The NFL is back! Let’s take a look at the Week 2 game picks, schedule guide, fantasy football tips, odds, injuries and more to help you make an informed decision.
The nfl week 2 predictions straight up 2021 is a blog that provides NFL Week 2 game picks, schedule guide, fantasy football tips, odds, injuries and more.
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The NFL’s Week 2 schedule for the 2021 season is chock-full of intriguing games, and we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know ahead of the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters provide us with the most important aspects of each game, as well as a bold prediction for each matchup and, of course, final score predictions.
Additionally, for each game, ESPN Stats & Information offers a key statistic to know, and our Football Power Index (FPI) digs deeper with a matchup rating (on a scale of 1 to 100) and a game prediction. Kyle Soppe, an ESPN researcher, also offers fantasy football and betting advice. Everything you need to know to prepare for a jam-packed weekend of NFL football is right here in one place.
Let’s take a look at the whole Week 2 schedule, which includes a Sunday night matchup between Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, a fight between two AFC East rookie quarterbacks, and Patrick Peterson’s return to Arizona. It all comes to a head on Monday Night Football when the Lions take on the Packers on ESPN. (Unless otherwise stated, all games are on Sunday.)
BUF-MIA | LAR-IND | NO-CAR SF-PHI | LV-PIT | HOU-CLE NE-NYJ | DEN-JAX | CIN-CHI MIN-ARI | ATL-TB | DAL-LAC TEN-SEA | KC-BAL | DET-GB BUF-MIA | LAR-IND | NO-CAR TEN-SEA | KC-BAL | DET-GB
WSH 30, NYG 29 on Thursday
1 p.m. ET | FOX Matchup rating: 67.3 | BUF -3.0 | FOX Matchup rating: 67.3 (47.5)
What to look out for: Over the course of his career, the Dolphins have failed to solve Josh Allen. Allen is 5-1 versus Miami in his career, with 1,552 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. — Louis-Jacques Marcel
Allen will throw at least three touchdown passes, and the Bills’ offense will get back on track, according to a bold prediction. Allen has had the greatest success versus the Dolphins in his career for whatever reason. In four of the six games versus Miami, he has thrown at least three touchdown passes, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. The Dolphins’ defense, particularly the secondary, may create problems for the Bills, but they won’t be able to match the Steelers’ pass rush. Alaina Getzenberg is a writer who lives in New York City.
2 Related
Allen’s QBR has increased to 78 from last season’s Week 2 game against Miami, which ranks third behind Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes. Allen has also thrown 36 touchdown passes in 16 starts, compared to 32 in 28 starts before to that game.
Bills | Dolphins Injuries
What you should know about fantasy: In the Bills’ Week 1 defeat to Pittsburgh, wideout Stefon Diggs scored 15.9 fantasy points on nine receptions for 69 yards. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he’ll face Miami cornerback Xavien Howard, who allowed just 23 yards on four targets as the closest defender last week. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
The Dolphins have covered five of their last seven meetings with the Bills that did not take place in Week 17. Continue reading to learn more.
Bills 31, Dolphins 24 is Getzenberg’s prediction. Bills 28, Dolphins 24 is Louis-Jacques’ prediction. BUF, 50.2 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 0.2 points)
Matchup must-reads: What’s the lesson after the Bills’ careless errors led to a season-opening loss? ‘Don’t be alarmed…’ Tagovailoa has already made an impression on receiver Waddle.
