NFL Week 2 At A Glance
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by Nejoshi
The first week of the professional football season never fails to provide its fair share of drama and unpredictability, but the series of events that transpired during Kickoff Weekend ’07 were crazy, even for the NFL.
Three of the four division winners from a year ago in the NFC lost last week, and none looked very good in defeat. The Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears combined to get outscored 71-26 in Week 1, albeit all three games were at difficult venues away from home. They all must bounce back in their second game and avoid that disastrous 0-2 start. The opportunity is there with all three being heavy favorites to return to the win column this week.
Week 1 also provided another frustrating scandal in the world of sports. It was uncovered that the New England Patriots had spied on the New York Jets illegally and were punished by losing a first round pick – only if they make the playoffs, which everyone knows they will – plus a fine that was handled by billionaire owner Robert Kraft with no sweat. The first round pick is definitely something of great value, but for a blatant disregard for the rules, the Patriots should be punished much more severe than that, especially given Goodell’s track record as a strict disciplinarian.
One especially great story from last week was watching Mario Williams dominate an NFL game for the first time in his career. Williams is in the unfortunate position of being forced to draw comparisons to Vince Young and Reggie Bush just because of a decision his current franchise made. But, he looked great in the first game of his second season, getting a sack as well as a fumble return for a touchdown, leading the Texans to a promising 1-0 start.
Now, for your Week 2 fix.
The Yawners – Games that must be played so that all 32 NFL teams complete a full schedule
Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) @ Cleveland Browns (0-1)
The Browns are the worst team in the NFL, and will get run over by the prolific Bengals offense.
Bengals, 31-9
Atlanta Falcons (0-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
It sucks to be Bobby Petrino.
Jaguars, 20-10
Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) @ Chicago Bears (1-0)
Even Rex Grossman couldn’t blow a match-up like this. The Bears defense rolls through this one.
Bears, 27-3
Green Bay Packers (1-0) @ New York Giants (0-1)
Green Bay’s offense could use some practice against a junior varsity defense like New York’s
Packers, 24-21
New Orleans Saints (0-1) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)
Fantasy owners everywhere are crossing their fingers and praying that last week’s effort by the Saints was a fluke. Don’t worry, it was.
Saints, 27-7
Dallas Cowboys (1-0) @ Miami Dolphins (0-1)
Looks like Tony Romo has no ill effects from his miscue last season. Phillips’ relaxed style seems to be working wonders in Dallas right now.
Cowboys, 38-10
Seattle Seahawks (1-0) @ Arizona Cardinals (0-1)
Something tells me that this year might not be Arizona’s supposed breakout year.
Seahawks, 24-13
New York Jets (0-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
The Ravens are itching to let out their frustrations from a tough loss last week. I’d hate to be Kellen Clemens right now.
Ravens, 16-3
Buffalo Bills (0-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
Buffalo did everything to win last week, but didn’t. It only gets tougher with a trip to the Steel City.
Steelers, 24-7
Oakland Raiders (0-1) @ Denver Broncos (1-0)
The Raiders looked improved in defeat last week, but all this team does is lose, and that will continue in Mile High territory.
Broncos, 23-20
Games That Matter
Houston Texans (1-0) @ Carolina Panthers (1-0)
The enigma that is the Carolina Panthers look ready to achieve some big things in the NFC this year, something that is becoming common in the odd-numbered years. Houston looks vastly improved, especially on defense where they completely manhandled the Chiefs. This game, however, will be a bit of a reality check for the division leading Texans, who still have quite a ways to go.
Panthers, 23-13
Minnesota Vikings (1-0) @ Detroit Lions (1-0)
It’s been awhile since a game between these two actually affected the top of the standings, but this game is a huge opportunity for one of these perennial duds to start 2-0 and be at the top of the division. Adrian Peterson had a heroic start to his NFL career, but the Vikings don’t have enough supporting him to compete with the deep receiving core the Lions have.
Lions, 20-17
Washington Redskins (1-0) @ Philadelphia Eagles (0-1)
Philly looked uninspiring during a disappointing loss to the Packers last week, and will need to come out fired up against Washington. The Eagles should be fine against the inferior Redskins as long as they don’t muff any more punts like they did on two occasions in Lambeau last week. They should avoid that misfortune this week, and even up their record.
Eagles, 21-17
San Francisco 49ers (1-0) @ St. Louis Rams (0-1)
Many labeled San Francisco as a team to watch out for this year, but they didn’t do much to live up to that hype with their first game. Even though they went on an impressive drive late to set up a winning score, the way the game ended was a gift from the incompetent Cardinals. Now, the Niners face a desperate Rams team that is in a must-win facing a division opponent at home. They can’t possibly miss the boat like they did last week, can they?
Rams, 24-23
Must-See Television
Tennessee Titans (1-0) @ Indianapolis Colts (1-0)
It’s definitely premature to call Tennessee an AFC juggernaut, but in this game there’s absolutely nothing for the Titans to lose. Everyone is praising the Colts (as they should) for how well their defense dominated the Saints so comprehensively, and they believe Jeff Fisher’s team has no chance. Last year’s game in the RCA Dome was a 14-13 escape, but Indianapolis will use that game as a reminder to take this team seriously and should respond with a solid effort.
Colts, 28-17
San Diego Chargers (1-0) @ New England Patriots (1-0)
It’s a shame this game is being played in Week 2 because this is one of the NFL’s best games for the year. The Chargers, Colts, and Patriots are clearly the class of the league and are all scheduled to play each other in a round-robin type format. This game marks the first game featuring the three heavyweights, but this game has added meaning. Last season, the Patriots “disrespected” the trash-talking Chargers after by dancing on their field following an emotional playoff victory. You can bet this rematch will be just as intensely played as that one was, but New England simply has too much firepower to expect a different result this time around.
Patriots, 31-20
Last Week: 13-3
Season: 13-3
