Miami Dolphins (1-2) vs Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
Dolphins come in off an overtime win last week against the Browns. QB Ryan Tannehill completed 25 of 39 for 319 yards three touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry made seven receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown and running back Jay Ajayi rushed for one touchdown. The team will still be without running back Arian Foster and center Mike Pouncey and tight end Jordan Cameron has been ruled out under concussion protocol. Dolphins are ranked 28th in third down conversions and have the 31st ranked run defense.
Bengals come in off a loss last week against the Broncos. QB Andy Dalton completed 21 of 31 for 206 yards and one interception. Running back Jeremy Hill rushed for 97 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. Bengals have the 32nd ranked rush defense in the league allowing an average of 4.2 yards per carry. Fortunately the team will see the return of linebacker Vontaze Burfict from a three game suspension. Prediction: Bengals
Indianapolis Colts (1-2) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3)
Colts come in off a win last week against the Chargers. QB Andrew Luck completed 24 of 37 for 331 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Frank Gore rushed for 82 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks 26th in third downs allowed and 28th in yards allowed per play.
Jaguars come in off a loss last week against the Ravens. QB Blake Bortles completed 24 of 38 for 194 yards two touchdowns and three interceptions with wide receiver Allen Robinson receiving both touchdowns. Jaguars have one of the worst ranked run defenses in the league. Prediction: Colts
Carolina Panthers (1-2) vs Atlanta Falcons (2-1)
Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Vikings. QB Cam Newton completed 21 of 35 for 262 yards one rushing touchdown and three interceptions.Panthers rank third in total defense and 15th in points allowed per game.
Falcons come in off a win last week against the Saints. QB Matt Ryan completed 20 of 30 for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Devonta Freeman rushed for 152 yards on 14 carries along with five receptions for 55 yards and one passing touchdown. Falcons have the 30th ranked defense. Prediction: Panthers
Detroit Lions (1-2) vs Chicago Bears (0-3)
Lions come in off a loss last week against the Packers. QB Matthew Stafford completed 28 of 41 for 385 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Marvin Jones made six receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Detroit are ranked 27th in total defense and 32nd in scoring defense.
Bears come in off a loss last week against the Cowboys. QB Brian Hoyer completed 30 of 49 for 317 yards and two touchdowns both going to wide receiver Zach Miller. Bears defense is ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed, 24th in points allowed and 20th in sacks. Prediction: Lions
Buffalo Bills (1-2) vs New England Patriots (3-0)
Bills come in off a win last week against the Cardinals. QB Tyrod Taylor completed 14 of 25 for 119 yards and rushed for 76 yards on nine carries for one touchdown. Running back LeSean McCoy rushed for 110 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. Bills have lost wide receiver Sammy Watkins for at least eight weeks with an injury to his surgically repaired foot. The Bills are 17th in points allowed, 22nd against the pass and 23rd in total defense.
Patriots come in off a shut out win last week against the Texans. Both QBs Jacoby Brissett and Jimmy Garoppolo are questionable for Sunday's matchup with Brissett likely to get the start. Brissett rushed for one touchdown and running back LeGarrette Blount rushed for 105 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns. Patriots have one of the top ranked defenses in the league. Prediction: Patriots
Seattle Seahawks (2-1) New York Jets (1-2)
Seahawks come in off a win last week against the 49ers. QB Russell Wilson completed 15 of 23 for 243 yards and one touchdown. Running back Christine Michael rushed for 106 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns. Seahawks lead the league in fewest yards allowed.
Jets come in off a loss last week against the Chiefs. QB Ryan Fitzparick was picked off six times in the game. Wide receivers Eric Decker and Jalin Marshall will both be out. Defensive end Lawrence Thomas is out for the season.The team has a top five defensive line but have not scored a defensive touchdown in three years. Prediction: Seahawks
Cleveland Browns (0-3) vs Washington Redskins (1-2)
Browns come in off a loss last week against the Dolphins. QB Cody Kessler completed 21 of 33 for 244 yards. Running back Isaiah Crowell rushed for 79 yards on 15 carries. Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor made eight receptions for 144 yards and one rushing touchdown. The Browns have the 25th ranked defense.
Redskins come in off a win last week against the Giants. QB Kirk Cousins completed 21 of 35 for 296 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson made five receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown. The battered defense lost cornerback DeAngelo Hall for the season with a torn ACL and will be without cornerbacks Dashaun Phillips and Bashaud Breeland. Prediction: Redskins
Oakland Raiders (2-1) vs Baltimore Ravens (3-0)
Raiders come in off a win last week against the Titans. QB Derek Carr completed 21 of 35 for 249 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Latavius Murray rushed for one touchdown. The defense is ranked last in the league in yards allowed and yard per play.
Ravens come in off a win last week against the Jaguars. QB Joe Flacco was picked off twice in the game. The team relied heavily on kicker Justin Tucker. The defense is ranked number two in the league. Prediction: Ravens
Tennessee Titans (1-2) vs Houston Texans (2-1)
Titans come in off a loss last week against the Raiders. QB Marcus Mariota threw two interceptions in the game. Running back Demarco Murray rushed for 114 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Defense is ranked 17th against the run and 12th in pass and total defense.
Texans come in off a shut out loss against the Patriots. The team lost defensive end J.J. Watt for the season with a back injury. Prediction: Texans
Denver Broncos (3-0) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2)
Broncos come in off a win last week against the Bengals. QB Trevor Siemian completed 23 of 35 for 312 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Emmanual Sanders made nine receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns. The defense leads the league in pass defense but is 26th in rushing yards allowed.
Buccaneers come in off a loss last week against the Rams.QB Jameis Winston completed 36 of 58 for 405 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Mike Evans made 10 recptions for 132 yards and one touchdown. Running back Charles Sims rushed for one touchdown. The defense is ranked eighth against the run.
Prediction: Broncos
Los Angeles Rams (2-1) vs Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Rams come in off a win last week against the Buccaneers.QB Case Keenum completed 14 of 26 for 190 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Tavon Austin had five receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown. Running back Todd Gurley rushed for 85 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns. Rams have a stingy run defense.
Cardinals come in off a loss last week against the Bills. QB Carson Palmer threw four interceptions in the game. Running back David Johnson rushed for 83 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns.The defense is 28th in rushing yards allowed.Prediction: Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys (2-1) vs San Francisco 49ers (1-2)
Cowboys come in off a win last week against the Bears. QB Dak Prescott completed 19 of 24 for 248 yards and one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown with his lone passing touchdown going to wide receiver Dez Bryant who is questionable for the game. Running back Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 140 yards on 30 carries. The run defense is only allowing 89.3 yards per game.
49ers come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. QB Blaine Gabbert completed 14 of 25 for 119 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Running back Carlos Hyde rushed for 103 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns. The defense struggles in run coverage. Prediction: Cowboys
New Orleans Saints (0-3) vs San Diego Chargers (1-2)
Saints come in off a loss last week against the Falcons. QB Drew Brees completed 36 of 54 for 376 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Tight end Coby Fleener made seven receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown. The defense is ranked last against the run and 31st in total defense.
Chargers come in off a loss last week to the Colts. QB Philip Rivers completed 26 of 39 for 326 yards. Running back Melvin Gordon rushed for one touchdown. Chargers defense have struggled to close out games.
Prediction: Saints
Kansas City Chiefs (2-1) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)
Chiefs come in off a win last week against the Jets.
Prediction: Steelers
New York Giants (2-1) vs Minnesota Vikings (3-0)
Giants come in off a loss last week to the Redskins.
Prediction: Vikings
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Week 3 predictions
Houston Texans (2-0) vs New England Patriots (2-0)
Texans come in off a win last week against the Chiefs. QB Brock Osweiler completed 19 of 33 for 268 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins made seven receptions for 113 yards and the lone touchdown of Osweiler. Running back Lamar Miller rushed for 83 yards on 25 carries. Texans defense had four sacks and caused two fumbles in the game. This team is showing great promise through the first two weeks.
Patriots come in off a win last week against the Dolphins. QB Jimmy Garoppolo completed 18 of 27 for 234 yards and three touchdowns, however after suffering a sprained right AC joint in the game, his status is still questionable for Thursday's matchup. This would force rookie QB Jacoby Brissett into the starting role. Brissett finished Sunday's game completing 6 of 9 for 92 yards. This may be an issue since tight end Rob Gronkowski is still questionable for this matchup as is linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Prediction: Patriots
Arizona Cardinals (1-1) vs Buffalo Bills (0-2)
Cardinals come in off a win last week against the Bucs. QB Carson Palmer completed 18 of 31 for 308 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald had six receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown. Running back Chris Johnson rushed for 54 yards on 16 carries for one touchdown. The smothering defense had four interceptions including one for a score and a forced fumble. Only linebacker Kareem Martin and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker have been ruled out for the game.
