Hello readers! Another week of National Football League is coming upon us yet again! The first week of the regular season is in the books. Teams have made their first stride to having success in 2023 while the others made a setback. The 2nd week of the regular season could be a trying time for those who are staring at a 0-1 record to avoid the dreaded 0-2 record. More on that later. In this post I will talk about the rant of the week, the week 2 preview and the picks for the games. I'll be keeping an eye on the Vikings-Eagles, Ravens-Bengals, Raiders-Bills and the Seahawks-Lions games this week. Let's get to work!
NFL Rant of the Week
Everyone talks about oh how teams should avoid the 0-2 start as they guarantee won't make the playoffs. You've lost two games to start the year. Your season isn't decided by just two games. Granted you should try to win at some point but you shouldn't hang your heads on low just because you go 0-2.Week 2 Preview
The 2nd week of the NFL's regular season will start in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and finishes up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All teams will be playing this week as there is a 16-game slate. The week includes a Thursday night game, eight early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. CBS will have the doubleheader this week while FOX will have the single, regional game. Let's get to the picks!
Week 2 Picks
Note: TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. All gametimes are in US Eastern.
Minnesota (0-1) @ Philadelphia (1-0) (Amazon; 8:15 pm): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
The Vikings lost to the Buccaneers and the Eagles beat the Patriots last week. Week 2 starts off with a fairly interesting matchup to start up the Amazon Thursday Night slate. Both teams have some good passing attacks. The Vikings come into this game with a letdown loss to the Buccaneers who really should've lost to the Vikings. Their pass protection will need to get better and not give up the ball. The Eagles have been known to take advantage of mistakes, hence the Darius Slay pick-six against New England. It's a tough schedule for the Vikes in the next few games but they will need to do better against Philadelphia. I don't see it happening if the Purple Gang win.
Chicago (0-1) @ Tampa Bay (1-0) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Bears lost to the Packers and the Buccaneers beat the Vikings last week. The Bears still couldn't beat the Packers, let alone their quarterback. Justin Fields really could use a win this season. The Buccaneers somehow managed to get a win against a good Vikings team. Chicago really had banked on their receiving unit which could help Fields move the ball. As far as whether or not the Bucs can continue to their best start, I'll give them at least another win.
Baltimore (1-0) @ Cincinnati (0-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
The Ravens beat the Texans and the Bengals lost to the Browns last week. Back-to-back AFC North teams for the Bengals. If they can get a win against the team that's at least on their level, they can get back to where they want to go to. They'll really need to get back to protecting Joe Burrow or at least give him more time to throw the ball to his receivers. For the Ravens, the loss of JK Dobbins could impact them a bit. They do run a lot in their offense and it could mean that Lamar Jackson could throw the ball a bit more.
Green Bay (1-0) @ Atlanta (1-0) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Packers; CV: Packers
Both teams won last week as the Packers beat the Bears and the Falcons beat the Panthers. Green Bay transferred the ownage of the Bears from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love. The Falcons could be a team that the Packers get humbled. I find it to be an interesting matchup as we'll learn how well Jordan Love can do. Atlanta looked fairly solid but they need to really to get some more of their passing game in Desmond Ridder better. If the Packers can shut down their running game and make them into a one-dimensional offense then the Packers can have a good game. I'll give the Pack a win.
Indianapolis (0-1) @ Houston (0-1) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Colts; CV: Colts
Both teams lost last week as the Colts lost to the Jaguars and the Texans lost to the Ravens. Indianapolis and Houston look like teams that could compete for the bottom of the AFC South basement. I don't want to call this game a toilet bowl yet but it seems like one that might take that moniker. Anthony Richardson showed some promise in spite of the loss to Jacksonville. Houston could win the game as well with similar mindset. I'll go with my gut and take the Colts.
Kansas City (0-1) @ Jacksonville (1-0) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Jaguars
The Chiefs lost to the Lions and the Jaguars beat the Colts last week. A rematch of the AFC Divisional playoff. The defending champs looked a bit lost without Travis Kelce on the field. It is debatable if the highly-touted tight end can play this week. If he doesn't play then it will be a bit difficult for Patrick Mahomes to find his security blanket. Jacksonville coming into this game looks like the team that seems like momentum is on their side. Their offense was hitting on all cylinders. They will have to deal with Chris Jones who ended his holdout and signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs. I'll take the defending champions.
LA Chargers (0-1) @ Tennessee (0-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
Both teams lost last week as the Chargers lost to the Dolphins and the Titans lost to the Saints. Tennessee nearly pulled off a win despite trying to give the game away to the Saints. Ryan Tannehill was pitiful as he threw three interceptions. He will need to do better obviously. The Chargers are a weird team. They nearly beat the Dolphins despite getting outgained by more than 100 total yards. The Chargers defense is kind of a pushoff but they can play somewhat when they need to. I'll take the Chargers on a whim.
