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ESPN employees
The Week 2 NFL schedule for the 2022 season is stacked with nice matchups, and we have you coated with what you must know heading into the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters deliver us the most important keys to each recreation and a daring prediction for every matchup.
Moreover, ESPN Stats & Info supplies an enormous stat to know and a betting nugget for every contest, and our Soccer Energy Index (FPI) goes contained in the numbers with a recreation projection. ESPN researcher Kyle Soppe fingers out useful fantasy soccer intel, as effectively. Lastly, Seth Walder and Eric Moody give us ultimate rating picks for each recreation. All the pieces you wish to know is right here in a single spot that can assist you prepare for a loaded weekend of NFL soccer.
Let’s get into the complete Week 2 slate, together with an AFC take a look at for the Dolphins and Ravens, a Patriots go to to Pittsburgh, Kyler Murray vs. Derek Carr and an NFC North battle between the Bears and Packers. All of it culminates with two Monday Night time Soccer matchups on ESPN: Titans-Payments and Vikings-Eagles. (Sport instances are Sunday until in any other case famous.)
Soar to a matchup:
MIA-BAL | NE-PIT | TB-NO
CAR-NYG | IND-JAX | NYJ-CLE
WSH-DET | ATL-LAR | SEA-SF
ARI-LV | CIN-DAL | HOU-DEN
CHI-GB | TEN-BUF | MIN-PHI
Thursday: KC 27, LAC 24
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: BAL -3.5 (44.5)
What to look at for: Will the Ravens have a solution for Miami’s aggressive protection? In final yr’s assembly, Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson confronted 24 defensive again blitzes from the Dolphins, essentially the most confronted by any quarterback since 2015. Miami despatched at the least two defensive backs on 18 of these. It held the Ravens to 10 factors in that recreation, Baltimore’s fewest in Jackson’s 50 profession begins. — Jamison Hensley
Daring prediction: Jackson can have below 200 passing yards in opposition to the Dolphins. The Ravens say they’re prepared for the Dolphins’ stress, however the aggressive strategy will nonetheless comprise the Baltimore passing recreation. Jackson averaged simply 4.7 yards per completion in that assembly final yr. Nevertheless, Miami’s D will not be sufficient to drag off the upset. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Stat to know: On passes thrown 10-20 yards downfield final season, Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a 39.7 QBR (twenty ninth), 47.3% completion share (twenty seventh) and a 0-6 TD-INT ratio. However in Week 1 this season, he had a 99.0 QBR (fifth), 66.7% completion share (tied for sixth) and a 1-0 TD-INT ratio on these passes.
What to know for fantasy: Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill has confronted the Ravens thrice in his profession. He cleared 21 fantasy factors in each victories however managed simply 5.9 factors within the loss final season (simply 14 yards on his 31 routes). How fortunate do you’re feeling together with his Dolphins labeled as an underdog on this spot? See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: Baltimore is 9-1 in opposition to the unfold (ATS) in its previous 10 video games in opposition to Miami, however the Dolphins are 8-2 ATS of their previous 10 video games general courting again to final season. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Dolphins 27, Ravens 23
Walder’s decide: Ravens 27, Dolphins 20
FPI prediction: BAL, 72.8% (by a mean of seven.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Jackson shuts down all point out of contract: ‘Respectfully, I am performed speaking about it’ … Ravens CB Fuller out for season with torn ACL
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: NE -2 (40.5)
What to look at for: The Steelers are taking part in with out star edge rusher T.J. Watt, who tore his left pectoral in Week 1. He’ll be out at the least 4 weeks after occurring injured reserve, and this would be the Steelers’ first take a look at with out him. Search for Pittsburgh to primarily lean on Alex Highsmith and Malik Reed to get stress on New England quarterback Mac Jones, however do not be stunned if defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will get inventive and makes use of guys like cornerback Arthur Maulet to deliver the blitz. — Brooke Pryor
Daring prediction: The Patriots can have a optimistic turnover differential. On paper, this appears like a mismatch, with the Steelers at plus-five after the opener and the Patriots at minus-3. However a better take a look at the Steelers’ opening win confirmed that quarterback Mitch Trubisky performed it conservatively with an early lead and wasn’t compelled into many compromising conditions. When he was, the outcomes had been uneven. That foreshadows the potential for a Patriots protection that was in place to create turnovers final week (however could not shut the deal) to expertise higher ends in Week 2. — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: This would be the first Patriots-Steelers recreation with out both Tom Brady or Ben Roethlisberger beginning at quarterback since Week 14 of the 1998 season. Drew Bledsoe and Kordell Stewart had been the starters. Sunday will, nevertheless, be the eleventh regular-season assembly between Patriots coach Invoice Belichick and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
