NFL Week 2 predictions
Arizona Cardinals (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. – TV: FOX
- Keys to the game: The Giants’ offense is a mess. Quarterback Eli Manning is trying to get up to speed in a scheme that requires a change in his footwork and the use of hand signals. He’s working with an inferior cast and the offense includes multiple new components. The Cardinals’ defense may serve as a good tonic. While FS Tyrann Mathieu could return, the depleted front seven is minus retirement-mulling OLB John Abraham and DT Frostee Rucker, starting for the injured Darnell Dockett, is likely out with a calf injury. The Giants still have to get an improved effort out of their offensive line to pave a few running lanes and keep the pressure off Manning, who needs time to sync up with the offense and his receivers.
- The offensive line remains the biggest concern for the Cardinals, whose front five was solid in the opener. Arizona received just enough production from the ground game and QB Carson Palmer unexpectedly slid around with pocket awareness. When given time, Palmer has a deadly arsenal of downfield options. The Giants must execute on what the Chargers couldn’t in Week 1 — eliminate RBs Andre Ellington and Jonathan Dwyer and then collapse the pocket on Palmer and force him into turnovers for short fields.
- Matchup to watch — Cardinals WLB Alex Okafor vs. Giants LT Will Beatty: Beatty struggled in the opener, but catches a break with the Cardinals scrambling to replace Abraham. Okafor and recently-signed Marcus Benard are likely to be in the mix to fill the pass-rush void.
- Player spotlight — Giants TE Larry Donnell: The former undrafted rookie in 2012 showed impressive athleticism and hands to haul in five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown, as Manning routinely looked his direction in the end zone. However, Donnell’s inexperience proved costly when he appeared to miss a signal from Manning at the line of scrimmage.
- Fast facts: Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald is the NFL’s active leader with a reception in 150 consecutive games. … Giants CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had 13 interceptions in three seasons with Arizona.
The panic alarm was sounded among Giants fans Monday night. The Cardinals come in with a limping defense, but still have far too many offensive weapons for the Giants’ fledgling attack to keep pace for four quarters.
Our pick: Cardinals 28-23
Atlanta Falcons (1-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati – TV: CBS
- Keys to the game: The Falcons are expected shootout until a defense with massive turnover eliminates the formation breakdowns that popped up against New Orleans. The Bengals like to blitz and coordinator Paul Guenther believes mixing up coverages is the best route to slow QB Matt Ryan, who is coming off a franchise-record 448-yard performance. If Cincinnati can stuff Atlanta’s four-headed running attack and pressure Atlanta’s jumbled offensive line, the Bengals should have a chance to dictate the tempo. The Bengals should have little trouble moving the ball, but must do a better job of capitalizing in the red zone after constantly stalling out in Baltimore territory last week. The Falcons do not generate a constant pass rush, so QB Andy Dalton should have ample opportunity to go through his progressions.
- Matchup to watch — Falcons CB Desmond Trufant vs. Bengals WR A.J. Green: Atlanta is leaning on a pair of second-year cornerbacks, and Trufant is making the switch to the left side, where he’ll often see Green across the line of scrimmage. The Falcons’ defense was out of sync in the opener, and any lapses in communication will lead to big plays against the quick-strike Bengals.
- Player spotlight — Bengals LB Vinny Rey: The fifth-year veteran may make his fifth career start if Vontaze Burfict is unable to pass through the league’s concussion protocol in time. Rey does have significant experience as a backup and can play all three linebacker spots.
- Fast facts: After 21 consecutive games without allowing a 300-yard passer, the Bengals have allowed three in the last 11 games — Detroit’s Matthew Stafford (357), Indianapolis’ Andrew Luck (326) and Baltimore’s Joe Flacco (345), yet have won all three. … The Bengals have a nine-game regular-season home winning streak.
Falcons QB Matt Ryan opened the season red-hot, and he’ll continue to rack up the yards. But it’s difficult to keep pace in a shootout on the road when backed by a very spotty defense.