Las Vegas (1-0) @ Buffalo (0-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Las Vegas beat the Broncos and the Bills lost to the Jets last week. The Raiders pulled off a close win against the Broncos. Their offense did good with Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm of the Raiders ship. They have a huge test against one of the top teams in the AFC. Buffalo really shat the bed against the Jets. The loss of Aaron Rodgers should've meant that the Bills just wiped the Jets out of New Jersey. They sadly didn't. I think the Bills will come in angry and take it out on the Raiders.
Seattle (0-1) @ Detroit (1-0) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Lions; CV: Lions
The Seahawks lost to the Rams and the Lions beat the Chiefs last week. Detroit pulled off the win against the defending champs. This week we'll learn how good the Lions can be. Jared Goff was the main catalyst to the things the Lions do on offense. Along with a solid defense, the Lions have a great shot to sell out Ford Field. Seattle had a real letdown against the Rams. Their offense just went on a whimper and didn't do a lot. I'm placing a lot of faith on the Lions but I think they can do it.
San Francisco (1-0) @ LA Rams (1-0) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
Both teams took wins last week as the 49ers beat the Steelers and the Rams beat the Seahawks. Darn shame this game isn't on a primetime slot. Both teams look really solid. Brock Purdy vs Matthew Stafford going at it for the first time. Both teams possess offenses that can put up yardage and points. The 49ers have had a better track record against the Rams but if the Rams running game can do some things like keep Nick Bosa guessing where the ball will be at, it could be a rough time for the 49ers. I like the Niners in this matchup.
NY Giants (0-1) @ Arizona (0-1) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Giants; CV: Giants
The two teams lost last week as the Giants lost to the Cowboys and the Cardinals lost to the Commanders. New York got humbled against Dallas. So humbled that they didn't even want to score a single point in that massacre of a game. Fortunately, the Giants will get to play against a team that isn't that great. Arizona kept pace with the Commanders but they really faltered on offense as Joshua Dobbs only put up 132 passing yards. It doesn't spell like success for the Cardinals in this matchup as the Giants can really put the hurt with their running game and somewhat of a respectable passing game. I'll take the G-Men.
NY Jets (1-0) @ Dallas (1-0) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
Both teams won last week as the Jets beat the Bills and the Cowboys beat the Giants. This game looked fairly good with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. After Monday night and the news on Tuesday morning that Aaron Rodgers will be out for the year with an Achilles injury, this game looks like to be a blowout again. Still the last time the Jets played the Cowboys, the Cowboys didn't win in a game that should've been theirs for the taking. The Jets defense vs the Cowboys offense will be a tell-tale sign of how well this game can be. If the Jets offense does enough to put up points, they can win. I don't like it, I'll take the Boys.
Washington (1-0) @ Denver (0-1) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Commanders; CV: Commanders
The Commanders beat the Cardinals and the Broncos lost to the Raiders last week. Washington got a win for the new regime and the spirits are high. Sam Howell had a okay game against the Cardinals and should only get better as the season goes on. I like Washington's running game and defensive line. Denver did some good things against the Raiders but unfortunately the record of 0-1 still stands out. Russell Wilson seemed a bit more composed and relaxed. It feels like a toss-up matchup but I think the Commanders will at least continue with the good feelings with a win.
Miami (1-0) @ New England (0-1) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Patriots; CV: Dolphins
The Dolphins beat the Chargers and the Patriots lost to the Eagles last week. This should be a dandy to watch. Miami had their offense going on all cylinders against Los Angeles last week. The Patriots defense will have their work cut out for them as they try to slow down Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. I would be concerned with the way the Patriots played on offense but they played much better in the redzone last week than they did all of last year. If the Dolphins defense lax a bit too much the Pats could win. I do think the Dolphins are the better team but I'll take the chance on New England.
New Orleans (1-0) @ Carolina (0-1) (ESPN; 7:15 pm): TW: Saints; CV: Saints
The Saints beat the Titans and the Panthers lost to the Falcons last week. The first of two Monday night games. The Saints played alright against the Titans in a game where the Titans wanted to give it away. Derek Carr threw well and I would expect him to do much of the same. Carolina is a team on the low but they could seriously put up numbers with their running game. The game feels like a win for the Saints.
