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NFL Week 2 Preview and Predictions for 2020-2021 Season

Here are my previews and predictions for Week 2 of the 2020-2021 NFL season!

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Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns

Thursday Night Football

September 17, 2020
Cleveland, Ohio
FirstEnergy Stadium

About the Bengals

QB Joe Burrow played fairly well in his debut despite the 1 turnover he committed. Burrow put his team in a position to win the game as he threw a potential TD pass to WR A.J. Green but was nullified by an offensive pass interference call. With the Bengals down by 3, Randy Bullock lined up for a field goal attempt that would have sent the game into overtime but missed giving the Bengals their 1st loss. RB Joe Mixon who is usually dependable carrying the ball had a costly fumble, his 1st since his rookie season in 2017. The Bengals defense played well holding the Chargers to only 16 points but allowed 155 yards rushing. DT Geno Atkins was ruled out with an injury and the Bengals could have used his services to help slow down the Chargers rushing attack. The defense will have their hands full against the Browns facing RB’s Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

About the Browns

The Browns suffered an embarrassing 32 point loss in their opener against the Baltimore Ravens as they hope to bounce back against their rivals. The Browns are winless in their last 16 openers and QB Baker Mayfield is 1-3 against Lamar Jackson in his career. Mayfield has to get on the same page with his WR’s as he failed to get the ball into his playmakers' hands. WR’s Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry combined for only 83 yards and 8 catches on 16 targets. It’s imperative for the Browns that these players get every opportunity to produce and that Mayfield puts them in positions to succeed. Mayfield had the 2nd worst passer rating of any QB in Week1. Both RB’s Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt had 1 fumble apiece as their opportunities were limited from the Browns playing from behind. TE David Njoku, who scored the Browns lone TD left the game with a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve. Luckily, the Browns have good depth at the TE position with Austin Hooper and rookie Harrison Bryant out of Florida Atlantic. The Browns defense only had 2 sacks in the game. The pass rush of DE Myles Garrett and LB Sione Takitaki must get to Burrow and not allow him to beat them with his legs.

Players to Watch

Joe Mixon (Bengals): The Bengals will need Mixon to grind out yardage and be a workhorse in order to keep the pressure off of their young QB and average much more than 3.6 yards per carry.

Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns): He could be the difference maker if Baker can get him the ball. The Browns must prioritize getting Beckham Jr. involved.

Impact Rookies

Tee Higgins (Bengals): Look for Burrow to target Higgins going forward due to all the attention on WR’s A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd.

Harrison Bryant (Browns): Bryant should fully take advantage of seeing the field more in the wake of the injury to Njoku. Bryant has a prototypical frame for a TE with enough mass to be a quality blocker and enough athleticism to become a receiving threat.

Prediction

In the battle of Ohio, Mayfield gets it together and spreads the ball all over the field putting plenty of points on the board. Burrow struggles in his 2nd start and goes through the normal growing pains all-rookie QB’s experience.

Final Score: Bengals 13 / Browns 38

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Tennessee Titans

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

Nashville, Tennessee
Nissan Stadium

About the Jaguars

QB Gardner Minshew showed why the Jags traded away QB Nick Foles as he put his talents on displaying and why he was entrusted with the starting job. Minshew threw for 3 TD’s and was highly accurate going 19-20 completing 95% of his passes. With the Jags trailing 20-17, they scored the game’s final 10 points and secured the upset victory. Minshew became the 3rd player in the Super Bowl era with 3-plus TD passes and a 95% completion percentage in a single game. RB James Robinson appears to have taken over the role for the featured back and compiled 62 yards on 16 attempts. WR Keelan Cole led the Jags with 5 catches for 47 yards and a TD. Cole is a good route runner with the quickness and speed to match and will have to face off against DB’s Malcolm Butler and Kevin Byard. The defense played particularly well down the stretch and rookie CB C.J. Henderson played great picking off Rivers for his 1st career interception and defending 3 passes with 5 tackles. LB Myles Jack also got in on the action with 8 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss. It will be interesting to see what type of game plan defensive coordinator Todd Wash comes up with to slow down RB Derrick Henry.

About the Titans

The biggest concern for the Titans coming into this game is K Stephen Gostkowski. He missed 3 FG’s last week against the Broncos on Monday night, and the game would have pretty much been over if he connects on those attempts. He did redeem himself by making the game-winning 25 yard FG giving the Titans the win. QB Ryan Tannehill was efficient throwing for 249 yards and 2 TDs. Defending NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry picked up where he left off from last season with a dominant performance rushing for 116 yards. Henry has 80-plus scrimmage yards in 10 consecutive games which are tied for the longest streak in franchise history. WR Corey Davis was the Titans leading WR and has something to prove since the team declined his 5th-year option. He finished with 7 catches for 101 yards. If the Titans offensive line can keep Tannehill clean, look for him to rack up a lot of passing yards against the Jags secondary.

Players to Watch

C.J. Henderson (Jaguars): This 1st-year player has the potential to be one of the premier shut-down CB’s in the NFL. QB’s have to know where he is at all times.

Taylor Lewan (Titans): Can Lewan protect Tannehill from the Jags aggressive pass rush? If he can’t, the Titans will be in for a long afternoon.

Impact Rookies

K’Lavon Chaisson (Jaguars): Chaisson is a jack of all trades who can drop back in coverage or rush the QB. He also excels at stopping the run and will play a role in trying to slow down Henry.

Chris Jackson (Titans): A 7th round pick out of Marshall, Jackson could find himself in the secondary rotation due to injuries.

Key Statistic

Ryan Tannehill is 10-4 since becoming the Titans starting QB.

Prediction

Derrick Henry seems unstoppable as he has another 100 yards rushing and ends up leading the NFL in rushing yards after this performance. Minshew tries to pull off another miracle comeback but falls short this time.