0:31
Dianna Russini expounds on the report that T.J. Watt may return in “about six weeks” for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Accidents: Patriots | Steelers
What to know for fantasy: In Week 1, not a single Patriot had 10 rush makes an attempt or greater than six targets. However on the Steelers’ facet, the truth that tight finish Pat Freiermuth and receiver Diontae Johnson mixed for a 59.5% goal share within the opener needs to be sufficient to earn them a spot in fantasy lineups this week. See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: Belichick is 59-33 ATS after a loss however simply 8-7 ATS after a loss previously two seasons since Brady left New England. The Steelers, in the meantime, are 8-2 ATS of their previous 10 convention video games. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Steelers 20, Patriots 17
Walder’s decide: Patriots 19, Steelers 16
FPI prediction: PIT, 50.3% (by a mean of 0.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: WR Bourne may assist Pats create extra downfield separation in Week 2 … How will the Steelers regroup after the Watt damage? … Trubisky says Steelers offense must be aggressive, have ‘killer mindset’
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: TB -2.5 (44.5)
What to look at for: Saints quarterback Jameis Winston will get his second probability at beginning in opposition to his former workforce after he tore his ACL in opposition to them final Halloween. Winston did not play within the final assembly between the 2 groups: a 9-0 win in Tampa Bay with Dennis Allen in cost as a result of Sean Payton was out with COVID-19. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael took over the playcalling in that recreation, however the workforce was received through a defensive effort. It’s going to not solely be an necessary recreation for Allen and Carmichael, who’ve formally taken on new roles this yr, but additionally for Winston, as he has by no means performed in a full recreation in opposition to the Buccaneers. — Katherine Terrell
Daring prediction: The Buccaneers will lastly defeat the Saints at house. This may increasingly not appear very daring, however think about that Tampa Bay hasn’t overwhelmed the Saints in the course of the common season since 2018, and Bucs quarterback Tom Brady is 0-4 in opposition to them in the course of the common season since he signed with the workforce. They will nonetheless wrestle with the go recreation within the crimson zone, however working again Leonard Fournette can have one other 100-yard recreation. And Tampa Bay will, as edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka put it, get “the massive bear off our backs.” — Jenna Laine
Stat to know: Tampa Bay receiver Julio Jones has six video games with 100-plus receiving yards in opposition to the Saints in his profession. No different participant has greater than three. Jones caught three passes for 69 yards in Week 1.
Accidents: Buccaneers | Saints
What to know for fantasy: September 9, 2018. That is the final time Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans scored at the least 13 factors in opposition to the divisional-rival Saints, practically 1,500 days in the past. He’s averaging two receptions and 32.8 yards per recreation over his previous six conferences with New Orleans. See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Saints are 13-7 ATS of their previous 20 video games as a house underdog. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Buccaneers 20, Saints 17
Walder’s decide: Buccaneers 24, Saints 13
FPI prediction: TB, 70.1% (by a mean of 6.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Brady ‘feeling extra’ feelings in twenty third season … What fueled Saints’ Thomas after 20-month absence … Bowles: LT Smith, WR Godwin averted critical accidents … Thomas catches 2 TD passes in 1st recreation in practically two years, says he has ‘extra work to do’
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: NYG -2 (43.5)
What to look at for: This recreation will prominently function the highest two picks of the 2018 NFL draft, Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield and Giants working again Saquon Barkley. The third general decide, quarterback Sam Darnold, is on injured reserve for Carolina, too. Mayfield is on his second workforce and seeking to bounce again from a mediocre debut for the Panthers, whereas Barkley is hoping to construct on a turn-back-the-clock efficiency (194 complete yards within the opener vs. Tennessee) in his redemption marketing campaign following three injury-plagued seasons. — Jordan Raanan
Daring prediction: Panthers working again Christian McCaffrey will get entangled early and rush 24 instances for 130 yards and a landing in opposition to a Giants protection that gave up solely 93 yards speeding within the opener. McCaffrey was restricted to 14 touches and 57 yards within the opener, and this shall be McCaffrey’s first 100-yard speeding efficiency since Week 10 of the 2019 season (108 yards on 20 carries at Inexperienced Bay). — David Newton
Stat to know: Mayfield was 2-6 in eight street video games final season (4-2 at house). His 41 Whole QBR on the street ranked twenty fifth in NFL.