Cleveland (1-0) @ Pittsburgh (0-1) (ABC; 8:15 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Browns
The Vikings lost to the Buccaneers and the Eagles beat the Patriots last week. Week 2 starts off with a fairly interesting matchup to start up the Amazon Thursday Night slate. Both teams have some good passing attacks. The Vikings come into this game with a letdown loss to the Buccaneers who really should've lost to the Vikings. Their pass protection will need to get better and not give up the ball. The Eagles have been known to take advantage of mistakes, hence the Darius Slay pick-six against New England. It's a tough schedule for the Vikes in the next few games but they will need to do better against Philadelphia. I don't see it happening if the Purple Gang win.
Chicago (0-1) @ Tampa Bay (1-0) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Bears lost to the Packers and the Buccaneers beat the Vikings last week. The Bears still couldn't beat the Packers, let alone their quarterback. Justin Fields really could use a win this season. The Buccaneers somehow managed to get a win against a good Vikings team. Chicago really had banked on their receiving unit which could help Fields move the ball. As far as whether or not the Bucs can continue to their best start, I'll give them at least another win.
Baltimore (1-0) @ Cincinnati (0-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
The Ravens beat the Texans and the Bengals lost to the Browns last week. Back-to-back AFC North teams for the Bengals. If they can get a win against the team that's at least on their level, they can get back to where they want to go to. They'll really need to get back to protecting Joe Burrow or at least give him more time to throw the ball to his receivers. For the Ravens, the loss of JK Dobbins could impact them a bit. They do run a lot in their offense and it could mean that Lamar Jackson could throw the ball a bit more.
Green Bay (1-0) @ Atlanta (1-0) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Packers; CV: Packers
Both teams won last week as the Packers beat the Bears and the Falcons beat the Panthers. Green Bay transferred the ownage of the Bears from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love. The Falcons could be a team that the Packers get humbled. I find it to be an interesting matchup as we'll learn how well Jordan Love can do. Atlanta looked fairly solid but they need to really to get some more of their passing game in Desmond Ridder better. If the Packers can shut down their running game and make them into a one-dimensional offense then the Packers can have a good game. I'll give the Pack a win.
Indianapolis (0-1) @ Houston (0-1) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Colts; CV: Colts
Both teams lost last week as the Colts lost to the Jaguars and the Texans lost to the Ravens. Indianapolis and Houston look like teams that could compete for the bottom of the AFC South basement. I don't want to call this game a toilet bowl yet but it seems like one that might take that moniker. Anthony Richardson showed some promise in spite of the loss to Jacksonville. Houston could win the game as well with similar mindset. I'll go with my gut and take the Colts.
Kansas City (0-1) @ Jacksonville (1-0) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Jaguars
The Chiefs lost to the Lions and the Jaguars beat the Colts last week. A rematch of the AFC Divisional playoff. The defending champs looked a bit lost without Travis Kelce on the field. It is debatable if the highly-touted tight end can play this week. If he doesn't play then it will be a bit difficult for Patrick Mahomes to find his security blanket. Jacksonville coming into this game looks like the team that seems like momentum is on their side. Their offense was hitting on all cylinders. They will have to deal with Chris Jones who ended his holdout and signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs. I'll take the defending champions.
LA Chargers (0-1) @ Tennessee (0-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
Both teams lost last week as the Chargers lost to the Dolphins and the Titans lost to the Saints. Tennessee nearly pulled off a win despite trying to give the game away to the Saints. Ryan Tannehill was pitiful as he threw three interceptions. He will need to do better obviously. The Chargers are a weird team. They nearly beat the Dolphins despite getting outgained by more than 100 total yards. The Chargers defense is kind of a pushoff but they can play somewhat when they need to. I'll take the Chargers on a whim.
Las Vegas (1-0) @ Buffalo (0-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Las Vegas beat the Broncos and the Bills lost to the Jets last week. The Raiders pulled off a close win against the Broncos. Their offense did good with Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm of the Raiders ship. They have a huge test against one of the top teams in the AFC. Buffalo really shat the bed against the Jets. The loss of Aaron Rodgers should've meant that the Bills just wiped the Jets out of New Jersey. They sadly didn't. I think the Bills will come in angry and take it out on the Raiders.
Seattle (0-1) @ Detroit (1-0) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Lions; CV: Lions
The Seahawks lost to the Rams and the Lions beat the Chiefs last week. Detroit pulled off the win against the defending champs. This week we'll learn how good the Lions can be. Jared Goff was the main catalyst to the things the Lions do on offense. Along with a solid defense, the Lions have a great shot to sell out Ford Field. Seattle had a real letdown against the Rams. Their offense just went on a whimper and didn't do a lot. I'm placing a lot of faith on the Lions but I think they can do it.