1 p.m. ET | 64.3 FOX Matchup Rating | LAR -3.5 Spread (48)
Aaron Donald vs. Quenton Nelson is a matchup to keep an eye on. It’s the greatest interior defensive lineman against the best guard in the league. Nelson, an All-Pro in each of his first three seasons in the league, will face Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and will likely need assistance at times. Colts coach Frank Reich stated, “Every team prepares for a guy like Aaron Donald.” “You can’t plan for him on every play because he doesn’t always stay in the same place…. He goes everywhere. We need to be able to make changes in the middle of the game.” Mike Wells’ remark
In a dominating offensive effort, quarterback Matthew Stafford will throw for more over 300 yards and four touchdown passes. Stafford is coming off a strong Week 1 performance in which he threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns while throwing no interceptions in a 20-point victory against the Bears. In Week 1, the Colts’ secondary was exposed, enabling the Seahawks to throw for four touchdowns. On Sunday, expect Rams coach Sean McVay to emphasize the passing game once again. Lindsey Thiry (Lindsey Thiry)
Stafford hasn’t begun a season with a 2-0 record since 2017. If he throws for at least 317 yards against the Colts, he will have the highest passing yards in his career through the first two games of a season.
Rams against. Colts: Injuries
What to know for fantasy: In his last seven games, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had a score — or the fantasy equivalent of a touchdown (six points) — as a pass-catcher. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Since the start of the McVay era in 2017, the Rams have gone 19-13 on the road. Continue reading to learn more.
Rams 32, Colts 17 is Thirty’s selection. Rams 27, Colts 17 is Wells’ prediction. LAR, 55.5 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 2.1 points)
Ramsey leads an interesting group of players in the secondary for the Rams… If the Colts’ offensive line doesn’t protect Wentz better, he won’t have a shot… Stafford tosses three touchdown passes in his Rams debut, demonstrating his big-play potential.
1 p.m. ET | FOX Matchup rating: 59.9 | NO -3.0 spread (44.5)
What to look out for: Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold was only sacked once, but he was hit seven times by an average Jets defense. Now he has to face a formidable Saints defense, which has sacked Aaron Rodgers twice, hit him seven times, and forced three interceptions. Cameron Jordan of the Saints, according to Darnold, can “destroy a game.” Carolina’s ability to stay up will be determined by Darnold’s ability to withstand pressure. David Newton is an author.
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After being acquired in a trade from Houston last week, cornerback Bradley Roby will make his Saints debut with an interception. Despite many important players absent from last season, the Saints’ defense has taken the next-man-up attitude to the next level early this season, dominating. With top CB Marshon Lattimore out with a thumb injury, they may have to do it again. Carolina’s explosive receivers will put New Orleans’ secondary to the test, which will be a crucial factor in this game. Triplett, Mike
Jameis Winston seems to be on his way to leading the Saints to their first 2-0 start since 2013. He has a total QBR of 40 in 10 career starts against the Panthers.
Saints | Panthers Injuries
What to know in fantasy football: Alvin Kamara has scored at least 19 fantasy points in five consecutive games against the Panthers, with at least 20 touches and multiple touchdowns in each of those outings. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Last season, the Saints were the only team in the league to cover every game that went under the total (six), making them the only club in the league to accomplish so. They comfortably covered in Week 1, and the under was once again profitable. Continue reading to learn more.
Saints 23, Panthers 19 is Triplett’s prediction. Saints 30, Panthers 17 is Newton’s prediction. NO, according to the FPI, 60 percent of the time (by an average of 3.7 points)
Matchup must-reads: Without Brees, the Saints’ defense is delivering on its promise to be the team’s identity… The Panthers’ offense ‘opens up all of the possibilities’ according to McCaffery… Lattimore is one of the Saints’ important players who has been injured… With six sacks, the Panthers’ defense ‘put the NFL on notice,’ according to Reddick.
1 p.m. ET | FOX Matchup rating: 54.6 | Spread: SF -3.0 | FOX Matchup rating: 54.6 (49.5)
What to look out for: This game is all about the big plays. In Week 1 against the Falcons, Philadelphia’s defense did not allow a single pass play of 20 yards or more, while the Niners offense had five explosive pass plays against the Lions. Darius Slay, an Eagles cornerback, compared 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel to a quicker Anquan Boldin, saying that the secret to success against such a dynamic offense is to read its keys and remain disciplined. Tim McManus, Ph.D.