1:06
Eric Moody sees Robbie Anderson proceed his Week-1 fantasy success this weekend in opposition to the Giants.
What to know for fantasy: He is baaaaack. Barkley went off for 194 yards and a landing on his 24 Week 1 touches. In Weeks 3-4 final season, earlier than getting dinged up and battling accidents, he had consecutive video games with 50-plus speeding yards, a speeding rating and 5 catches for the primary time in his profession. He did that and way more final Sunday … look out. See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Panthers are 5-13 ATS previously two seasons, tied with the Jaguars for the worst mark within the NFL, together with 2-13 ATS of their previous 15 video games. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Giants 24, Panthers 22
Walder’s decide: Panthers 23, Giants 10
FPI prediction: CAR, 58.0% (by a mean of two.4 factors)
Matchup must-reads: What we realized about Mayfield after his Panthers debut … Barkley is again! What’s totally different, and may the remainder of the Giants’ offense assist him? … Is Mayfield’s peak in charge for his passes getting batted down? … Toney not sweating snaps … CB Robinson has appendix eliminated, will not play Sunday
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: IND -4 (45.5)
What to look at for: We’ve a few attention-grabbing streaks doubtlessly at stake. The Colts have misplaced seven consecutive street video games to the Jaguars (one was in London in 2016) and have misplaced these seven video games by a mean of 14.9 factors per recreation. However on the flip facet, Indianapolis quarterback Matt Ryan is undefeated in opposition to Jacksonville (4-0). The Jaguars are one among solely two groups which have by no means overwhelmed Ryan (Raiders). — Mike DiRocco
Daring prediction: Colts defensive finish Yannick Ngakoue will notch a multi-sack recreation in opposition to his former workforce after a quiet debut with Indianapolis in Week 1. Ngakoue had two sacks in his solely different recreation in opposition to Jacksonville, in 2019 with the Ravens. — Stephen Holder
Stat to know: Indianapolis working again Jonathan Taylor has 468 speeding yards and three touchdowns in 4 profession video games versus the Jaguars (117.0 rush yards per recreation).
What to know for fantasy: Quantity would not determine to be a problem for Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this season, and given his historic effectivity in opposition to the Jaguars, he is nothing wanting an elite possibility right here. In 4 profession video games in opposition to Jacksonville, Pittman has pulled in 15 of 16 targets (173 yards, 1 TD). See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: Jacksonville is 12-1-1 ATS in its previous 14 conferences with the Colts, however it’s additionally 6-14 ATS in its previous 20 contests as an underdog. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Colts 26, Jaguars 20
Walder’s decide: Colts 24, Jaguars 14
FPI prediction: IND, 55.2% (by a mean of 1.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Why Ryan’s singular focus led him to the Colts … September woes: Jaguars have to start out discovering success in season’s first month
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: CLE -6.5 (39.5)
What to look at for: The Browns are searching for their first 2-0 begin since 1993. Cleveland owns the longest drought with out a 2-0 begin — 25 years — in NFL historical past. However it’s 2-6 in its previous eight video games in opposition to the Jets, who’re attempting to keep away from their fourth straight 0-2 begin. — Jake Trotter
Daring prediction: Browns defensive finish Myles Garrett will report two sacks in opposition to the Jets’ leaky offensive line and the motionless Joe Flacco. That can give him 62.5 for his profession, surpassing Clay Matthews (62.0) to turn out to be the all-time franchise chief since sacks grew to become an official statistic in 1982. Garrett has nice success in opposition to the Jets (eight sacks in 4 video games), and he is coming off a two-sack efficiency. As Jets coach Robert Saleh stated, “It appears like Myles is on a mission.” — Wealthy Cimini
Stat to know: Chubb has rushed for at the least 100 yards in 23 video games since 2018, tied with Derrick Henry for essentially the most within the NFL. And he wants 109 speeding yards on Sunday to turn out to be the third Browns participant with 250 speeding yards within the first two video games of a season (Jim Brown twice, Jamal Lewis).