Our pick: Bengals 31-30
Dallas Cowboys (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (1-0)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at LP Field, Nashville – TV: FOX
- Keys to the game: A defensive doormat in 2013, Dallas suffered from self-inflicted wounds by its own offense in the opener. QB Tony Romo missed open receivers and misread coverage as the Cowboys dug a 21-3 hole. Before the wheels came off, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan showed some imagination and creativity with a commitment to making RB DeMarco Murray the focus. He’ll match wits with new Titans defensive coordinator Ray Horton, whose 3-4 is designed to puncture the pocket from all angles. Getting the ball out on time is Romo’s only chance to avoid big hits and establish a balanced attack. Titans QB Jake Locker’s mobility is a major threat to the Cowboys, who are soft in the middle of the field and lack the dominant edge presence DeMarcus Ware once provided.
- Matchup to watch — Titans ILB Zaviar Gooden vs. Cowboys TE Jason Witten: Witten had mostly forgettable efforts facing defenses operating a 3-4 base last season, but the Cowboys should like their chances on underneath, possession-type routes with the size and experience edge heavily in Witten’s favor. Gooden is making the start after Zach Brown (pectoral) was placed on season-ending IR.
- Player spotlight — Cowboys WR Terrance Williams: Targeted a team-leading seven times by Romo in Week 1, Williams always sees one-on-one coverage opposite Dez Bryant and the Titans allowed four pass plays of 20-plus yards last week.
- Fast facts: Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt is 3-0 all-time against Dallas. … The Cowboys allowed 17 touchdown passes in eight road games last season.
Star power favors the visitors and if everything clicks for the Cowboys, they could two-step to a blowout. There were many misfires for Romo and Company in the opener, whereas the Titans showed a newfound confidence and toughness that indicates Tennessee will be no pushover.
Our pick: Titans 29-25
Detroit Lions (1-0) at Carolina Panthers (1-0)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Bank of American Stadium, Charlotte – TV: FOX
- Keys to the game: Squeezing every second from the clock is the chief strategy for the Panthers’ offense. Not only does a run-first attack stand to preserve injured QB Cam Newton (ribs), who is expected back after missing the opener, it diffuses the Lions’ 20-yards-and-a-stick-of-dynamite scheme. Newton led the team last season with 5.3 yards per carry and six touchdowns. Detroit will tee off if Newton wants to roll the dice as a runner.
- Carolina might need to bring an extra body to break Lions QB Matthew Stafford out of his current groove. His release was like lightning Monday night, and if DEs Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy can’t bend and close to get to Stafford, head coach Ron Rivera doesn’t mind blitzing. To counter, perimeter runs and passes to RBs Reggie Bush and Joique Bell present a changeup that will isolate Carolina’s back seven and require sure open-field tackling.
- Matchup to watch — Panthers secondary vs. Lions WR Calvin Johnson: Carolina will give Johnson his token 100-yard games that are a virtual given, but the Panthers went to long-armed, taller cornerbacks in the offseason to contend with this type of matchup. Outside corners Antoine Cason and Melvin White are 6-1, while top backup Josh Norman and No. 1 nickel Bene Benwikere are 6-feet.
- Player spotlight — Lions RT Cornelius Lucas: An undrafted rookie from Kansas State, Lucas might not start but he got a lot of work with the first team this week as starter LaAdrian Waddle was hurt and didn’t play the final three quarters Monday and his backup, Corey Hilliard (foot) landed on IR Wednesday.
- Fast facts: Johnson has 100-plus receiving yards in 22 of his past 34 games. … Carolina has a seven-game home winning streak.
Teams that harassed Stafford typically took down the Lions last season, and the Panthers are in position to hit all the right notes in Newton’s return.
