Sunday 9/18/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bengals (1-0) at Steelers (1-0)

Date: September 18, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

This contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals is an early AFC North matchup that pits the division favorites against one another.

While the game takes place in Week 2 of a young NFL season, this game is bound to play a factor in the playoff picture. Both teams enter Heinz Field at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday with a 1-0 record, though one team escaped with a win in Week 1 while the other looked dominant.

The Bengals come into this game off a one-point victory over the New York Jets last week. The victory was not the cleanest win in head coach Marvin Lewis' career but his squad showed toughness, resiliency and urgency.

Quarterback Andy Dalton, who hasn't won a playoff game in his career, played this highly contested event like he was in the postseason. Dalton threw for 366 yards and a touchdown, but where he showed his moxie was withstanding a ferocious Jets' pass rush.

Dalton was sacked seven times and was hit on numerous other dropbacks. This is clearly an area the Bengals need to shore up heading into Pittsburgh.

The Steelers are also the opponent that knocked Dalton out for the season last year with a broken thumb. The Bengals' playoff hopes rest in keeping their quarterback upright and in one piece this season.

The one bright spot Cincinnati can take out of watching the Steelers' tape versus the Washington Redskins is the lack of pass rush by Pittsburgh. The Steelers, in a 22-point win over the Redskins, had plenty of offense but the defense did not sack Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins at all.

"I thought we stopped the run early, but our pass rush has to be better, especially since we're entering AFC North play," Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward said. "If I'm going to be out there I have to play a lot better, simple as that. The pass rush (stunk). I have to get to the quarterback."

The key matchup in the game for the Bengals' offense and the Steelers' defense will be the pass blocking versus the pass rush.

The Bengals' offensive line, led by Pro Bowl left tackle Andrew Whitworth, will need to take advantage of the aforementioned lack of the Steelers' pass rush after a long day at the office versus the Jets. The banged-up defensive line and outside linebackers of Pittsburgh can't afford to allow Dalton all day in the pocket to find the likes of wide receiver A.J. Green. The team that wins this matchup will hold a major key in the outcome of the game.

Cincinnati's offensive line not only struggled to protect Dalton but did not open up many lanes for running back Jeremy Hill. The Bengals' rushing attack was held to 57 yards last Sunday, although Hill did score on the ground. The Steelers, led by nose tackle Javon Hargrave and defensive end Stephon Tuitt, held the Redskins to similar rushing numbers (55 yards).

If Cincinnati's offensive line can win the battle in the pass blocking department, Dalton has shown the ability to pick apart defensive backfields. This does not bode well for a Steelers' pass defense that ranked 30th in the NFL in 2015.

While the Steelers did have two interceptions against the Redskins, both were by linebackers, and gave up large chunks of yardage to the wide receivers. If cornerbacks William Gay, Ross Cockrell and Sean Davis don't shore up their coverage responsibilities this week, all they may see is the back of the jerseys of wide receivers Green and Brandon LaFell.

LaFell, a free-agent pickup this offseason from the New England Patriots, has become a nice complement opposite Green.

"That's the thing we saw from Brandon, is he's got great body control. He's a very accomplished NFL receiver and you saw him catching the ball going across the field, you saw him catching the ball on the sideline today, and he caught a couple deep balls. It was big," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said.

The Steelers' offense looked like they have been playing for years together. While this might be the case with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Antonio Brown, the rest of the unit was missing four starters and had backups and spot players step in throughout the lineup. Starting running back Le'Veon Bell, fullback Roosevelt Nix, tight end Ladarius Green and receiver Markus Wheaton all missed the Redskins game.

Running back DeAngelo Williams, wide receivers Eli Rogers and Sammie Coates and tight end Jesse James all filled in admirably. These four weapons combined with Roethlisberger and Brown helped the Steelers gain 447 total yards and score 38 points. How these four answer the bell heading into tough AFC North play will dictate the outcome versus the Bengals this week.

The Steelers offensive line doesn't get a lot of accolades, but they opened seams for Williams to run through all game versus the Redskins.

Center Maurkice Pouncey, and guards David DeCastro and Ramon Foster, will need to continue to open holes in the middle of the field against the Bengals. Domata Peko and Geno Atkins are one of the best defensive tackle duos in the NFL. This makes this a matchup to watch. While both teams have shown the ability to pass the football with success, winning in the trenches in the run game could swing the outcome.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Titans (0-1) at Lions (1-0)

Date: September 18, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

Two weeks into the NFL season and another week of an AFC South versus NFC North matchup for both teams. The major difference is the AFC South team, Tennessee, is coming off a loss versus the Minnesota Vikings in a game they expected to win. Detroit, representing the NFC, beat a solid Indianapolis Colts team in a wild shootout. This game also matches the wits of two former New England personnel men. This offseason, the Titans hired Jon Robinson as general manager and the Lions brought in Bob Quinn to run their front office. Both men worked under Bill Belichick as Patriots and are now trying to put their own stamps, with a little "Patriots" way, on each team.

One interesting nugget about this game is the head coaches. Many pundits in the football community expected both Jim Caldwell of the Lions and Mike Mularkey of the Titans to be fired once the new general managers were put in place. Neither was fired and both men, who also happen to be second-time NFL head coaches, were given a chance to prove their worth to their new bosses.

Both staffs have good quarterback play, but Detroit has gunslinger Matthew Stafford at the helm and he was up to his old tricks versus the Colts. With the retirement of wide receiver Calvin Johnson, Stafford looked more in control and took a very poignant leadership role. Stafford was 31-for-38 passing for 340 yards and three touchdowns.

"When he's in command and running things, he puts a lot of pressure on the defense. He doesn't give them much time. And he's been very, very accurate. When things are a bit spread out, he spreads it around," said Caldwell of his offensive leader Stafford.

In past years, the Lions have always had a powerful passing attack. So an obvious key to the game for the opposing defense was to stop the run. That may not be so easy anymore. Running backs Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah combined for 107 yards rushing on 19 carries. Combine those statistics with the yardage the combo picked up via the air game (63 yards and 57 yards, respectively) and together they each had 100-plus total yardage days.

The Titans have a solid run defense led by defensive tackle Jurrell Casey and linebacker Wesley Woodyard. This unit held Vikings All-Pro rusher Adrian Peterson to 31 yards on 19 carries. While defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau will not have to build his game plan around taking out one of the best in the business this week, the Titans defense cannot take the Lions' two-headed rushing attack lightly.

This same Titans defense did flash points of brilliance last week. They pitched a shutout in the first half. The blame falls at the feet of their own offense which gave up two turnovers for touchdowns. The focus this week must flip flop from facing the Vikings. Last week was all about stopping the run. Versus Stafford and wide receivers Golden Tate and Marvin Jones, the emphasis must be on the passing attack.

The Titans pass defense will need to step up their game this week against Stafford. Tennessee produced zero sacks and zero turnovers against a pedestrian quarterback Shaun Hill. If the Lions offensive line, led by center Travis Swanson and tackle Riley Reiff, keeps the Titans defenders off Stafford like Minnesota's offensive line did, Stafford will throw for 400-plus yards.

Tennessee head coach Mularkey knows he has a special player in Marcus Mariota at quarterback. Mularkey also believes his team has a chance to be good. But two costly turnovers versus the Vikings in the second half cost his squad the game.

"There's a chance, and we still thought we had a chance. So we've got to do it obviously to confirm that we can do it, but I believe these guys feel they can win at any time, especially with Marcus as their quarterback," said the former Buffalo Bill head coach.

Robinson, the Titans general manager, traded for running back DeMarco Murray this offseason to give Mariota some balance on offense. Robinson then drafted Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry out of Alabama to team up with Murray. Unfortunately for Robinson, Mariota and Mularkey, those moves did not pay off versus the Vikings. The Titans run game was limited to 65 yards and a fumble by Murray turned into a touchdown return.

Against the Lions, the running game may not be as effective either so Tennessee needs to rely on Mariota through the air. This can happen if left tackle Taylor Lewan, who is traveling back to the state he played college football in, can handle Lions pass-rush expert, Ziggy Ansah. By using either Murray or Henry to chip and help Lewan, this should give Mariota time to get his offensive playmakers into the mix. Tight end Delanie Walker was barely a factor in the Minnesota game as he was held to three grabs for 42 yards. He needs to be a focal point when matched up versus safeties Da'Norris Searcy and Rashad Johnson.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Chiefs (1-0) at Texans (1-0)

Date: September 18, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

HOUSTON -- Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid avoided the trap of the easy narrative.

His team defeated Houston twice last season, ending the Texans' season with a thorough 30-0 victory in the wild-card round of the postseason that initiated a complete reconstruction of offensive personnel for the 2015 AFC South champions.

And now, with the teams meeting for a third time in 19 months, the kneejerk response would be to acknowledge that the Chiefs' defensive personnel should feel a level of comfort preparing for Sunday's game at NRG Stadium. Instead, Reid noted what was different and how those changes might influence an alternate outcome.

"Yeah, they are a different team," Reid said. "Offensively, they've got new people there. They looked sharp on Sunday.

"I mean, that's a good football team. We understand that. We understand we have to have a good week of practice here."

With so many new faces on offense for the Texans (1-0), from quarterback Brock Osweiler to running back Lamar Miller to rookie receivers Will Fuller and Braxton Miller serving as complements to standout DeAndre Hopkins, it might be wise to disregard what unfolded Jan. 9 when the Chiefs limited the Texans to 226 yards while forcing five turnovers -- all charged to then-Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer.

Three of the four skill newcomers enjoyed solid debuts for the Texans in their 23-14 home win over the Bears. Osweiler passed for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Lamar Miller amassed 117 yards from scrimmage on 32 touches. Fuller had five receptions for 107 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown that put the Texans ahead to stay.

The Texans addressed most of the issues that plagued their offense last season, concerns that led to that thud in the playoffs. It was just one game, but on the surface those moves appear to have paid dividends that were both immediate and will also be lasting.

"I mean, it's a new season," Texans offensive coordinator George Godsey said. "They've got new players. They've got players that are injured; we've got players that are injured. We've got new players. It's a player's game and there is new personnel out there. That's the way we look at it."

One of those injured players for the Chiefs (1-0) is running back Jamaal Charles, who practiced Wednesday after sitting out last week in the overtime home win over the San Diego Chargers. Charles is recovering from his second ACL injury, but even without him the Chiefs have maintained their offensive balance running the football.