1:28
Discipline Yates explains how he’s rating Michael Carter and Breece Corridor in Week 2 in opposition to the Browns.
What to know for fantasy: Flacco unfold the ball round loads within the Week 1 loss in opposition to the Ravens, and that appears to be a theme. In Mike White‘s three high-usage video games filling in for Zach Wilson final season, 39% of his targets went to the backfield. It might not be fairly, however in PPR leagues, you possibly can do worse than both Jets working again (Michael Carter and Breece Corridor). See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Jets are 1-9 ATS of their previous 10 September video games and didn’t cowl every of the previous seven. And Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett is 8-5 ATS as a beginning QB when his workforce is favored. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Browns 24, Jets 16
Walder’s decide: Browns 21, Jets 13
FPI prediction: CLE, 76.6% (by a mean of 8.4 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Reed performs with heavy coronary heart, dedicates season to his father … Browns’ rookie kicker York residing as much as draft slot … Urgency from Jets’ Saleh: ‘We’ve to develop up fast’ … Browns replace midfield brand forward of house opener … Jets sticking with Flacco as beginning QB in Week 2
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: DET -1.5 (48.5)
What to look at for: With eight or extra catches, second-year Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has an opportunity to hitch Antonio Brown and Michael Thomas because the third participant in NFL historical past with at the least eight receptions in eight straight video games. An enormous recreation from him would go a great distance towards serving to Detroit keep away from a third-straight 0-2 begin. The Commanders stand in the way in which after their Week 1 win in opposition to Jacksonville, organising a battle between the 2016 NFL draft class’ prime two picks, quarterbacks Jared Goff (No. 1, then with the Rams) and Carson Wentz (No. 2, then with the Eagles). — Eric Woodyard
Daring prediction: Commanders rookie receiver Jahan Dotson will prime 100 yards and rating a landing — his third on the season. With the Lions taking part in lots of press-man, the Commanders’ receivers can have the potential for an enormous day. Lions corners Jeff Okudah and Amani Oruwariye are each adept at taking part in press, however the Commanders have receivers who can win on the line. Previously 18 video games, Detroit has allowed the fourth-most yards to receivers when taking part in man protection and tied for essentially the most allowed in Week 1. — John Keim
Stat to know: Lions working again D’Andre Swift had 144 speeding yards in Week 1. He would turn out to be the primary Detroit working again with 200-plus speeding yards via the workforce’s first two video games of a season since Barry Sanders (255) in 1998 and the third to take action in workforce historical past (Billy Sims, 1980).
Accidents: Commanders | Lions
What to know for fantasy: 4 of Washington receiver Terry McLaurin‘s 25-point video games throughout his profession have come on the street and within the first half of the season. This recreation checks each packing containers and comes in opposition to the protection that allowed the fifth-most yards per WR reception final season. See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz is 5-0 ATS (4-1 outright) in his previous 5 video games as a street underdog. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Commanders 27, Lions 24
Walder’s decide: Lions 30, Commanders 24
FPI prediction: WSH, 55.8% (by a mean of 1.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Rookie Commanders’ DT Mathis out for season with knee damage … Lions favored for first time since 2020 … Variety of weapons fuels optimism for Commanders’ offense … One-score losses persevering with to hang-out the Lions … Lions OG Vaitai has again surgical procedure; 2022 season unsure
4:05 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: LAR -10 (46.5)
What to look at for: Each the Falcons and Rams are coming off Week 1 losses. The Rams try to keep away from turning into the fifth defending Tremendous Bowl champion to start out the season 0-2, and the primary because the Broncos did so in 1999. In line with ESPN Stats & Info analysis, simply one of many 4 groups who began 0-2 made it to the playoffs that season (1993 Cowboys). Atlanta, in the meantime, is seeking to keep away from beginning 0-2 for a 3rd straight season, which might tie the longest streak in franchise historical past (1974-76, 1966-68). — Sarah Barshop
Daring prediction: The Falcons will decide up 4 sacks, together with two from defensive sort out Grady Jarrett. Los Angeles is predicted to have three new starters on the offensive line after permitting seven sacks and 16 quarterback hits to Buffalo. Whereas the Falcons aren’t the Payments, their protection has proven a bigger proclivity to reaching the passer, sacking Jameis Winston 4 instances final week, only a season after having an NFL-worst 18 sacks. — Michael Rothstein
Stat to know: Atlanta quarterback Marcus Mariota had 72 speeding yards in Week 1, essentially the most by a Falcons QB since Mike Vick in 2006. And the Rams allowed 56 speeding yards and a speeding landing to Josh Allen in Week 1.