Final Score: Jaguars 17 / Titans 31

Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

Tampa, Florida
Raymond James Stadium

About the Panthers

After a questionable call from offensive coordinator Joe Brady to run the ball with FB Alex Armah instead of giving All-Pro RB Christian McCaffrey, the Panthers lose a close game to the Las Vegas Raiders 34-30. The failed attempt cost the Panthers a potential victory as they were in Raiders territory with a little over a minute left in the game. Other than that debacle of a play, QB Teddy Bridgewater played well throwing for 270 yards and a TD. McCaffrey was his usual brilliant self with 96 yards rushing and 2 TDs. He also had 3 catches for 38 yards. WR Robbie Anderson was also a major contributor with 6 catches, 115 yards, and a TD. The Panthers defense had issues stopping the run against the Raiders, but the Bucs are having issues on their offensive line and only had 86 yards rushing last week against the Saints. LB’s Shaq Thompson and Tahir Whitehead as well as DE Brian Burns will have to generate some pressure against QB Tom Brady and not allow him to get comfortable in the pocket.

About the Buccaneers

QB Tom Brady lost his duel to division rival Drew Brees in the 1st matchup between 40-year-old QB’s in the history of the NFL. Brady had a rough game against the Saints defense throwing multiple interceptions in a season opener for the 1st time since 2003. Brady made a lot of bad decisions and questionable throws that plagued him and cost the Bucs in the end. LT Donovan Smith struggled against DE Cameron Jordan in pass protection as he brought the pressure all day long. Smith must solidify that side of the offensive line and protect Brady’s blindside in order for him to have a clean pocket. WR Mike Evans was a game-time decision with a hamstring issue but decided to play. It was evident that Evans was playing through pain and it showed on the stat sheet as he only had an uncharacteristic 1 catch for 2 yards but his lone catch resulted in a TD. WR Chris Godwin left the game with an apparent head injury and is status for Sunday’s game is unknown. The Bucs come into Week 2 with the #6 ranked defense in the league. The Bucs offense can help their defense by establishing the run with RB’s Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette gaining big yardage while milking the clock and allowing the Panthers fewer possessions.

Players to Watch

Christian McCaffrey (Panthers): One of the most exciting players in the NFL, McCaffrey has 100-plus scrimmage yards and 2-plus TD’s in a game for the 10th time since 2018 which is the most in the NFL in that span.

Scotty Miller (Buccaneers): Brady has a habit of turning lesser-known players into popular players. It looks like he might do the same for Miller as he had 5 catches for 73 yards on 6 targets.

Impact Rookies

Yatur Gross-Matos (Panthers): A very strong and powerful player with good flexibility who has the potential to develop into a good pass rusher.

Antoine Winfield Jr. (Buccaneers): An impressive player with good bloodlines who can hold up deep, drop down to cover slot receivers, and fill in against the run. He will be the last line of defense if McCaffrey breaks loose.

Key Statistic

QB Tom Brady is 3-12 when trailing at halftime over the past 4 seasons including the playoffs.

Prediction

Brady takes his frustrations out on a young and inexperienced Panthers defense as he spreads the ball around and utilizes all his weapons. Bridgewater tries to keep the Panthers in the game but his efforts won’t be enough to overcome the Bucs pass rush.

Final Score: Panthers 24 / Buccaneers 35

Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Heinz Field

About the Broncos

QB Drew Lock came close to winning his 1st game as a full-time starter as they lost to the Tennessee Titans by 2 points. Lock was without his top WR as Courtland Sutton sat out with a shoulder injury. Lock did a good job spreading the ball around and was able to sustain drives. RB Melvin Gordon got most of the work in the backfield while RB Phillip Lindsay exited the game with a turf toe injury. His status for this week’s game is uncertain. Second-year TE Noah Fant had 5 catches for 81 yards and a TD. Usually, a safe bet to win at home, the Broncos lost a Week 1 home game for the 1st time in their last 8 tries. The Broncos must do a better job of stopping the run as they allowed 130 yards rushing to the Titans. The Broncos can help their chances of winning by creating turnovers on defense and preventing them on offense especially against an opportunistic Steeler defense.

About the Steelers

This Steelers defense played like the Steel Curtain of old as they held Pro Bowl RB Saquon Barkley to only 6 yards rushing and harassed QB Daniel Jones al night. QB Ben Roethlisberger made his long-awaited return and stated that he” came back to play for his teammates”. He looked a bit rusty at first but eventually got it together and start playing like the Roethlisberger of old throwing for 229 yards and 3 TDs. RB Bennie Snell ran wild as he got most of the workload in the wake of Conner’s injury. Snell accumulated 113 yards on 19 touches nearly averaging 6 yards a carry. WR Juju Smith-Schuster scored 2 TDs but will have his work cut out for him against CB Bryce Callahan. CB A.J. Bouye suffered a shoulder injury and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks. On defense, the Steelers will have to shut down the Broncos running game and force the Broncos into 3rd and long situations which will allow the Steelers talented LB’s T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree to thrive.

Players to Watch

Jerry Jeudy (Broncos): Jeudy had a good NFL debut with 4 catches and 56 yards but was uncharacteristically plagued by dropped passes but showed a penchant for getting open and creating separation between him and the defender.

T.J. Watt (Steelers): Watt was all over the field for the Steelers against the Giants with 1 interception, 2 passes defended, and 1 tackle for loss as he can disrupt the passing game with an aggressive pass rush.

Impact Rookies

Alex Highsmith (Steelers): Highsmith didn’t do much in his NFL debut, but fits the profile of the prototypical Steelers LB.

Michael Ojemuda (Broncos): Ojemuda will be a good CB in the Broncos system for years with his physicality, instincts, ball skills, and competitiveness.
Key Statistic: The Steelers had 2 takeaways in their game against the Giants. They lead the NFL in that category with 38 last season.

Prediction

This should be a back and forth defensive battle. This game will come down to which QB can make a play late in a game, and Roethlisberger has the playmakers on the offensive side of the ball to get it done.

Final Score: Steelers 24 / Broncos 17

Los Angeles Rams vs Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

Philadelphia, Pennslyvania
Lincoln Financial Field

About the Rams

The Rams opened brand new So Fi Stadium with a victory over the Cowboys as it was their 4th year straight with a season-opening win. The Rams tried to establish their running game with RB’s Malcolm Brown and rookie Cam Akers as they combined for 118 yards while Brown rushed for 2 TD’s. WR Robert Woods had 6 catches for 105 yards and was targeted 8 times. The turning point in the game was an offensive pass interference call against the Cowboys WR Michael Gallup with 21 seconds left in regulation. The completion would have put the Cowboys in field goal range but was nullified by the penalty. The Rams defense compiled 3 sacks against the Cowboys and it’s a strong possibility that they could have a higher sack total against the Eagles with their depleted offensive line. Expect DL Aaron Donald, LB Leonard Floyd, and DL Michael Brockers to give Eagles QB Carson Wentz fits all afternoon. Donald has 34 sacks since the 2018 season which is the highest total in that span.