Bills come in off a loss last week to the Jets. QB Tyrod Taylor completed 18 of 30 for 297 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin had two receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown and running back Mike Gillislee received for another. While it was the team's offense that struggled in week one, it was the defense that sputtered in week two. Without some drastic changes this team faces an abysmal season. Prediction: Cardinals
Denver Broncos (2-0) vs Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
Broncos come in off a win last week against the Colts. QB Trevor Siemian completed 22 of 33 for 266 yards but no touchdowns and one interception. This has been a continuing issue for the young QB. Running back C.J. Anderson rushed for 74 yards on 20 carries. It is the team's defense that performed stellar again ending the game with five sacks and two turnovers for touchdowns. However, the team will be witout one of their biggest defensive weapons in linebacker DeMarcus Ware who will be out four to five weeks with a broken arm. This team will need the offense to perform better if they plan to remain competitive.
Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Steelers. QB Andy Dalton completed 31 of 54 for 366 yards for one touchdown. Running back Giovani Bernard had nine receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown. This team is favored playing at home and will have a healthy defense on the field. Prediction: Bengals
Detroit Lions (1-1) vs Green Bay Packers (1-1)
Lions come in off a loss last week against the Titans. QB Matthew Stafford completed 22 of 40 for 260 yards one touchdown and one interception with wide receiver Anquan Boldin making the lone touchdown reception. Unfortunately the team lost running back Ameer Abdullah indefinitely with a foot injury. Running backs Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington and Zach Zenner will divide the running work. The defense played well with safety Glover Quin making an interception in the game.
Packers come in off a loss last week against the Vikings. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 20 of 36 for 213 yards one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown and one interception.Wide receiver Jordy Nelson had five receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown. While the team's rush defense has been good the pass defense has struggled. To make matters worse the team lost defensive tackle Letroy Guion with a sprained MCL who isn't expected back until week 5. Prediction: Packers
Oakland Raiders (1-1) vs Tennessee Titans (1-1)
Raiders come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. QB Derek Carr completed 34 of 45 for 299 yards and three touchdowns with one going to wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Running back Latavius Murray rushed for 57 yards on eight carries for one touchdown.The defense has struggled allowing more than 500 yards and 30 points in the first two games of the season.
Titans come in off a win last week against the Lions. QB Marcus Mariota completed 25 of 33 for 238 yards two touchdowns and one interception with wide receiver Delanie Walker receiving one of the touchdowns. Running back DeMarco Murray rushed for 89 yards on 12 carries. Titans defenses rank 13th in total yards allowed per game which should help them this season. Prediction: Raiders
Cleveland Browns (0-2) vs Miami Dolphins (0-2)
Browns come in off a loss last week against the Ravens. Unfortunately the team lost QB Josh McCown to a shoulder injury for this week's matchup. Rookie Cody Kessler is likely to start this week though the team signed QB Charlie Whitehurst as an insurance policy. Wide receiver Corey Coleman will also be out with a broken hand. Running back Isaiah Crowell rushed for 133 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown. This team's defense has been terrible and plagued with penalties through the first two games.
Dolphins come in off a loss last week against the Patriots. QB Ryan Tannehill completed 32 of 45 for 389 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receivers Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker each went over 100 yards receiving in the game, however, running back Arian Foster will be out with a groin injury. The Dolphins run defense is ranked 30th in the league. Prediction: Dolphins
Washington Redskins (0-2) vs New York Giants (2-0)
Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. QB Kirk Cousins completed 28 of 46 for 364 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Matt Jones rushed for 61 yards on 13 carries and one touchdown. The team's defense is one of the worst ranked overall defenses allowing more than 400 yards and 30 points per game.
Giants come in off a win last week against the Saints. QB Eli Manning completed 32 of 41 for 368 yards. Rookie wide receiver Sterling Shepard had eight receptions for 117 yards. The team's defense has been vastly improved allowing only 32 points over the first two games of the season. Prediction: Giants
Minnesota Vikings (2-0) vs Carolina Panthers (1-1)
Vikings come in off a win last week against the Packers. QB Sam Bradford completed 22 of 31 for 286 yards and two touchdowns.Unfortunately the team lost running back Adrian Peterson for the season to a torn right meniscus. The team will have to rely heavily on their defense for the remainder of the season.
Panthers come in off a win last week against the 49ers. QB Cam Newton completed 24 of 40 for 353 yards four touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin seven receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jonathan Stewart will be out with a hamstring injury. Panthers defense is one of the top ranked in the league through the first weeks of the season. Prediction: Panthers
Baltimore Ravens (2-0) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)
Ravens come in off a win last week against the Browns. QB Joe Flacco completed 25 of 45 for 302 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Both touchdowns went to wide receiver Mike Wallace. The defense is second ranked in the league and has allowed the second fewest points per game through the first two weeks of the season.
Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. QB Blake Bortles completed 31 of 50 for 329 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. The team has one of the worst ranked defenses in the league. Prediction: Ravens
San Francisco 49ers (1-1) vs Seattle Seahawks (1-1)
49ers come in off a loss last week against the Panthers. QB Blaine Gabbert completed 17 of 36 for 243 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions with one touchdown going to wide receiver Torrey Smith. 49ers defense is second in takeaways through the first two weeks of the season.
Seahawks come in off a loss last week to the Rams. QB Russell Wilson completed 22 of 35 for 254 yards but no touchdowns and is dealing with an ankle injury. Running back Thomas Rawls is doubtful with a shin injury. The team's defense has allowed the fewest yards and the fewest points. Prediction: Seahawks
Los Angeles Rams (1-1) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1)
Rams come in off a win last week against the Seahawks. QB Case Keenum completed 18 of 30 for 239 yards. Running back Todd Gurley was held to 51 yards. The team's defense has looked strong through the first two games.
Buccaneers come in off a loss against the Cardinals. QB Jameis Winston was picked off four times in the game. Running back Doug Martin is out for the game with a hamstring injury. The defense is ranked eighth in rushing defense but will be without defensive end Robert Ayers. Prediction: Buccaneers
San Diego Chargers (1-1) vs Indianapolis Colts (0-2)
Chargers come in off a win last week against the Jaguars. QB Philip Rivers completed 17 of 24 for 220 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Melvin Gordon rushed for 102 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown. The defense is one of the leading teams on turnovers.
Colts come in off a loss last week to the Broncos. QB Andrew Luck completed 21 of 40 for 197 yards one touchdown and one interception. Wide receiver Donte Moncrief will be out with a shoulder injury so the team will rely on receivers T.Y. Hilton and Phillip Dorsett. Colts defense has been atrocious through the first two weeks of the season. Prediction: Chargers
New York Jets (1-1) vs Kansas City Chiefs (1-1)
Jets come in off a win last week against the Bills. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 24 of 34 for 374 yards and one touchdown. However, both wide receivers, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are questionable for the game with Decker likely to play. Running back Matt Forte rushed for 100 yards on 30 carries for three touchdowns. The team's defense has been suspect with the secondary being badly beaten on the deep pass.
Chiefs come in off loss last week against the Texans. QB Alex Smith completed 20 of 37 for 186 yards but no touchdowns. Running back Spencer Ware rushed for less than 60 yards in the game. The team's defense has been stellar so far despite the one loss. Prediction: Chiefs
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) vs Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)
Steelers come in off a win last week against the Bengals. QB Ben Roethlisberger completed 19 of 37 for 259 yards 3 touchdowns and two interceptions. Running back Deangelo Williams had 94 yards on 32 carries and a receiving touchdown. The team has the second ranked rush defense.
Eagles come in off a win last week against the Bears. QB Carson Wentz completed 21 of 34 for 190 yards and one touchdown. Running back Ryan Matthews rushed for two touchdowns. Eagles defense is top five in yards allowed. Prediction: Steelers
Chicago Bears (0-2) vs Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
Bears come in off a loss last week against the Eagles. QB Jay Cutler will be out for the game with a thumb injury. QB Brian Hoyer will get the start. Running back Jeremy Langford rushed for one touchdown. The team's defense has been decimated by injuries including linebackers Danny Trevathan, Lamarr Houston, nose tackle Eddie Goldman and safety Adrian Amos who will all be out this week.
Cowboys come in off a win last week against the Redskins. QB Dak Prescott completed 22 of 30 for 292 yards. Running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 83 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. The team is making massive changes to their defense to counteract their inconsistent play through the first two games. Prediction: Cowboys
Atlanta Falcons (1-1) vs New Orleans Saints (0-2)
Falcons come in off a win last week against the Raiders. QB Matt Ryan completed 26 of 34 for 396 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Julio Jones made five receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown. Falcons defense is tied for 26th in yards allowed per game.
Saints come in off a loss last week against the Giants. QB Drew Brees completed 29 of 44 for 263 yards and one touchdown going to wide receiver Willie Snead. Saints defense is ranked 30th against the pass. Prediction: Falcons
Texans come in off a win last week against the Chiefs. QB Brock Osweiler completed 19 of 33 for 268 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins made seven receptions for 113 yards and the lone touchdown of Osweiler. Running back Lamar Miller rushed for 83 yards on 25 carries. Texans defense had four sacks and caused two fumbles in the game. This team is showing great promise through the first two weeks.