To start his rookie season, 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell will carry for more than 100 yards for the second week in a row. The sixth-round selection was a relative unknown a week ago, but in his debut against the Lions, he established a new Niner record most running yards (104) by a rookie. The Eagles should be able to halt the run a little more than Detroit did, but their defense seems to be weak at the second level, making them open to Mitchell’s one-cut-and-go ability. Nick Wagoner is a writer.
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Stephen A. Smith and Dan Orlovsky discuss the impact of the Falcons’ Super Bowl LI defeat to the Patriots on Matt Ryan’s legacy.
In Week 1, Samuel set a new career best with 189 receiving yards. If he gets 100 yards against the Eagles, he will have the most receiving yards by a 49ers player in the first two games of his career.
49ers | Eagles Injuries
What to know for fantasy: The 49ers were fourth in running back fantasy points from 2017 to 2020. Coach Kyle Shanahan runs a running back fantasy factory, and he’ll have to work even harder now that Raheem Mostert is sidelined indefinitely. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Jimmy Garoppolo has a record of 8-4 against the spread in regular-season road starts dating back to 2019. Continue reading to learn more.
49ers 30, Eagles 24 is Wagoner’s prediction. Eagles 27, 49ers 26 is McManus’ selection. SF, 52.8 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 1.1 points)
Must-read matchups: Without Mostert, Lance may be a major player in the 49ers’ run game… Hurts’ statement game provides optimism for the Eagles: ‘He’s the leader…’ Verrett’s departure would make the 49ers’ ascent much more difficult… After the Eagles’ Week 1 victory, Hurts’ shirt sales increased by 500 percent.
1 p.m. ET | CBS Matchup rating: 49.8 | PIT -6.0 spread (47)
What to look out for: The Steelers’ defensive flexibility confounded Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense, shifting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick all over the field. With players like Fitzpatrick, Cam Sutton, and Tre Norwood, they’ll be able to weaponize versatility once again. Keep an eye on outside linebackers Melvin Ingram III, T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith as they attempt to contain tight end Darren Waller, who has their attention after catching 19 passes last week. Brooke Pryor is an actress who plays Brooke Pryor.
Maxx Crosby and Watt will each earn two additional sacks after repeating their individual opening-week efforts. The offensive lines of the Raiders and Steelers are still developing, while Crosby is coming off AFC Defensive Player of the Week accolades, and Watt’s four-year, $112 million contract is still being signed. What a dream it would be to be a young pass rusher in this game. Gutierrez, Paul
The last four encounters between these teams have all been decided by precisely three points. Only two series in NFL history have had five consecutive games decided by precisely three points. Also keep a watch on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who needs three passing touchdowns to become the seventh player in NFL history to reach 400.
Raiders | Steelers Injuries
What you need to know in fantasy football: Steelers wideout Although Chase Claypool’s potential attracts attention, he has now failed to produce more over 10 fantasy points in five of his last seven games since Week 1. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Since 2010, the Steelers have only had one season with a losing ATS record at home (3-5 ATS at home in 2017). Continue reading to learn more.
Steelers 31, Raiders 23 is Gutierrez’s prediction. Steelers 24, Raiders 17 is Pryor’s prediction. PIT, 64.5 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 5.4 points)
Must-reads for the matchup: Crosby of the Raiders isn’t resting on his laurels going to Pittsburgh on Monday night… Watt helps lead the Steelers to an upset victory against the Bills, capping off a ‘heck of a week’… Wide receivers help Carr and the Raiders establish rhythm in the second half… ‘Hope this is a harbinger of things to come,’ Carr says after rallying the Raiders over the Ravens in a dramatic OT victory.