San Francisco (1-0) @ LA Rams (1-0) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
Both teams took wins last week as the 49ers beat the Steelers and the Rams beat the Seahawks. Darn shame this game isn't on a primetime slot. Both teams look really solid. Brock Purdy vs Matthew Stafford going at it for the first time. Both teams possess offenses that can put up yardage and points. The 49ers have had a better track record against the Rams but if the Rams running game can do some things like keep Nick Bosa guessing where the ball will be at, it could be a rough time for the 49ers. I like the Niners in this matchup.
NY Giants (0-1) @ Arizona (0-1) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Giants; CV: Giants
The two teams lost last week as the Giants lost to the Cowboys and the Cardinals lost to the Commanders. New York got humbled against Dallas. So humbled that they didn't even want to score a single point in that massacre of a game. Fortunately, the Giants will get to play against a team that isn't that great. Arizona kept pace with the Commanders but they really faltered on offense as Joshua Dobbs only put up 132 passing yards. It doesn't spell like success for the Cardinals in this matchup as the Giants can really put the hurt with their running game and somewhat of a respectable passing game. I'll take the G-Men.
NY Jets (1-0) @ Dallas (1-0) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
Both teams won last week as the Jets beat the Bills and the Cowboys beat the Giants. This game looked fairly good with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. After Monday night and the news on Tuesday morning that Aaron Rodgers will be out for the year with an Achilles injury, this game looks like to be a blowout again. Still the last time the Jets played the Cowboys, the Cowboys didn't win in a game that should've been theirs for the taking. The Jets defense vs the Cowboys offense will be a tell-tale sign of how well this game can be. If the Jets offense does enough to put up points, they can win. I don't like it, I'll take the Boys.
Washington (1-0) @ Denver (0-1) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Commanders; CV: Commanders
The Commanders beat the Cardinals and the Broncos lost to the Raiders last week. Washington got a win for the new regime and the spirits are high. Sam Howell had a okay game against the Cardinals and should only get better as the season goes on. I like Washington's running game and defensive line. Denver did some good things against the Raiders but unfortunately the record of 0-1 still stands out. Russell Wilson seemed a bit more composed and relaxed. It feels like a toss-up matchup but I think the Commanders will at least continue with the good feelings with a win.
Miami (1-0) @ New England (0-1) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Patriots; CV: Dolphins
The Dolphins beat the Chargers and the Patriots lost to the Eagles last week. This should be a dandy to watch. Miami had their offense going on all cylinders against Los Angeles last week. The Patriots defense will have their work cut out for them as they try to slow down Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. I would be concerned with the way the Patriots played on offense but they played much better in the redzone last week than they did all of last year. If the Dolphins defense lax a bit too much the Pats could win. I do think the Dolphins are the better team but I'll take the chance on New England.
New Orleans (1-0) @ Carolina (0-1) (ESPN; 7:15 pm): TW: Saints; CV: Saints
The Saints beat the Titans and the Panthers lost to the Falcons last week. The first of two Monday night games. The Saints played alright against the Titans in a game where the Titans wanted to give it away. Derek Carr threw well and I would expect him to do much of the same. Carolina is a team on the low but they could seriously put up numbers with their running game. The game feels like a win for the Saints.
Cleveland (1-0) @ Pittsburgh (0-1) (ABC; 8:15 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Browns
The Browns beat the Bengals and the Steelers lost to the 49ers last week. The week finishes up with a classic rivalry game in the AFC North. Cleveland beat the Bengals pretty soundly by really going after Joe Burrow and limit his effectiveness. Pittsburgh's offense turned in its roughest performance in a long time as they could only put up three points. They obviously need to play better on offense to win this game. Kenny Pickett will have to throw short passes to avoid the great front seven of the Browns defense.
Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings.
Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings
CBS Early
Kansas City @ Jacksonville
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Las Vegas @ Buffalo
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
Baltimore @ Cincinnati
Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan
LA Chargers @ Tennessee
Tom McCarthy, James Lofton, Jay Feely
CBS Late
NY Jets @ Dallas
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
Washington @ Denver
Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta
FOX Single
Seattle @ Detroit
Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olson
Chicago @ Tampa Bay
Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston
Green Bay @ Atlanta
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
Indianapolis @ Houston
Chris Myers, Robert Smith
NY Giants @ Arizona (LATE)
Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth
San Francisco @ LA Rams (LATE)
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
Cardinal Viking:
2023:
Week 1: 10-6
Week 1: 10-6
2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2022: 157-112-2
My record:
2023:
Week 1: 9-7
Week 1: 9-7
2012: 164-90-2
2013: 162-92-1
2014: 172-83-1
2017: 164-92
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1
2019: 161-94-1
2020: 167-88-1
2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2
2022: 166-103-2
See you all for the Week 2 Recap after the Monday night game or on Tuesday.
-Tom
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