Spencer Ware rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries against San Diego. Because the Chiefs were forced to attack the field vertically after falling into a 21-point halftime deficit, the Chiefs' ground game didn't play a significant role. But Ware and Charcandrick West rushed for a combined 1,037 yards and 10 touchdowns last season after Charles was sidelined. Their credentials are legitimate, and with Miller enjoying a breakout of his own in Week 1, the Texans understand how critical running the football is to both offenses.

"Absolutely," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "Just look at the Kansas City Chiefs and what they did with their running backs last week, I mean, Ware had a big game. West had a big game. They ran the ball. They caught the ball well. I know Jamal Charles wasn't in there, but that guy is a really good player too.

"Obviously with Lamar Miller and Jonathan Grimes on special teams, Tyler Ervin on special teams, Alfred Blue and what he's done for us in the past. I believe that running backs are very important to your roster."

While the Texans fretting over the Chiefs' defensive prowess is understandable, the Texans will field a stifling defense of their own led by defensive end J.J. Watt and linebacker Whitney Mercilus, who was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after producing four tackles and two sacks helping Houston smother the Bears.

Watt missed the preseason after July back surgery and was slow to find his rhythm against Chicago. He did in the second half when the Texans turned up the pressure on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who absorbed five sacks and was hit an additional 13 times. A healthy Watt and his capable teammates are the obvious concern for Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith.

"Turn on the tape and turn on the defense, the front jumps out right away," Smith said. "Obviously, I think every guy up there is really, really talented and can bring it."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cowboys (0-1) at Redskins (0-1)

Date: September 18, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

It is far too early for must win games, but neither the Washington Redskins nor the Dallas Cowboys wants to contemplate life after an 0-2 start.

That's the fate one of these teams will face after Sunday's matchup at FedEx Field. The Redskins are coming off a humbling 38-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at home on Monday Night Football. The Cowboys lost a tight 20-19 game at home to the New York Giants.

"We were 6-2 at home (in 2015). It's important because winning on the road isn't easy," Washington coach Jay Gruden said. "Obviously, winning at home isn't easy either, but it's an important game for a lot of reasons. It's a division game, it's the Cowboys and it's a home game -- that's a trifecta right there for you."

The Redskins have a loaded schedule in November and December that includes 2015 playoff teams Minnesota, Green Bay, Arizona and Carolina. They can't afford a slow start. They definitely can't afford to be 0-1 in the division and 0-2 at home. Unlike last year, the schedule just doesn't line up for them down the stretch.

Dallas is still trying to recover from the shock of losing quarterback Tony Romo (back) in the preseason. Rookie Dak Prescott played well in his NFL debut on Sunday and the Cowboys can take heart in having a chance to win late. But an 0-2 start for them would conjure memories of a miserable 2015 when they finished in last place in the NFC East and Romo missed most of the season.

"You come back in on Tuesday and you clean it up. You address what the issues are and try to get better at them," Dallas coach Jason Garrett said. "Certainly you try to build on the good things that you're doing. It was a hard-fought game the other day against the Giants. Ultimately we didn't do what we needed to do to win the game."

Easier said than done. The Cowboys expected their running game to be a strength with the addition of free agent Alfred Morris from the Redskins and drafting Ezekiel Elliott No. 4 overall from Ohio State.

And maybe it will be. But in the opener against New York, those two combined for just 86 rushing yards on 27 carries. That has to improve against a porous Washington front seven that came into the season with questions about its ability to stop the run.

Penalties killed Washington against Pittsburgh with false starts against offensive linemen Trent Williams and Kory Lichtensteiger. Quarterback Kirk Cousins couldn't make up the difference. He appeared hesitant at times as the Steelers dropped eight players into coverage and generated limited pass rush. Cousins missed too many throws early and the Redskins -- so good in the red zone last season -- saw early drives stall in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, Dallas is not asking Prescott to do too much. Morris saw a rookie rise to prominence alongside him in Washington in 2012 when Robert Griffin III produced one of the great seasons in NFL history. Prescott doesn't have to do that much. If he can keep the Cowboys competitive and not cost them games early that will be enough.

"Just losing a guy like that for however long this takes is definitely a blow, but having a young guy like Dak (Prescott), man, this kid is very, very impressive," Morris said. "He's very composed in the pocket. You just watch him, he stands in there and delivers strikes, even with hands and pressure coming at him...He's very, very confident."

It doesn't hurt that he's throwing to Dez Bryant, who was quiet with just one catch for eight yards against the Giants. It will be interesting to see if the Redskins change philosophies after the Pittsburgh Steelers' Antonio Brown, another elite receiver, caught eight passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns on Monday. He did almost all of that damage against No. 2 cornerback Bashaud Breeland and not top corner Josh Norman, who signed with Washington in April.

The Redskins chose not to have Norman follow Brown around the field. Pittsburgh took advantage of Breeland, who has played well in head-to-head matchups with Bryant in the past. But can Washington go back to that well again and let Norman watch as another receiver has a big game?

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dolphins (0-1) at Patriots (1-0)

Date: September 18, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The four-game Jimmy Garoppolo Era moves to the home stage when the New England Patriots host the Miami Dolphins in an AFC game on Sunday.

Garoppolo, who made his first NFL start in the first game of Tom Brady's Deflategate absence last Sunday night at Arizona, opened eyes all around the league play in leading the Patriots to their narrow opening win over the Cardinals.

Including Brady.

"It was a great night for him and for our whole offense," Brady told Westwood One Radio on his weekly Monday Night Football interview. "I think one thing you realize as the quarterback is everyone being in sync and on the same page and the communication with your teammates is so critical.

"For us to go in there and get a win like that, it was great for, obviously, our offensive football team. The defense played great, special teams. It's such a team sport. Jimmy did everything he was asked to. It was a great way to start the season for our team."

Garoppolo, who threw for 264 yards and a touchdown and had a 106.1 quarterback rating, has three home games left before Brady returns for the Oct. 9 game at Cleveland.

Garoppolo became only the fifth QB since the merger to debut with a triple-digit rating and lead his team to a winning drive in either the fourth quarter or overtime.

"The thing that makes it tough playing this team is (offensive coordinator) Josh (McDaniels)," said rookie Dolphins coach Adam Gase. "He'll do a great job. He'll figure out a way that's best for them this week.

"He's not going to do something that either the quarterback or somebody else can't do. That's what makes them so tough to go against, no matter who is playing on Sunday. They're going to adjust to their personnel and figure out what's best for that team and for that opponent they're playing."

The Dolphins, like the other two division teams besides the Patriots, lost their opener, falling to the Seattle Seahawks 12-10 in the first game under Gase.

They have lost seven straight games at New England, with some terrible numbers -- like allowing 32 points per game.

Starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, according to the Miami Herald, has thrown four touchdown passes, been sacked 22 times and been guilty of seven interceptions in his four losses in Foxborough.

Now, Tannehill's playing in a new system. And he did defeat the Patriots in Florida last year, with New England coach Bill Belichick on Wednesday referring to that game as the time "he killed us" and calling the 20-10 loss "sickening."

"You definitely can see Tannehill in the games that he's played in the preseason and then (Sunday), he does have the ability to change plays, audible, move them around, check plays based on the looks and try to get them in the best play possible," Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said Tuesday. "He certainly has a good element of control over the offense and he's just going to try to, through the system, get them in the best position possible to stress the defense."

The Dolphins produced only 11 first downs and 10 points and Tannehill was sacked five times in the loss to the Seahawks. They did march 86 yards for a late go-ahead score before Russell Wilson brought Seattle back.

While the world knows Brady won't be there Sunday, the status of several other Patriots, including tight end Rob Gronkowski -- who missed the opener with a hamstring injury -- was very much up in the air as game week progressed. New England was working with a rebuilt, on-the-fly offensive line (two rookies) Sunday but was able to keep Garoppolo mostly upright.

The Patriots were also missing the suspended Rob Ninkovich (four games) from the defense, with linebacker Dont'a Hightower missing practice Wednesday with a knee injury.

The Dolphins suffered a loss on their defense Sunday as tackle Earl Mitchell left with a concussion and a calf injury. The calf has him on injured reserve and set to miss at least eight weeks. Miami signed veteran linebacker Donald Butler this week, adding depth to the defense.

Defensive end Mario Williams (concussion) and wide receiver DeVante Parker (hamstring) are hoping to play. And the Dophins will add running back Jay Ajayi back into the offense. Told he wasn't starting and would back up Arian Foster last week, Ajayi was left home by Gase, who says Ajayi will be back this week.

The Patriots enter this game 71-21 against their division since 2001.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: 49ers (1-0) at Panthers (0-1)

Date: September 18, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers would like to be talking about what Cam Newton can do on the field after a long week of conversations relating to other issues.

The discussion about the San Francisco 49ers might finally veer more toward their starting quarterback after a backup received a bulk of preseason attention.

The teams square off Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium in the second week of the season coming off extremely different results.

Newton, the reigning Most Valuable Player in the league, has been cleared to play this week after a series of rough hits absorbed in the opener at Denver, where Carolina lost 21-20 in a Super Bowl rematch.

Several of those hits drew considerable scrutiny because of the perceived nastiness and claims from that Panthers that Newton isn't protected through officiating as well as other quarterbacks.

"Some of them obviously you'd like to see them throw a flag," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "Again, that's up the referee. ... People react to big hits differently."

In the opener, Newton ran for a 2-yard touchdown to set the NFL career record for rushing touchdowns for quarterbacks with 44, eclipsing the mark held by former 49ers standout Steve Young.

His ability and willingness to run often puts him in harm's way.

"He's an imposing figure and sometimes those hits don't look so bad on a big guy," Rivera said. "Because he's a big guy, I think sometimes they think he can take it."

The 49ers received a solid outing from quarterback Blaine Gabbert in his first opening-day start with the team in the 28-0 romp past against the Los Angeles Rams.

49ers backup Colin Kaepernick's protests regarding social justice that has him declining to stand for the national anthem had become an overriding theme about the 49ers.

Then Gabbert finished 22 of 35 for 170 yards and a touchdown without a sack or an interception and the defense delivered the first shutout in an opener in the franchise's history.

The 49ers preferred to discuss those topics.

"First game in our system, there were some real things we can build on," 49ers coach Chip Kelly said of Gabbert and the offense. "I see him getting better. He kept plays alive. He kept drives alive with his feet. We're pleased with where he is right now."

Kelly, in his first season with San Francisco, figures there could be some growing pains ahead, but he likes the direction.

"Offensively, there was a little inconsistency in some of the drives," Kelly said. "But I think overall when you have 28 first downs ... there were some positives. I've seen them grow and develop since we got them in April."