Patriots come in off a win last week against the Dolphins. QB Jimmy Garoppolo completed 18 of 27 for 234 yards and three touchdowns, however after suffering a sprained right AC joint in the game, his status is still questionable for Thursday's matchup. This would force rookie QB Jacoby Brissett into the starting role. Brissett finished Sunday's game completing 6 of 9 for 92 yards. This may be an issue since tight end Rob Gronkowski is still questionable for this matchup as is linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Prediction: Patriots
Arizona Cardinals (1-1) vs Buffalo Bills (0-2)
Cardinals come in off a win last week against the Bucs. QB Carson Palmer completed 18 of 31 for 308 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald had six receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown. Running back Chris Johnson rushed for 54 yards on 16 carries for one touchdown. The smothering defense had four interceptions including one for a score and a forced fumble. Only linebacker Kareem Martin and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker have been ruled out for the game.
Bills come in off a loss last week to the Jets. QB Tyrod Taylor completed 18 of 30 for 297 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin had two receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown and running back Mike Gillislee received for another. While it was the team's offense that struggled in week one, it was the defense that sputtered in week two. Without some drastic changes this team faces an abysmal season. Prediction: Cardinals
Denver Broncos (2-0) vs Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
Broncos come in off a win last week against the Colts. QB Trevor Siemian completed 22 of 33 for 266 yards but no touchdowns and one interception. This has been a continuing issue for the young QB. Running back C.J. Anderson rushed for 74 yards on 20 carries. It is the team's defense that performed stellar again ending the game with five sacks and two turnovers for touchdowns. However, the team will be witout one of their biggest defensive weapons in linebacker DeMarcus Ware who will be out four to five weeks with a broken arm. This team will need the offense to perform better if they plan to remain competitive.
Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Steelers. QB Andy Dalton completed 31 of 54 for 366 yards for one touchdown. Running back Giovani Bernard had nine receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown. This team is favored playing at home and will have a healthy defense on the field. Prediction: Bengals
Detroit Lions (1-1) vs Green Bay Packers (1-1)
Lions come in off a loss last week against the Titans. QB Matthew Stafford completed 22 of 40 for 260 yards one touchdown and one interception with wide receiver Anquan Boldin making the lone touchdown reception. Unfortunately the team lost running back Ameer Abdullah indefinitely with a foot injury. Running backs Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington and Zach Zenner will divide the running work. The defense played well with safety Glover Quin making an interception in the game.
Packers come in off a loss last week against the Vikings. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 20 of 36 for 213 yards one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown and one interception.Wide receiver Jordy Nelson had five receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown. While the team's rush defense has been good the pass defense has struggled. To make matters worse the team lost defensive tackle Letroy Guion with a sprained MCL who isn't expected back until week 5. Prediction: Packers
Oakland Raiders (1-1) vs Tennessee Titans (1-1)
Raiders come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. QB Derek Carr completed 34 of 45 for 299 yards and three touchdowns with one going to wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Running back Latavius Murray rushed for 57 yards on eight carries for one touchdown.The defense has struggled allowing more than 500 yards and 30 points in the first two games of the season.
Titans come in off a win last week against the Lions. QB Marcus Mariota completed 25 of 33 for 238 yards two touchdowns and one interception with wide receiver Delanie Walker receiving one of the touchdowns. Running back DeMarco Murray rushed for 89 yards on 12 carries. Titans defenses rank 13th in total yards allowed per game which should help them this season. Prediction: Raiders
Cleveland Browns (0-2) vs Miami Dolphins (0-2)
Browns come in off a loss last week against the Ravens. Unfortunately the team lost QB Josh McCown to a shoulder injury for this week's matchup. Rookie Cody Kessler is likely to start this week though the team signed QB Charlie Whitehurst as an insurance policy. Wide receiver Corey Coleman will also be out with a broken hand. Running back Isaiah Crowell rushed for 133 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown. This team's defense has been terrible and plagued with penalties through the first two games.
Dolphins come in off a loss last week against the Patriots. QB Ryan Tannehill completed 32 of 45 for 389 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receivers Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker each went over 100 yards receiving in the game, however, running back Arian Foster will be out with a groin injury. The Dolphins run defense is ranked 30th in the league. Prediction: Dolphins
Washington Redskins (0-2) vs New York Giants (2-0)
Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. QB Kirk Cousins completed 28 of 46 for 364 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Matt Jones rushed for 61 yards on 13 carries and one touchdown. The team's defense is one of the worst ranked overall defenses allowing more than 400 yards and 30 points per game.
Giants come in off a win last week against the Saints. QB Eli Manning completed 32 of 41 for 368 yards. Rookie wide receiver Sterling Shepard had eight receptions for 117 yards. The team's defense has been vastly improved allowing only 32 points over the first two games of the season. Prediction: Giants
Minnesota Vikings (2-0) vs Carolina Panthers (1-1)
Vikings come in off a win last week against the Packers. QB Sam Bradford completed 22 of 31 for 286 yards and two touchdowns.Unfortunately the team lost running back Adrian Peterson for the season to a torn right meniscus. The team will have to rely heavily on their defense for the remainder of the season.
Panthers come in off a win last week against the 49ers. QB Cam Newton completed 24 of 40 for 353 yards four touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin seven receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jonathan Stewart will be out with a hamstring injury. Panthers defense is one of the top ranked in the league through the first weeks of the season. Prediction: Panthers
Baltimore Ravens (2-0) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)
Ravens come in off a win last week against the Browns. QB Joe Flacco completed 25 of 45 for 302 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Both touchdowns went to wide receiver Mike Wallace. The defense is second ranked in the league and has allowed the second fewest points per game through the first two weeks of the season.
Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. QB Blake Bortles completed 31 of 50 for 329 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. The team has one of the worst ranked defenses in the league. Prediction: Ravens
San Francisco 49ers (1-1) vs Seattle Seahawks (1-1)
49ers come in off a loss last week against the Panthers. QB Blaine Gabbert completed 17 of 36 for 243 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions with one touchdown going to wide receiver Torrey Smith. 49ers defense is second in takeaways through the first two weeks of the season.
Seahawks come in off a loss last week to the Rams. QB Russell Wilson completed 22 of 35 for 254 yards but no touchdowns and is dealing with an ankle injury. Running back Thomas Rawls is doubtful with a shin injury. The team's defense has allowed the fewest yards and the fewest points. Prediction: Seahawks
Los Angeles Rams (1-1) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1)
Rams come in off a win last week against the Seahawks. QB Case Keenum completed 18 of 30 for 239 yards. Running back Todd Gurley was held to 51 yards. The team's defense has looked strong through the first two games.
Buccaneers come in off a loss against the Cardinals. QB Jameis Winston was picked off four times in the game. Running back Doug Martin is out for the game with a hamstring injury. The defense is ranked eighth in rushing defense but will be without defensive end Robert Ayers. Prediction: Buccaneers
San Diego Chargers (1-1) vs Indianapolis Colts (0-2)
Chargers come in off a win last week against the Jaguars. QB Philip Rivers completed 17 of 24 for 220 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Melvin Gordon rushed for 102 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown. The defense is one of the leading teams on turnovers.
Colts come in off a loss last week to the Broncos. QB Andrew Luck completed 21 of 40 for 197 yards one touchdown and one interception. Wide receiver Donte Moncrief will be out with a shoulder injury so the team will rely on receivers T.Y. Hilton and Phillip Dorsett. Colts defense has been atrocious through the first two weeks of the season. Prediction: Chargers
New York Jets (1-1) vs Kansas City Chiefs (1-1)
Jets come in off a win last week against the Bills. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 24 of 34 for 374 yards and one touchdown. However, both wide receivers, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are questionable for the game with Decker likely to play. Running back Matt Forte rushed for 100 yards on 30 carries for three touchdowns. The team's defense has been suspect with the secondary being badly beaten on the deep pass.
Chiefs come in off loss last week against the Texans. QB Alex Smith completed 20 of 37 for 186 yards but no touchdowns. Running back Spencer Ware rushed for less than 60 yards in the game. The team's defense has been stellar so far despite the one loss. Prediction: Chiefs
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) vs Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)
Steelers come in off a win last week against the Bengals. QB Ben Roethlisberger completed 19 of 37 for 259 yards 3 touchdowns and two interceptions. Running back Deangelo Williams had 94 yards on 32 carries and a receiving touchdown. The team has the second ranked rush defense.
Eagles come in off a win last week against the Bears. QB Carson Wentz completed 21 of 34 for 190 yards and one touchdown. Running back Ryan Matthews rushed for two touchdowns. Eagles defense is top five in yards allowed. Prediction: Steelers
Chicago Bears (0-2) vs Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
Bears come in off a loss last week against the Eagles. QB Jay Cutler will be out for the game with a thumb injury. QB Brian Hoyer will get the start. Running back Jeremy Langford rushed for one touchdown. The team's defense has been decimated by injuries including linebackers Danny Trevathan, Lamarr Houston, nose tackle Eddie Goldman and safety Adrian Amos who will all be out this week.
Cowboys come in off a win last week against the Redskins. QB Dak Prescott completed 22 of 30 for 292 yards. Running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 83 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. The team is making massive changes to their defense to counteract their inconsistent play through the first two games. Prediction: Cowboys
Atlanta Falcons (1-1) vs New Orleans Saints (0-2)
Falcons come in off a win last week against the Raiders. QB Matt Ryan completed 26 of 34 for 396 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Julio Jones made five receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown. Falcons defense is tied for 26th in yards allowed per game.
