Man, it was sweet to see Jayden Daniels get his first NFL win against the New York Giants—a team I despise almost as much as Dallas. Daniels continues to impress with his athleticism and strong, accurate arm. My main concern is the number of hits he’s taken in just the first two weeks. The offensive line hasn’t provided the level of protection I expected, and that’s something that needs to be addressed urgently moving forward.
On another note, after missing two crucial kicks in Week 1, Cade York was released, and Austin Seibert was signed—and what a difference it made. Seibert went 7-for-7 on field goals and was the hero of this game. However, the lack of red zone production is worrying. They made four trips to the red zone and failed to score a single touchdown — Terry McLaurin needs to get more targets.
Defensively, we gave Daniel Jones far too much time and space to make plays. Both Devin Singletary and Malik Nabers had strong games against our defense, with our secondary allowing too many big passing plays. I expected much more from this unit. That said, it’s still early in the season, and this defense is relatively new to each other. With a solid mix of talent and experience, I believe they’ll improve as the season progresses.
Next up, Washington visits Cincinnati. The Bengals are 0-2 and desperate for a win. Everyone views Joe Burrow as an elite quarterback, and the NFL isn’t giving Washington much of a chance. Cincinnati will likely come out strong and try to put us away early. However, this is a winnable game for Washington. We have more than enough talent on both sides of the ball to make this a competitive matchup.
My pick: The Washington Commanders… I will never NOT pick Washington.
WASHINGTON 21 — NY GIANTS 18
And for the rest of the league…..
FALCONS 22 — EAGLES 21
The Falcons pulled off a dramatic, last-minute comeback victory. With just about a minute remaining and trailing 15-21, Kirk Cousins marched Atlanta into Philadelphia territory and connected with Drake London for the game-winning touchdown. Next, Atlanta hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. My pick: Kansas City Chiefs.
The Eagles struggled to keep up with the surging Falcons. Jalen Hurts was more effective on the ground than through the air, rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown. A crucial dropped pass by Saquon Barkley sealed Philadelphia’s fate in the loss. Next, the Eagles travel to New Orleans. My pick: New Orleans Saints.
SAINTS 44 — COWBOYS 19
New Orleans dominated Dallas in a lopsided victory, with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak injecting fresh energy into the Saints’ offense. Quarterback Derek Carr is flourishing under Kubiak’s system, which better suits his style. Meanwhile, Alvin Kamara was unstoppable, piling up 185 total yards and scoring four touchdowns. Up next, the Saints will host the Philadelphia Eagles. My pick: New Orleans Saints.
For the Cowboys, it was a brutal defeat with no answers for New Orleans’ relentless attack. Dak Prescott struggled, throwing two interceptions, and the running game was completely shut down. CeeDee Lamb was the lone bright spot, tallying 90 yards and a touchdown. Next, Dallas faces the Baltimore Ravens. My pick: Baltimore Ravens.
CHIEFS 26 — BENGALS 25
Kansas City continues its dominance over Cincinnati, despite Patrick Mahomes having an off day, finishing with 180 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. While Xavier Worthy flashed his speed and playmaking ability in Week 1, it was Rashee Rice who commanded most of the targets in Week 2. On the defensive side, Steve Spagnuolo’s unit looks elite, completely shutting down Cincinnati’s run game. Next, Kansas City travels to Atlanta. My pick: Kansas City Chiefs.
The Bengals have been a mess through two weeks. After struggling to stop New England’s ground game in Week 1, Cincinnati had a better showing offensively in Week 2, with Joe Burrow improving statistically, but they still couldn’t get past their top conference rival. With an 0-2 start, it’s far from the ideal beginning for a team with high expectations. Next, Cincinnati hosts Washington. My pick: Washington Commanders.
PACKERS 16 — COLTS 10
With Jordan Love sidelined for a few weeks, Malik Willis stepped in and did an outstanding job leading the Green Bay offense. Willis has found an ideal fit under head coach Matt LaFleur, who knows how to develop young quarterbacks. Josh Jacobs was also a force, racking up 151 rushing yards in a dominant performance. Next, Green Bay travels to Tennessee. My pick: Green Bay Packers.
