Washington is undefeated at 2-0. We came back from 21-3 to win this game by the skin of our teeth — Man, that Russell Wilson Hail Mary was unreal; it almost gave me a heart attack. It was such a close call at the end. But in the NFL, a win is a win. Meanwhile, the honeymoon between the fans and this new ownership group continues.
Sam Howell was terrific, throwing for 299 yards with 2 TDs and zero picks. He is obviously the QB of the future for Washington. The Running game was much more productive than week 1. Brian Robinson had an outstanding game with 129 yards of Rushing and Receiving combined, plus 2 TDs. Also, Antonio Gibson and Curtis Samuel had some solid.
I was happy to see Eric Bienemy spread the ball around while getting Dyami Brown, John Bates, and Cole Turner more involved in the Passing game. Plus, Terry McLaurin got his first TD of the season. Unfortunately, Logan Thomas took a direct helmet-to-helmet hit after scoring a TD— and left the game with a concussion. Thomas is currently under concussion protocol.
Defensively, it was a tale of two halves. After allowing Russell Wilson to go up and down on them and throw 3 TDs, the Defense regrouped and made the necessary adjustments to give the Offense a chance to get back into the game. Chase Young looked great for a guy returning from a long injury; he will only get better as the season progresses. Also, I think Jamin Davis is starting to come into his own.
Next, Washington hosts Buffalo. This is going to be an intriguing game. Buffalo’s Head Coach, Sean McDermott, was Ron Rivera’s Defensive Coordinator in Carolina. So we will see how much gamesmanship there is between these two, if any. Josh Allen is dangerous; he can get loose and cause some havoc. So he must be contained inside the pocket and forced to throw the ball more consistently. Josh Allen has a history of throwing multiple picks per game, so I expect Emmanuel Forbes and the rest of the secondary to intercept some balls. Advantage, Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 35 — BRONCOS 33
And for the rest of the league…..
EAGLES 34 — VIKINGS 28
The Eagles are 2-0, and the TV pundits have them as a favorite Super Bowl contender this year. Not me — they are as overrated as the Cowboys. Jalen Hurts relies too much on his legs, and most Defenses are figuring out ways to contain him better. Their upcoming matchups in the next few weeks will expose these NFC pretenders. Next, Philadelphia visits Tampa Bay. Advantage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Vikings are 0-2, but they shouldn’t panic just yet. They have some favorable upcoming matchups. But their Defensive struggles should be a cause for concern. Next, Minnesota hosts the LA Chargers. Advantage, Minnesota Vikings.
COWBOYS 30 — NY JETS 10
The Cowboys have scored 70 points in 2 games. This is impressive. However, those 2 wins came against teams plagued with a multitude of issues. Against the Jets, Dallas scored 15 points through Field Goals and 2 short-yardage TDs. Next, Dallas visits Arizona. Advantage, Dallas Cowboys.
Obviously, the loss of Aaron Rodgers contributed to the pathetic Offensive showing by the Jets, but their lack of Running game was beyond puzzling. Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook combined for 8 carries for 16 yards. This was pathetic. Also, their Defense could not keep Dallas from consistently getting to Field Goal range. As far as I can tell, Zach Wilson is not the answer at QB; he threw for 170 yards, with 1 TD and 3 picks. The Jets need to go out and sign a veteran QB urgently. Colt McCoy, Carson Wentz, and Cam Newton should be contacted immediately. Next, the NY Jets host New England. Advantage, New England Patriots.
NY GIANTS 31 — CARDINALS 28
The NY Giants were down 28-7 by mid 3rd quarter. Then they scored 24 unanswered points to win the game and give their fan base some hope for this season. Unfortunately, the late effort came at a high cost; Saquon Barkley was injured and might be out for a few weeks. Next, the NY Giants visit San Francisco. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
The Cardinals had this game in the bag, but they ran out of gas by the third quarter. Josh Dobbs had some exciting moments, and their running game was effective, especially with James Conner rushing for 106 yards and a TD. In 2 weeks, Arizona has given both of their NFC East team opponents a tough time — Rookie Head Coach Jonathan Gannon knows the NFC East teams well due to his time spent as Defensive Coordinator in Philadelphia. So, I expect another strong performance in week 3. Next, Arizona hosts Dallas. Advantage, Dallas Cowboys.