Saints come in off a loss last week against the Giants. QB Drew Brees completed 29 of 44 for 263 yards and one touchdown going to wide receiver Willie Snead. Saints defense is ranked 30th against the pass. Prediction: Falcons
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Week 2 Predictions
New York Jets (0-1) vs Buffalo Bills (0-1)
Jets come in off a one point loss last week to the Bengals. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completed for 189 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Both of his top receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker looked good in the game. The defense is banged up with linebacker Jordan Jenkins doubtful and linebacker David Harris and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson considered questionable for the Thursday matchup.
Bills come in off a loss to the Ravens last week. QB Tyrod Taylor did not have a single passing touchdown instead relying on the legs of running back LeSean McCoy to score the team's only touchdown of the game. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is questionable for the game and the team will be without offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. The questions on defense will plague this team all season. Prediction: Jets
Baltimore Ravens (1-0) vs Cleveland Browns (0-1)
The Ravens come in off a win last week against the Bills. QB Joe Flacco completed 23 of 34 for 258 yards and one touchdown to receiver Mike Wallace in the game. While C.J. Mosley and Elvis Dumervil are questionable, the defense is relatively healthy and playing efficiently.
Browns come in off a loss last week to the Eagles. Running back Isaiah Crowell scored the team's only touchdown of the game. To make matters worse, the team moved quarterback Robert Griffin III to injured reserve for the next eight weeks with a shoulder injury. This will put quarterback Josh McCown back at the starting role. This will play a factor in the team's future going forward. Prediction: Ravens
Tennessee Titans (0-1) vs Detroit Lions (1-0)
Titans come in off a loss last week against the Lions. QB Marcus Mariota completed for 271 yards, two touchdowns and one interception with both touchdowns going to running back DeMarco Murray. Wide receiver Kendall Wright is doubtful for Sunday's game. Despite the team's loss the defense showed signs of life against the run. If Mariota can handle the blitz and the defense can handle the passing game better, the team will recover from early losses.
Lions come in off a close win last week against the Colts. QB Matthew Stafford had a stellar performance completing 31 of 39 for 340 yards and three touchdowns in the game with one touchdown going to tight end Eric Ebron. The team is healthy with only a few players questionable for the matchup. Prediction: Lions
Miami Dolphins (0-1) vs New England Patriots (1-0)
Dolphins come in off a close loss to the Seahawks last week. Ryan Tannehill 16 of 29 for 186 yards and had one rushing touchdown in the game. Running back Arian Foster had a combined 100 rushing and receiving yards showing his versatility out of the backfield, however is questionable for this week's game. Center Mike Pouncey is doubtful for the second week which could be a lingering issue for the offense. The defense placed tackle Earl Mitchell on injured reserve and linebacker Jelani Jenkins is questionable for Sunday's game.
Patriots come in off a win last week against the Cardinals. QB Jimmy Garoppolo completed 24 of 33 for 264 yards and one touchdown. Running back LeGarette Blount rushed for 70 yards and one touchdown. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower is doubtful and cornerback Eric Rowe will be out for the matchup, however despite some lingering injuries the offense should have all players available. Prediction: Patriots
New Orleans Saints (0-1) vs New York Giants (1-0)
Saints come in off a close loss last week against the Raiders. QB Drew Brees completed 28 of 42 for 423 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Josh Hill is out with an ankle injury on the offense. On defense linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and cornerback Delvin Breaux have been ruled out for the Sunday's matchup.
Giants come in off a win last week against the Cowboys. QB Eli Manning completed 19 of 28 for 207 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Victor Cruz made a triumphant return to starting with a touchdown catch. The offensive line will be without tackle Jake Rodgers. The defensive is pretty badly banged up with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul questionable and linebacker J.T. Thomas on injured reserve with torn ligaments in his knee. Prediction: Saints
Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
Bengals come in off a win last week against the Jets. QB Andy Dalton completed 23 of 30 for 366 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Jeremy Hill rushed for only 31 yards but this included a touchdown. Tight end Tyler Eifert has been ruled out for the matchup which is a big loss for . Defensive tackle Pat Sims is still questionable for the game but otherwise the defense is looking well.
Steelers come in off a win against the Redskins. QB Ben Roethlisberger completed 27 of 37 for 300 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Running back DeAngelo Williams rushed for 143 yards on 26 carries and two additional touchdowns. Wide receiver Markus Wheaton and linebacker Ryan Shazier are questionable but likely to play in this matchup. Prediction: Steelers
Dallas Cowboys (0-1) vs Washington Redskins (0-1)
Cowboys come in off a loss last week against the Giants. QB Dak Prescott completed 25 of 45 for 227 yards but no touchdowns in the game, however rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for only 51 yards but did include a touchdown. Defensive end Jack Crawford and cornerback Orlando Scandrick are questionable on the defense which shouldn't be an issue in this game.
Redskins come in off a loss last week against the Steelers. QB Kirk Cousins struggled in the season opener throwing two interceptions. Running back Chris Thompson scored the team's only touchdown of the game. Wide receiver Josh Doctson and offensive tackle Trent Williams are both questionable on the offense. On defense safety S'ua Cravens and defensive end Chris Baker are both questionable and linebacker Martrell Spaight and defensive end Kendall Reyes have been ruled out for the game. Prediction: Cowboys
San Francisco 49ers (1-0) vs Carolina Panthers (0-1)
49ers come in off a shutout win last week. QB Blaine Gabbert completed 22 of 35 for 170 yards and one touchdown. Running back Carlos Hyde rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns and Shaun Draughn rushed for another touchdown. Offensive tackle Anthony Davis is out for the game. The defense has a few questionable players. This team was not tested in their first outing and will be overmatched in this game.
Panthers come in off a loss last week against the Broncos. QB Cam Newton completed 18 of 33 for 194 yards one touchdown and one interception and rushed for an additional touchdown. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin made his return to the field after spending 2015 sidelined by making six receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown. The defense showed its might by making two interceptions proving the team can withstand the loss of cornerback Josh Norman. Only running back Jonathan Stewart is questionable for the matchup. Prediction: Panthers
Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) vs Houston Texans (1-0)
Chiefs come in off a win last week against the Chargers. QB Alex Smith completed 34 of 348 for 363 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Spencer Ware rushed for 70 yards on 11 carries for one additional touchdown. The offensive line will be with Laurent Duvenay-Tardif and Parker Ehinger. The defense will be without linebacker Sam Barrington with a hamstring injury.
Texans come in off a win against the Bears. QB Brock Osweiler completed 22 of 35 for 231 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Lamar Miller rushed for 106 yards on 28 carries. Wide receiver Will Fuller have five receptions for 107 yards for one touchdown. Only the defense has one player ruled out for the match so far with linebacker Brian Cushing out for the game. Prediction: Chiefs
Seattle Seahawks (1-0) vs Los Angeles Rams (0-1)
Seahawks come in off a win last week against the Dolphins. QB Russell Wilson completed 27 of 43 for 258 yards one touchdown and one interception. The run game did not perform well in the opener, but should recover against a weak Rams defense.
Rams come in off a shutout loss against the 49ers. QB Case Keenum completed 17 of 35 for 130 yards and two interceptions. This team has a terrible defense on top of a weak offense. Prediction: Seahawks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) vs Arizona Cardinals (0-1)
Buccaneers come in off a win last week against the Falcons. QB Jameis Winston completed 23 of 32 for 281 yards four touchdowns and one interceptions. Wide receiver made five receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown. Despite a few nicked up players none have been ruled out for Sunday's matchup.
Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. QB Carson Palmer completed 24 of 37 for 271 yards and two touchdowns both to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Running back David Johnson rushed for 89 yards on 16 carries and one additional touchdown. This team will be ready to win at home. Prediction: Cardinals
Indianapolis Colts (0-1) vs Denver Broncos (1-0)
Colts come in off a loss last week against the Lions. QB Andrew Luck completed 31 of 47 for 385 yards and four touchdowns with one going to wide receiver Donte Moncrief. The defense has been decimated with injuries with linebacker Trent Cole, safety T.J. Green and cornerback Patrick Robinson. all ruled out for the game. This will play a significant factor in the game.
Broncos come in off a win last week against the Panthers. QB Trevor Siemian completed 18 of 26 for 178 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Running back C.J. Anderson had 139 rushing and receiving yards for one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Broncos defense will be a major factor in this game. Prediction: Broncos
Atlanta Falcons (0-1) vs Oakland Raiders (1-0)
Falcons come in off a loss last week against the Buccaneers. QB Matt Ryan completed 27 of 39 for 334 yards and two touchdowns with both wide receivers Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu each receiving one. Linebacker De'Vondre Campbell has been ruled out for the game.
Raiders come in off a win last week against the Saints. QB Derek Carr completed 24 of 38 yards for 319 yards and one touchdown. Running back Latavius Murray rushed for 59 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown. Offensive tackles Menelik Watson and Matt McCants are both doubtful but the defense will be at full strength. Prediction: Raiders
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) vs San Diego Chargers (0-1)
Jaguars come in off a loss last week against the Packers. QB Blake Bortles completed 24 of 39 for 320 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back T.J. Yeldon rushed for 39 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. Cornerback Prince Amukamara has been ruled out for the game.