With Panthers linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, Kelly said the 49ers will encounter a stern test.

"That might be the best tandem that we face," he said. "You're not going to fool those guys very much."

Week 2 will mark the home opener for the Panthers, who went undefeated at home in 10 games, including two in the postseason, last season. Carolina's home-field winning streak sits at 13 games.

A year ago, the Panthers went to the last week of December before losing, so coming off a loss in the opener might seem strange.

"We didn't do everything we needed to do to give ourselves a chance to win," Rivera said. "I know our guys have all taken it very personal."

Kelly would like to ride the wave of good vibes stemming from his first game in charge.

"There was a real good energy on our sideline," Kelly said.

Sunday's game will put new Panthers punter Andy Lee up against a team he played with for more than a decade (2004-14).

When the Panthers came on board as an expansion team, they were in the NFC West with the 49ers and they became rivals. But since the end of 2001, the teams have met only four times. The most recent of those resulted in San Francisco's playoff victory in 2013 in Charlotte.

This weekend's game marks teams coming of extremes in terms of rest.

The Panthers played in the NFL's first game of the season on Sept. 8, and the 49ers played in Monday night's late game (the final game of Week 1) and must make the cross-country trip for Sunday's early afternoon kickoff.

"We got a jump-start on breaking down the film (during the weekend)," Kelly said. "When you have a Monday night game, you know you're going to be short. You know your schedule in April, so we've got everything laid out. We're really efficient with our time."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Ravens (1-0) at Browns (0-1)

Date: September 18, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh had seen Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown make some spectacular plays against his team.

He will get another look at his old foe in Week 2 with McCown starting in place of Robert Griffin III, who suffered a potentially season-ending shoulder injury in the season opener against Philadelphia.

"He's been on fire against us," Harbaugh said about McCown. "He has thrown balls up in the air. A guy catches it with his feet for a touchdown last year. I remember this guy just having no conscience and just throwing the ball in there and completing passes against us. We have a lot of respect for him. We know what kind of a player he is. We know how good he is, and he's super good against us. We know we have our hands full. It will be all hands on deck to get ready for the offense led by Josh McCown."

The Browns are starting multiple quarterbacks for an NFL record 15th straight season, according to Elias Sports Bureau. The 37-year-old McCown has managed to win two of his three starts against Baltimore, sometimes in the most uncanny way.

On one particular sequence last season, McCown threw an 18-yard pass that tight end Gary Barnidge caught between his legs while falling to the turf. McCown would eventually throw for a franchise record 457 yards in Cleveland's 33-30 overtime victory in Baltimore.

The Ravens, however, ended McCown's season almost two months later when the veteran quarterback suffered a broken collarbone. Baltimore got a measure of revenge with a 33-27 win.

McCown acknowledged he will be facing a much different Baltimore team, especially with All-Pro linebacker Terrell Suggs back in the lineup after missing most of last season with a torn Achilles tendon.

"They obviously had a good game this weekend against Buffalo," McCown said prior to Wednesday's practice. "They are flying around and they are doing a good job with their defense. They have good players and good leadership over there. It will be on us to take this gameplan and master it in these next three or four days and then go out and execute it against them."

Despite McCown's success, the Ravens have won seven of its past eight games in Cleveland. Baltimore is looking to build on a hard-fought 13-7 victory over the Bills in the opener. The Ravens defense allowed just 160 total yards and completely Buffalo's running attack, which was the best in the NFL last season.

Quarterback Joe Flacco does not appear to be hampered by the season-ending knee injury he suffered in 2015, which does not bode well for Cleveland. Flacco is 13-2 all-time against the Browns and has thrown 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions.

Baltimore might have suffered a setback with wide receiver Breshad Perriman, who missed practice Wednesday with a calf issue, according to the injury report released by the team. Earlier in the day, Baltimore coach John Harbaugh declined to elaborate on the injury.

Perriman missed all of last season with a right knee injury. He then partially tore the ACL in his left knee in the final OTAs, but was able to return in late August.

Perriman played 21 snaps in the regular season opener against the Bills and managed an impressive 35-yard reception where he leaped over Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore. If Perriman is not active, rookie Chris Moore could take his place.

The Browns will look for rookie defensive end Carl Nassib to keep the pressure on Flacco. In his regular season debut against Philadelphia, Nassib was effective and finished with three tackles, including a sack.

The Ravens will counter with a pair of rookies of their own. First-round pick Ronnie Stanley is entrenched at left tackle, while Alex Lewis, a fourth-round selection, won the job at left guard. Last week, Baltimore became the first team since the 1995 Carolina Panthers to start a pair of rookies on the left side of the offensive line in a regular-season opener.

The Ravens enter Week 2 fully healthy, which is already an encouraging sign. Baltimore had placed 20 players on IR last season, which played a large part in a disappointing 5-11 finish.

Tight end Dennis Pitta is one those players that has battled injuries. He is returning to Cleveland for the first time since he suffered a second dislocated hip on Sept. 21, 2014, at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Pitta looked solid in Baltimore's opener and has not shown any lingering effects from the hip injury. He does not have any reservations about returning to Cleveland.

"The last time I was on that field, it wasn't the best memory," Pitta said. "I don't anticipate really even thinking about it. I'm just excited for another opportunity to be on the field and get a little bit better."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Seahawks (1-0) at Rams (0-1)

Date: September 18, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

If there is any solace the Los Angeles Rams can use heading into their Week 2 matchup against a familiar NFC West rival, it is the fact that they beat the Seattle Seahawks twice in 2015.

That will need to be Los Angeles head coach Jeff Fisher's rallying cry all week after his squad laid an egg on national television this past Monday night. The "new" Rams hope to have a better showing as they kick off their return to Los Angeles and host the 1-0 Seahawks at 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Seahawks enter this contest having barely escaped with a victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Both teams know there is a lot at stake in this early-season matchup. The Rams have already lost a division game to the San Francisco 49ers and cannot afford to be 0-2 in the NFC West to start the season. The Seahawks struggled to a 12-10 win in Week 1 and know the Rams have their number in recent history.

"We're familiar with them, they're familiar with us; we respect them, they respect us. I love watching them play -- the Seahawks -- because they play hard, (Seattle head coach) Pete (Carroll) does a great job and fortunately, we've had some success against them," said Fisher about this rivalry.

The health of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is a major topic leading up to this game. Wilson's ankle was stepped on in the third quarter of the Miami game, limiting his ability to move and escape the pocket. The unique aspect of Wilson's game is the ability to extend drives and plays with his feet and speed. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell must be creative and protective of Wilson when installing the game plan for the Rams.

Wilson is expected to play. Remember, this is a player who has never missed an important snap in his career. Carroll addressed this to the media.

"He's (Wilson) pretty good. He's not in a boot. He's walking around and he's practicing on Wednesday. He's planning on playing and we'll see how it goes," Carroll said.

Wilson is adamant about playing against a team he lost to twice last season.

With even a slightly hobbled Wilson, the onus falls on running backs Christine Michael and Thomas Rawls to establish a running attack. Against a solid Miami defensive front, the offensive line struggled to gain momentum and consistency. Michael and Rawls rushed for a combined 98 yards but failed to cross the goal line. That will not work against the formidable defensive front of the Rams.

Los Angeles defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will build his game plan around stopping the Seahawks' rushing attack and forcing the gimpy Wilson out of the pocket. Williams can use middle linebacker Alec Olgetree on run stunts, which will allow Pro Bowl defensive tackle Aaron Donald to be single-blocked by either guard J'Marcus Webb or Mark Glowinski. That is a matchup the Rams should win.

Donald is one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. The front five of the Seahawks has struggled to block him in his four games played against them. In those four career games against Seattle, Donald has amassed four sacks and 24 total tackles. That being said, Donald and the Rams' defense had zero sacks versus the 49ers.

Center Justin Britt was moved to center and a major reason was for matchups opposite Donald. Britt is intelligent, has quick hands and good lateral quickness. The 49ers were able to frustrate Donald, who did not play particularly well and was ejected for putting his hands on an official. The Rams as a team had 10 total penalties for 102 yards. If Donald can keep his composure and play like last season, this could be an exciting matchup to watch.

Los Angeles' offense was a train wreck on Monday Night Football. Former Rams great Eric Dickerson called it "an embarrassment." The play of quarterback Case Keenum had Fisher thinking about benching him, but the head coach allowed him to finish the game.

Fisher has acknowledged that Keenum is on a short leash, though, he enters the Sunday's game as the starter. No matter who lines up at center for the Rams, the offensive line needs to play much better than the unit did against the 49ers.

Running back Todd Gurley was held in check in Week 1 and will be looking to better his numbers from his only game against the Seahawks in 2015. Gurley rushed for 83 yards and scored one touchdown in the December showdown in Seattle.

With the lack of a passing attack, the Seahawks' defensive game plan will be to stack the tackle box with run defenders and make Keenum beat Seattle's defensive backs with passes downfield. Safety Earl Thomas and cornerback Richard Sherman would welcome that challenge.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Saints (0-1) at Giants (1-0)

Date: September 18, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

Fourth-quarter performances are a big reason why the New York Giants are 1-0 and the New Orleans Saints are 0-1 going into their matchup Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The Giants came from behind to beat the Cowboys 20-19 on Eli Manning's 3-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz with six minutes left in last week's game in Arlington, Texas. The Saints squandered an 11-point lead as Oakland gained 210 yards and scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to prevail 35-34 last week in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Being on opposite ends of fourth-quarter comebacks left the two teams in different mindsets coming out of the first weekend of the season.

"Not at one time did I feel at any point in the game that we doubted that we were going to win the game," said Giants linebacker Jonathan Casillas, who was a member of the New Orleans team that won the Super Bowl at the end of the 2009 season. "Even though we were down late in the game, and headed into the fourth quarter, I didn't feel at any time that there was any doubt by anybody on the team, offense or defense."

Drew Brees, who had his 14th 400-yard passing game and threw four touchdown passes against the Raiders, said he wouldn't be surprised to see this game decided in the final moments also.

"Fifty or more percent of games in this league come down to the last possession," he said. "You'd say that just based upon that it is a strong possibility, that the last team that has the ball last has a chance to win."

New Orleans couldn't slow down Oakland in part because it didn't cause a turnover and did not sack Derek Carr.

"We have to be better in that area (rushing the passer), and sometimes it's going to come from more than a four-man rush -- or a pressure," coach Sean Payton said. "But I think that it's more difficult on the back end if the quarterback has time and is able to sit in the pocket and get to his third and fourth receivers, and that happened a little bit in the second half (against the Raiders)."

