playmakers on the outside.
Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens
After being competitive against Pittsburgh, there’s hope for the Browns this season. But they now face what is possibly the nastiest defense in the league. Rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer was sacked seven times against the Steelers, and could fare little better against Baltimore. But can Cleveland’s defense shut down a Ravens offense that is sorely lacking players, especially with Danny Woodhead out? Expect a close, low-scoring game.
Chicago Bears @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This will be our first chance to see the Buccaneers, and whether Jameis Winston and Co. have taken the next step. Although the Bears fought Atlanta hard last week, it’s hard to see them playing like that two weeks in a row. Tampa Bay’s defense should be able to key in on Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen, but without Doug Martin, their offense could struggle at times if Winston isn’t fully warmed up.
Minnesota Vikings @ Pittsburgh Steelers
This could be the game of the week. The Vikings looked like a complete team against the Saints. They have the defense to account for Pittsburgh’s weapons, while Dalvin Cook, Stefon Diggs, and Adam Thielen should cause problems for the Steelers’ defense. But this will be a real test for Minnesota’s offensive line, as Pittsburgh will prove tougher to handle than New Orleans, especially with T.J. Watt. Le’Veon Bell should be stronger this week, and the Vikings were 3–5 on the road last year.
New England Patriots @ New Orleans Saints
No team bounces back like the Patriots, and they rarely lose two games in a row. Their depleted offense should catch a break against a still-mediocre-at-best Saints defense. A mix of the deep ball and hard running from Mike Gillislee should cause issues for New Orleans. New England’s defense should be able to handle a Saints offense that is still missing the suspended Willie Snead.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Kansas City Chiefs
Andy Reid faces his protege Doug Pederson as the Eagles and Chiefs square off. Philly’s front seven could stifle Kansas City’s offense if they can get to Alex Smith and Kareem Hunt after shutting down Washington’s ground game last week. But both secondaries will be missing key pieces as Ronald Darby is out and Eric Berry is done for the year. Who can take advantage?
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
After an impressive opening win against Houston, Jacksonville needs to back it up with another big AFC South win. Unfortunately, the Titans will be able to focus on stopping Fournette thanks to major injuries to the Jaguars’ receiving corps. Allen Robinson is done for the year and rookie Dede Westbrook continues to miss time. The Titans have a diverse offense, but struggled to get both their “exotic smash-mouth” running game and offensive line going against Oakland.
Arizona Cardinals @ Indianapolis Colts
We think this could be the upset of the week. Without David Johnson, Arizona’s success hinges on a rapidly declining Carson Palmer. The Colts’ defense could capitalise even without Vontae Davis. Jacoby Brissett should start, and can better take advantage of weapons like T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief than the awful Scott Tolzien. If Indy can wear down Arizona’s defense with rookie back Marlon Mack, expect them to steal a tight game.
Buffalo Bills @ Carolina Panthers
Sean McDermott faces his former team as the Bills travel to Carolina. McDermott’s old unit looks in fine form and should shut down LeSean McCoy, putting the game on Tyrod Taylor. By contrast, the Panthers could see a big day from Christian McCaffery and their new-look offense against a Bills unit that is soft in the middle.
New York Jets @ Oakland Raiders
A loaded Raiders offense should have no trouble with a porous Jets defense that gave up 408 total yards to the Bills. Expect Khalil Mack to have a field day against a bad Jets offensive line protecting a fragile Josh McCown.
Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Chargers
Jay Cutler could be rusty as he returns to the field, but there’s always one or two games that yield unexpected results. The Chargers look better on paper with Melvin Gordon lined up against a Miami defense that was 30th against the run last year. But the Dolphins could take this game if Jay Ajayi starts strong and Cutler rediscovers his connection with coach Adam Gase.
San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks
Continuing offensive line struggles and a poor ground game could see Seattle struggle against San Francisco’s front seven, even without Reuben Foster. But the Seahawks’ offense should have more chances to score than Brian Hoyer’s unit, who faces a Seattle defense armed to the teeth with Pro Bowlers. The return of Thomas Rawls could fix Seattle’s middling rushing attack.
Washington Redskins @ Los Angeles Rams
Sean McVay hosts mentor Jay Gruden as the Redskins travel to LA. Washington struggled against Philly’s front seven, and Aaron Donald’s return to Wade Phillips’ unit could bring similar woes. With Expect Sean McVay to move around his weapons to take advantage of wherever Josh Norman lines up. This will be a big test for Todd Gurley and the Rams’ offensive line, as Washington’s front seven is much more formidable than Indy’s.
Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos
Yes, Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott played well against a formidable Giants defense, but Trevor Siemian and Denver’s offense has more chance to score against Dallas than an Odell Beckham-less New York unit. This should be a close game if Rod Marinelli’s defense can make Siemian look like a seventh round pick. But Elliott and Prescott will have their work cut out.
Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons (SNF)
In a rematch of last season’s NFC title tilt, the Falcons open their home slate in their new stadium against Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers was hit several times without much help from a mediocre offensive line and shaky running game against Seattle, and expect Dan Quinn’s defense to do the same. A weak Packers defense should be exposed against Atlanta’s stronger offensive line, allowing Matt Ryan and Co. to pick them apart once again.
Detroit Lions @ New York Giants (MNF)
The Giants missed Beckham last week, but he is expected back. But with Darius Slay and Glover Quinn potentially locking him down, it will be up to Eli’s secondary targets to try and carry the game again. Neither team possesses a good ground game, so expect a shootout. If Matthew Stafford’s depleted offensive line can hold out, Detroit has the weapons to exploit potential one-on-one match-ups against New York’s multi-million dollar defense.