0:58
Adam Schefter explains why he sees Cam Akers’ position increasing within the Rams’ offense.
What to know for fantasy: Fearful about Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford after the season-opening dud? He was QB11 or higher in 4 of 5 video games final season when having greater than regular relaxation between video games (QB7 or higher thrice). See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: Since 2000, groups which can be favored by at the least 7.5 factors in Week 2 following a Week 1 loss are 20-2 outright — however they’re simply 7-15 ATS. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Rams 29, Falcons 21
Walder’s decide: Rams 23, Falcons 10
FPI prediction: LAR, 81.6% (by a mean of 10.6 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Falcons coach Smith happy with offense’s development … Akers: Did not anticipate restricted position Week 1 … Rams LB Wagner paid tribute to Kobe Bryant in season opener
4:05 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: SF -8.5 (41)
What to look at for: There is not any such factor as a must-win recreation in Week 2, however that is about as near it as doable for the 49ers after final week’s loss to the Bears. In 5 years below coach Kyle Shanahan, the Niners have made the playoffs twice, and so they began each of these seasons 2-0. They’ve by no means made it when shedding one among their first two video games, that means they’re already seeking to break a pattern. The Seahawks, in the meantime, have reached the postseason all thrice they’ve began 2-0 below coach Pete Carroll, leaving loads of motivation for each groups in a recreation that also carries a ton of weight within the NFC West. — Nick Wagoner
Daring prediction: Seahawks working backs Rashaad Penny and Ken Walker III will mix for at the least 125 yards speeding and a pair of touchdowns. Nearly as good as quarterback Geno Smith was on Monday night time, the Seahawks wish to depend on their run recreation to win. Penny was near breaking off a couple of lengthy runs in Seattle’s opener, and it seems he’ll be joined within the backfield rotation Sunday by Walker, the Seahawks’ second-round decide who missed the opener. The 49ers gave up 99 speeding yards to the Bears in Week 1, and so they have not held groups to fewer than 100 in each of their first two video games of a season since 2015. — Brady Henderson
Stat to know: Niners quarterback Trey Lance did not throw a passing TD in Week 1. The final 49ers QB to not throw a landing within the workforce’s first two video games of a season was Brian Hoyer in 2017.
What to know for fantasy: Regardless of restricted well being and a viable passer in Russell Wilson, a Seattle working again surpassed 15 fantasy factors in each conferences with San Francisco final season (Travis Homer and Alex Collins). See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: The 49ers are 6-16-1 ATS as a house favourite below Shanahan, however they’re 4-1 ATS of their previous 5 video games coming off an outright loss. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: 49ers 23, Seahawks 13
Walder’s decide: 49ers 21, Seahawks 12
FPI prediction: SF, 73.1% (by a mean of seven.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Seahawks, Carroll relish victory over Wilson and Broncos … Mitchell’s knee damage has 49ers going through all-too-familiar working again subject … ‘Severe’ knee damage suffered by Adams to require ‘some work’
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: LV -5.5 (51.5)
What to look at for: Strive as he may to downplay the importance, Raiders defensive finish Chandler Jones needs to be amped to face his former workforce in his Las Vegas house debut. Jones, who signed a three-year, $52.5 million free agent contract with the Raiders after six seasons in Arizona, was shut out in Las Vegas’ opener with simply three pressures and one hit. The final time Jones confronted a former workforce for the primary time — the 2016 opener for the Cardinals in opposition to the Patriots — he went off for a sack, two QB hits, a fumble restoration and 5 tackles. — Paul Gutierrez
Daring prediction: After getting focused simply six instances and catching 4 of them for 43 yards and a landing, Cardinals extensive receiver Marquise Brown will break unfastened for eight or extra catches for at the least 100 yards and two touchdowns. Arizona has talked all week about studying from its errors from Week 1. A type of was not getting its playmakers concerned as a lot. That can change in Vegas. Brown will wish to present there’s a couple of star receiver on the sphere. — Josh Weinfuss
Stat to know: Raiders receiver Davante Adams was focused 17 instances in Week 1, essentially the most by any participant and 11 extra instances than some other Raiders participant. Fellow Las Vegas receiver Hunter Renfrow has simply three catches for 21 receiving yards, the second-lowest yardage in a begin in his profession (12 yards in Week 5 of the 2019 season).