1 p.m. ET | CBS Matchup rating: 45.8 | CLE -12.5 spread (48)
What to look out for: How will Houston quarterback Tyrod Taylor fare in his first game back in Cleveland? Taylor’s leadership and mentoring were lauded this week by Baker Mayfield, who took over for Taylor as a rookie during the 2018 season. On Sunday, Taylor would undoubtedly want nothing more than to show Mayfield something new. Jake Trotter’s remark
The Browns will limit the Texans to less than 50 running yards, according to a bold prediction. Houston rushed for 120 yards on 37 runs (3.2 yards per carry) in Week 1 versus Jacksonville, excluding Taylor’s four 40-yard rushes. But it’s difficult to see the game going the same way, and if the Texans are forced to play from behind for the most of the game, it’s simple to see how Cleveland’s front seven would overwhelm Houston’s backs. Sarah Barshop is a writer.
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In Week 2, Field Yates and Mike Clay look at the fantasy prognosis for 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell.
Last season, the Browns did not lose two consecutive games. And they haven’t begun a season with a 0-2 record since 2017. The Texans, on the other hand, only won consecutive games once last season, and they haven’t been 2-0 since 2016.
Browns | Texans Injuries
What to know for fantasy: Kareem Hunt has scored five times in his last five games, including the playoffs. (In his first 24 games with the Browns, he scored 13 times.) Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Baker Mayfield has gone 4-8 against the spread in his last 12 starts. If you believe the Browns will cover this week, keep in mind that Mayfield has completed 73.9 percent of his passes for an average of 289 yards in those four games. Continue reading to learn more.
Browns 27, Texans 17 is Barshop’s selection. Browns 34, Texans 17 is Trotter’s prediction. CLE has a 79.3 percent chance of winning, according to the FPI (by an average of 11.8 points)
Matchup must-reads: The Texans have laid up a plan for victory in 2021, but not everything is in place… What did Taylor and Mayfield get out of their year in Cleveland as quarterbacks? … After a dismal 2019, Mayfield rebuilt his body… Although there is no setback, the Browns have ruled out OBJ against the Texans.
1 p.m. ET | CBS Matchup rating: 38.7 | NE -6.0 spread (43)
What to look out for: The rookie quarterbacks are on their way. After strong starts, Zach Wilson and Mac Jones meet for the first time in what should be a lengthy personal rivalry. For the last two decades, the Patriots-Jets series has been controlled by a seasoned quarterback (Tom Brady). The Jets have had a few rookies throughout the years, but Jones is the first rookie starter for the Patriots since Drew Bledsoe in 1993. It’s the first time in the rivalry’s 62-year history that rookie quarterbacks will face off. Cimini, Rich
Because of rookie Rhamondre Stevenson’s struggles in the opener, the Patriots will activate running back J.J. Taylor, and Taylor’s presence as a complement to Damien Harris and James White will be crucial against a Jets defense that blitzed 41.7 percent of the time in the opener, the fifth-highest total in the NFL. Jones will also toss several touchdown passes while refusing to take the footballs when teammates try to give them to him. — Reiss, Mike
Last time a rookie quarterback defeated the Patriots was… Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins in Week 15 last season. The Patriots, on the other hand, had won nine of these games in a row.
Patriots against. Jets: Injuries
What to know in fantasy football: Corey Davis was the WR16 for a long period last season (Weeks 8 to 15), and he put up 26.7 points against the Panthers last week. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Last season, the over was a winning ticket in both Patriots-Jets games after only being a winning ticket once in the previous four seasons. Continue reading to learn more.
Patriots 30, Jets 17 is Reiss’ prediction. Patriots 22, Jets 17 is Cimini’s prediction. NE, 64.8 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 5.5 points)
Must-read matchups: Will Belichick decrease Harris’ workload after the fumble? … With WRs Crowder and Cole back, the Jets receive some assistance… After dislocating his knee cap, Jets LT Becton will be out for at least 4-6 weeks… Wilson’s protection problems with the Jets may be a pain in the neck.