Chargers come in off a loss last week against the Chiefs. QB Philip Rivers completed 25 of 36 for 243 yards and one touchdown, but will be without wide receiver Keenan Allen who was lost for the season with a torn ACL. However the defense will be at full strength at home. Prediction: Jaguars
Green Bay Packers (1-0) vs Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
Packers come in off a win last week against the Jaguars. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 20 of 34 for 199 yards and two touchdowns with one going to wide receiver Jordy Nelson. Only cornerback Sam Shields has been ruled out for the game.
Vikings come in off a win last week against the Titans. The team will be starting QB Sam Bradford for the matchup on Sunday. Defensive tackle Shariff Floyd and cornerback Xavier Rhodes have both been ruled out for the game. Even with a healthy defense the team will struggle on offense. Prediction: Packers
Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) vs Chicago Bears (0-1)
Eagles come in off a win last week against the Browns. QB Carson Wentz completed 22 of 37 for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Ryan Matthews rushed for 77 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Tight end Zach Ertz and cornerback Leodis McKelvin have both been ruled out for the game.
Bears come in off a loss last week against the Texans. QB Jay Cutler completed 16 of 29 for 216 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Jeremy Langford rushed for 57 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown. Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller is questionable for the game. Prediction: Bears
Jets come in off a one point loss last week to the Bengals. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completed for 189 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Both of his top receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker looked good in the game. The defense is banged up with linebacker Jordan Jenkins doubtful and linebacker David Harris and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson considered questionable for the Thursday matchup.
Bills come in off a loss to the Ravens last week. QB Tyrod Taylor did not have a single passing touchdown instead relying on the legs of running back LeSean McCoy to score the team's only touchdown of the game. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is questionable for the game and the team will be without offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. The questions on defense will plague this team all season. Prediction: Jets
Baltimore Ravens (1-0) vs Cleveland Browns (0-1)
The Ravens come in off a win last week against the Bills. QB Joe Flacco completed 23 of 34 for 258 yards and one touchdown to receiver Mike Wallace in the game. While C.J. Mosley and Elvis Dumervil are questionable, the defense is relatively healthy and playing efficiently.
Browns come in off a loss last week to the Eagles. Running back Isaiah Crowell scored the team's only touchdown of the game. To make matters worse, the team moved quarterback Robert Griffin III to injured reserve for the next eight weeks with a shoulder injury. This will put quarterback Josh McCown back at the starting role. This will play a factor in the team's future going forward. Prediction: Ravens
Tennessee Titans (0-1) vs Detroit Lions (1-0)
Titans come in off a loss last week against the Lions. QB Marcus Mariota completed for 271 yards, two touchdowns and one interception with both touchdowns going to running back DeMarco Murray. Wide receiver Kendall Wright is doubtful for Sunday's game. Despite the team's loss the defense showed signs of life against the run. If Mariota can handle the blitz and the defense can handle the passing game better, the team will recover from early losses.
Lions come in off a close win last week against the Colts. QB Matthew Stafford had a stellar performance completing 31 of 39 for 340 yards and three touchdowns in the game with one touchdown going to tight end Eric Ebron. The team is healthy with only a few players questionable for the matchup. Prediction: Lions
Miami Dolphins (0-1) vs New England Patriots (1-0)
Dolphins come in off a close loss to the Seahawks last week. Ryan Tannehill 16 of 29 for 186 yards and had one rushing touchdown in the game. Running back Arian Foster had a combined 100 rushing and receiving yards showing his versatility out of the backfield, however is questionable for this week's game. Center Mike Pouncey is doubtful for the second week which could be a lingering issue for the offense. The defense placed tackle Earl Mitchell on injured reserve and linebacker Jelani Jenkins is questionable for Sunday's game.
Patriots come in off a win last week against the Cardinals. QB Jimmy Garoppolo completed 24 of 33 for 264 yards and one touchdown. Running back LeGarette Blount rushed for 70 yards and one touchdown. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower is doubtful and cornerback Eric Rowe will be out for the matchup, however despite some lingering injuries the offense should have all players available. Prediction: Patriots
New Orleans Saints (0-1) vs New York Giants (1-0)
Saints come in off a close loss last week against the Raiders. QB Drew Brees completed 28 of 42 for 423 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Josh Hill is out with an ankle injury on the offense. On defense linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and cornerback Delvin Breaux have been ruled out for the Sunday's matchup.
Giants come in off a win last week against the Cowboys. QB Eli Manning completed 19 of 28 for 207 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Victor Cruz made a triumphant return to starting with a touchdown catch. The offensive line will be without tackle Jake Rodgers. The defensive is pretty badly banged up with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul questionable and linebacker J.T. Thomas on injured reserve with torn ligaments in his knee. Prediction: Saints
Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
Bengals come in off a win last week against the Jets. QB Andy Dalton completed 23 of 30 for 366 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Jeremy Hill rushed for only 31 yards but this included a touchdown. Tight end Tyler Eifert has been ruled out for the matchup which is a big loss for . Defensive tackle Pat Sims is still questionable for the game but otherwise the defense is looking well.
Steelers come in off a win against the Redskins. QB Ben Roethlisberger completed 27 of 37 for 300 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Running back DeAngelo Williams rushed for 143 yards on 26 carries and two additional touchdowns. Wide receiver Markus Wheaton and linebacker Ryan Shazier are questionable but likely to play in this matchup. Prediction: Steelers
Dallas Cowboys (0-1) vs Washington Redskins (0-1)
Cowboys come in off a loss last week against the Giants. QB Dak Prescott completed 25 of 45 for 227 yards but no touchdowns in the game, however rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for only 51 yards but did include a touchdown. Defensive end Jack Crawford and cornerback Orlando Scandrick are questionable on the defense which shouldn't be an issue in this game.
Redskins come in off a loss last week against the Steelers. QB Kirk Cousins struggled in the season opener throwing two interceptions. Running back Chris Thompson scored the team's only touchdown of the game. Wide receiver Josh Doctson and offensive tackle Trent Williams are both questionable on the offense. On defense safety S'ua Cravens and defensive end Chris Baker are both questionable and linebacker Martrell Spaight and defensive end Kendall Reyes have been ruled out for the game. Prediction: Cowboys
San Francisco 49ers (1-0) vs Carolina Panthers (0-1)
49ers come in off a shutout win last week. QB Blaine Gabbert completed 22 of 35 for 170 yards and one touchdown. Running back Carlos Hyde rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns and Shaun Draughn rushed for another touchdown. Offensive tackle Anthony Davis is out for the game. The defense has a few questionable players. This team was not tested in their first outing and will be overmatched in this game.
Panthers come in off a loss last week against the Broncos. QB Cam Newton completed 18 of 33 for 194 yards one touchdown and one interception and rushed for an additional touchdown. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin made his return to the field after spending 2015 sidelined by making six receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown. The defense showed its might by making two interceptions proving the team can withstand the loss of cornerback Josh Norman. Only running back Jonathan Stewart is questionable for the matchup. Prediction: Panthers
Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) vs Houston Texans (1-0)
Chiefs come in off a win last week against the Chargers. QB Alex Smith completed 34 of 348 for 363 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Spencer Ware rushed for 70 yards on 11 carries for one additional touchdown. The offensive line will be with Laurent Duvenay-Tardif and Parker Ehinger. The defense will be without linebacker Sam Barrington with a hamstring injury.
Texans come in off a win against the Bears. QB Brock Osweiler completed 22 of 35 for 231 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Lamar Miller rushed for 106 yards on 28 carries. Wide receiver Will Fuller have five receptions for 107 yards for one touchdown. Only the defense has one player ruled out for the match so far with linebacker Brian Cushing out for the game. Prediction: Chiefs
Seattle Seahawks (1-0) vs Los Angeles Rams (0-1)
Seahawks come in off a win last week against the Dolphins. QB Russell Wilson completed 27 of 43 for 258 yards one touchdown and one interception. The run game did not perform well in the opener, but should recover against a weak Rams defense.
Rams come in off a shutout loss against the 49ers. QB Case Keenum completed 17 of 35 for 130 yards and two interceptions. This team has a terrible defense on top of a weak offense. Prediction: Seahawks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) vs Arizona Cardinals (0-1)
Buccaneers come in off a win last week against the Falcons. QB Jameis Winston completed 23 of 32 for 281 yards four touchdowns and one interceptions. Wide receiver made five receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown. Despite a few nicked up players none have been ruled out for Sunday's matchup.
Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. QB Carson Palmer completed 24 of 37 for 271 yards and two touchdowns both to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Running back David Johnson rushed for 89 yards on 16 carries and one additional touchdown. This team will be ready to win at home. Prediction: Cardinals
Indianapolis Colts (0-1) vs Denver Broncos (1-0)
Colts come in off a loss last week against the Lions. QB Andrew Luck completed 31 of 47 for 385 yards and four touchdowns with one going to wide receiver Donte Moncrief. The defense has been decimated with injuries with linebacker Trent Cole, safety T.J. Green and cornerback Patrick Robinson. all ruled out for the game. This will play a significant factor in the game.
