This new format is short and sweet, but hopefully, it is informative for my loyal readers. With another week in the books, we have double the number of games to learn from.
Week 2 – Five Things I Learned
- Derrick Henry Is Still A Beast – Yep, he has had a lot of touches the last 2 seasons with much higher volume in the second half of the season. However, after a lack luster Week 1, TEN didn’t give up on their guy who is always better as the game goes one. Trailing 24-9 at the half, Henry scored 3 TDs including a one yard plunge forcing OT, where the Titans would win 33-30 over SEA.
- Rookie QBs May Start, but Struggle – With the exception of Mack Jones of NE who is playing under the control of Coach Belichick, Week 2 showed major struggles with the Rookie Signal Callers – NYJ’s Zack Wilson threw 4 INTs against NE in their loss; CHI’s Justin Fields got to play with the Andy Dalton injury and threw a terrible Pick 6 that made us Bears fans sweat on the last time killing drive; and #1 Pick Jags’ Trevor Lawrence was not good again with just 118 yards on 33 attempts and 2 more INTs. Let’s not forget HOU’s Davis Mills who came in relieving Tyrod Taylor who also threw for just 102 yards on 18 attempts and an INT. It takes time to be good at the position.
- Check The Injury and COVID Report – The Saints followed up their stellar Week 1 effort with a complete dud – why? 5 starters on Defense were either injured or in the COVID protocol along with 8 coaches. Teams like BAL’s injuries have been discussed, so we knew they would struggle, but with a longer season, the attrition of the NFL has started early.
- Ravens Finally Stand Up to the Chiefs – The Chiefs had owned the Ravens in the Mahomes-Jackson era with 3 straight wins including a one sided affair 34-20 last season. However, after a Week 1 loss to the Raiders, the Ravens showed a ton of heart and incredibly dynamic offense as QB Lamar Jackson put up video game numbers eclipsing 200 yards passing and 100 yards rushing for the 4th time in his career to squeak out the win 36-35 on Monday Night Football. It may be the most entertaining game of the year, but hopefully, we will get a rematch this year in the playoffs.
- Road Teams Are Still Dominating – Road Teams went 10-6 Against the Spread (ATS) in Week 2 and now 19-13 through 2 weeks, so even with full stadiums, the Road teams are coming in and getting it done. Maybe as the elements change that will switch later in the season.
Marquee Games in Week 3 to Watch
Chiefs at Chargers (-6.5, 54.5 Total), 9/26 at 12 Noon Central – The battle of the young guns in the AFC West – Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs and Justin Herbert for the Chargers. Too many penalties in key situations cost the Chargers a win over the Cowboys, so now they have to go to Arrowhead where it will be rocking.
Bucs at Rams (+1.5, 55.5 Total), 9/26 at 3:25 PM Central – The Champs take on that great defensive front in the Rams. Last year, the Rams were able to go tot Tampa and knock out TB12 and the Bucs. However, Brady and the Bucs have now scored 30+ in 9 straight games going back to last year, so the Rams D will have to get up for this one.
Packers at 49ers (-3.5, 49.5 Total), 9/26 at 7:20 PM Central – Back to back prime time games for Green Bay in this potential NFC Championship Preview. The 49ers have owned Rodgers in this match up, but he has to get over the top at some point. Will this be the game?
Enjoy another great week in the League.
Wegs