The Saints and the Giants have had an unusual series of high-scoring games against one another in recent seasons. In the last four meetings, the winning team has scored 48, 49, 52 and 52 points, including New Orleans' 52-49 victory last season in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

It's the first time in NFL history that two teams have played four consecutive games in which the winner scored at least 48 points each time.

In last year's meeting, Brees threw for 505 yards and tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes, in outdueling Manning, who passed for 350 yards and a career-high six touchdowns.

"You've got to expect they're going to be able to score because they have that ability," Manning said of the Saints offense. "The bunch of times we've played them it's been high scoring. So we've got a new offense. We've got to do our part, protect the ball, sustain drives, convert on third downs. We've got to do our part and try to make sure we're scoring touchdowns."

Both teams lost a defensive player to injury in the opener. The Giants lost linebacker J.T. Thomas after he suffered torn ligaments in his left knee and they placed him on injured reserve. His roster spot was taken by kicker Josh Brown, who served an NFL suspension in Week 1.

New York also released Brown's replacement, Randy Bullock, and re-signed defensive tackle Montori Hughes, who had been waived on the final preseason cutdown.

"They have gone out and signed some guys and made some improvements, I think both to their front and to their secondary," Brees said of the Giants. "They have some good young talent. I just see them playing really well together.

"Bottom line you can't look at last year's (game) and say that's the type of game it's going to be. I know our defense would take exception to that and I'm certain that theirs would as well. It's going to be a hard-fought game and it's an NFC game and their home opener, so there is a lot to play for."

This game marks the first home game for Ben McAdoo as New York's head coach.

The Saints lost starting cornerback Delvin Breaux when he suffered a broken fibula. He underwent surgery and is expected to miss six weeks. Breaux was replaced in last week's game by rookie Ken Crawley, who was guarding Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree when Crabtree caught a game-winning two-point conversion pass from Carr with 47 seconds left.

New Orleans signed cornerback B.W. Webb to provide depth while Breaux is sidelined.

The Saints also released running back C.J. Spiller, a high-profile free agent the team signed before last season who never had an impact and was inactive for the game against Oakland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Falcons (0-1) at Raiders (1-0)

Date: September 18, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

The expectation is that Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is going to take a big step forward this season.

His beleaguered franchise just might be ready to do the same.

The Raiders haven't started 2-0 since 2002 but have the opportunity to open with back-to-back victories this season when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Oakland rallied for a 35-34 road win over the New Orleans Saints in its opener. Coach Jack Del Rio seized the chance to obtain a victory with a gutsy two-point conversion call and Carr delivered with the winning throw to receiver Michael Crabtree with 47 seconds remaining.

It was the type of dramatic victory that can set the tone for future success. And Carr says he can see the belief blooming as the Raiders take aim at reaching the playoff for the first time since that 2002 squad advanced to the Super Bowl before losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"Everyone on this team is so confident in what we can do," Carr said on Wednesday. "It's not arrogant, it's not that we think we're better than anybody. We respect every team that we play. At the same time, we know the work we've put in. We know how to compete.

"Like Coach (Del Rio) said, we're learning how to win. We love what we've done, but I think it's just the confidence level that everybody has."

Carr passed for 319 yards in the victory that saw the Raiders score 22 fourth-quarter points. The third-year pro passed for 3,987 yards and 32 touchdowns last season and another big season could move him into the upper tier of NFL quarterbacks.

Carr hears the chatter about his growth and said it all comes down to believing in the process.

"I trusted from the beginning," Carr said. "I remember I told you all, we were 0-10, I still thought we could go play in the Super Bowl. That's always been my mindset. I've always worked toward that and I still will work towards that. So whether we're 1-0 or 0-10, my mindset's always going to be the same."

Atlanta is aiming to rebound from a 31-24 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a contest in which it didn't record a sack while Tampa Bay's Jameis Winston threw four touchdown passes.

The Falcons would like to avoid a 0-2 hole but even last season's fast 6-1 start didn't get them into the playoffs. Atlanta finished 8-8 and missed the postseason for the third straight season.

Quarterback Matt Ryan passed for 334 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Tampa Bay. Ryan played his best football in the contest after Atlanta sped up the offense to try to recover from an 18-point deficit but coach Dan Quinn doesn't believe a no-huddle attack fits his squad.

"We don't see it as a featured way where, every play, we are no huddle," Quinn said Wednesday. "We wouldn't be able to play in a style that would best suit our guys. That said, we do like going in and out of that speed. That stresses the defense a lot."

Falcons receiver Julio Jones remains hampered by an ankle injury. He caught four passes for 66 yards and one score against the Buccaneers.

"I've played through things," said Jones, who caught 136 passes for 1,871 yards and eight touchdowns last season. "It's nothing that's going to hold me back from going out there and producing or doing what I do."

Regardless of his health, Del Rio is concerned about figuring how to match up with Jones.

"He's big, he's fast, he's strong," Del Rio said. "He's good with the ball in his hands. He's become a much better route runner. I think when he first came in, he was a little raw in that regard, but man, he's become a really good route runner as well. I think he's a heck of a football player."

Oakland allowed 419 passing yards and 507 overall against the Saints. The Raiders will try to spring defensive end Khalil Mack loose after he didn't reach Drew Brees in the opener. Mack had 15 sacks last season, second-most in the NFL behind Houston's J.J. Watt.

The Falcons won the last meeting 23-20 on Oct. 14, 2012 when Matt Bryant kicked a 55-yard field goal with one second remaining.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Colts (0-1) at Broncos (1-0)

Date: September 18, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

DENVER -- The Indianapolis Colts have given the Denver Broncos fits in recent years.

The Colts (0-1) head into a Sunday game against the Broncos (1-0) having won eight of the past nine meetings, including three of four with Andrew Luck.

The fifth-year quarterback came back impressively from a lacerated kidney that prematurely ended his 2015 season, throwing for four touchdowns and nearly 400 yards in the Colts' season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions.

"The last couple of years they came in here and beat Denver in the playoff game and then beat us last year," Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said. "It's the same team pretty much, so we've got a lot of respect for them. Offensively, they probably have as many weapons that we'll see all year long, and then defensively, they'll give you a lot of trouble protecting the quarterback."

Said Broncos running back C.J. Anderson: "They got our number, to be honest."

The Colts upset the Broncos in the playoffs two years ago and ended the Broncos' 7-0 run to start on Nov. 8 last season, though Denver went on to win the Super Bowl. However, it was also Luck's last game of 2015 after being hit simultaneously by two Denver defenders in the open field, injuring his kidney.

Denver's hard-charging defense was at the center of the team's championship season last year, and from the looks of it, not much has changed early on this season. As the Broncos did in their Super Bowl win over Carolina, the pass rush repeatedly got to Cam Newton in a season-opening win over the Panthers, hitting, hurrying or knocking Newton down over the course of the game.

Their aim is to apply similar pressure Sunday in hopes of slowing Luck, though the aggressive tactics could draw more scrutiny from the officials after linebacker Brandon Marshall and safety Darian Stewart each were hit with league-imposed fines for helmet-to-helmet collisions with Newton.

"We play hard," Kubiak said. "We're going to continue to play hard."

Colts coach Chuck Pagano said his squad knows what it is up against in trying to protect Luck from linebackers Von Miller, the Super Bowl MVP, and DeMarcus Ware.

"Those guys are relentless pass rushers," Pagano said. "We understand exactly what we have to do to keep Andrew clean and keep him upright and give him a chance to operate."

The Colts, meanwhile, have shown some vulnerability on defense, where they have been hurt by injuries, especially in the secondary.

They will be working to stall the development of Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian, who helped the Broncos win their opener in his first career start. Despite throwing a couple of interceptions, Siemian spearheaded the second-half rally that carried the Broncos past the Panthers, throwing for a score and leading a drive that Anderson finished with a short touchdown run.

"We're just using that as a building block and getting ready for Indy," Siemian said.

Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas had some limitations in practice in the days leading up to the Indianapolis game because of a hip injury, though he was expected to play.

"We're going to take it a step at a time this week," Kubiak said Wednesday. "We knew today we had him set for certain plays in practice, and tomorrow we'll pick it up, but he's on course to make it on Sunday and be ready to go."

Denver wide receiver Bennie Fowler, who missed the opener last week after breaking a bone in his right elbow during a preseason game, did not practice Wednesday. Tight end Jeff Heuerman (hamstring) took part in practice in limited fashion. He did not play in the opener.

The banged-up Colts listed 13 players on the injury report. Among them was cornerback Patrick Robinson, who is recovering from a concussion, and safety T.J. Green, who missed practice time this week because of a knee injury.

The Colts' depleted secondary also is missing cornerback Vontae Davis, who has been dealing with an ankle injury that forced him to miss the opener.

"Everybody's dialed in," Pagano said. "It's going to be one heck of a challenge. We all know that.

"It's a great football team that we're going to play. We've got to handle the elements, the travel, the altitude, the time change. We all know that. But the good thing is that we've got guys in the locker room who have been down this road, they understand this. That stage and all that stuff won't be too big for them. We've got to do a great job of preparing and getting these guys ready to go in all three phases."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Jaguars (0-1) at Chargers (0-1)

Date: September 18, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars were pleased with how they were able to slow Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers despite losing in Week 1.

A matchup with nemesis Philip Rivers means the task isn't about to get any easier.

The San Diego Chargers quarterback has enjoyed some of the best success of his distinguished career against the Jaguars and will be looking to continue that run Sunday at home in a game between teams trying to recover from crushing losses in the opening week of the season.

"Rivers, he's another guy who might as well order his yellow (Hall of Fame) jacket," Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash said. "He's a heck of a player, so we're going to have our hands full."

The 34-year-old Rivers has given plenty of head coaches and defensive coordinators indigestion during his career, but he has been especially productive against Jacksonville.

In six meetings between the teams, Rivers has led the Chargers to a 5-1 record and has thrown 15 touchdowns against just four interceptions. His 116.3 passer rating is the best of any team he has faced at least four times.

Last season, Rivers was 29 of 43 for 300 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions in a 31-25 victory in Jacksonville.

"He has unbelievable accuracy and can make all of the throws," Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny said. "He can pinpoint the ball when he needs to and he is extremely smart. He has complete command of the offense and is able to get their guys in the right positions.

"We're going to have to find a way to make him uncomfortable in the pocket, get him off his spot, make him move and make things difficult for him because he's an elite quarterback."