The Colts are hoping Anthony Richardson can stay healthy and develop as their franchise quarterback. However, Week 2 was a rough outing for Richardson, as he finished with 3 interceptions and just 1 touchdown. Jonathan Taylor had a solid performance, amassing 135 total yards but failing to find the end zone. Indianapolis still appears to be a few key pieces away from being true AFC contenders. Next, the Colts host Chicago. My pick: Chicago Bears.
VIKINGS 23 — 49ERS 17
The resurgence of Sam Darnold is in full swing. After spending a season in “QB rehab” under Kyle Shanahan, Darnold has transitioned to another quarterback whisperer, Kevin O’Connell, and the early results this season are promising. Justin Jefferson had a huge day, finishing with 130 yards and 1 touchdown. Next, Minnesota hosts Houston. My pick: Minnesota Vikings.
Even without Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason has stepped up in a big way, delivering elite performances over the past two weeks and piling up yards and touchdowns, showcasing the flexibility of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system. Despite that, Minnesota capitalized on San Francisco’s defensive mistakes. Brock Purdy was steady, finishing with 331 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Deebo Samuel will miss a few weeks due to a calf strain. Next, San Francisco visits the LA Rams. My pick: San Francisco 49ers.
NY JETS 24 — TITANS 17
The Jets were expected to have an elite defense this season, but Week 1 told a different story. The relatively unknown Jordan Mason gashed them for big yardage throughout the night. However, they bounced back in Week 2, doing a much better job of containing Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley. On offense, Aaron Rodgers had a steady, if unremarkable, performance, finishing with 177 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Unfortunately, the Jets suffered a major blow with defensive end Jermaine Johnson out for the season due to a torn Achilles. Next, the Jets host New England. My pick: New York Jets.
The Titans appear to be in full rebuild mode, and Will Levis doesn’t seem to be the long-term solution at quarterback. The loss of Derrick Henry has also sapped their offensive firepower. At 0-2, expectations for Tennessee this season are understandably low. Next, Tennessee hosts Green Bay. My pick: Green Bay Packers.
BUCCANEERS 20 — LIONS 16
Tampa Bay is looking formidable this season. Baker Mayfield continues to show improvement, finishing with 219 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. At 2-0, the Buccaneers appear poised to challenge for the NFC South crown. Next, Tampa Bay hosts Denver. My pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In Week 1, Jared Goff led Detroit to a statement win against his former team, adding to his list of “revenge games” against the Rams. However, Week 2 was a different story, as Goff threw 2 interceptions and failed to engineer any scoring drives. Despite the setback, Detroit remains a strong contender, boasting a deep, talented roster with playmakers on both sides of the ball. They should still be considered serious contenders to make another run at the NFC Championship. Next, Detroit visits Arizona. My pick: Detroit Lions.
CARDINALS 41 — LA RAMS 10
Arizona bounced back powerfully after a tough Week 1 loss. Kyler Murray was outstanding, finishing with 325 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Marvin Harrison Jr. also had a stellar performance, racking up 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Cardinals are a young, dynamic team that will likely keep games competitive this season. Next, Arizona hosts Detroit. My pick: Detroit Lions.
As for the Rams, they endured another heartbreaking loss. It was an ugly defeat, made worse by the injuries to standout wide receiver Puka Nacua in Week 1 and the absence of Cooper Kupp, who will miss a few weeks due to an ankle injury. At 0-2, things are looking grim for Los Angeles. Next, the Rams host San Francisco. My pick: San Francisco 49ers.
RAIDERS 26 — RAVENS 23
The Las Vegas Raiders stunned the NFL world with an unexpected victory. Gardner Minshew was unstoppable in the 4th quarter, effectively sealing the win against Baltimore. Despite this surprising outcome, I still see Las Vegas in a rebuilding phase. With inconsistent quarterback play in a highly competitive AFC West, it’s unlikely they’ll be serious playoff contenders this season. Next, the Raiders host Carolina. My pick: Las Vegas Raiders.