About the Eagles

The Eagles blew a 17-0 lead as Washington scored 27 unanswered points to get the win. QB Carson Wentz looked like a different QB in the 2nd half as he made questionable decisions with the football resulting in 3 turnovers. Wentz shouldn’t have to shoulder the entire responsibility for the loss due to his offensive line not performing up to par as they are decimated by injuries but Wentz is too mature and too inexperienced to make some of the simple mistakes he made holding on to the ball too long and making errant throws. It doesn’t get any easier going up against the Rams pass rush. The Eagles also couldn’t get anything going in the running game compiling only 57 yards. TE Dallas Goedert was the only consistent performer on offense with 8 catches for 101 yards and a TD. The Rams only gave up 23 yards receiving on 2 catches to the Cowboys TE’s last week. Wentz loves throwing to his TE’s and against Washington was the 2nd time in his career throwing a TD pass to both of his TE’s in the same game. Despite their problems on offense, the Eagles have the #1 defense in the NFL going into Week 2.

Players to Watch

Aaron Donald (Rams): It could be a long day for the Eagles and Wentz if they can’t keep Donald from disrupting the pocket.

Corey Clement (Eagles): Clement must be able to gain positive yardage in order to take the pressure off of the passing game.

Impact Rookies

Van Jefferson (Rams): The son of former NFL WR Shawn Jefferson, look for him to become a reliable target for Goff as the season progresses.

Jalen Hurts (Eagles): Hurts should be prepared and ready to play in the event of an injury to Wentz or head coach Doug Pederson could use Hurts in different packages as a decoy to give opponents different looks and force them to adjust their game plans.

Key Statistic

The Eagles allowed 8 sacks last week against Washington, the most since Week 4 of 2007.

Prediction

The Eagles offensive line problems continue as the Rams defense caused multiple turnovers. RB’s Brown and Akers continue to be effective running the football and rack up plenty of yardage on their way to a Rams victory.

Final Score: Rams 27 / Eagles 17

San Francisco 49ers vs New York Jets

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

East Rutherford, New Jersey
Met Life Stadium

About the 49ers

The 49ers lost a nail biter to the Arizona Cardinals and had no answer for the combination of QB Kyler Murray and WR DeAndre Hopkins. The 49ers have struggled with mobile QB’s as they have done with NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and QB Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. They should play much better against the Jets and their suspect offensive line as they gave up 3 sacks against the Bills. DL Kerry Hyder and D.J. Jones each had a sack apiece but couldn’t contain Murray and as he rushed for 91 yards. The 49ers are 3-5 in games against QB’s with 25-plus rushing yards since 2019 including the playoffs. Look for DE Nick Bosa to bring plenty of pressure off the edge. QB Jimmy Garropolo couldn’t find any consistency with his WR’s and Deebo Samuel’s presence was missed. It didn’t help their cause when All-Pro TE George Kittle was sidelined with a sprained knee just before halftime and his status against the Jets is still undecided. Offensively, the 49ers need to be more creative finding ways to get their WR’s the football and taking pressure off of RB Raheem Mostert. Mostert touched the ball a total of 19 times and WR Kendrick Bourne and RB Jerrick McKinnon must get involved so opposing defenses can’t focus solely on Mostert. Garropolo’s 76 yard TD pass to Mostert in the 1st quarter was the longest of his career.

About the Jets

The Jets had no answer for the Bills suffocating defense as QB Sam Darnold struggled early in the game. The Jets running game was a non-factor as RB Le’ Veon Bell was injured during the game and will miss some action within the coming weeks. Veteran RB Frank Gore and RB Josh Adams will split carries in the backfield but they were also stifled by the Bills defensive effort. WR Jamison Crowder tried to help the Jets cause with 7 catches for 115 yards and a TD and it was Crowder’s first 100-yard game since2017. Marcus Maye had a good game with 7 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 tackles for loss.

Players to Watch

Kendrick Bourne (49ers): He must step up and play a bigger role in the 49ers offense at least until Deebo Samuel returns. Bourne is a run after the catch threat and can be deployed in the slot or on the outside.

Josh Adams (Jets): Not knowing how much Gore has left in the tank to give a struggling offense, Adams must take the initiative to jump-start an anemic offense.

Impact Rookies

Javon Kinlaw (49ers): Kinlaw was ineffective in his NFL debut but should help fortify the interior of the 49ers defensive line as a physical run stopper.

Ashtyn Davis (Jets): Davis has a rare blend of athleticism and instincts allow him to chase down passes from almost anywhere on the field.

Key Statistic

RB Frank Gore surpassed Emmitt Smith for the 3rd most games played by a RB in NFL history. The Jets are currently 31st in the NFL in rushing.

Prediction

Garoppolo and company pull off the victory in a low scoring game as both defenses go back and forth until the 49ers force a game-altering turnover and pull out a win on the road.

Final Score: 49ers 16 / Jets 7

Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

Miami, Florida
Hard Rock Stadium

About the Bills

The Bills will aim for their 2nd win of the season as they prepare to face their division rival. QB Josh Allen posted a career-high 312 yards passing and became the 1st Bills QB with 300 plus passing yards since Week 16 of the 2016 season. Allen will face a stiff test against the Dolphins secondary with elite CB’s Byron Jones and Xavien Howard. Bills WR Stephon Diggs had 86 yards receiving in his Bills debut leading the team with 8 catches. It’s an asset to have a QB who is capable of running the football but the Bills would be better served getting more production out of their RB’s Devin Singletary and rookie Zack Moss. Allen leads the Bills in rushing yards and attempts in their victory against the Jets, and the more Allen runs, the more he is at risk for injury. The Bills had a total of 4 LB’s leave the game with injuries, most notably starters Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano. Each player is currently listed as day to day and head coach Sean McDermott said that” the injuries don’t appear to be long term”. Look for DL Ed Oliver and Jerry Hughes to put pressure on QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and force him to make mistakes.