With new additions all across their defense, the Jaguars believe they are better equipped to battle Rivers this time around. They are also feeling confident after holding Rodgers to 199 yards and few big plays last week.

The Jaguars forced a late three-and-out by Rodgers and the Packers' offense and had possession at the Green Bay 14-yard line in the final 30 seconds before their final drive stalled and they lost 27-23.

Jacksonville held Green Bay's offense to 18 first downs and 294 total yards of offense.

"Overall, we executed our plan," defensive end Dante Fowler said. "It was to constrict Aaron Rodgers, and that's what we did."

San Diego also missed an opportunity to knock off a playoff team from a year ago.

The Chargers built a 27-3 lead over Kansas City behind two rushing touchdowns from second-year running back Melvin Gordon and strong play from Rivers.

However, the Chiefs rallied with two touchdowns and a field goal in the final 10 minutes of regulation to force overtime. A rushing touchdown by quarterback Alex Smith ended San Diego's upset bid.

Rivers will be without top receiver Keenan Allen, who suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the second quarter against the Chiefs.

With Allen done for the season, the Chargers will likely turn to Travis Benjamin, who was acquired in free agency in March. Benjamin had seven catches for 32 yards last week and has 10 career receiving touchdowns.

The Chargers will also be without first-round defensive end Joey Bosa for the second straight week, ruled out Friday due to a hamstring injury.

"There's not going to be another Keenan Allen," Chargers coach Mike McCoy said. "Everybody is different. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. It's a shame because Keenan worked so hard."

Blake Bortles, who made his first career start at San Diego during a 33-14 loss in September 2014, appears to be headed for a successful career similar to that of Rivers and will have his full arsenal of weapons.

The third-year Jaguars quarterback shook off an early interception against the Packers to complete 24 of 39 passes for 320 yards and an excellent 22-yard touchdown to tight end Julius Thomas on a fade route down the right sideline.

Bortles has few fond memories from his first trip to San Diego but is hoping to lead the Jaguars to a better showing and avoid another slow start that has become a regular occurrence in Jacksonville in recent seasons.

Rivers will be looking to do the same for the Chargers.

"They're 0-1 like we are and are going to come out here and fight like crazy to get on the board," Rivers said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Buccaneers (1-0) at Cardinals (0-1)

Date: September 18, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

TEMPE, Ariz. -- If Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can run their record to 2-0 this week by handing the Arizona Cardinals their first 0-2 start in 11 years, Bruce Arians may have no one to blame but himself.

Winston, after all, got his urge to make it to the NFL and be great by attending an Arians-run youth football camp as a ninth grade back when Arians was offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Memories from those days continue to be an inspiration to the Buccaneers' second-year quarterback, who will lead Tampa Bay (1-0) against Arizona (0-1) Sunday afternoon at University of Phoenix Stadium.

"Absolutely," Winston said. "Absolutely. One thing I remember about Coach Arians is he's one of the first people that gave me the dream of getting a Super Bowl. At the camp he brought his Pittsburgh Steelers ring and showed all of us his ring, and that was one of the first times when I was just like, 'Man, I want to get me one of those rings. I want to get me a Super Bowl ring.' "

A loss to Winston and the Bucs could put a serious crimp into the Cardinals' title hopes after they nearly got their a year ago, going 13-3 during the regular season and advancing to the NFC Championship before getting flattened by the Carolina Panthers.

As bad as that loss stung, Sunday night's 23-21 season-opening loss to an undermanned New England Patriots team hurt just the same. There were mistakes made across the board by the Cardinals and the Patriots may have helped other teams expose a few holes in Arizona's schemes, particularly on offense.

Could opposing defensive coordinators be catching on to what the Cardinals do so well?

"Teams make adjustments, no doubt," quarterback Carson Palmer said. "There's certain things every team does well and everybody tries to take away whatever the top two or three things they do in the pass game or run game. I don't see that being an issue with us at all."

The Patriots, however, seemed to take away most of Palmer's deep pass play options.

"This is the NFL," Palmer said. "You're not going to come in and just throw the ball deep every series and hit them. We're still going to take our shots. We're still going to get them."

Winston and the Buccaneers aren't afraid to look for the deep ball, either, as was the case during their 31-24 victory in Week 1 over the Atlanta Falcons. Winston was 23 of 33 for 281 yards and four touchdowns, including a 45-yard scoring pass to Mike Evans. For his efforts, Winston was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Winston will look to Evans and Vincent Jackson to help try and disjoint the Cardinals' secondary, specifically at cornerback where rookie Brandon Williams has been starting opposite All-Pro Patrick Peterson. Williams got burned a handful of times by the Patriots and Winston surely will be looking to pick on him if he's still in the starting lineup.

Arians was impressed with Winston's performance against the Falcons, but he's seen greatness coming for a long time in the se3cond-year pro.

"I've known him for a long time," Arians said. "(Heck) of an athlete, turned into a great quarterback. A good leader, really, really bright guy, a 4.0 student, extremely accurate. He's obviously making a really nice step. He made a great step as a rookie, but he's really making a nice step this year, with the way he played this last week."

Asked what he remembers of Winston form that youth football camp years ago, Arians said, "It was a heck of a camp. We had about four guys in that camp that went to the NFL. Ameer Abdullah, I think, won the athlete of the week. It was a nice camp with a bunch of good, young players."

The Cardinals have one of those in second-year running back David Johnson, who emerged last season as one of Arizona's primary offensive weapons. In six career regular-season starts, Johnson leads the NFL in both rushing yards (531) and total yards (790).

Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter called him "impressive."

"I loved him coming out of Northern Iowa. I liked this guy a lot," Koetter said. "He's a complete back -- big, strong, fast; a really good receiver. He can do everything you want your back to do. This game coming up is going to be a matchup of two really good feature backs, in him and our guy, Doug Martin. He's continued to get better and we know that we definitely have our hands full with him."

Arizona defense, which excelled at forcing turnovers a year ago, can be just as dangerous, Koetter said.

"You see a defense that's very aggressive overall," he said. "That's been their history there. When I was in Atlanta, we played Arizona multiple times and you know you're always going to be in for a fast, physical game. They're big, they're strong, they're long; very aggressive. They're not afraid to pressure you at any place on the field. It's just something that if you're not ready to go, they're going to run you out of the building."

One player who has yet to show his full range of playmaking abilities is safety Tyrann Mathieu, who is easing his way back after undergoing major knee surgery in the winter. He's playing more as a straight center fielder in the secondary; not as the unpredictable blitzer and wild tackler and ball hawk the NFL is used to seeing.

"I'm still trying to get back in rhythm," Mathieu said. "It's a new challenge for me. I'm just trying to embrace it and accept it. ... I think in the next couple weeks hopefully, I'm where I need to be and I can make that transition."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SNF - Packers at Vikings
By Micah Roberts

The Vikings have a new home and a new quarterback they get to show off Sunday night as the Packers visit as 2.5-point favorites. The $1.1 billion U.S. Bank Stadium makes its regular season debut and Sam Bradford is expected to also debut as the starting QB, which will be the 10th different Minnesota starter Packers coach Mike McCarthy has seen over his tenure. Green Bay has gone 15-5-1 straight-up in those meetings behind him.

Minnesota's last home win against the Packers was in 2012, a 37-34 win engineered by Christian Ponder. However, the last time the two teams met the Vikings won 20-13 in Week 17 last season at Green Bay.

The key for Minnesota winning will be getting Adrian Peterson going much better than last week and more to what he's done over his 17 meetings with Green Bay over his career where he's averaged 109 yards per game. They'll also need its stellar defense to slow Aaron Rodgers and create turnovers, which is much easier said than done.

Even though Vikings coach Mike Zimmer hasn't named a starter for a supposed competitive advantage of forcing the Packers to game plan for both Bradford and Shaun Hill, Bradford took most of the snaps with the first string during practices this week. The Vikings offensive game plan is simple and its success basically stems from the quarterback being conservative and not making turnovers. Hill wasn't all that great last week, but he didn't turn the ball over.

Minnesota has covered the spread in three of the past five meetings with Green Bay with the last three staying UNDER the total. Since Week 2 of last season, the Vikings have gone an amazing 15-2 ATS.

LINE MOVEMENT

CG Technology sports books opened the number at pick 'em in April when they released spreads on all games. That was when Teddy Bridgewater was expected to play. When they re-opened the game on Sunday night the Packers were -2.5 and Tuesday it ran up the money ladder a couple times until hitting -3 (EV) where Vikings buy-back came and they're back at -2.5-flat. The total opened at 44.5 and has been bet down to 43.

"We've had really good two-way action on the Packers-Vikings, even with the uncertainty of the Vikings quarterback," said CG Technology VP of risk management Jason Simbal. "The only area we're extended on is with a couple limit plays on the UNDER."

William Hill's 105 sports books across Nevada reported that while they had 89 percent of the tickets written on the public Packers, 55 percent of the actual cash on the game was on Minnesota.

LAST WEEK

The sports books got middled last week with the Packers 27-23 win at Jacksonville. Sharp money took the Jaguars at +5, +4.5 and +4, which forced the number to -3.5 on game day and the majority of the public parlays played laid -3.5. The result was also an all-way 4-0 teaser win with both sides and both totals covering. The books took a bath on the game. Jacksonville actually won the yardage battle over Green Bay, 348-to-294.

The Vikings offense sputtered at Tennessee last week, and were down 10-0 at the half, but just like last season the defense and special teams brought them back to win 25-16 as 2.5-point favorites. Minnesota's defense scored two second-half TD's and won the turnover battle, 3-0. The offense managed to put up 301 yards of offense with Adrian Peterson gaining only 31 yards on 19 carries. The books got middled on the total as bettors drove the number down from 43 to 39.5 by kickoff.

WHERE IS THE NUMBER GOING?

The Sunday night isolated games are tricky for the sports books because they have to react a little differently with all the risk from 14 earlier games calculating up into one giant figure. They know exactly how much they're going to lose with that game that has several eight-team parlays ready to cash. The books want to book the game straight-up with line movement justified only by straight-bet action, but if some of the public games hit early in the day the risk for the popular side at a $500,000 loss makes it hard to follow basic booking policy. A bookmaker's job is to limit risk and protect the house at all times. If they don't react with some kind of maneuvering to get action on the other side, either by the spread or money-line, they're not booking, they're gambling.

With the Packers being the popular public side, if you like the Vikings, your best bet is to wait for +3 to show up on game day as some of those early results are posted and the Packers risk gets larger. Some books don't want to move to +3 and will offer extreme value on the money-line instead, so you should be able to wait for +130 or higher on that end if liking them to win straight up. If liking the Packers, bet it now laying -2.5 or with the low money-line at -130.