Broncos come in off a win last week against the Panthers. QB Trevor Siemian completed 18 of 26 for 178 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Running back C.J. Anderson had 139 rushing and receiving yards for one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Broncos defense will be a major factor in this game. Prediction: Broncos
Atlanta Falcons (0-1) vs Oakland Raiders (1-0)
Falcons come in off a loss last week against the Buccaneers. QB Matt Ryan completed 27 of 39 for 334 yards and two touchdowns with both wide receivers Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu each receiving one. Linebacker De'Vondre Campbell has been ruled out for the game.
Raiders come in off a win last week against the Saints. QB Derek Carr completed 24 of 38 yards for 319 yards and one touchdown. Running back Latavius Murray rushed for 59 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown. Offensive tackles Menelik Watson and Matt McCants are both doubtful but the defense will be at full strength. Prediction: Raiders
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) vs San Diego Chargers (0-1)
Jaguars come in off a loss last week against the Packers. QB Blake Bortles completed 24 of 39 for 320 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back T.J. Yeldon rushed for 39 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. Cornerback Prince Amukamara has been ruled out for the game.
Chargers come in off a loss last week against the Chiefs. QB Philip Rivers completed 25 of 36 for 243 yards and one touchdown, but will be without wide receiver Keenan Allen who was lost for the season with a torn ACL. However the defense will be at full strength at home. Prediction: Jaguars
Green Bay Packers (1-0) vs Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
Packers come in off a win last week against the Jaguars. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 20 of 34 for 199 yards and two touchdowns with one going to wide receiver Jordy Nelson. Only cornerback Sam Shields has been ruled out for the game.
Vikings come in off a win last week against the Titans. The team will be starting QB Sam Bradford for the matchup on Sunday. Defensive tackle Shariff Floyd and cornerback Xavier Rhodes have both been ruled out for the game. Even with a healthy defense the team will struggle on offense. Prediction: Packers
Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) vs Chicago Bears (0-1)
Eagles come in off a win last week against the Browns. QB Carson Wentz completed 22 of 37 for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Ryan Matthews rushed for 77 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Tight end Zach Ertz and cornerback Leodis McKelvin have both been ruled out for the game.
Bears come in off a loss last week against the Texans. QB Jay Cutler completed 16 of 29 for 216 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Jeremy Langford rushed for 57 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown. Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller is questionable for the game. Prediction: Bears
Friday, September 9, 2016
What we learned from Broncos vs Panthers season opener
The Broncos and Panthers played a close game nail biting game last night. A lot was learned last night about both teams.
In the first half the Panther jumped out to a 17-7 lead. This came from earlier turnovers committed by the Broncos. Rookie running back Devontae Parker had an early fumble that ended with a Panthers touchdown. On top of the fumble, quarterback Trevor Siemian threw two interceptions. If the team hopes to remain atop the AFC West sloppy mistakes and turnovers will have to be corrected.
On the positive side the team's defense is still functioning at the highest level despite some losses on the line. The team sacked quarterback Cam Newton three times, rushed him eight times and picked him off once. Even with an offense struggling to find its identity, the defense should keep the team in games.
Despite the sacks and hurries, Newton was able to pass for one touchdown and rush for another. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin made a triumph return making six receptions for 91 yards and Newton's lone touchdown pass. Jonathan Stewart rushed for 64 yards on the ground as the offensive line opened up holes to allow for an efficient ground attack.
The team's only exposed weakness was in the secondary where Bradberry and Benwikere could not make up for the team's loss of cornerback Josh Norman. This became very apparent in the second half of the game. Otherwise the team's defense remained as strong as last season.
Both teams have issues to work on, but both showed that they have the pieces to have a successful season if they can clean up the small issues. Broncos need to work on their issues at quarterback and the Panthers need to work on their issues on their secondary.
In the first half the Panther jumped out to a 17-7 lead. This came from earlier turnovers committed by the Broncos. Rookie running back Devontae Parker had an early fumble that ended with a Panthers touchdown. On top of the fumble, quarterback Trevor Siemian threw two interceptions. If the team hopes to remain atop the AFC West sloppy mistakes and turnovers will have to be corrected.
On the positive side the team's defense is still functioning at the highest level despite some losses on the line. The team sacked quarterback Cam Newton three times, rushed him eight times and picked him off once. Even with an offense struggling to find its identity, the defense should keep the team in games.
Despite the sacks and hurries, Newton was able to pass for one touchdown and rush for another. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin made a triumph return making six receptions for 91 yards and Newton's lone touchdown pass. Jonathan Stewart rushed for 64 yards on the ground as the offensive line opened up holes to allow for an efficient ground attack.
The team's only exposed weakness was in the secondary where Bradberry and Benwikere could not make up for the team's loss of cornerback Josh Norman. This became very apparent in the second half of the game. Otherwise the team's defense remained as strong as last season.
Both teams have issues to work on, but both showed that they have the pieces to have a successful season if they can clean up the small issues. Broncos need to work on their issues at quarterback and the Panthers need to work on their issues on their secondary.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Week 1 Predictions
Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos
While Panthers have largely kept their team intact this offseason, Broncos have gone through some massive changes on both sides of the ball. This is not the same team that just won Super Bowl 50 against the Panthers a mere 7 months ago. Instead this team will be lead by second year quarterback Trevor Siemian. Siemian was the third stringer behind Manning and Osweiler last season and has shown consistency through the preseason. He will have his big targets Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders to throw to down the field and C.J. Anderson in his backfield. While the defense lost key players like Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan, the team was able to sign linebacker Von Miller to a long-term deal in the offseason. He along with DeMarcus Ware and Derek Wolfe will be the keys to the line with the team still having one of the top secondaries in the league.
Panthers meanwhile have the reining league MVP at the helm. He with a healthy Kelvin Benjamin returning to form along with Devin Funchess and Philly Brown should be able to continue the high scoring offense that made them the NFC champions last season. The team has a top defense with Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis and though the loss of Josh Norman in the secondary may seem significant, it will not stop this team from starting off this season as strongly as last season. Prediction: Panthers
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Benjamin comes over from the Browns to make his start at receiver for the Chargers. He will play opposite Keenan Allen to help keep quarterback Philip Rivers throwing for over 4700 yards. Melvin Gordon has been impressive in preseason and should have a better 2016 campaign. Despite spending all offseason trying to sign defensive end Joey Bosa, the rookie will not start in the season opener.Instead Darius Philon will get the start.
Chiefs are the favorites in the AFC West this season. This is in no small part to the play of quarterback Alex Smith and his favorite target, tight end Travis Kelce. In addition he has good receivers in Jeremy Maclin and Chris Conley and a great running back in Jamaal Charles. Chiefs have a phenomenal defense in Tamba Hali, Dontari Poe, Marcus Peters and Eric Berry. They will be hard to beat this season. Prediction: Chiefs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
Can Jameis Winston have the same success in his second season as he did in his rookie campaign or will he hit a sophomore slump? This is the burning question in many people's minds. Mike Evans has become a favorite target of Winston, but let's not forget he has Vincent Jackson on the other side and Doug Martin at running back. This team improved upon their 2014 campaign last season, so can they build upon that sucess and be a playoff caliber team in 2016?
Falcons and Matt Ryan had a disastrous 2015 season and hope to return to their winning ways in 2016. The team is hoping the addition of Mohamed Sanu on the other side of Julio Jones is the answer they need. Devonta Freeman may be the running back to start the season but Tevin Coleman may get tapped if Freeman can't show the play that made him a star last season. Prediction: Buccaneers
Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans
With Teddy Bridgewater out for the season, this team will rely heavily on the legs of Adrian Peterson. The team may have traded with the eagles to acquire Sam Bradford, but it will be Shaun Hill who gets the start at QB. A lot will be expected of rookie receiver Laquon Treadwell to bolster this team's deep threat ability. This team has a stout defense with Anthony Barr but can they make it back to the playoffs in 2016?
Sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota has nowhere to go but up this season. While he played well in 2015 his defense proved to be the team's undoing. Looking to improve on the offense, the team cut and traded many of its veteran receivers and running backs and will rely on receivers Tajae Sharpe and Kendall Wright and running backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. This team should get off to a decent start in 2016. Prediction: Titans
Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints
The Raiders are the odds on favorites in the AFC West this season. Derek Carr has two of the best receivers in the division in Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper. Latavius Murray is a workhorse in the backfield and their offensive line has made improvements through offseason acquisitions. Khalil Mack is one of the top linebackers in the league. This team will be a force to reckon with in 2016.
Saints had a horrible 2015 campaign and hope to improve in 2016. Drew Brees has been in need of some help in the short passing game. To that end the team released veteran wide receiver Marques Colston in favor of second year receiver Brandon Coleman. He will be a compliment to Brandin Cooks who had more than 1100 receiving yards last season. Though Mark Ingram's production was down last season he should be able to rush for close to 1000 yards in 2016 behind a better offensive line. Prediction: Raiders
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets
Bengals are looking to stay competitive and hopefully win the AFC North in 2016. While the team lost receivers Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in the offseason they did add Brandon LaFell in hopes to improve their underneath routes. Jeremy Hill will need to keep his hands on the ball this season as will his backup Giovani Bernard. This team still has one of the most stout defenses if they can keep the penalties to a minimum.