About the Dolphins

The Dolphins struggled to move the ball in their game against the New England Patriots as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick threw 3 interceptions in the game and couldn’t get anything going on offense as the Patriots also shut down their rushing attack. To make matters worse, #1 WR Devante Parker left the game with a hamstring injury and is considered to be day-to-day. Parker was having a good game with 4 catches and 47 yards all in the 1st half but didn’t return after halftime. The Dolphins have talented WR’s Preston Williams, Jakeem Grant, and Isaiah Ford but they all were rendered ineffective with Fitzpatrick under duress. According to NFL.com, Fitzpatrick had the lowest passer rating in a game at 44.6 by a QB to complete at least 65% of his passes since Cam Newton did it in Week 3 of the 2017 season. Look for Fitzpatrick to take some deep shots against a very good Bills defense to try and gain some momentum with a big play. LB Jerome Baker also played well on the defensive end with 13 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss. Baker will be instrumental in spying Allen and trying to limit the damage he does with his legs.

Players to Watch

Devin Singletary (Bills): Look for the Bills to use Singletary more in an attempt to protect Allen and to control the time of possession.

Myles Gaskin (Dolphins): He was the player nobody was talking about coming into the season as he led the team with 40 rushing yards. He plays much bigger than his small 5’9 frame so look for Gaskin to make the most out of every snap he plays.

Impact Rookies

Zach Moss (Bills): It appears the Bills are trying to implement a dual rushing attack but Moss must be able to grind out the tough yardage running in between the tackles.

Solomon Kindley (Dolphins): After earning a starting spot in training camp, the Dolphins expect Kindley to help solidify the offensive line and help keep pass rushers out of the pocket.

Key Statistic

According to NFL.com, the Bills had 3 WR’s with 50-plus receiving yards for the 1st time since Week 7 of 2015.

Prediction

The Dolphins can’t match up on either side of the ball as Josh Allen has another monster game on the ground and in the air and gains another divisional win in the standings.

Final Score: Bills 42 / Dolphins 9

Minnesota Vikings vs Indianapolis Colts

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

Indianapolis, Indiana
Lucas Oil Stadium

About the Vikings

The Vikings need to solve the issues in their secondary fast as QB Aaron Rodgers burned them for 364 yards and 4 TDs. The defense couldn’t get any pressure either or couldn’t collapse the pocket and it was evident they were missing DE’s Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter who missed the game due to injury. LB’s Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks will have to lead a young defense into Indianapolis and face the Colts. While QB Philip Rivers isn’t Rodgers, the Vikings must remain focused against the wily veteran. QB Kirk Cousins must get off to a good start and get WR Adam Thielen to stretch the field so that RB Dalvin Cook can get his touches. The offense is more effective when Cook carries the ball but his opportunities will decrease if the Vikings have to play behind. Cook only had 12 rushing attempts against the Packers.

About the Colts

The Colts were held to 3 points in the 2nd half against the Jaguars and QB Philip Rivers threw 2 interceptions that hurt his team. Despite the turnovers, Rivers played well and spread the ball around to his playmakers as he racked up 363 passing yards and he will have to protect the football against this opportunistic Vikings defense. RB Marlon Mack had to be carted off the field and was later diagnosed with a torn Achilles tendon ending his season. Rookie RB Johnathon Taylor and RB Nyheim Hines will assume the workload in the backfield for the Colts. While Hines is a more finesse back who is adept at catching passes in the flat, Taylor is built to run in between the tackles but also has the speed to beat defenders on the outside. DE Denico Autry had a big game with 2 sacks and should be able to exploit his matchup against the Vikings offensive line and should turn QB pressures into meaningful sacks.

Players to Watch

Dalvin Cook (Vikings): The Vikings have to get Cook cooking and get him the ball by any means. Getting him touches in the passing game would allow him to be effective also and Cook can wear defenses down with his physical style of running.

Nyheim Hines (Colts): Now would be a great time for Hines to show that he is capable of being an every-down back and not just a 3rd down specialist and special teamer. He has great versatility and should be ready to assume a bigger role.

Impact Rookies

Justin Jefferson (Vikings): Jefferson should become more involved in the passing game as he season progresses and becomes a legit #2 WR to complement Adam Thielen.

Johnathon Taylor (Colts): With the unfortunate injury to Marlon Mack, Taylor has an opportunity to show that he is as good as advertised and good enough to be the starting RB moving forward.

Key Statistic

According to NFL.com, Philip Rivers has a 33-36 record in the first 5 weeks of a season but is 56-29 through weeks 12-17.

Prediction

The Vikings prioritize giving Cook the ball and it pays off as the Colts struggle to contain him. Rivers has a difficult time handling the Vikings pass rush and ends up committing multiple turnovers.

Final Score: Vikings 31 / Colts 17

Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

Green Bay, Wisconsin
Lambeau Field

About the Lions

The Lions lost a heartbreaker last week as they allowed the Chicago Bears to score 21 points in the final quarter after leading by 17. To add insult to injury, QB Matthew Stafford dropped back to pass and delivered a perfect strike to rookie RB D’Andre Swift with only seconds remaining in the game. Swift dropped the potential game-winning pass as the Lions suffered their 1st defeat of the season. The Lions became the 4th team since 2007 to lose a game when up 17-plus points entering the 4th quarter. The Lions were without star WR Kenny Golliday who didn’t play due to injury as the other playmakers stepped up to compensate for his absence. WR’s Danny Amendola, Marvin Jones Jr., and TE T.J. Hockenson all had over 50 receiving yards while newly acquired RB Adrian Peterson had 93 yards rushing averaging 6.6 yards per carry. DE Trey Flowers played well as he has a forced fumble and a sack and gave the Bears offensive line all they could handle. The Lions defense also struggled with stopping the run and they will have their hands full with dual-threat RB Aaron Jones. Trey Flowers and DT Danny Shelton must get up-field and hit QB Aaron Rodgers while also stopping the Packers run game. There is also concern about the depth at the CB position due to injuries to starters Desmond Trufant and Justin Coleman who was placed on injured reserve. Number 3 overall pick CB Jeffrey Okudah didn’t play either Sunday due to injury and it’s possible all 3 players could be out against the Packers.