FUTURES

After the Seahawks lackluster Week 1 performance against the Dolphins, the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook moved Green Bay from 5-to-1 odds to win the NFC down to the 3-to-1 favorite. They also dropped the Pack from 10-to-1 down to 6-to-1 to win the Super Bowl. The only team with lower odds is the Patriots (5/1). Yes, Las Vegas likes the Packers and the betting public likes them too. Minnesota is still holding steady and respected at 10-to-1 to win the NFC and 20/1 to win the Super Bowl.

NEXT UP

The Westgate posts the following weeks spreads on Tuesday and for Week 3 the Packers are 7.5-point home favorites against the Lions (Detroit won there last year). The Vikings are getting +5.5 at Carolina.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NFL Picks: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Odds and Predictions
by Alan Matthews

I don't know what it is about the Pittsburgh Steelers that they bring out the hatred in some teams (they are usually good, so that's one thing). The NFL's most-heated rivalry used to be Steelers-Ravens when guys like Troy Polamalu and Ray Lewis were still around. Now it has to be Steelers-Bengals, and they renew hostilities on Sunday in Pittsburgh's home opener. It's one of two AFC playoff rematches from last season in Week 2, with Chiefs-Texans the other ( click here for more free picks for both games).

By now we all are well aware that no team in the NFL has gone longer without a playoff win than the Bengals. And that Coach Marvin Lewis, with all his regular-season success, is 0-7 in his postseason career. I don't see how he's back in 2017 if the Bengals go one-and-done again (or miss out entirely).

In last year's wild-card round, the Bengals were the home team as AFC North champions, but Pittsburgh was a 2-point favorite because Cincinnati starting QB Andy Dalton was out with a broken thumb. The Bengals had the game in the bag, though, as backup QB A.J. McCarron hit A.J. Green on a 25-yard TD pass with 1:50 left for a 16-15 lead. The chances of the Steelers driving and hitting a winning field goal were lessened by the fact that Ben Roethlisberger had been knocked out injured and Landry Jones was in the game.

But in typical Bengals fashion, Jeremy Hill had a crucial fumble, and then incredibly stupid 15-yard penalties on both linebacker Vontaze Burfict and cornerback Adam Jones got the Steelers into field-goal position, and they won it on a Chris Boswell 35-yarder with 14 seconds left. Burfict laid a brutal, dirty hit on a defenseless Antonio Brown, giving him concussion that kept Brown out the next week against Denver. I believe the Steelers win that game with Brown because they nearly did without him. Jones got into it with Steelers assistant Joey Porter and might have bumped an official.

Bengals at Steelers Betting Story Lines

Color me surprised that the Bengals brought back Lewis, Burfict and Jones in the wake of that debacle. Either the coach should have been fired for his team losing control or both players should have been released after losing their minds. The Steelers won't be able to get revenge on Burfict here as he's suspended the first three games because of that hit. But I expect a lot of chippiness regardless. Cincinnati also is likely to be without Pro Bowl tight end Tyler Eifert a second straight game off ankle surgery.

The Bengals got what I think was a crucial Week 1 victory at the Jets, 23-22, because they could have easily been 0-2 after this game and history has shown it's very tough to reach the postseason following a 0-2 start. Dalton was sacked seven times by the Jets, and that's concerning, but was 23-for-30 for 366 yards with a TD and pick. A.J. Green blew up Darrelle Revis with 12 catches for 180 yards and a TD. The Bengals lost their No. 2 and No. 3 receivers, Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, in free agency, and Brandon LaFell stepped up as the No. 2 vs. the Jets with four catches for 91 yards. C.J. Uzomah took Eifert's spot and had two catches for 59 yards. But the Bengals rushed for only 57 yards. Since 1970, teams that rushed for 60 or fewer yards and allowed at least seven sacks had been 6-126-1 in those games.

Pittsburgh was perhaps more impressive than any team in Week 1 with a 38-16 rout Monday night at defending NFC East champion Washington. Ben Roethlisberger, whom I think could win his first MVP Award this season, threw for 300 yards and three scores. The Redskins opted to not stick Josh Norman on Antonio Brown full time, so he torched Bashaud Breeland for eight catches, 126 yards and two scores. When Brown lined up on Norman's side, he caught just 1-of-4 targets. Elsewhere, Brown caught every pass in his direction, including both TDs.

Starting in place of the suspended Le'Veon Bell (out two more games), 33-year-old DeAngelo Williams ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. That Steelers offense looked scary and didn't even have Bell or projected No. 2 receiver Markus Wheaton. He was out with a shoulder injury but could play here. Pittsburgh's excellent young linebacker Ryan Shazier hurt his knee in the game but the team thinks it's minor.

Bengals at Steelers Betting Odds and Trends

Pittsburgh is -3 (-125) with a total of 48.5. On the moneyline, the Steelers are -175 and the Bengals +155. On the alternate line, Pittsburgh is -3.5 (+100). As a road underdog last year, Cincinnati was 3-0 against the spread and 2-1 "over/under." As a home favorite, Pittsburgh was 3-2 ATS and 4-1 O/U.

The Bengals are 6-0-1 ATS in their past seven in Week 9. They have covered nine straight road games. Cincinnati is 10-3-1 ATS in its past 14 vs. the AFC. The Steelers are 4-0 ATS in their past four September games. They are 0-2-2 ATS in their past four after a win. The under is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings. The Steelers are 4-1-1 ATS in the past six in the series.


Bengals at Steelers Betting Prediction

The teams split the regular-season series last year with the Bengals winning at Pittsburgh in Week 8, 16-10. Bell was lost for the season in that one for Pittsburgh. The Steelers won at Cincinnati in Week 14, 33-20, and Dalton was lost for the season.

The winner here will have a huge leg up in the division. The Ravens won't be as bad as last year, but they didn't look like a contender in Week 1. The Browns are wretched. Pittsburgh is +105 to win the AFC North and Cincinnati +170.

I'd like to know if Shazier and Wheaton are playing, and that short week concerns me, but I'm taking the Steelers here -- probably at an alternate line of 2.5 when/if it's posted. Go under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Packers (1-0) at Vikings (1-0)

Date: September 18, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer isn't telling anyone who's going to start at quarterback for Sunday night's game against the rival Green Bay Packers.

He's certainly not going to tell the media whether he's sticking with Shaun Hill or turning to newcomer Sam Bradford. And he might not even tell his own team.

That's how deep Zimmer is willing to take the gamesmanship for this early NFC North showdown.

"I did last week. I don't know if I will this week or not because it started leaking," Zimmer said on Wednesday. "Usually I like to inform the team of everything that's going on here and what I'm thinking, but I was a little disappointed that some of the things go out. We'll just see how it goes. I may talk to them. I don't know. Maybe I will."

Teddy Bridgewater helped the Vikings end the Packers' five-year reign atop the NFC North last season. With Bridgewater out for the season with a training-camp knee injury, Zimmer decided to start Hill last week. The Vikings won, but Hill had little to do with the success. The defense scored a pair of touchdowns in a 25-16 win at Tennessee.

Hill posted a passer rating of 77.3, which is good for 23rd in the league, and the offense enters the week ranked 26th in total yardage. The alternative is Bradford, who the Vikings acquired in the wake of the Bridgewater injury by sending first- and fourth-round picks to Philadelphia.

Bradford hasn't lived up to expectations after being the first overall pick of the 2010 draft, posting a 25-37-1 record and career passer rating of 81.0. But he's got a big-time arm that should fit nicely in offensive coordinator Norv Turner's scheme. The question is, could Bradford operate that scheme at a winning level, considering that Sunday will mark his 14th day with the team?

"A lot of it is terminology," Zimmer said, "and you start getting in motions and shifts, checks at the line of scrimmage. There's quite a few things. Really, when you think about it, you have to learn the snap count, you have to learn the huddle procedure, how the calls come in, the way you call it. There's so many things for someone that hasn't been in our offensive system, it's very difficult."

Packers coach Mike McCarthy expects Bradford to get the call, though his team is preparing for both quarterbacks. Either way, he knows the starting point of beating the Vikings is slowing running back Adrian Peterson.

"I think it's part of your personnel evaluation. It's part of your scheme evaluation," McCarthy said of the quarterback uncertainty. "You tilt toward certain schemes with one quarterback, as opposed to another. Those are the questions you ask through the game-planning process, but the fact of the matter is it's going to start with giving the ball to Adrian Peterson. Every time we play the Vikings, that's the focal point of our defense."

From Minnesota's direction, the defensive focal point will be controlling Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They did so in the two games last season, holding him to a sub-90 passer rating in both games, including a Week 17 win at Lambeau Field that won the division.

The Vikings kept Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota under wraps in Week 1 by keeping him in the pocket. Keeping Rodgers in the pocket and preventing him from making big plays while on the move will be key on Sunday.

"He's as good as there is," Zimmer said. "He amazes me with the things he does, the things he sees. Not just with his athletic ability. I'm talking about his intelligence and the way he sees everything. Then you add his athletic ability and his competitiveness. I mean, this guy is unbelievable. I kind of wish he was in a different division."

This is a huge early-season game, especially from Minnesota's perspective, with the Vikings opening the doors on U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota played 32 seasons in the Metrodome and, after a two-year outdoor hiatus at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium, the Vikings are headed back to the great indoors. Their .615 winning percentage in dome games is tops in NFL history.

"The stadium is amazing," Peterson said. "It's going to be loud. You know, going on 10 years I've played in Green Bay, at home it always seems like it was kind of even, you know? Wisconsin, they come down and they pack the stadium as well.

"It kind of reminds me of the Red River Rivalry -- half Texas and half Oklahoma. That's what it feels like when you guys come here. I don't know if there's really going to be that big of an advantage outside of us playing at home."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Eagles (1-0) at Bears (0-1)

Date: September 19, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

Carson Wentz soared in his NFL debut with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Now, the strong-armed rookie quarterback will have an opportunity to showcase his skills under the lights. Wentz will play his first prime-time game as the Eagles (1-0) visit the Chicago Bears (0-1) on Monday night.

The past week has been a whirlwind for Wentz, whom the Eagles selected with No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft out of North Dakota State. He passed for 278 yards and two touchdowns to lead his team to a 29-10 win against the Cleveland Browns in the season opener. His jersey shot to No. 1 in NFL online sales.

Vice President Joe Biden encouraged President Barack Obama to "get on the Wentz wagon." Instead, Obama -- an ardent Bears fan -- joked that he would visit Philadelphia "and scout out what all of the fuss is about."