Our pick: Panthers 23-20
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) at Washington Redskins (0-1)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at FedEx Field, Landover, Md. – TV: CBS
- Keys to the game: The Jaguars brought in several veteran pieces to shore up their defense over the offseason, only to watch the Eagles rack up 322 yards through the air and another 145 on the ground as Philadelphia wiped out a big early deficit last week. New Redskins coach Jay Gruden called a very conservative gameplan in his debut – a loss at Houston that saw Washington generate just six points. Expect a more concerted effort to get the ball into the hands of RB Alfred Morris and attempt to improve the protection for QB Robert Griffin III and open up more downfield shots to WRs DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon.
- The Jaguars may have uncovered an undrafted gem in WR Allen Hurns. He stepped up in the absence of Cecil Shorts an Allen Robinson, who may return to the fold this week. The biggest concern remains RB Toby Gerhart’s gimpy ankle. Backups Denard Robinson and Jordan Todman don’t bring nearly the physical presence, which QB Chad Henne needs behind Jacksonville’s reworked offensive line.
- Matchup to watch — Jaguars RT Cameron Bradfield vs. Redskins DE Jarvis Jenkins: With Chris Baker moving to nose tackle to replace injured Barry Cofield, Jenkins returns to the spot at which he started 19 games from 2012-13. Bradfield is a former rookie free agent out of Grand Valley State who has started double-digit games at guard and tackle through his first four NFL seasons.
- Player spotlight — Redskins TE Niles Paul: The former wide receiver and special teams ace assumes Jordan Reed’s receiving role with the starter sidelined by a hamstring injury. Blocking specialist Logan Paulsen will also see his snaps significantly increase.
- Fast facts: The Jaguars recorded five sacks in Week 1, tied for the NFL lead. … The Redskins own an NFL-long nine-game losing streak.
After building a big lead against the Eagles last week, the Jaguars’ defense crumbled against the run and pass. The Redskins do a better job of keeping RB Alfred Morris in gear in what amounts to a must-win with a tough stretch of games ahead.
Our pick: Redskins 24-19
Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) at Denver Broncos (1-0)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver – TV: CBS
- Keys to the game: The Chiefs are 0-4 against Denver since quarterback Peyton Manning took the reins for the Broncos, and enter Week 2 in a precarious situation after losing two defensive starters to Achilles tears last week — left end Mike DeVito and linebacker Derrick Johnson. Denver has increased its emphasis on the ground game, utilizing a heavier dose of two-tight end formations last week. K.C. was worn down for 162 rushing yards by Tennessee in the season opener and faces the double-edge sword of attempting to slow down Denver’s high-octane passing game while a depleted front tries to contain RB Montee Ball.
- Compounding the issues for the Chiefs is an offense that has struggled to move the ball since the preseason. RB Jamaal Charles has 944 yards from scrimmage in eight career starts against Denver and must be heavily involved in the running and underneath passing games to help the Chiefs move the chains and keep Manning on the sideline. QB Alex Smith does not stretch the field with great accuracy, so the Broncos’ safeties can be aggressive in attacking routes in front of them. Smith does get WR Dwayne Bowe back from suspension.
- Matchup to watch — Broncos RT Chris Clark vs. Chiefs LDE Jaye Howard: Howard and Vance Walker are expected to get the bulk of the snaps vacated by injured Mike DeVito, but recently-signed run-stopper Kevin Vickerson will also figure into the mix against the team that released him before the start of the season. Clark is back on the right side after filling in for injured LT Ryan Clady last season.
- Player spotlight — Broncos CB Bradley Roby: The rookie impressed while seeing extensive time in the slot last week, and moved outside in base packages.
- Fast facts: The Chiefs converted just one of 12 third downs (8.3 percent) in Week 1. … Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas seeks his fourth consecutive 100-yard receiving game against Kansas City.
The Chiefs limp into Denver minus two key defenders among their front seven and an offense that hasn’t moved the ball with any consistency since training camp began.