About the Packers

Is it safe to say that QB Aaron Rodgers was trying to send a message with his performance against the Vikings? Rodgers threw 4 TD passes and a superb 364 passing yards and just maybe Rodgers was fueled by the fact the Packers drafted QB Jordan Love in the 1st round of the draft? Rodgers didn’t seem to be threatened or worried about his job security and the Packers should be glad to have him under center. WR Davante Adams tied a single-game franchise record with 14 catches to go along with 156 yards receiving and 2 TDs. The Packers were concerned about who would emerge as the secondary WR’s behind Adams, but that question has been answered as both WR’s Allen Lazard and Marques Valdes-Scantling proved that they both were capable of being viable options in the Packers offense. CB Jaire Alexander had a good game as he picked off QB Kirk Cousins, recorded a sack and safety as he became the 3rd player since 2000 with all 3 in a single game. His lone mistake was allowing a TD pass when WR Adam Thielen beat him on a fade route. Look for Alexander to be matched up against Marvin Jones Jr. in a marquee matchup which could determine the outcome of this game.

Players to Watch

Tony McRae (Lions): Look for the journeyman to finally get an opportunity to start in place of one of the injured starters. He is on his 6th team and should be prepared to earn a permanent spot on the roster.

Allen Lazard (Packers): An undrafted and underrated player who is very capable of becoming a good WR especially with Davante Adams attracting all the attention in opposing secondaries.

Impact Rookies

D’Andre Swift (Lions): Swift will be looking for every chance to redeem himself after dropping the game-winning pass last week. Swift is an explosive player with a compact build and can contribute as a runner and a receiver.

A.J. Dillion (Packers): Dillion is powerfully built and has good athleticism for his size. He could be used effectively in goal-line situations with his 6’0 and 247-pound build.

Prediction

With inexperienced players filling in for injured starters in the Lions secondary, Rodgers puts up points in bunches as he and Adams put up monstrous numbers. Stafford tries to keep up in the scoring column but won’t be able to outduel Rodgers.

Final Score: Lions 27 / Packers 52

Atlanta Falcons vs Dallas Cowboys

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium

About the Falcons

The Falcons didn’t have an answer for Russell Wilson as their defense allowed 4 TD passes. This week the Falcons will face QB Dak Prescott who has a multitude of weapons at WR and SS Keanu Neal and CB’s Isaiah Oliver, Darqueze Dennard and A.J. Terrell must be aware and on their toes against this lethal Cowboys passing attack. The Falcons secondary can’t allow WR Amari Cooper to get loose for big plays. The Falcons offensive line only allowed 2 sacks against the Seahawks and must protect QB Matt Ryan from a potent Cowboys pass rush. Ryan played great despite the loss as 3 of his WR’s had over 100 yards receiving. RB Todd Gurley couldn’t quite get going in his team debut with 56 yards rushing on 14 attempts and 2 catches for only 1 yard. After week 1, the Falcons have the #1 passing offense and the #2 ranked offense in the NFL. During their last meeting against the Cowboys, the Falcons lost 22-19.

About the Cowboys

The Cowboys lost a hard-fought battle against the Los Angeles Rams by a 3-point margin. QB Dak Prescott played well with 266 yards passing and a TD, and it appears that the Cowboys implemented more drop-back passing plays designed to keep Prescott in the pocket. Head coach Mike McCarthy must allow Prescott to play his style of football and allow him to do what he does best. The Cowboys are not a team built to play from behind because they depend on the running game to be successful. Changing their identity on offense could be a disaster because the offense was built around RB Ezekiel Elliott’s ability to pound the ball behind their elite offensive line and allowing Prescott to use play-action to keep defenses off balance. Elliott finished with 96 yards rushing with a TD, but they might have difficulty running against the Falcons defense that only allowed 84 yards rushing against the Seahawks. The Cowboys will be without LB Leighton Vander Esch for 6-8 weeks due to a broken collarbone. Vander Esch recorded 212 tackles over 25 games for the Cowboys. TE Blake Jarwin is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL.

Players to Watch

Julio Jones (Falcons): Just imagine the impact Jones can have against the Cowboys secondary, especially after they allowed WR Robert Woods 105 yards on 6 catches. Expect Jones to see plenty of press coverage and double teams.

Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys): Can Elliott get going against the Falcons stout run defense? Will he still get touches if the Cowboys fall behind on the scoreboard?

Impact Rookies

Mykal Walker (Falcons): Walker had 1 tackle in his NFL debut and should see an increase in his playing time as the season progresses.

Trevon Diggs (Cowboys): Diggs could be assigned to cover Jones on some plays due to his size and length in an attempt to limit any potential game-changing plays.
Key Statistic: The Cowboys are 1-7 in 1 score games since the start of the 2019 season.

Prediction

The Cowboys get on the scoreboard early and feed Elliott the ball to control the time of possession. Ryan will once again spread the ball to multiple WR’s once again playing from behind but coming up short.

Final Score: Falcons 24 / Cowboys 37

New York Giants vs Chicago Bears

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

Chicago, Illinois
Soldier Field

About the Giants

The Giants will be seeking their 1st win of the season after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. QB Daniel Jones Played well despite throwing 2 interceptions. WR Darius Slayton emerged with 102 yards receiving and 2 TDs. Slayton had 8 TD’s last year which was tied for the most among rookie WR’s. The Steelers defense had the “steel curtain” up against the Giants rushing attack and shut down RB Saquon Barkley. Barkley was held to a paltry 6 yards in 15 attempts as rookie LT Andrew Thomas and the offensive line struggled to open running lanes. The Giants' defense performed fairly well despite the loss. DE Leonard Williams had 4 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 tackles for loss. DT Dexter Lawrence totaled 3 tackles, 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss as the Giants defensive line appears to be the most dominant unit. Jones must make smart decisions with the football and not give the Bears defense easy interceptions to capitalize off of.

About the Bears

QB Mitchell Trubisky led a furious 4th quarter comeback against the Lions and silenced his critics for now as the Bears trailed 23-6 entering the final period. Trubisky threw 3 TD passes and earned his 5th consecutive career win against the Lions. Trubisky spread the ball around to several of his weapons to get back in the game. WR’s Anthony Miller, Allen Robinson, and TE Jimmy Graham all made huge plays down the stretch that impacted the outcome of the game. Trubisky joined former Bears QB Erik Kramer as the only Bears QB to lead a comeback after losing by 17-plus points entering the 4th quarter. The Bears should have similar success against the Giants as they struggled against the Steelers passing attack on Monday night. Trubisky should be able to get off to a fast start from the lack of a Giants pass rush. RB’s David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen ran the ball particularly well when they had their chances, but their opportunities were limited due to the Bears playing from behind. Both backs averaged at least 5 yards per carry. LB Khalil Mack should be more of a difference-maker against the Giants as he only recorded 2 tackles against the Lions.