Bears coach John Fox and his defensive assistants have done some scouting of their own.

Chicago is looking to bounce back from a 23-14 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 1. The Bears led 14-10 at halftime but were outscored 13-0 in the second half as their offense failed to gain traction.

Quarterback Jay Cutler could use better protection in the pocket after he was sacked five times in the opener. He also spent time this week reiterating his confidence in wide receiver Kevin White, the Bears' first-round pick in 2015 who missed his entire rookie season because of a stress fracture. White made his NFL debut last week but caught only three passes for 34 yards despite being targeted seven times.

"We need him," Cutler said. "He's going to be fine. We're not worried about him. We like our group of receivers out there. ... I'm going to play better. As a whole, offensively, we're going to play better."

If White advances as Cutler hopes, he could create a dangerous tandem alongside wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. That will create pressure on the Eagles' secondary, which faces questions after cornerback Leodis McKelvin sustained a strained left hamstring in Week 1.

Philadelphia coach Doug Pederson described McKelvin's status as "week-to-week," which does not bode well for Monday. The Eagles traded cornerback Eric Rowe to the New England Patriots before the season opener, which means Nolan Carroll, Ron Brooks and rookie Jalen Mills might need to anchor a thin cornerback group.

McKelvin is not the Eagles' only injured starter. Tight end Zach Ertz sustained a displaced rib near his left shoulder in Week 1 and could be out for an extended period of time.

"It's a dangerous situation with a displaced bone," Pederson said. "You are talking up around the neck and head area, so any type of blow again could do further damage to that. That's why it's a week-to-week deal to see how it heals and recovers."

In Ertz's absence, veteran Brent Celek is expected to step forward as the team's top option at tight end.

The Bears know they must improve on defense after allowing Houston to convert 12 of 20 third-down opportunities one week ago. Linebacker Danny Trevathan will make his home debut as a Bear after signing as a free agent during the spring. Another new face on the lakefront will be rookie pass rusher Leonard Floyd, who was credited with six tackles and registered a half-sack along with Eddie Goldman in his NFL debut.

Look for Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to try to pressure Wentz in front of a hostile environment.

Wentz, however, will have plenty of support in the huddle as he braces for the Bears. The 23-year-old already has the backing of his teammates, including wide receiver Jordan Matthews, who is thrilled with the chance to develop continuity with his quarterback after several years of uncertainty at the position.

"It's a different thing when that guy's your brother and when he's your quarterback," Matthews said. "When he's your quarterback, it's like, 'I'm just doing my job.' When he's your brother, it's like, 'I've got to get these 12 yards because I want him to be able to trust that I'm going to be where I need to be so that we can get out here and win football games.' ... And I want him to be just as successful as me, if not more.

"When you start having that relationship, when you want to give up of yourself for somebody else, the games, they just happen. It becomes fun. It becomes something everybody loves to enjoy. Like I said, Carson has that attitude."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Odds: Week 2 Line Movements & Last-Minute News
by Alan Matthews

I don't even know what to say at this point about the "Factory of Sadness" that is the Cleveland Browns. When my NFL Opening Line Report story posted on Monday, it was known that Robert Griffin III had hurt his non-throwing shoulder in the Browns' Week 1 blowout loss in Philadelphia. Griffin and the team acted like it was nothing.

But this being the brittle RGIII, of course it was a broken bone in that shoulder and he was placed on injured reserve Monday. Griffin will miss at least eight games, although I think we have seen the last of him as a starting QB in the NFL Griffin was the 25th starting quarterback for the franchise since its return to the NFL and he'll be the fourth to start just one game.

We can't count new starter Josh McCown as No .26 because he started most of the team's games last season and played pretty well at times. The Browns are now looking smart for not trading him during training camp when the Cowboys came calling after the Kellen Moore injury. If McCown suffers a major injury, go ahead and pencil in the Browns for a 0-16 record because third-round rookie Cody Kessler is "not close to being ready to play," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. I don't believe half of what ESPN reports, but Schefter is the best in the business when it comes to the NFL. Kessler appeared in all four preseason games, completing 19 of 28 passes for 92 yards and a score. He also accidentally ran out of the back of the end zone on a scramble for a safety.

Cleveland has its home opener on Sunday and, depending on your sportsbook, is either a 6.5 or 7-point underdog. That line was as low as 4 right after Sunday's games at those books that post immediate next-week spreads. McCown started both games vs. the Ravens last year and the teams split, each club winning on the road on the game's final play.

Here are some line moves or potential game-changing injury notes for Week 2.

Seahawks at Rams (+6.5, 38.5): A few books opened this at Seattle -3.5 when it wasn't clear if Russell Wilson was going to be able to play off his sprained ankle suffered in the Week 1 win over Miami. Wilson has been practicing, so he should be good to go. In an ideal world for Seattle coach Pete Carroll, his team leads 35-0 or something at halftime and he can get Wilson out of there and get undrafted rookie Trevone Boykin some regular-season snaps since he's one potential play from starting in Week 3. This total is easily the lowest on the board, and that's no shock if you saw the Rams' Wing-T offense on Monday night in San Francisco. Actually, I'm being kind: the Wing-T was revolutionary in its day, and whatever offense the Rams played Monday was far from revolutionary. I don't know how Jeff Fisher can start QB Case Keenum with a straight face in the Rams' official return to Los Angeles. But it will be Keenum. Reports are that No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff will be the backup this week after being inactive Week 1.

Colts at Broncos (-6, 46.5): Interesting note here -- it's the first Colts-Broncos game without Peyton Manning involved since Week 5, 1993, when John Elway was Denver's starting quarterback. Nearly a must win for Indy off last week's crushing home loss to Detroit after Andrew Luck led big rally to take a late lead. The Colts will be one of at least 19 teams at 1-1 or 0-2 by Monday night. Since realignment in 2002, 100 of the 168 playoff teams (59.5 percent) began the year at either 1-1 or 0-2, including six teams last season. Luck's final game of last season was Week 9 when he led the Colts to a 27-24 home win over the then-unbeaten Broncos. Luck played the final few minutes of that one with not just a shoulder injury but a lacerated kidney. Both team's top receivers, Denver's Demaryius Thomas and Indy's T.Y. Hilton, are a bit banged up but expected to play. Indy will be without three members of its secondary again, however. Play Trevor Siemian in your fantasy league this week! (not really)

Dolphins at Patriots (-6.5, 42): This line has risen a point. It will be interesting to see how the New England faithful greet Jimmy Garoppolo in his first home start. He was solid in the Week 1 win in Arizona despite not having Rob Gronkowski or two starting offensive linemen. Gronk has been practicing, so it appears he will go, albeit at less than 100 percent (hamstring). Incidentally, Sportsbooks offer a Week 2 special asking if the Patriots will be 4-0 when Tom Brady returns from his suspension. To my surprise, "no" is a -250 favorite with "yes" at +170. Obviously New England is favored here, it will be next Thursday against Houston (I'll be previewing that one here at Doc's) and will be Week 4 also at home against Buffalo. I only give the Texans a legitimate shot, so I'd take that yes prop. Miami knocked New England from the AFC's top seed with a 20-10 Week 17 home win last year, which proved hugely costly for the Pats. Brady really struggled that day, so maybe it's a good thing Garoppolo is in there? The Dolphins defense was stout Week 1 in Seattle, but the offense did nothing. Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, the Patriots are 13-1 in home openers. The Patriots have played Miami in the home opener six previous times and have a 4-2 record.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Best Best - Week 2

Last week's best bets article split the board with a 1-1 ATS mark as the Falcons put forth a dismal display at home, while the Jets one-point loss in the final minute was just enough for them to cover the +2 points they were getting.

It's on to Week 2 now though as we are looking for better results in sweeping the board.

Best Bet #1: New York Giants -4.5

The Giants looked a little shaky at times during their 20-19 win over Dallas last week, but Eli Manning and company did enough to win the game and start 2016 with a 1-0 mark. All the off-season money they spent on upgrading the defense looked to be a worthwhile investment, but at the same time they were up against a rookie NFL QB and not someone as seasoned and prolific as Drew Brees.

It will be interesting to see how much success the Giants defense has against the Saints this week, but they clearly enter the game as by far and away the better defensive side.

As scary as it can be laying points against an explosive offense like the Saints, New Orleans just hasn't been the same team away from home the past few years. They did put up 52 points at home in a 52-49 win over the Giants last year, but we won't see nearly as many points this time around and that has me siding with the better defensive club.

The Saints defense still can't stop anyone in this league and now that Manning has a full stable of healthy, talented receivers at his disposal, it will be New York that comes away with a W here.

The home side has gone 3-0-1 ATS the last four times these two have met and the Saints are on a 1-6 ATS run after giving up 350+ yards last time out.

This will be the contest where bettors can really determine if all that off-season spending on upgrading the defense proves to be worth it for the Giants and I believe that will be the side of the ball that closes out this victory for New York this week.


Best Bet #2: Arizona Cardinals -6.5

There's not a worse feeling than entering a new season as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl and then coming out flat in Week 1 and losing to a team (albeit a talented one) with a backup QB making his first NFL start.

That's the spot the Cardinals find themselves in this week and I expect a huge bounce back performance from them this week.

Whether or not Arizona took the Patriots lightly last week without Brady and Gronk is a moot point now, but that loss actually created a bit of line value on the Cardinals this week when they host Tampa Bay. Early action has already forced this line past and through the key number of (-7) having opened up at -7.5, which is fairly significant, but that move also means you can now get a very good, and frustrated team laying less than a TD at home against a Buccaneers team that still leaves a lot to be desired.

QB Jameis Winston was solid in Week 1, but he'll be seeing looks and pressure from the Cardinals that he's never seen before and that spells disaster for the visitors here. Tampa is just 2-6 ATS after their last eight outright victories and sport an even worse 3-10 ATS mark after covering the spread the week before.

Meanwhile, you know that Arizona will be hungry to put away the Bucs early and not even entertain the idea of opening up 0-2 SU with both losses coming at home.