1 p.m. ET | 34.3 CBS Matchup Rating | DEN -6.0 Spread (45.5)
According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Jaguars’ offensive tackles struggled last season, allowing 27 sacks between Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor. The pair had a good start versus Houston, but this week will be much more difficult. Von Miller will be difficult to contain even if Bradley Chubb does not play or is restricted. The Jaguars are expected to retain tight end Chris Manhertz in the lineup to assist the tackles. Mike DiRocco’s remark
• NFL analysts’ game predictions » • ESPN Chalk » | PickCenter » Additional NFL coverage »
The Broncos’ defense will have six combined sacks and turnovers, according to my bold prediction. While the Broncos will not use a lot of blitzes against Jaguars rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, he will be subjected to a variety of four-man pressures accompanied by a variety of coverage looks from Vic Fangio’s defense. Lawrence may have a difficult time finding space to work if the Broncos keep the Jaguars in uncomfortable down-and-distance situations. Legwold, Jeff
Jacksonville is on the brink of losing 17 consecutive games going back to last season, which would tie for the fourth-longest losing run since the merger in 1970. The Jaguars have given up at least 20 points in each of their last four games.
Broncos | Jaguars Injuries
What to know for fantasy: As an unknown resource last season, Jacksonville running back James Robinson earned at least 10 fantasy points in every game. He disappointed his coaches by scoring just 8.4 points in Week 1, and he now faces a Broncos defense that limited Saquon Barkley to 26 yards on 10 runs last weekend. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Teddy Bridgewater is 22-3 ATS as a starter on the road, but one of his few defeats against the spread came in Week 2 of last season against the Panthers in Tampa Bay. Continue reading to learn more.
Broncos 30, Jaguars 16 is Legwold’s prediction. Broncos 27, Jaguars 13 is DiRocco’s prediction. DEN, 62.7 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 4.7 points)
Must-reads for the matchup: Shirt on or shirt off, elite-version Miller is back on the scene… The Jaguars’ pass rush is still a concern after their season-opening defeat to the Texans… CB Darby and WR Jeudy have been placed on injured reserve by the Broncos… Bridgewater makes the kind of first impression the Broncos were hoping for.
1 p.m. ET | FOX Matchup rating: 32.5 | CHI -2.5 spread (45)
What to look out for: Justin Fields is the focus of attention at all times. In the Bears’ Week 1 defeat to the Rams, the rookie quarterback played five plays and scored a running touchdown. What will Fields do as a follow-up? The Bears have the whole city of Chicago on edge. To save his job, veteran starter Andy Dalton (previously of the Bengals) will have to perform extremely well. Even so, it’s possible it won’t be enough to keep Fields at bay. Dickerson, Jeff
The Bengals will have two wide receivers with at least 75 receiving yards, and they will target the right sideline, according to my bold prediction. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Bears gave up four completions for 138 yards and a score down the right sideline against the Rams. – Ben Little
Since 2018, the Bengals have had the worst road record in the NFL, going 3-20-1 (.146). Quarterback Joe Burrow is seeking for his first career road victory; in six career road starts, he is 0-5-1 with a Total QBR of 45.
Bengals | Bears Injuries
What you should know in fantasy football: Do you think the Bears, who are a three-point favorite, will win this game? David Montgomery averaged 146 total yards per game and 24.6 fantasy points per game in Chicago’s last three victories of 2020. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Andy Dalton, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, is 10-19 ATS in his last 29 games. Continue reading to learn more.
Bengals 28, Bears 24 is Baby’s selection. Bears 21, Bengals 20 is Dickerson’s prediction. CHI, 54.2 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 1.6 points)
Must-reads for today’s matchup: How Burrow’s expectations for himself and the Bengals are resulting in success… Fields’ potential is shown in a limited way by the Bears… ‘I’m not Ochocinco 2.0,’ Higgins says as he switches numbers.