The Ravens let this game slip away in the 4th quarter. Their inability to stop Gardner Minshew, who led three scoring drives, was their downfall. Despite Lamar Jackson’s strong performance, Baltimore now finds itself at 0-2 and in desperate need of a win in Week 3. Next, Baltimore visits Dallas. My pick: Baltimore Ravens.
CHARGERS 26 — PANTHERS 3
Jim Harbaugh made his much-anticipated return to the NFL in Week 1, securing a crucial division victory. Justin Herbert had a relatively quiet game, finishing with 148 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. As in Week 1, the Chargers leaned heavily on their ground game, with J.K. Dobbins leading the charge, rushing for 131 yards and a touchdown. Next, the Chargers visit Pittsburgh. My pick: LA Chargers.
After yet another dismal loss, Carolina is benching Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton for Week 3. The state of the Panthers franchise is an embarrassment, and owner David Tepper bears much of the blame. At 0-2, Carolina looks like a team destined for a winless season. Next, the Panthers visit Las Vegas. My pick: Las Vegas Raiders.
BILLS 31 — DOLPHINS 10
The Bills faced less resistance than expected from their well-coached division rival. Buffalo took control in the second quarter and never looked back. Josh Allen had a relatively quiet day, finishing with 141 yards, 1 touchdown, and no interceptions. Next, Buffalo hosts Jacksonville. My pick: Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins’ inability to score in the third and fourth quarters was their downfall. Miami’s explosive receiving duo, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, were effectively neutralized by Buffalo’s defense. Questions are beginning to surface about Tua Tagovailoa’s durability over the course of a full season. Next, Miami visits Seattle. My pick: Miami Dolphins.
BROWNS 18 — JAGUARS 13
This was a close game for both teams, but Deshaun Watson was effective in managing the clock and keeping Cleveland’s chances alive. Watson showed flashes of his old form, even rushing for a touchdown early in the game. The Browns are expected to contend this season, and Watson’s improvement at quarterback will be key to their success. Next, Cleveland hosts the NY Giants. My pick: Cleveland Browns.
The Jaguars struggled to generate anything positive on offense. At 0-2, it’s time for some concern in Jacksonville. However, I still believe in Trevor Lawrence’s potential, and Jacksonville has enough talent to remain competitive in the AFC South. Next, Jacksonville visits Buffalo. My pick: Buffalo Bills.
SEAHAWKS 23 — PATRIOTS 20
It’s the first season without Pete Carroll in 13 years, and while Seattle seems ready to move forward and make a run, I think they pushed Carroll out too soon. Despite a win over a rebuilding Denver team in Week 1 and a relatively soft early schedule, I expect the Seahawks to struggle this season. Up next, Seattle hosts Miami. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
New England kept this game close. Jacoby Brissett once again demonstrated that he deserves to be considered more than just a journeyman quarterback, showing the same impressive form he previously displayed in Cleveland and Washington. Meanwhile, rookie head coach Jerod Mayo has shown that he has what it takes to rebuild this once-proud franchise. Next, New England visit The NY Jets. My pick: NY Jets.
TEXANS 19 — BEARS 13
The Texans are aiming to build on last season’s momentum and establish themselves as AFC contenders. With CJ Stroud surrounded by a solid supporting cast, they should be a strong playoff threat this year. Next, Houston visits Minnesota. My pick: The Minnesota Vikings.
Caleb Williams suffered his first NFL loss, struggling throughout the game and committing two turnovers. Despite the setback, Chicago’s solid defense kept them competitive and will likely keep them in close games moving forward. Next, Chicago visits Indianapolis. My pick: Chicago Bears.
STEELERS 13 — BRONCOS 6
In Russell Wilson’s absence, Justin Fields has stepped up and delivered two straight victories, sparking a brewing quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh. Next, Pittsburgh hosts the LA Chargers. My pick: LA Chargers.
The Broncos are entering a new era with Bo Nix at quarterback, but his NFL debut in Week 1 was rocky, and he struggled again in Week 2. The big question remains whether Sean Payton can find success without Drew Brees under center. Next, Denver visits Tampa Bay. My pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Rod Rioja 