Jets were finally able to get a deal done with Ryan Fitzpatrick signed in the offseason. This made receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker very happy as Fitzmagic was able to put together a 10-6 record for the team last season. The team added Matt Forte to their backfield which should help their ground game and open up their passing offense. Todd Bowles has made this a very competitive defense. Prediction: Bengals
Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles
If ever a matchup had more questions than answers in Week 1, this is the one. Hue Jackson and the Browns are depending on Robert Griffin III to turn this team's offense around. Unfortunately he will be without one of his biggest offensive weapons Josh Gordon at the start of the season. This leaves it in the hands of Terrelle Pryor who showed vast improvement in preseason and rookie Corey Coleman. Duke Johnson will lead the charge out the backfield improving upon his 2015 season.
Eagles have decided to start rookie QB Carson Wentz. Josh Huff and Nelson Agholor with Jordan Matthews at slot will try to help turn this team around in 2016. Ryan Matthews will be their star back this season. Fletcher Cox and the defense will have their work cut out for them. Prediction: Browns
Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Packers will begin the season with both Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb back at full strength this should help both Aaron Rogers and the passing game as well as Eddie Lacy in the rush game. Lacy had a down year last season, but with a newly shredded physique he has looked good in preseason and should be able to regain his 2014 form in 2016. With Clay Matthews moving from inside to outside linebacker the team's rushing attack should be vastly improved.
Jaguars are the most highly anticipated team of 2016. Blake Bortles passed for over 30 touchdowns last season making him one of the most prolific passers in the league. This season the Allen brothers (Hurns and Robinson) will have Chris Ivory in the backfield to compliment T.J. Yeldon. The team has made vast improvements on offense, but it is the defense that has made the most changes. With the acquisition of tackle Malik Jackson and drafting of Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack are key figures to help make this one of the most improved teams of the season. Prediction: Packers
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens
Tyrod Taylor will have to show the Bills why he is their long term choice at QB this season. He will have help with a healhty Sam Watkins who is back from offseason foot surgery and Marquise Goodwin. LeSean McCoy will have a heavy workload this season and likely will surpass 1000 yards in 2016 a feat he was unable to do in 2015. This team's biggest weakness will be on defense where injuries and suspension decimating the team in a big way.
Joe Flacco returns to form after an injury shortened 2015. He will also have a healthy Steve Smith Sr. back along with Kamar Aiken and Mike Wallace. Justin Forsett will also make a return this season with Terrance West playing more of a role in the run game. The loss of tight end Ben Watson will play only a small role in the team's capabilities down the field. Terrell Suggs and C.J. Mosley head up a line that made few upgrades but will need to improve drastically to stay competitive in the AFC North. Prediction: Ravens
Chicago Bears at Houston Texans
Jay Cutler will finally get to see the ability of wide receiver Kevin White. The sophomore receiver spent his rookie campaign sidelined. He will join the likes of Alshon Jeffery who had an injury plagued 2015. Jeremy Langford takes over the starting running back job with the loss of Matt Forte in the offseason. The addition of Danny Trevathan next to Jerrell Freeman on the defensive line should help shore up some of the problems the Bears dealt with last season.
Texans improved their offense through free agency starting with the addition of quarterback Brock Osweiler. He has shown in the preaseason he is worth the team's $72 million investment. He has one of the best receivers in the league in DeAndre Hopkins and the team drafted Will Fuller and Braxton Miller to help on the other side. Lamar Miller will help Alfred Blue improve the running game. J.J. Watt will have a healthy Jadeveon Clowney to help him and Vince Wilfork and Brian Cushing this season. Prediction: Texans
Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks
Adam Gase has added a new sense of swagger to the Dolphins. The team hopes it will translate to success on the field. Ryan Tannehill will have rookie guard Laremy Tunsil in front of him to help keep him upright this season and receivers DeVante Parker, Kenny Sills and Jarvis Landry to help him improve upon his 4200 yards and 24 touchdowns from 2015. The team recently named Arian Foster their starting running back. The injury prone Foster hopes he can make a full comeback from a torn Achilles suffered last season or risk losing the job to Jay Ajayi. Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake lead a defense that hopes to finally beat the Patriots in 2016.
The Seahawks hope to have tight end Jimmy Graham available in the opening game, but he is a day-to-day decision. So Russell Wilson will have to rely on receivers Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse if Graham is unavailable. With Marshawn Lynch retiring in the offseason the team will be relying on Christine Michael and Thomas Rawls in 2016. Bobby Wagner and the defense will need to find a way to beat the Cardinals to win the division this season. Prediction: Seahawks
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Victor Cruz is back healthy and will come back as the slot receiver. Rookie receiver Sterling Shepard will play opposite of Odell Beckham to help Eli Manning improve the team's 6-10 record from 2015. Running back Rashad Jennings will lead the run game in hopes of surpassing 1000 yards for the first time in his young career. Giants will have Jason Pierre-Paul at full strength and added Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins to shore up a terrible defense from last season.
Cowboys lost quarterback Tony Romo for six to ten weeks to a back injury. Instead rookie quarterback Dak Prescott will get the start. The young sensation has been a star through preseason. Fortunately he'll have Dez Bryant healthy and Terrance Williams to help him downfield and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott to help in the backfield. The defense has looked solid through preseason. Prediction: Giants
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
Calvin Johnson's retirement in the offseason left a massive hole on the Lions offense. To make up for the loss the team picked up Marvin Jones and Anquan Boldin through free agency on the other side of Golden Tate in hopes to keep Matthew Stafford passing for more than 4200 yards again this season. They will have their work cut out for them, but Ameer Abdullah should be able to get to 1000 yards this season.
Andrew Luck is back healthy this season and should be able to return the team to their winning ways. He'll have Donte Moncrief and T.Y. Hilton at receiver and Frank Gore at running back. Expect a big turnaround for a fully healthy defense in 2016. Prediction: Colts
New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals
Patriots will start the season without quarterback Tom Brady for the first four games. This leaves the offense in the hands of Jimmy Garoppolo. No worries as he will have the best tight end in the league in Rob Gronkowski along with receivers Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman and running back LeGarrette Blount. Chris Long comes over to the Patriots at defensive end to join a strong defense trying to make it back to the Super Bowl.
Cardinals finished just short of the Super Bowl and hopes to get over the hump this season. Carson Palmer will have receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd and sophomore sensation David Johnson at running back. The addition of Chandler Jones will make this dominant defense even more of a menace in 2016. Prediction: Cardinals
Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins
While Ben Roethlisberger is healthy and available at the season opener, running back Le'Veon Bell will be out four games and wide receiver Martavis Bryant will be out for the season both due to suspensions. Instead running back DeAngelo Williams and wide receiver Markus Wheaton. Ryan Shazier and Jarvis Jones lead a hard hitting defense that will likely win the AFC North in 2016.
Kirk Cousins signed a free agency contract in 2016. He will need to show he's worth a long-term investment in 2016. To help him out he'll have DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon to help him. With the departure of Alfred Morris, Matt Jones has won the starting running back job. He has shown it was a wise decision in the preseason. Ryan Kerrigan will lead a defense trying to win the NFC East again this season. Prediction: Steelers
While Panthers have largely kept their team intact this offseason, Broncos have gone through some massive changes on both sides of the ball. This is not the same team that just won Super Bowl 50 against the Panthers a mere 7 months ago. Instead this team will be lead by second year quarterback Trevor Siemian. Siemian was the third stringer behind Manning and Osweiler last season and has shown consistency through the preseason. He will have his big targets Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders to throw to down the field and C.J. Anderson in his backfield. While the defense lost key players like Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan, the team was able to sign linebacker Von Miller to a long-term deal in the offseason. He along with DeMarcus Ware and Derek Wolfe will be the keys to the line with the team still having one of the top secondaries in the league.
Panthers meanwhile have the reining league MVP at the helm. He with a healthy Kelvin Benjamin returning to form along with Devin Funchess and Philly Brown should be able to continue the high scoring offense that made them the NFC champions last season. The team has a top defense with Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis and though the loss of Josh Norman in the secondary may seem significant, it will not stop this team from starting off this season as strongly as last season. Prediction: Panthers
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Benjamin comes over from the Browns to make his start at receiver for the Chargers. He will play opposite Keenan Allen to help keep quarterback Philip Rivers throwing for over 4700 yards. Melvin Gordon has been impressive in preseason and should have a better 2016 campaign. Despite spending all offseason trying to sign defensive end Joey Bosa, the rookie will not start in the season opener.Instead Darius Philon will get the start.
Chiefs are the favorites in the AFC West this season. This is in no small part to the play of quarterback Alex Smith and his favorite target, tight end Travis Kelce. In addition he has good receivers in Jeremy Maclin and Chris Conley and a great running back in Jamaal Charles. Chiefs have a phenomenal defense in Tamba Hali, Dontari Poe, Marcus Peters and Eric Berry. They will be hard to beat this season. Prediction: Chiefs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
Can Jameis Winston have the same success in his second season as he did in his rookie campaign or will he hit a sophomore slump? This is the burning question in many people's minds. Mike Evans has become a favorite target of Winston, but let's not forget he has Vincent Jackson on the other side and Doug Martin at running back. This team improved upon their 2014 campaign last season, so can they build upon that sucess and be a playoff caliber team in 2016?