Players to Watch

Saquon Barkley (Giants): Look for Barkley to try and get off to a quick start and setting the tone against the 27th ranked Bears defense.

Khalil Mack (Bears): Watch as Mack tries to keep Barkley from busting loose and having his way against the Bears defense after allowing 138 yards rushing to the Lions.

Impact Rookies

Darnay Holmes (Giants): Holmes recorded 2 tackles in his NFL debut against the Steelers. Holmes has good technique and footwork as well as a good understanding of WR’s route concepts. The Giants should feature him in the slot in nickel and dime packages.

Jaylon Johnson (Bears): Johnson had 5 tackles and 2 passes defended in his NFL debut and could be deployed against Slayton to try to keep him out of the end zone.

Key Statistic

According to NFL.com, Barkley rushed for -3 yards in the 1st half against the Steelers, the fewest by an RB with 9-plus carries in a single half since Bengals RB Rudi Johnson in Week 3 of 2007.

Prediction

The Bears improve to 2-0 as Trubisky continues to have the hot hand throwing multiple TD passes. Cohen and Montgomery get their fair amount of touches and have a field day against the Giants defense.

Final Score: Giants 10 / Bears 27

Washington Football Team vs Arizona Cardinals

Sunday
September 20, 2020
4:05 PM ET

Glendale, Arizona
State Farm Arena

About Washington

Washington’s defense is the real deal. They got the job done I a furious comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles as they scored 27 unanswered points in the win. The defense compiled 8 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. Rookie DE Chase young was as good as advertised with 2 tackles and 1 ½ sacks as they brought the heat against QB Carson Wentz. LB Ryan Kerrigan loves playing against the Eagles as he now has 13.5 sacks against them which is the most among active players. It will be interesting to see how they perform against dual-threat QB Kyler Murray and how they defend his mobility and ability to throw on the run. RB Peyton Barber got most of the carries and had a career-high 2 rushing TD’s. Washington’s secondary played well as CB’s Fabian Moreau and Jimmy Moreland both had an interception apiece but will face a challenge going against All-Pro WR De Andre Hopkins. This was Washington’s 1st win in a home opener since 2014.

About the Cardinals

The undeniable chemistry between QB Kyler Murray and WR DeAndre Hopkins was on full display as they carried the Cardinals in the win against the San Francisco 49ers. Murray was prolific with his arm and his legs while throwing for 230 yards with 1TD pass and 1 interception while also rushing for 91 yards and a TD. The Cardinals often find success when Murray runs the ball. Murray has had 8-plus rush attempts in 5 of the Cardinals last 6 wins, so Washington will have to be aware of Murray’s ability to run the football. Hopkins couldn’t be stopped as he caught 14 passes for 151 yards and appears to be a dangerous duo combined with Murray’s talents. LB Chandler Jones is one of the most productive sack artists in the NFL and OL Geron Christian and Morgan Moses will have the responsibility of keeping Jones from getting to QB Dwayne Haskins.

Players to Watch

Ryan Kerrigan (Washington): Kerrigan will have to get in the Cardinals backfield and force Murray into bad throws or make him get rid of the ball quicker than he would like.

DeAndre Hopkins (Cardinals): Washington will more than likely double team Hopkins, but it just might be ineffective as Hopkins can catch the ball in traffic, over the middle of the field, or while beating press coverage. Washington’s best bet is to try and keep him out of the end zone.

Impact Rookies

Saahdiq Charles (Washington): Charles needs time to learn the nuances and techniques of playing OT in the NFL but possesses the size and strength to be a good rotational player while he develops.

Isaiah Simmons (Cardinals): Cardinals Simmons recorded 3 tackles in his NFL debut and the best is yet to come for this phenomenal prospect.

Prediction

Kyler Murray struggles early as Washington keeps him in the pocket and tries to keep him one-dimensional. He begins to find his rhythm and Hopkins ends up having another huge game for the Cardinals.

Final Score: Washington 21 / Cardinals 34

Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers

Sunday
September 20, 2020
4:25 PM ET

Los Angeles, California
SoFi Stadium

About the Chiefs

The defending Super Bowl champions began their title defense with a victory against the Houston Texans in convincing fashion 34-20. Up next for the Chiefs are their divisional rivals Los Angeles Chargers. QB Patrick Mahomes went 24-32 with 211 yards and 3 TDs with a 123.2 QBR. TE Travis Kelce had 6 catches for 50 yards while also finding the end zone. WR Sammy Watkins pitched in with 7 catches with 82 yards and a TD while WR Tyreek Hill had 5 catches, 46 yards, and a TD. It may be challenging for Mahomes and his supporting cast as the Chargers secondary held the Cincinnati Bengals to 173 yards passing with an interception as they held QB Joe Burrow to a 66.1 QBR. Mahomes is 12-1 in his career against AFC West opponents and has his sights set on winning another division title and more. Rookie RB Clyde Helaire-Edwards couldn’t have had a better NFL debut as he ran through the Texans defense for 138 yards and a TD at 5.5 yards per carry. With Edwards-Helaire providing the Chiefs with a dangerous threat in the run game, it will it easier for Mahomes to find his WR’s if opponents decide to load the box to stop the run. DT Chris Jones will have to be a force in the middle to try and slow the Chargers' rushing attack. Also expect Tyrann Mathieu to help out in run support and line up in the box in certain situations.