49ERS 30 — LA RAMS 23
The 49ers are the best and most well-balanced team in the NFL. Brock Purdy continues to impress, he threw for over 200 yards with 1 rushing TD and no picks. Their Defense was tested by rookie Puka Nacua, who seemed unstoppable. But San Francisco adjusted and managed to hold the Rams back. I’m curious to see which NFC West team steps up to challenge the 49ers this year. Next, San Francisco hosts the NY Giants. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
The LA Rams are better than I expected. Matthew Stafford threw for over 300 yards with 1 TD and 2 picks. The 2 picks were terrible, but his emerging connection with rookie WR Puka Nacua is something to keep an eye on. Second-year Running Back Kyren Williams is now officially their lead back, which is probably why Cam Akers was inactive for this game, and his future in LA remains uncertain (Cleveland and Baltimore need Running Backs). Sean McVay is figuring out ways to keep this team competitive and relevant this season. Next, the LA Rams visit Cincinnati. Advantage, LA Rams.
SEAHAWKS 37 — LIONS 31 OT
The Seahawks rebounded from their week 1 loss and showed resilience going into overtime and winning this game. Most significantly, QB Geno Smith threw for over 300 yards with 2 TDs and no picks. This Seattle team will be a handful this season. Next, Seattle hosts Carolina. Advantage, Seattle Seahawks.
The Lions trailed for most of the game; it seemed like they were always playing catch-up with Seattle. Jared Goff threw for over 300 yards with 3 TDs and 1 pick, showing why he is one of the top QBs in the NFL. Next, Detroit hosts Atlanta. Advantage, Detroit Lions.
CHIEFS 17 — JAGUARS 9
As expected, the Chiefs had a tough time with Jacksonville. Doug Pederson knows his former mentor, Andy Reid, very well, so their matchups will always be tightly contested. Impressively, Kansas City’s Defense kept Jacksonville to 3 Field Goals. Offensively, Travis Kelce remains Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target, but the Chiefs are missing more dynamic playmakers. Next, Kansas City hosts Chicago. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs
The Jaguars could not capitalize on Kansas City’s mistakes and turnovers. And Trevor Lawrence was contained and under constant pressure. There is no reason to worry; Jacksonville should rebound in week 3. Next, Jacksonville hosts Houston. Advantage, Jacksonville Jaguars.
BILLS 38 — RAIDERS 10
The Bills came motivated to right all the wrongs from week 1. Defensively, Buffalo neutralized Josh Jacobs to minus 2 yards; this was an exceptional Defensive accomplishment. Josh Allen was effective, throwing for 274 yards with 3 TDs and no picks. But the overall Offense is not clicking on all cylinders just yet. Next, Buffalo visits Washington. Advantage, Washington Commanders.
The Las Vegas Raiders had only one scoring drive in the entire game; Davante Adams caught a TD in the 1st quarter, but for the rest of the game, Jimmy G struggled, throwing for 185 yards and 2 picks. The Raiders should be concerned about their lack of Offensive firepower. Next, the Las Vegas Raiders host Pittsburgh. Advantage, Las Vegas Raiders.
FALCONS 25 — PACKERS 24
The Falcons were trailing 24-12 in the 3rd quarter, but in the 4th quarter, Atlanta scored 13 unanswered points to secure the win. Head Coach Arthur Smith has this undefeated, young, and talented Falcons team at 2-0. Next, Atlanta visits Detroit. Advantage, Detroit Lions.
The Packers let this game get away from them. By the end of the 3rd quarter, they were leading comfortably, but in the 4th quarter, Green Bay failed to produce any scores or clock-killing drives, which allowed Atlanta to get back into the game and sneak out a win. Jordan Love had a mediocre game, throwing for only 151 yards, although he did throw 3 TDs and had zero picks. So, there are some positive things to take away from this game. Next, Green Bay hosts New Orleans. Advantage, Green Bay Packers.
COLTS 31 — TEXANS 20
The Colts had a bittersweet day; they gave rookie Head Coach Shane Steichen his first NFL win, but Sadly, rookie QB Anthony Richardson was lost early in the game and is now listed as questionable. Gardner Mindshew came in replacing Richardson and kept the Offense flowing. Next, Indianapolis visits Baltimore. Advantage, Baltimore Ravens.
The Texans had a rough time in all areas of the game. Rookie QB CJ Stroud moved the ball well, throwing for 384 yards with 2 TDs, but had a fumble that turned into a Colts TD. The Running game was inefficient; Dameon Pierce had 31 yards and Devin Singletary 14 yards; not good enough. The silver lining was in the Receiving game; Nico Collins finished with 146 yards and 1 TD. Next, Houston visits Jacksonville. Advantage, Jacksonville Jaguars.