1:20
Mike Clay explains how he expects Marquise Brown and A.J. Inexperienced will fare in fantasy in opposition to the Raiders.
Accidents: Cardinals | Raiders
What to know for fantasy: By all accounts, Arizona working again James Conner struggled within the Week 1 blowout loss to the Chiefs — however guess what? He nonetheless had 16.5 fantasy factors. He averaged simply 3.7 yards per contact, however with a constant pass-game position and elite profession conversion numbers in shut, he is a lineup staple. See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Cardinals have received every of their previous six street video games outright after they had been an underdog — only one shy of matching the 1980-81 Seahawks for the longest such win streak within the Tremendous Bowl period. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Raiders 41, Cardinals 27
Walder’s decide: Cardinals 27, Raiders 24
FPI prediction: LV, 63.4% (by a mean of three.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: How greenback tacos helped Cardinals’ Hernandez get via his household’s hardest instances … Jones’ capability to ‘have an effect on’ goes past Raiders locker room, opposing QBs … ‘Depth has to select up’: Cardinals’ observe habits fall below scrutiny … Adams delivers in Raiders debut, however the All-Professional wants assist
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: CIN -7 (41.5)
What to look at for: Since 2007, 125 NFL groups have began 0-2, and solely 12 have made the playoffs. The Cowboys have the third-longest lively streak with out beginning 0-2 at 11 seasons, with solely the Patriots (20) and Packers (15) avoiding it longer. In his 15 years as a head coach, Dallas coach Mike McCarthy is 5-1 following a season-opening loss, however to keep away from dropping two in a row, he should depend on backup quarterback Cooper Rush instead of injured Dak Prescott (thumb). Likewise, the Bengals do not wish to turn out to be the primary workforce to start out 0-2 following a Tremendous Bowl journey because the 2015 Seahawks, after quarterback Joe Burrow had 5 turnovers in Week 1 (4 interceptions, one fumble). Burrow is going through a protection that led the NFL in takeaways final season (34). — Todd Archer
Daring prediction: Cincinnati can have a plus-125 speeding yard differential. The Cowboys struggled to run the ball within the opener in opposition to Tampa Bay, and Cincinnati boasts the most effective run defenses within the NFL. In the meantime, Cincinnati’s floor recreation is a mismatch for a Dallas protection that allowed 4.6 yards per carry within the opener. If the Bengals open up an enormous lead, count on working again Joe Mixon to get loads of touches. He’s searching for his first 100-yard speeding recreation since Week 12 of final season. — Ben Child
Stat to know: Dallas linebacker/edge rusher Micah Parsons had two sacks in Week 1, however he has by no means had two-plus sacks in consecutive video games. The Bengals have allowed essentially the most sacks within the NFL because the begin of final season. Parsons has 15.0 profession sacks, and he wants two extra to have essentially the most by a participant via 18 profession video games since particular person sacks grew to become official in 1982.
What to know for fantasy: Burrow recovered from a gradual begin to offer you 18.2 fantasy factors final week in opposition to the Steelers. That is nothing new. However his career-high 47 speeding yards was attention-grabbing, as was his willingness to take what was given following the Tee Higgins damage (Joe Mixon, Hayden Hurst and Tyler Boyd mixed for twenty-four targets). See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Cowboys are 6-6 ATS below McCarthy in video games began by quarterbacks aside from Prescott. However they’re 4-1 ATS of their previous 5 such video games. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Bengals 28, Cowboys 10
Walder’s decide: Bengals 26, Cowboys 6
FPI prediction: CIN, 82.6% (by a mean of 11.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Cowl 2 defenses forcing Burrow, Bengals into extra affected person strategy … ‘Our theme this yr is resilience’: Prescott’s damage already testing Cowboys’ plan … Prescott will not go on IR, has ‘actual probability’ for fast return to Cowboys, Jones says … Huge questions for Cowboys after Prescott’s damage
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: DEN -10 (46)
What to look at for: After an unbelievable opening-week loss in Seattle, the Broncos want to point out they’ll “reply,” within the phrases of quarterback Russell Wilson. What was as soon as the most effective home-field benefits within the league has evaporated in recent times; the Broncos have had shedding information at house in three of the previous 4 seasons after going 6-2 or higher at house in three of Peyton Manning’s 4 seasons at Mile Excessive. The excellent news is Wilson is 9-1 in home-openers in his profession with 18 passing TDs and simply three interceptions. And the Texans — coming off their first tie ever — have misplaced 12 of their previous 13 non-divisional video games. — Jeff Legwold
Daring prediction: Texans rookie working again Dameon Pierce will get away by speeding for greater than 100 yards. He did not produce a lot within the Week 1 opener in opposition to the Colts (11 carries for 33 yards) after producing lots of buzz in the course of the preseason, however coach Lovie Smith admitted Houston needs to get the ball to Pierce extra. — DJ Bien-Aime
Stat to know: The Broncos did not rating a TD and had two turnovers in 4 red-zone journeys in Week 1. For the reason that begin of final season, they rank twenty ninth in red-zone TD share (51%) and final in red-zone scoring share (77%).