About the Chargers

The Chargers prepare to play their 1st game in their brand new home stadium against the defending Super Bowl champions. The Chargers defense was spectacular last week against the Bengals, but that was against a rookie QB. This week, they face arguably the best QB in the NFL and will have to be focused and poised on the task at hand. According to Next Gen Stats, the Chargers had 13 QB pressures in Week 1 and will have to do the same against the Chiefs if they have any hope of pulling off the upset. DE Joey Bosa and LB Uchenna Nwosu must penetrate the Chiefs offensive line and get their hands on Mahomes to disrupt his chemistry with his WR’s. The Chargers run defense was also stout as they held RB Joe Mixon to 69 yards on 3.6 yards per carry. They will need a similar performance to prevent rookie phenom Clyde Edwards-Helaire to run wild as he did against the Texans. The Chargers have a dynamic rushing attack of their own with RB Austin Ekeler as he gained 84 yards rushing at 4.4 yards per carry and should play a major role in this game by helping the Chargers control the time of possession and keeping the ball out of Mahomes hands. RB Joshua Kelley also chipped in with 60 yards at 5.0 yards per carry and a TD as both Ekeler and Kelley could be a formidable two-headed monster in the Chargers backfield, especially considering the fact that the Chiefs defense was vulnerable to the run as their defense gave up 118 yards and 2 TDs to the Texans.

Players to Watch

Travis Kelce (Chiefs): Kelce has fewer than 100 yards in each of his 12 career games against the Chargers. Will this be the game he comes up huge against the Chiefs' divisional foe?

Mike Williams (Chargers): Capable of catching the deep ball with a penchant for big plays, look for Williams to be a factor in this game as QB Tyrod Taylor targets him often, especially in the end zone.

Impact Rookies

L’Jarius Sneed (Chiefs): Sneed picked off QB Deshaun Watson in his NFL debut and should get the start against the Chargers if CB Charvarius Ward is unable to play due to injury.

Joshua Kelley (Chargers): Kelley showed that he is a dependable back and made his case to force the Chargers coaching staff to allow him to share the workload with Ekeler.

Prediction

Mahomes continues his dominant play as the Chargers' defense hits him on a few occasions but can’t rattle him as he remains poised. Edwards-Helaire has another 100 yards rushing and the Chiefs winning ways continue.

Final Score: Chiefs 48 / Chargers 20

Baltimore Ravens vs Houston Texans

Sunday
September 20, 2020
4:25 PM ET

Houston, Texas
NRG Stadium

About the Ravens

Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson had an impressive performance against their divisional rival Cleveland Browns and threw for 3 TD’s and 275 yards while also rushing for 45 yards. The win improved Jackson’s record as a starting QB to 20-3 as the Ravens destroyed the Browns Rookie RB J.K. Dobbins contributed with 2 TD runs while WR Marquis Brown chipped in with 101 yards receiving. TE Mark Andrews, Jackson’s favorite target also caught 2 TD passes in the blowout victory. The one thing the Ravens will have to improve is their run defense. The Browns accumulated 138 rushing on 27 attempts at 5.1 yards per carry. This week they will face RB David Johnson who performed well against the Chiefs. DT’s Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell will have to step up in run support. Jackson will have to use a quick passing attack to keep LB J.J. Watt and the Texans pass rush at bay. The Ravens have won 13 straight regular-season games dating back to 2019 which is the longest streak in the NFL.

About the Texans

The Texans will try to get their 1st victory of the season after a rough outing against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. QB Deshaun Watson struggled behind a mediocre offensive line and was under pressure all night as he threw for 253 yards, 1 TD with an 84.5 QBR. This was Watson’s 1st game without elite WR DeAndre Hopkins and will have to find another dependable target to bail him out on 3rd downs or whenever the pocket collapses. Watson and the Texans prepare to face CB Marlon Humphrey and the Ravens secondary as they had little trouble defending the pass against the Browns only giving up 168 yards passing and a TD as they picked off Baker Mayfield once and held him to a 65.0 QBR. The Texans offensive line must play better as they allowed 4 sacks and 7 QB hits. Watson has quick feet and can scramble to get away from the pass rush, but it wouldn’t be wise for the Texans to expose Watson to any unnecessary punishment that can be avoided. The offensive line did well in the running game propelling RB David Johnson to 77 yards rushing with a TD and 7.0 yards per carry. The Texans also need to figure out how to stop the run as rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire had a field day running the ball as the Texans defense gave up 166 yards on the ground on 34 attempts to a tune of 4.9 yards per carry. The Texans are 4-19 when trailing at halftime over the last 4 seasons, so it’s important for Watson and company to get off to a fast start against the Ravens.

Players to Watch

Mark Andrews (Ravens): Andrews has a nose for finding the end zone and is usually Jackson’s most targeted pass catcher.

Will Fuller V (Texans): Fuller is the most likely candidate to be the go-to option for Watson. Watson targeted him 10 times for 8 catches and 112 yards. Fuller, mostly known as a deep threat, should develop more as a possession receiver.

Impact Rookies

J.K. Dobbins (Ravens): Dobbins is the X-factor behind RB Mark Ingram. They have similar running styles and the combination of the 2 along with Jackson as a threat to run can spell trouble for opposing defenses.

John Reid (Texans): Reid had 5 tackles in his NFL debut and will be busy against the Ravens and their depth at WR.

Prediction

The Texans' defensive struggles continue as they allow Jackson and company to run the ball at will. Watson attempts a heroic comeback effort late in the game but to no avail as the Ravens have too much offensive firepower.

Final Score: Ravens 38 / Texans 27

New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks

Sunday
September 20, 2020
8:20 PM ET

Seattle, Washington
CenturyLink Field

About the Patriots

If QB Cam Newton continues to play as he did in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, the sooner he will make the Patriot faithful stop wondering about life after Tom Brady. Newton ran for 75 yards on 15 attempts while compiling 230 total yards. Newton added to his NFL rushing record rushing TD’s for a QB in his superb performance. Opponents are seeing a new-look Patriots offense with Newton at the helm as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is a genius and one of the brightest minds in the NFL. McDaniels will come up with unique game plans and schemes switching it up from week to week with RPO’s, designed QB runs, and other options that could be effective. Newton’s versatility will allow McDaniels to diversify the passing game as he can force defenses to use a spy and load the box which they could use as a decoy and to their advantage. It’s imperative for Newton to stay healthy because backup QB Jarrett Stidham won’t be able to adapt to the same system due to his skill set. The Patriots defense looked great last week as they forced QB Ryan Fitzpatrick into throwing 3 interceptions. DB’s Johnathon Jones and Joejuan Williams must keep plays in front of them and anticipate Wilson throwing the ball while on the run. They must stay in coverage throughout the entire play and not assume that Wilson will just run out of bounds instead of trying to extend the play.