DOLPHINS 24 — PATRIOTS 17
The Dolphins are red-hot right now at 2-0 and on top of the AFC East. Tua had a pretty good game, throwing for 249 yards with 1 TD and 1 pick, extending his 5-0 streak against New England. Raheem Mostert had a monster game, rushing for 121 yards and 2 TDs. The main concern for Miami is the health status of Jaylen Waddle after sustaining a concussion in the 4th quarter. Next, Miami hosts Denver. Advantage, Miami Dolphins.
The Patriots are 0-2, and despite losing some tight games, they seem to be on the brink of falling apart. Nevertheless, on paper, New England has some solid pieces to be more competitive in the AFC. They have talented players like Devante Parker, Mike Gesicki, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Hunter Henry, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Ezekiel Elliot, so they must be more aggressive on Offense. Also, if developed right, Mac Jones should become a top QB in the NFL, which is why Bill O’Brien makes sense as the OC (for now). Next, New England visits the NY Jets. Advantage, New England Patriots.
STEELERS 26 — BROWNS 22
The Steelers pulled off the upset win here. Pittsburgh’s Defense took over this game in the 4th quarter and put this game away. The Nick Chubb injury changed the entire Offensive outlook of this game, and Cleveland could not make the necessary adjustments. Next, Pittsburgh visits Las Vegas. Advantage, Las Vegas Raiders.
The Browns’ loss of Nick Chubb for the year is a massive blow to Cleveland’s playoff ambitions. Surprisingly, 2nd year RB Jerome Ford picked up the slack and rushed for 106 yards. Plus, Kareem Hunt was resigned. So, all hope is not lost here. From now on, Deshaun Watson needs to step up and carry this team. Next, Cleveland hosts Tennessee. Advantage, Cleveland Browns
SAINTS 20 — PANTHERS 17
The Saints lost starting RB Jamaal Williams in the 2nd quarter, and since Alvin Kamara is suspended, New Orleans relied on 3rd season practice squad RB Tony Jones Jr., who stepped up and scored 2 rushing TDs. Derek Carr is still adjusting to his new team and has looked somewhat uncomfortable in these first 2 weeks. However, New Orleans has plenty of Offensive weapons to overcome the shaky QB play. Ultimately, New Orleans’s Defense is legit and will keep them in games. Next, New Orleans visits Green Bay. Advantage, Green Bay Packers.
The Panthers are rebuilding around rookie QB Bryce Young. So, not much is expected from them. Which is why it was remarkable to see how close this game came down in the 4th quarter. Next, Carolina visits Seattle. Advantage, Seattle Seahawks.
RAVENS 27 — BENGALS 24
The Ravens have Super Bowl ambitions this season. So, Divisional rivalry games like this one are a must-win for Baltimore. Primarily since Cincinnati has owned Baltimore lately. Lamar Jackson is playing at a high level, and Joe Burrow is not, which made all the difference in the outcome of this game. Next, Baltimore hosts Indianapolis. Advantage, Baltimore Ravens.
The Bengals are 0-2 and starting to panic — Joe Burrow’s calf injury might be worse than advertised. Cincinnati has tons of soul-searching to do and make adjustments to get things right. Next, Cincinnati hosts the LA Rams. Advantage, LA Rams.
BUCCANEERS 27 — BEARS 17
The Buccaneers are 2-0 with Baker Mayfield at QB. First-year Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales is reviving Mayfield’s NFL career. Tampa Bay is the surprise team of the season so far. Next, Tampa Bay hosts Philadelphia. Advantage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Bears are unraveling slowly. They were supposed to be contenders in the NFC North, but they are currently looking like the worst team in the Division. Justin Fields is in his 3rd year, and Chicago has not yet surrounded Fields with better offensive weapons and adequate protection. Next, Chicago visits Kansas City. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.
TITANS 27 — CHARGERS 24
The Titans needed this win badly, and it took an overtime Nick Folk Field Goal to put this game away. Ryan Tannehill had an effective game, throwing for 246 yards with 1 TD and zero picks. Derrick Henry pounded the ball for 80 yards and 1 TD. Mike Vrabel has a long, arduous season ahead of him. Next, Tennessee visits Cleveland. Advantage, Cleveland Browns.
The Chargers are 0-2, and their season is plunging into misery. Despite all their impressive Offensive stats, LA’s Defense is underperforming; if things don’t improve fast, Brandon Staley is at risk of getting fired mid-season. Next, the LA Chargers visit Minnesota. Advantage, Minnesota Vikings.
Rod Rioja 