Football Sunday has always been near and dear to my heart. The pre-game show, halftime analysis, incredible in-game action.. all amazing! I tell my friends all the time, the lord rested on the 7th day so he could enjoy the full slate of NFL games.
For my fantasy football and pick em' gurus, I have listed each matchup Sunday and who I predict to win. Checkout the rest of the card below and let me know who you think will come out on top in the games as well!
TEXANS VS. PANTHERS
Scoop: The Texans need this one bad. They looked pretty shaky in the opener against the Chiefs on both sides of the ball. Carolina has a dynamic quarterback and a strong running back in Jon Stewart. I expect both to play very well at home in this one. Regardless of the outcome, this will be a great game to watch this week.
Winner: Carolina
49ERS VS. STEELERS
Scoop: The Steelers are 12-2 in their last 14 home openers. San Fran looked good in the opener, but to Minnesota's defense they are working in a lot of new pieces. Pittsburgh isn't the same situation, as this is a vet group. I expect Antonio Brown to shake loose for a couple big plays at home in this one.
Winner: Steelers
BUCS VS. SAINTS
Scoop: The Saints (0-1) are hosting a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that they've beaten seven times in a row. Brees is at home and will be facing a shaky Bucs defense. I expect C.J. Spiller to play, and if so, Drew will utilize his new running back to the fullest extent.
Winner: Saints
LIONS VS. VIKINGS
Scoop: The Vikings have lost three of their last four to the Lions. This trend, will more than likely continue this week. I expect both of these teams to get stronger as the season progresses, but Detroit has too many weapons for Minnesota to contain. The second matchup between these two will be much better though.
Winner: Detroit
CARDINALS VS. BEARS
Scoop: Carson Palmer threw for 307 yards in his return from ACL surgery in Week 1, completing passes to eight receivers. The Cards also have a strong run defense, which could results in the Bears not being able to feed the ball to Matt Forte all afternoon. Cutler won't back down in this one, but I don't think he has enough healthy pieces to pull this one off. Who knows about the playoffs though..
Winner: Arizona
PATRIOTS VS. BILLS
Scoop: This is going to be a statement game in the NFL this season. The Patriots have steam rolled the Bills over the past decade, but not this time around. The team has revamped by adding a new coach and strong running game. I LOVE the Bills defense as well. I expect Buffalo to come out and play hard in this one, win or loss. This game will let the Pats know the division title will no longer be a cake walk.
Winner: Bills
CHARGERS VS. BENGALS
Scoop: Will the real San Diego Chargers please stand up? They are one of the hardest teams to predict, because you never know how they will come out and play. They are dominant in swings, as evident in the impressive comeback victory against the Lions last week. Rivers threw for 404 yards, so the talent is there. The Bengals have an impressive running game and one of the best wideouts in football in A.J. Green.. I just have no faith in Andy Dalton.
Winner: Chargers
TITANS VS. BROWNS
Scoop: The Titans and rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota shocked the world with a huge rout of the Bucs in week one. This week they will face a Browns team who is better than most people give them credit for. Manziel will have a full week of practice under his belt, and will play well. I think this will be an incredible game to watch. Could be the coming out party of Johnny Football.
Winner: Browns
FALCONS VS. GIANTS
Scoop: The Giants had a meltdown in the fourth quarter against the Cowboys, and let the game slip away in the last minute. New York comes back home to play an inspired and explosive Falcons team. They can score as much as the Giants and have the ability to defend better. I don't believe in the Giants running game, which means Atlanta will have plenty of shots to attack. Not good for New York.
Winner: Atlanta
RAMS VS. REDSKINS
Scoop: Watch out everyone, the Rams may have a competitive team again. St.Louis pulled off an impressive victory against the Seahawks without their star rookie running back Todd Gurley. Quarterback Nick Foles was impressive and has the respect of all players on the team. There is hope and talent in St. Louis, and that makes them very dangerous.
Winner: Rams
DOLPHINS VS. JAGUARS
Scoop: The Jaguars have six starters or key players on the shelf, including DT Sen'Derrick Marks and TE Julius Thomas, arguably the team's best players on both sides of the ball. While Miami doesnt have any superstar on offense, they are steady and extremely efficient. While everyone is talking about the rest of the teams in the division, Miami may have the best team across the board. Expect the Dolphins, and in particular quarterback Ryan Tannehill to impress in this one.
Winner: Dolphins
RAVENS VS. RAIDERS
Scoop: The Ravens lost week one to Denver, but looked impressive across the board in a tough road loss. They will face an Oakland team, which looked HORRIBLE in week one. I expect Oakland to put forth a much better effort in this one, but Baltimore has the exact type of team to give them trouble.
Winner: Ravens
COWBOYS VS. EAGLES
Scoop: Last year, Bryant caught 10 passes for 187 yards and three touchdowns against Philadelphia last season. Sadly, the talented wide out is on the shelf for Dallas in this one. The Cowboys don't have a dominant running back to lean on, and this week will truly test how solid this committee approach is. The Eagles lost a tough road game against Atlanta in week one, but looked very impressive. I expect Philly to jump on the Cowboys at home and let the league know they are for real.
Winner: Eagles
SEAHAWKS VS. PACKERS
Scoop: The Seahawks don't want to give in to Kam Chancellor, but there's no denying his absence was felt in Week 1. Rams quarterback Nick Foles tore that defense apart, so can you imagine what Aaron Rodgers will do at home? If the Packers find a way to slow down Marshawn Lynch this one could be a rout. Pretty crazy to think a team that was one play away from back to back Super Bowl is going to start 0-2, but that is the case.