About the Seahawks

QB Russell Wilson put on a performance for the ages as he looked unstoppable at times and appeared to be a man on a mission. The Seahawks are 61-7 when leading after halftime in the Russell Wilson era. Wilson also continues his winning ways and has tied Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger for the 2nd most wins by a QB in his first 9 seasons since 1950 with a total of 87 wins. Since 2015, Wilson has 9 games with 4-plus pass TD’s, something only Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers have accomplished. Wilson also became the 5th QB in NFL history with 4,000 plus career rushing yards. If Wilson continues to perform at this level, he should finally win his 1st MVP award hands down but it’s still early in the season. The Seahawks defense only allowed the Atlanta Falcons 72 yards rushing and will attempt to force QB Cam Newton to pass instead of allowing him to beat them with his feet. The Seahawks did allow 450 yards through the air but the Patriots don’t have the same caliber of WR’s the Falcons have. Expects LB’s Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright to key in on Newton and try to keep him in the pocket. CB’s Shaquill Griffin and Quinton Dunbar must pay attention because Newton is very capable of delivering passes downfield with his elite arm strength.

Players to Watch

Stephon Gilmore (Patriots): The reigning Defensive Player of the Year will be tested as he matches up against WR D.K. Metcalf. Metcalf has the size advantage, but Gilmore should be up to the challenge and continue to show why he is an elite player in this league.

Chris Carson (Seahawks): Carson’s impact against the Falcons was overshadowed by Wilson’s terrific performance, but the Patriots can’t afford to sleep on him as he is tough to bring down, especially if he gains momentum. He is a big back at 6’2 and 206 pounds and could be a matchup problem for a lot of LBs.

Impact Rookies

Anfernee Jennings (Patriots): Jennings is a fantastic athlete with playmaking skills and explosion and should develop nicely under the guidance of Bill Belichick.

Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks): The 1st round pick from Texas Tech plays with aggressiveness and has a nose for finding the ball and should develop into a gem on defense for Pete Carroll.

Key Statistic

Russell Wilson is 6-2 against Cam Newton in his career including the playoffs and is 16-3 at home in primetime games.

Prediction

This game should be close as both QB’s will go back and forth trading jabs. Both QB’s are dynamic and are capable of putting their respective teams on their back, but Wilson has the better playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and will pull off a close victory at home.

Final Score: Patriots 27 / Seahawks 31

New Orleans Saints vs Las Vegas Raiders

Monday Night Football

September 21, 2020
Las Vegas, Nevada
Allegiant Stadium

About the Saints

The Saints began the season with a victory at home against their division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers and now head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders for a Monday Night Football showdown. The Saints defense frustrated QB Tom Brady as he was held to a 78.4 QBR as the Saints forced him to throw 2 interceptions, one returned for a TD by CB Janoris Jenkins. The Saints also shut down the Bucs rushing attack holding them to 86 yards and 3.3 yards per carry. This week they will face up and coming RB Josh Jacobs who had a spectacular performance last week running for 93 yards and a career-high 3 TD’s. QB Drew Brees played well but didn’t have to do much with the way the defense played throwing for 160 yards with 2 TDs with a 96.5 QBR. The Saints will be without All-Pro WR Michael Thomas who is injured but voiced his opinion about wanting to play through the pain against the team’s wishes but the Saints have ruled him out. Thomas only had 3 catches for 17 yards against the Bucs, a performance from him we are not used to seeing from him. So who will be Bree’s go-to WR since Thomas won’t be playing? Look for WR Emmanuel Sanders, an electrifying and versatile player who is a threat to score whenever he has the ball to play a huge role in the offense. WR Tre’ Quan Smith should also see an increase in his targets as well. The good news for the Saints is that the Raiders allowed Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater to throw for 260 yards and a TD with a 98.9 QBR.

About the Raiders

Fresh off their 1st victory of the season, the Raiders head home to break in their brand new state- of- the- art home-field Allegiant Stadium. If the Raiders can duplicate the way they performed on offense against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, then this should have the makings of a shootout. QB Derek Carr played exceptionally well going 22-30 with 239 yards passing with a 107.5 QBR. The Raiders offense was explosive as they scored 34 points but the same can’t be said about a defense that surrendered 30 points and will have to be aware as they face QB Drew Brees. The Raiders rushing attack flourished their Week 1 win with 133 yards and 3 rushing TD’s from 2nd year RB Josh Jacobs. The Raiders secondary will have to step up against the Saints passing attack. CB’s LaMarcus Joyner and Damon Arnette will have to be aggressive defending the pass against Brees. Winning the turnover battle will be a factor in determining the outcome of this game. If DE Clelin Ferrell can force Brees to get rid of the ball quicker than what he would like, then the Raiders should have a chance. The Raiders should try and force the Saints to become one-dimensional and try to shut down the run game and force them into 3rd and long situations, but they must bring some heat against the Saints stout offensive line. That may be a tall task considering that they allowed 128 yards and 2 TD’s on the ground to the Panthers and will have to stop RB Alvin Kamara from gaining big chunks of yardage.

Players to Watch

Emmanuel Sanders (Saints): Somebody has to get the targets that would eventually go to WR Michael Thomas and the most likely candidate to get them is Sanders. He plays his role well as a secondary WR but is capable of turning it up whenever he gets ready.

Josh Jacobs (Raiders): Jacobs must put pressure on the Saints defense by gaining big yards and running between the tackles so he can make it easier on Carr giving him ample time to find his playmakers making defenders focus on him.

Impact Rookies

Ceasar Ruiz (Saints): Ruiz is versatile and can play any position on the line and is a great athlete with incredibly long arms and good footwork for someone his size.

Bryan Edwards (Raiders): Edwards is an underrated WR and can be a difference-maker if he has a mismatch in the passing game.

Key Statistic

According to NFL.com, teams that relocate are 6-3 in their home openers at a new stadium since the 1970 merger.

Prediction

This should be a back and forth affair with both Brees and Carr trading scoring drives. Kamara and Jacobs will both have 100 yards from scrimmage and give the opposing defense headaches all night, but it will be Brees and the Saints that will prevail on a Will Lutz FG as time expires.

Final Score: Saints 45 / Raiders 42

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About the author

Daniel I. Outerbridge

A contributing writer with aspirations and ambitions to become a sports journalist.

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