1:09
Discipline Yates discusses why Rex Burkhead is a greater play than Dameon Pierce in Week 2.
What to know for fantasy: It is unlikely that the Texans’ run recreation sees as favorable a recreation script as they did in Week 1 once more this season, and but their backfield mixed for below 17 fantasy factors. Each Pierce and Rex Burkhead need to be rostered, however neither may be began in the meanwhile. See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: The below is 11-4 within the Texans’ previous 15 street video games. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Broncos 31, Texans 14
Walder’s decide: Broncos 24, Texans 16
FPI prediction: DEN, 75.9% (by a mean of 8.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Taking part in for a tie? Texans, Colts coaches reveal pondering behind Week 1 end result … Broncos want Gregory, protection to construct on optimistic moments from loss to Seahawks … Texans honor Uvalde capturing victims, host highschool workforce at Week 1 recreation
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Unfold: GB -10 (41.5)
What to look at for: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has received six straight begins in opposition to the Bears, together with final yr’s “I nonetheless personal you” recreation at Soldier Discipline. In these six video games, he has thrown 16 touchdowns with out an interception, tied for the fourth-most consecutive passing TDs with out an interception in opposition to a single opponent previously 45 seasons. He even had one other streak of 16 TDs/0 INTs in opposition to the Bears from 2013-15. The brand new-look Chicago protection below coach Matt Eberflus didn’t permit a landing go within the Bears’ opener in opposition to the 49ers, though the sport was performed in a downpour that considerably restricted the passing recreation. — Rob Demovsky
Daring prediction: Inexperienced Bay receiver Christian Watson will publish his first 100-yard receiving recreation. The rookie dropped what would have been a 75-yard landing go in opposition to Minnesota, however Rodgers has confidence he can get on the “identical frequency” together with his younger pass-catcher. Watson will lead the Packers in catches, prime 100 yards receiving and make up for final week by scoring his first landing. — Courtney Cronin
Stat to know: Chicago quarterback Justin Fields is searching for consecutive video games with a number of passing touchdowns for the primary time in his profession. And Bears working again Khalil Herbert is searching for consecutive video games with a speeding landing for the primary time in his profession.
What to know for fantasy: In each conferences with the Bears final season, Packers working again Aaron Jones scored over 20 fantasy factors whereas AJ Dillon scored fewer than eight. See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: Inexperienced Bay is 9-0 outright and ATS after a loss below coach Matt LaFleur. And the Bears are 3-12 ATS of their previous 15 video games in opposition to NFC North opponents. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Packers 24, Bears 17
Walder’s decide: Packers 35, Bears 7
FPI prediction: GB, 87.3% (by a mean of 13.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Bears’ protection a difference-maker in Week 1 upset of 49ers … Why wasn’t Packers star Alexander on Jefferson throughout his 184-yard recreation? … Rodgers: ‘I’ve bought to play the identical method’ whereas Packers’ younger WRs study NFL ropes
Monday, 7:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | Unfold: BUF -10 (48)
What to look at for: Can the Payments cease Titans working again Derrick Henry? Buffalo’s run protection bought off to a stable begin in opposition to the Rams final week, limiting them to 52 yards — however the Payments held a lead for a lot of that. When the Titans and Payments met on Monday Night time Soccer final yr, Henry ran for 143 yards on 20 carries, together with a 76-yard landing run. An added ingredient to that is that two of the Payments’ prime defensive tackles — Ed Oliver and Tim Settle — are coping with accidents and might not be accessible for the sport. Henry has six speeding TDs in 4 profession video games in opposition to the Payments and has averaged 3.2 yards per rush after contact in opposition to them, his highest versus any opponent he has confronted a number of instances. — Alaina Getzenberg
Daring prediction: The Titans will sack Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen six instances on Monday. Though the Rams solely sacked Allen twice final week, Tennessee registered 5 sacks in opposition to the Giants in Week 1, and outdoors linebacker Rashad Weaver and defensive sort out Jeffery Simmons had two sacks every. Simmons stated it is important to maintain Allen within the pocket and constrict it, which is one thing the Titans can accomplish with twists and stunts up entrance. — Turron Davenport
Stat to know: Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill has averaged 6.0 yards per try in his profession in opposition to the Payments, his third-worst versus any opponent. And his seven profession losses to the Payments are his second-most in opposition to an opponent (eight to the Patriots).