4:05 p.m. ET | FOX Matchup rating of 58.4 | ARI -3.5 spread (50.5)
What to look out for: Kyler Murray will undoubtedly draw a lot of attention due to his volatility and high level of enthusiasm. On Sunday, the most important thing to watch is how the Cardinals’ front seven attacks the Vikings’ offensive line and if it can get to Kirk Cousins, who passed for 351 yards and two touchdowns last week. If the Cardinals’ defense performs as well as it did in Tennessee, with Chandler Jones racking up another couple sacks, Minnesota’s offense will be mired in muck, much like the Titans’. Josh Weinfuss (@JoshWeinfuss)
This week’s essentials include: • Check out the full schedule » | Check out the standings » • Every team’s depth chart » • Injuries » | Transactions » • Rankings of the Football Power Index » Additional NFL coverage »
Jones and J.J. Watt will each have two sacks, according to my bold prediction. Penalties won’t hinder Minnesota’s offense like they did in Week 1; instead, the Cardinals’ defensive front will wreck havoc on Minnesota’s ailing offensive line. Minnesota, unlike the Titans, will try to assist their tackles against Jones, but it won’t be enough. Courtney Cronin (Courtney Cronin)
Murray threw for a career-high four touchdown passes against the Titans in Week 1, three of which came on third down. Since 1962, he is the only Cardinals player to record four throw touchdowns and one running touchdown in the same game (Charley Johnson).
Vikings | Cardinals Injuries
What to know in fantasy football: Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen has been targeted in the end zone in nine consecutive games. (During that stretch, he has nine touchdowns.) Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Since 2018, the under has gone 10-2-1 in Arizona games played in the first month of the season. Continue reading to learn more.
Cardinals 30, Vikings 17 is Cronin’s prediction. Cardinals 34, Vikings 17 is Weinfuss’ prediction. ARI, 61.1 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 4.1 points)
Must-read matchups: Has Minnesota finally discovered its No. 3 receiver? Watt has completed his training by ‘tipptoeing’ around it… Jones: As the sacks mount up, a contract will be offered… Murray’s return to health makes the Cardinals a contender.
4:05 p.m. ET | FOX Matchup rating: 50.6 | TB -12.5 | FOX Matchup rating: 50.6 (52)
What to look for: It’s not often that a team wins while having a minus-three turnover margin, but the Buccaneers did it against the Cowboys in Week 1. It will be crucial to limit such errors against Atlanta. On the other hand, how long will Falcons coach Arthur Smith continue to run against the league’s best run defense in the last two years? Last week, the Cowboys didn’t need it after making big plays via the air against a Tampa Bay defense that struggled to tackle. Sean Murphy-Bunting, the Bucs’ starting cornerback, will also be sidelined. Jenna Laine is a writer who lives in New York City.
Matt Ryan will throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns against Tampa Bay, but it will still be a defeat. The Falcons will find a way to get their offense back on track; last season, Ryan threw for 621 yards and five touchdowns in two games versus the Buccaneers. Tom Brady, on the other hand, will have a 300-yard day to offset Atlanta’s offensive breakthrough and drop the Falcons to 0-2. Michael Rothstein is a writer and producer.
Brady has an 8-0 lifetime record versus the Falcons, including a victory in Super Bowl LI. Brady is on pace to become the sixth quarterback to go 9-0 or better versus a single club since starts were first recorded in 1950, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
Falcons | Buccaneers Injuries
What you should know about fantasy football: Playoffs are included, and wideouts are available. Antonio Brown has eight times in his Buccaneers career run more than 25 routes, including 36 runs last week. Tampa has won five of those games, with AB scoring in each of them. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Last season’s Weeks 8 and 9 were the last time Tampa Bay failed to cover two games in a row (playoffs included). Continue reading to learn more.