The Cardinals are 15-6 ATS after failing to cover the spread the week before and with HC Bruce Arians being 11-1 ATS at home off a loss and playing a team coming off a SU and ATS victory like Tampa is, this game has blowout for the Cardinals written all over it.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week*2 NFL

Titans (0-1) @ Lions (1-0)– Detroit is 8-2-2 as home favorite under Caldwell. Tennessee led Vikings 10-0 at half LW, but offense gave up two TDs in second half of demoralizing loss. Only two teams lost LY when they didn’t allow a TD on offense. Detroit blew 21-3 lead, rallied late for win in Indy; they had five TD drives of 71+ yards. Titans won last four series games, three by 5 or less points; they won last three visits to Motor City. Titans are 6-3 (7-2 vs spread) in last nine road openers; they’re 9-17 as road dogs the last four years. Lions won four of last five home openers; they’re 8-1-1 as a favorite in HOs, but just 6-10-1 in last 17 games vs AFC teams. Under is 15-4 in Titans’ last 19 road openers, 1-5 in Detroit’s last six home openers. Titans’ DC LeBeau played his whole 14-year career for the Lions.

Chiefs (1-0) @ Texans (1-0)– KC rallied back from down 24-3 with 21:00 left for OT win in its opener; Chiefs are 7-6 as road underdogs last three years, 11-6 in last 17 games with spread of 3 or less points. Houston is 8-3 as home favorites under O’Brien; they’re 14-11-1 in last 26 games with spread of 3 or less. Texans shut Chicago out in second half LW; they were 12-20 on 3rd down, ran 18 more plays, had 8-yard edge in field position. Road team won four of seven series games; KC is 3-2 here, with 27-20 win in LY’s opener. Chiefs lost six of last nine road openers but are 10-5 vs spread in last 15 AOs (under 7-4 in last 11). Texans’ DC Crennel was once HC of Chiefs (2012).

Dolphins (0-1) @ Patriots (1-0)– Interim QB Garoppolo passed his first test with flying colors in Arizona, he passed for 257 yards, Pats converted 10-16 on 3rd down and won 23-21- they’re 12-6-3 as home favorite last three years. Miami didn’t allow TD until last minute 12-10 loss at Seattle; last four years, Dolphins are 2-8 as divisional road dogs. Miami gained 222 yards LW, 2nd-least in NFL, gaining 4.8 yds/pass attempt- they lost despite 10-yard edge in field position. Home side won last seven series games; Miami lost seven in a row in Foxboro, last four by 10+ points (three of four by 28+). Patriots are 13-1 in last 14 home openers (2-5-1 vs spread in last eight); their last four HOs stayed under the total.

Ravens (1-0) @ Browns (0-1)– 37-year old McCown gets start at QB for Browns after RGII broke his shoulder; he is 2-17 as a starter last two years (Bucs/Browns). Cleveland may be 1-17 in its season openers, but they’re 8-9 in Week 2 games, 5-2 at home. Baltimore is 14-2 in last 16 series games, going 7-1 in last eight visits to their old home, but Ravens lost four of last five road openers (win was here). Browns are 1-5 vs spread in AFC North games last two years; they were outgained 403-288 LW- they lost field position by 17 yards. Ravens held Buffalo to 160 yards in 13-7 win LW; Bills averaged only 4.0 yards/pass attempt. Over is 6-2-1 in Ravens’ last nine AOs, 5-8 in Cleveland’s last 13 HOs.

Bengals (1-0) @ Steelers (1-0)– Pitt knocked Cincy out of playoffs LY with 18-16 win in Cincy. Bengals drove 55 yards in nine plays to kick GW FG with 0:54 left in its opener in Jersey Swamp. Cincy is 13-4-3 as road underdog last five years; over last seven years, they’re 30-15-2 as single-digit dog. Steelers won 12 of last 13 home openers; they are 7-3 vs spread as favorite in HOs. Last three years, Pitt is 11-6 as home favrotie- they won four of last five games vs Bengals; teams split last four here. Steelers were 9-14 on 3rd down in Monday night win- they gained 147 yards on ground, 288 thru air in a well-balanced attack with Big Ben calling plays. Four of last five series totals were 44+. Five of their last seven home openers stayed under total.

Cowboys (0-1) @ Redskins (0-1)– First road start for rookie QB Prescott (25-45/227 vs Giants last week). Dallas had one TD, two FGs in three visits to red zone; they tried FGs on four of six drives that started 75+ yards from end zone- their only TD drive was 35 yards. Teams split last eight series games; Dallas won last three in Maryland, winning 24-23/44-17/19-16. Skins had only 12 carries for 55 yards in home loss vs Steelers Monday; former Redskin RB Morris had 35 rushing yards in backup role for Dallas. Divisional underdogs were 4-0 vs spread last week. Cowboys are 18-8 vs spread in last 26 road openers, winning six of last nine SU. Washington was in Steeler territory seven times Monday, scored only one TD.

Saints (0-1) @ Giants (1-0)– Brees had 511 passing yards in 52-49 win over Giants LY; home side won nine of last ten series games, Saints losing five of last six visits here, with its one win in ’06. Saints gave up TD/2-point conversion in last minute LW, losing at home to Raiders in game New Orleans led 24-10 in 3rd quarter. Giants won first opener in six years LW, but Cowboys were 10-17 on 3rd down with rookie QB. Big Blue lost last four home openers, allowing 28.8 ppg; they’re9-7 as home favorite last three years. Saints are 7-3-1 in last 11 games as an underdog, 1-7 vs spread in last eight road openers (0-6 in last six). Seven of Saints’ last eight AOs went over total; under is 10-6 in Giants’ last 16 HOs.

49ers (1-0) @ Panthers (0-1)– Long travel on short week for 49ers, who opened Monday night at home with a shutout win; they’re 6-3 in last nine road openers, 3-8 in last 11 series games, with last meeting in ’13 playoffs. Under is 4-2-1 in last seven AOs. Carolina had extra days to prep after Thursday nite loss in Denver; they’re 2-4-1 as a favorite in home openers (under 14-6-1 in lsst 21). Panthers are 19-11-1 vs spread under Rivera coming off a loss; 49ers are 3-8 coming off a win the last two years; they pulled MNF upset at home LY, then went to Pittsburgh and lost 43-18 six days later- similar travel situation here. Carolina is 16-8-2 as a home favorite under Rivera; 49ers are 3-8 as road underdogs the last two seasons.

Bucs (1-0) @ Cardinals (1-0)– Tampa Bay averaged 8.5 yds/pass attempt LW; three of their four TDs came on plays of 23+ yards. Bucs are 10-7 as road underdogs last 2+ years- they are 5-7 vs spread off a win. Arizona lost at home to Patriots’ backup QB LW, got ripped by GM next day; Arizona was +2 in turnovers but allowed Pats to convert 10-16 on 3rd down. Cardinals are 8-3 coming off a loss under Arians, 3-6 in last nine games as a home favorite. Teams split last six series games; Tampa Bay is 3-2 in five visits here, with last one in ’10. Eight of last nine series totals were 37 or less. Non-divisional favorites were 5-7 vs spread in Week 1, 3-4 at home. Over is 19-6 in Cardinals’ last 25 home games.

Seahawks (1-0) @ Rams (0-1)– LA coaches already on hot seat after ugly Monday loss to rival 49ers. Keenum will start again at QB; doesn’t matter if Bob Waterfield plays, if they don’t block up front for him. First home game in Coliseum for Rams since 1979, against team coached by former USC coach Carroll, who also knows Coliseum well. Rams are 3-1 in last four series games; Seahawks lost last two visits to St Louis 28-26/34-31- they are 1-8 in last nine road openers (1-10 vs spread in last 11). Rams won three of last four home openers (over 5-2-1 in last eight). Under is 21-7 in Seahawks’ last 28 road openers. Seahawks didn’t score TD LW until last 0:31; Wilson has sprained ankle which appeared bad near end of Miami game, but he still led game-winning drive.

Colts (0-1) @ Broncos (1-0)– Denver had three extra days to prep after they beat Carolina in opener, in Siemian’s first NFL start; Broncos are 1-4-1 as home favorites under Kubiak. Denver had three turnovers (-2), allowed 157 yards, still upset Panthers. Colts were down 21-3 in home opener LW, rallied to lead 35-34 with 0:37 left, but gave up GW FG at end. . Indy is 7-6 as road underdogs under Pagano; 13-6 vs spread coming off a loss- they won eight of last nine series games; average total in last four, 53.8. Colts are 3-2 in last five visits here, with last win in 2010. Indy lost five of last six road openers; they’re 3-10-1 as an underdog in AOs, with eight of last 11 staying under the total. Last 5+ years, Denver is 31-21-2 vs spread coming off a win.

Falcons (0-1) @ Raiders (1-0)– Raiders won opener despite giving up 419 passing yards to Brees; Oakland ran ball for 167 yards, averaged 8.4 yards/pass. Last 8 years, Oakland is 6-13 as home favorite; they’ve been favored in just 4 of last 24 home games. Falcons are 10-6 as underdogs last two years, 5-4 on road; they gave up three TD plays of 23+ yards vs Bucs LW, scored only 16 points in four visits to red zone. Atlanta won last three series games by combined 82-20; Raiders’ last series win was in 2000. Falcons lost three of four visits here, winning 24-0 in ’08- they lost seven of last nine road openers (3-9 vs spread in last 12, under 10-2). Oakland is 3-8 in last 11 home openers; six of last nine went over.

Jaguars (0-1) @ Chargers (0-1)– Bolts blew 24-3 lead with 21:00 to play LW; they ran ball for 155 yards but KC threw for 330 against them- tough loss to bounce back from. Jaguars had ball in Packer territory in last minute with chance to win game; they held Rodgers to 5.7 yds/pass, but an ball for only 48 yards themselves. San Diego won last five series games (four by 18+); they won 31-25 (+5) at Gator Bowl LY. Jaguars lost last three visits here by 13-25-19 points. Jags lost seven of last eight road openers (1-5 vs spread in last six); under is 8-4 in last 12. Bolts won five of last six home openers- they’re 7-4 vs spread as favorite in HOs (under 11-2 in last 13). San Diego is 13-11 vs spread off a loss under coach McCoy.

Packers (1-0) @ Vikings (1-0)– Minnesota’s new dome opens here; they’re 2-10-1 in last 13 vs Green Bay- road team is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Pack won by 13-3-17 points in last three visits to Twin Cities. Bradford got first team reps in practice Wednesday; he probably gets his first Viking start here (25-37-1 career W-L record). Minnesota is 10-3 SU in last 13 regular season games, 14-2 vs spread in last 16. Last four years, Packers are 6-13 vs spread on artificial turf- they were outgained by 48 yards in win at Jacksonville LW; they averaged just 5.7 yds/pass. Minnesota is 9-3 as home dog last four years. Green Bay is 7-5 in last 12 games as a road favorite. Vikings lost five of last eight home openers, going 1-7 vs spread- under is 7-4-1 in their last 12 HOs.