Falcons and Matt Ryan had a disastrous 2015 season and hope to return to their winning ways in 2016. The team is hoping the addition of Mohamed Sanu on the other side of Julio Jones is the answer they need. Devonta Freeman may be the running back to start the season but Tevin Coleman may get tapped if Freeman can't show the play that made him a star last season. Prediction: Buccaneers
Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans
With Teddy Bridgewater out for the season, this team will rely heavily on the legs of Adrian Peterson. The team may have traded with the eagles to acquire Sam Bradford, but it will be Shaun Hill who gets the start at QB. A lot will be expected of rookie receiver Laquon Treadwell to bolster this team's deep threat ability. This team has a stout defense with Anthony Barr but can they make it back to the playoffs in 2016?
Sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota has nowhere to go but up this season. While he played well in 2015 his defense proved to be the team's undoing. Looking to improve on the offense, the team cut and traded many of its veteran receivers and running backs and will rely on receivers Tajae Sharpe and Kendall Wright and running backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. This team should get off to a decent start in 2016. Prediction: Titans
Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints
The Raiders are the odds on favorites in the AFC West this season. Derek Carr has two of the best receivers in the division in Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper. Latavius Murray is a workhorse in the backfield and their offensive line has made improvements through offseason acquisitions. Khalil Mack is one of the top linebackers in the league. This team will be a force to reckon with in 2016.
Saints had a horrible 2015 campaign and hope to improve in 2016. Drew Brees has been in need of some help in the short passing game. To that end the team released veteran wide receiver Marques Colston in favor of second year receiver Brandon Coleman. He will be a compliment to Brandin Cooks who had more than 1100 receiving yards last season. Though Mark Ingram's production was down last season he should be able to rush for close to 1000 yards in 2016 behind a better offensive line. Prediction: Raiders
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets
Bengals are looking to stay competitive and hopefully win the AFC North in 2016. While the team lost receivers Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in the offseason they did add Brandon LaFell in hopes to improve their underneath routes. Jeremy Hill will need to keep his hands on the ball this season as will his backup Giovani Bernard. This team still has one of the most stout defenses if they can keep the penalties to a minimum.
Jets were finally able to get a deal done with Ryan Fitzpatrick signed in the offseason. This made receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker very happy as Fitzmagic was able to put together a 10-6 record for the team last season. The team added Matt Forte to their backfield which should help their ground game and open up their passing offense. Todd Bowles has made this a very competitive defense. Prediction: Bengals
Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles
If ever a matchup had more questions than answers in Week 1, this is the one. Hue Jackson and the Browns are depending on Robert Griffin III to turn this team's offense around. Unfortunately he will be without one of his biggest offensive weapons Josh Gordon at the start of the season. This leaves it in the hands of Terrelle Pryor who showed vast improvement in preseason and rookie Corey Coleman. Duke Johnson will lead the charge out the backfield improving upon his 2015 season.
Eagles have decided to start rookie QB Carson Wentz. Josh Huff and Nelson Agholor with Jordan Matthews at slot will try to help turn this team around in 2016. Ryan Matthews will be their star back this season. Fletcher Cox and the defense will have their work cut out for them. Prediction: Browns
Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Packers will begin the season with both Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb back at full strength this should help both Aaron Rogers and the passing game as well as Eddie Lacy in the rush game. Lacy had a down year last season, but with a newly shredded physique he has looked good in preseason and should be able to regain his 2014 form in 2016. With Clay Matthews moving from inside to outside linebacker the team's rushing attack should be vastly improved.
Jaguars are the most highly anticipated team of 2016. Blake Bortles passed for over 30 touchdowns last season making him one of the most prolific passers in the league. This season the Allen brothers (Hurns and Robinson) will have Chris Ivory in the backfield to compliment T.J. Yeldon. The team has made vast improvements on offense, but it is the defense that has made the most changes. With the acquisition of tackle Malik Jackson and drafting of Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack are key figures to help make this one of the most improved teams of the season. Prediction: Packers
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens
Tyrod Taylor will have to show the Bills why he is their long term choice at QB this season. He will have help with a healhty Sam Watkins who is back from offseason foot surgery and Marquise Goodwin. LeSean McCoy will have a heavy workload this season and likely will surpass 1000 yards in 2016 a feat he was unable to do in 2015. This team's biggest weakness will be on defense where injuries and suspension decimating the team in a big way.
Joe Flacco returns to form after an injury shortened 2015. He will also have a healthy Steve Smith Sr. back along with Kamar Aiken and Mike Wallace. Justin Forsett will also make a return this season with Terrance West playing more of a role in the run game. The loss of tight end Ben Watson will play only a small role in the team's capabilities down the field. Terrell Suggs and C.J. Mosley head up a line that made few upgrades but will need to improve drastically to stay competitive in the AFC North. Prediction: Ravens
Chicago Bears at Houston Texans
Jay Cutler will finally get to see the ability of wide receiver Kevin White. The sophomore receiver spent his rookie campaign sidelined. He will join the likes of Alshon Jeffery who had an injury plagued 2015. Jeremy Langford takes over the starting running back job with the loss of Matt Forte in the offseason. The addition of Danny Trevathan next to Jerrell Freeman on the defensive line should help shore up some of the problems the Bears dealt with last season.
Texans improved their offense through free agency starting with the addition of quarterback Brock Osweiler. He has shown in the preaseason he is worth the team's $72 million investment. He has one of the best receivers in the league in DeAndre Hopkins and the team drafted Will Fuller and Braxton Miller to help on the other side. Lamar Miller will help Alfred Blue improve the running game. J.J. Watt will have a healthy Jadeveon Clowney to help him and Vince Wilfork and Brian Cushing this season. Prediction: Texans
Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks
Adam Gase has added a new sense of swagger to the Dolphins. The team hopes it will translate to success on the field. Ryan Tannehill will have rookie guard Laremy Tunsil in front of him to help keep him upright this season and receivers DeVante Parker, Kenny Sills and Jarvis Landry to help him improve upon his 4200 yards and 24 touchdowns from 2015. The team recently named Arian Foster their starting running back. The injury prone Foster hopes he can make a full comeback from a torn Achilles suffered last season or risk losing the job to Jay Ajayi. Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake lead a defense that hopes to finally beat the Patriots in 2016.
The Seahawks hope to have tight end Jimmy Graham available in the opening game, but he is a day-to-day decision. So Russell Wilson will have to rely on receivers Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse if Graham is unavailable. With Marshawn Lynch retiring in the offseason the team will be relying on Christine Michael and Thomas Rawls in 2016. Bobby Wagner and the defense will need to find a way to beat the Cardinals to win the division this season. Prediction: Seahawks
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Victor Cruz is back healthy and will come back as the slot receiver. Rookie receiver Sterling Shepard will play opposite of Odell Beckham to help Eli Manning improve the team's 6-10 record from 2015. Running back Rashad Jennings will lead the run game in hopes of surpassing 1000 yards for the first time in his young career. Giants will have Jason Pierre-Paul at full strength and added Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins to shore up a terrible defense from last season.
Cowboys lost quarterback Tony Romo for six to ten weeks to a back injury. Instead rookie quarterback Dak Prescott will get the start. The young sensation has been a star through preseason. Fortunately he'll have Dez Bryant healthy and Terrance Williams to help him downfield and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott to help in the backfield. The defense has looked solid through preseason. Prediction: Giants
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
Calvin Johnson's retirement in the offseason left a massive hole on the Lions offense. To make up for the loss the team picked up Marvin Jones and Anquan Boldin through free agency on the other side of Golden Tate in hopes to keep Matthew Stafford passing for more than 4200 yards again this season. They will have their work cut out for them, but Ameer Abdullah should be able to get to 1000 yards this season.
Andrew Luck is back healthy this season and should be able to return the team to their winning ways. He'll have Donte Moncrief and T.Y. Hilton at receiver and Frank Gore at running back. Expect a big turnaround for a fully healthy defense in 2016. Prediction: Colts
New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals
Patriots will start the season without quarterback Tom Brady for the first four games. This leaves the offense in the hands of Jimmy Garoppolo. No worries as he will have the best tight end in the league in Rob Gronkowski along with receivers Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman and running back LeGarrette Blount. Chris Long comes over to the Patriots at defensive end to join a strong defense trying to make it back to the Super Bowl.
Cardinals finished just short of the Super Bowl and hopes to get over the hump this season. Carson Palmer will have receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd and sophomore sensation David Johnson at running back. The addition of Chandler Jones will make this dominant defense even more of a menace in 2016. Prediction: Cardinals
Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins
While Ben Roethlisberger is healthy and available at the season opener, running back Le'Veon Bell will be out four games and wide receiver Martavis Bryant will be out for the season both due to suspensions. Instead running back DeAngelo Williams and wide receiver Markus Wheaton. Ryan Shazier and Jarvis Jones lead a hard hitting defense that will likely win the AFC North in 2016.
Kirk Cousins signed a free agency contract in 2016. He will need to show he's worth a long-term investment in 2016. To help him out he'll have DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon to help him. With the departure of Alfred Morris, Matt Jones has won the starting running back job. He has shown it was a wise decision in the preseason. Ryan Kerrigan will lead a defense trying to win the NFC East again this season. Prediction: Steelers
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