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Discipline Yates and Daniel Dopp dive into Derrick Henry’s pedestrian efficiency in Week 1.
What to know for fantasy: Allen has led the QB place in 30-point video games in consecutive seasons. He had one other in Week 1 and is searching for consecutive 30-point efforts, one thing he did not do final season. See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: Over the previous 10 seasons (since 2013), groups that play the season-opening Thursday night time recreation (Payments) are 15-3 outright and 12-6 ATS in Week 2. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Payments 34, Titans 21
Walder’s decide: Payments 30, Titans 16
FPI prediction: BUF, 79.2% (by a mean of 9.5 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Issues may get ugly for Titans if they can not substitute Brown’s WR manufacturing … Colleges close to the Payments’ stadium can have a half day due to Monday Night time Soccer … Payments’ rookie CBs go first take a look at with out White, however can they stick with it?
Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN+ | Unfold: PHI -2 (50.5)
What to look at for: The Eagles’ protection was gashed for 181 speeding yards on 28 carries (6.5 per carry) in Week 1 in opposition to the Lions. The tackling was shoddy coming off a light-weight coaching camp, and hole assignments had been a problem. That would spell massive issues for Minnesota working again Dalvin Cook dinner, who ran for 90 yards on 20 carries in opposition to the Packers. A part of the answer may very well be extra of Philadelphia defensive sort out Jordan Davis. When the first-round decide was on the sphere Sunday, Detroit averaged 2.9 yards per stick with it the bottom in comparison with 10 yards per carry when he was on the sideline. — Tim McManus
Daring prediction: A Vikings ability place participant aside from receiver Justin Jefferson can have a 100-yard day. This is not to rule out Jefferson additionally hitting triple digits, however after watching him tear up the Packers’ protection in Week 1, the Eagles can pay extra consideration to him and invite quarterback Kirk Cousins to throw extra typically within the course of receivers Adam Thielen and Okay.J. Osborn and even Cook dinner. — Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: Receiver A.J. Brown had 155 receiving yards in his Eagles debut, the fifth-most by any participant in his first recreation with a brand new workforce all-time. No Eagles receiver has had consecutive 100-yard receiving video games since Jordan Matthews in 2015. Brown additionally had 10 receptions in Week 1, and essentially the most catches by an Eagles participant within the first two video games of a season is 16 (performed six instances).
What to know for fantasy: For simply the second time in his profession, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had at the least six designed runs and scored on one among them. That position helps a fantasy ground that’s uncommon, and if the dialed-back passing strategy is right here to remain — his Week 1 common depth of throw was practically 47% decrease than what it was final season — we may nonetheless be taking a look at some of the constant fantasy QBs within the recreation. See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: Cousins is 2-9 outright and ATS on Monday Night time Soccer, although he has received and coated his previous two such video games. And since 2010, the Vikings are 0-7 ATS as an underdog on Monday Night time Soccer. Learn extra.
Moody’s decide: Vikings 23, Eagles 20
Walder’s decide: Eagles 24, Vikings 21
FPI prediction: PHI, 66.3% (by a mean of 4.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Jefferson has career-best 184 receiving yards, stunned at open appears … When Hurts has ‘full management,’ Eagles have shot at particular season … Brown units Eagles receiving report in debut with workforce