Buccaneers 35, Falcons 24 is Rothstein’s prediction. Buccaneers 34, Falcons 21 is Laine’s prediction. TB, 78.1 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 11.2 points)
Must-reads for the matchup: Ryan: Losing the Super Bowl has ‘no bearing’ on the game against Brady and the Buccaneers… Despite being benched in Week 1, Bucs RB Jones will start… Patterson, who is now obviously a running back, is able to contribute to Atlanta’s offensive… Is Brady teasing the Falcons ahead of their Week 2 showdown?
| CBS Matchup rating: 61.9 | Spread: LAC -3.5 | 4:25 p.m. ET (40.5)
What to look for: After going without a reception in Week 1, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will be searching for Austin Ekeler via the air this week. Coach Brandon Staley of the Los Angeles Rams has said that Ekeler must be integrated into the passing game. The Cowboys, on the other hand, will need a huge day from their offense to avoid a 0-2 start. Shelley Smith says:
Dak Prescott will not pass for 400 yards, according to a bold prediction. Not daring enough? He has passed for at least 403 yards in each of the last four games he has started and finished. In a five-game period, he became the only player in league history to have four 400-yard games. Since 2016, he has eight 400-yard passing games, the most in the NFL. However, the Cowboys are 1-3 in those four games and realize that this is not a long-term winning recipe. Perhaps he’ll just pass for 399 yards instead. Todd Archer is a writer.
The Cowboys are attempting to avoid their first 0-2 start since 2010; they had only begun 0-2 with both games on the road once before, in 1989. While the Chargers have won three straight games against the Cowboys, they are 0-3 against Mike McCarthy’s squads.
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Cowboys against. Chargers: Injuries
What you should know for fantasy football: The Cowboys are a three-point underdog, so Prescott’s coaches have their opponent just where they want them. Prescott has averaged 57.7 passes and 30.7 fantasy points per game in his last three defeats. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
The Chargers covered their last two home games in 2020 after failing to cover seven of their previous nine. Continue reading to learn more.
Chargers 27, Cowboys 23 is Archer’s selection. Chargers 34, Cowboys 23 is Smith’s selection. LAC, 50.2 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 0.2 points)
Matchup must-reads: Elliott demonstrates flexibility, but the Cowboys’ run game has to improve… Williams of the Chargers is aiming to take the next step in his contract year… According to reports, Cowboys defensive end Lawrence will be out for 6-8 weeks due to a fractured foot… Chargers win in a rare drama-free victory thanks to a clutch keep-away drive… When the Cowboys’ offensive line is in turmoil again, McCarthy calls it a “challenge.”
SEA -6.0 | 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS Matchup rating: 56.5 (54)
What to look for: After seeing the Titans surrender six sacks in their blowout loss to Arizona in Week 1, Seattle’s defense must be salivating. In their season opener, the Seahawks pounced on Carson Wentz early and often. Their pass-rushers will now benefit from the increased crowd noise at Lumen Field, which may be as loud as ever with spectators in attendance for the first time since December 2019. Brady Henderson’s quote
The Titans will score a touchdown on their opening possession, according to my bold prediction. That’s a big statement given Tennessee just gained four yards on their opening four possessions last week. The Seahawks are playing at Lumen Field for the first time in 2021, where they only allowed opposition offenses to score a touchdown on the first drive twice last season. Turron Davenport (Turron Davenport)
The Titans have given up more than 35 points in each of their last three regular-season games. And with Russell Wilson throwing for four touchdowns in Week 1, it’s quite conceivable that the Titans’ winning run will continue. Wilson followed up his 2020 season opening with five throwing touchdowns in a row.
Titans against. Seahawks: Injuries
What to know for fantasy: Derrick Henry has touched the ball 100 times in the Titans’ last five defeats (including playoffs), but has yet to score. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
In the last calendar year, the Titans have failed to cover three consecutive regular-season games twice (includes an active streak). Continue reading to learn more.
Seahawks 28, Titans 24 is Davenport’s prediction. Seahawks 30, Titans 24 is Henderson’s prediction. SEA, 70.5 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 7.8 points)
Titans’ Hooker is on the IR after hurting his foot in the opening… The Seahawks’ pass rush, led by Taylor, has proven to be as good as promised… ‘It’s a wake-up call for us,’ says one participant. The Titans’ offensive line can no longer be outmuscled… ‘Cooking’ already: Wilson-relationship Waldron’s with the Seahawks is off to a quick start.
NBC Matchup rating: 84.8 | Spread: KC -3.5 | 8:20 p.m. ET (54.5)
What to look out for: In three encounters, Patrick Mahomes has shredded the Ravens’ defense, averaging 31.3 points per game. After allowing 33 points in Las Vegas on Monday night, Baltimore’s defense seemed to be fragile. The Ravens, on the other hand, have never allowed more than 30 points in either of their first two games. Jamison Hensley (Jamison Hensley)
Mahomes will complete six passes of at least 20 yards, according to my bold prediction. Against a Ravens team that blitzes a lot yet leaves itself susceptible to huge passes, those plays are always there for him. In three career starts versus the Ravens, he has 16 such plays, despite a poor secondary. Adam Teicher’s remark
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Odell Beckham Jr. has yet to return to the field despite making great improvement over the summer, according to Stephania Bell.
Since the metric’s inception in 2006, Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have the two highest Total QBRs among quarterbacks who have appeared in 10 or more prime-time games. Mahomes has the longest current winning run of any quarterback in prime-time games, with eight games. Jackson is 0-3 against the Chiefs in his career, mainly due to accuracy problems, as he has failed to complete 55% of his throws in each of those three meetings.
Chiefs | Ravens Injuries
What you should know about fantasy: Tyreek Hill of the Kansas City Chiefs has 310.6 fantasy points in his last 12 games (playoffs included). How fantastic is that? Last season, Texas wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins scored 287.8 points in 16 games. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Mahomes has an 8-3 ATS record in September in his career. Continue reading to learn more.
Chiefs 30, Ravens 20 is Teicher’s prediction. Chiefs 27, Ravens 24 is Hensley’s prediction. KC is expected to win 55.7 percent of the vote, according to the FPI (by an average of 2.1 points)
Must-reads for the matchup: Why did Orlando Brown leave the Ravens for the Chiefs? A commitment to his father… Freeman, a veteran running back, has been promoted to the Ravens’ active roster… Mahomes and the Chiefs realize it can’t just be Hill and Kelce… As the Ravens prepare to play Mahomes and the Chiefs, Jackson says he’s not focusing on previous defeats.
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN Matchup rating: 37.6 | GB -11.0 spread (48)
What to keep an eye on: How will the Lions stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense? The Saints only blitzed him twice, concentrating their efforts on removing Davante Adams and his teammates. Will it serve as a template for future adversaries? What the Lions do, and how effectively they do it, may influence the kind of coverage Rodgers encounters throughout the season. Demovsky, Rob
My bold prediction is that the Lions will win their first game under Dan Campbell and Jared Goff. Yes, the chances are low, but I’m picking Detroit to win at Lambeau Field against a weak Green Bay squad. The Lions’ rushing back combination of D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams will cause issues for the Packers, since most NFC North defenses aren’t accustomed to playing a club with a strong ground game. Eric Woodyard’s remark
The Packers’ offense struggled in Week 1, but there may be a silver lining. Rodgers has thrown four touchdown passes in each of the two games after a 25-point defeat under coach Matt Lafleur.
Lions | Packers Injuries
In Week 1 against the Saints, Rodgers threw 0 touchdown passes and two interceptions. As a starter, he has never had back-to-back games with no throwing touchdowns. Check out the Week 2 rankings.
Last season, the over won all three divisional games at Lambeau Field (1-4 in the other five regular-season games Green Bay hosted). Continue reading to learn more.
Lions 21, Packers 17 is Woodyard’s prediction. Packers 23, Lions 17 is Demovsky’s prediction. The FPI predicts that the United Kingdom will win with a score of 67.4 percent (by an average of 6.5 points)
Must-reads for the matchup:… Although it isn’t a blueprint (yet), the Saints demonstrated how to throw Rodgers off… In a comeback effort against the 49ers, Goff earned fans… CB for the Lions Okudah is sidelined for a year due to an Achilles rupture.
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