Our pick: Broncos 38-20
Miami Dolphins (1-0) at Buffalo Bills (1-0)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y. – TV: CBS
- Keys to the game: RB Knowshon Moreno (134 yards) brought production and consistency the Dolphins running game hasn’t seen since Ricky Williams nearly hit 1,200 yards in 2009 in his second act with the team. Moreno, a strong one-cut runner and polished receiver, is the ideal complement for springy Lamar Miller. The one-two punch will test the Bills’ revamped linebacking corps and strain the defensive backfield primarily locked onto vertical threat Mike Wallace. Buffalo counters with a controlled running game. Second-year QB EJ Manuel’s charge is to walk the line between risk-averse and being willing to let it fly when WRs Robert Woods and Sammy Watkins draw single coverage.
- Matchup to watch — Dolphins MLB Koa Misi or Kelvin Sheppard vs. Bills RB C.J. Spiller: WLB Dannell Ellerbe (hip) is out for the season and while the Dolphins are strong along the defensive line, there is uncertainty at the second level with Misi in a walking boot at midweek and Sheppard just signed Monday.
- Player spotlight — Bills RT Seantrel Henderson: The massive rookie held up in the opening victory over Chicago. The draw this week, Pro Bowl DE Cameron Wake, is more daunting. Wake was in the face of Tom Brady early and often in Week 1, with two sacks and two forced fumbles to earn AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
- Fast facts: The Bills have posted back-to-back wins just twice since October 2011. … Dolphins coach Joe Phibin is 1-3 against Buffalo.
Buffalo’s underrated backfield presents a major challenge for Miami’s injury-dinged defense but the Bills’ fortunes come down to error-free play from QB EJ Manuel, who must show he won’t fold when the Dolphins force quick decisions from the pocket.
Our pick: Dolphins 24-17
New England Patriots (0-1) at Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis – TV: FOX
- Keys to the game: Minnesota’s five sacks at St. Louis are no aberration. Coach Mike Zimmer will keep the pressure on Tom Brady, who was sacked four times last week, the 10th time in 17 games he was sacked three or more times. Expect New England to slow the pace and simplify primary reads for Brady to raise the confidence of the collective offense before reverting to the no-huddle ways that led to the Patriots running more plays per game than any team in the NFL last season.
- Minnesota’s team speed is not special and the Rams kept everything in front of them in Week 1 — playmaker Cordarrelle Patterson, who had a 67-yard touchdown run last week, had the only play over 18 yards. The Patriots will counter with smothering CB Darrelle Revis, who admittedly had an average effort in his New England debut last week.
- Matchup to watch — Patriots LB Jerod Mayo vs. Vikings RB Adrian Peterson: Mayo had 12 tackles last week, but the numbers are inflated because of the way his defensive line wilted in the Miami heat. Peterson certainly is capable of gashing defenses all by himself. But the Patriots also have to be concerned with stopping Patterson as a runner. He had 102 yards on just three carries last week.
- Player spotlight — Vikings DE Everson Griffen: A chess piece Zimmer will move from side to side to exploit favorable matchups, Griffen nabbed a $42.5 million deal in the offseason because of his pass-rush skills and showed them at St. Louis. He has 4.5 sacks in his last three games. Given New England’s protection problems, Brady will ID Griffen pre-snap.
- Fast facts: The Patriots last began a season 0-2 in 2001, when Brady replaced Drew Bledsoe as starter in a Week 2 loss to the New York Jets. … Minnesota traded four picks to the Patriots to move into position to draft Patterson 29th in the 2013 draft.
Bill Belichick doesn’t lose back-to-back games. The Patriots have the personnel to stuff the run and expose former employee Matt Cassel to make Belichick the sixth coach in NFL history with 200 career wins.
Our pick: Patriots 23-15
New Orleans Saints (0-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-1)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland – TV: FOX
- Keys to the game: Both defenses are coming off highly disappointing opening performances. The film room was a particularly difficult place this week for the Saints, who by some counts missed 23 tackles in allowing Atlanta to rack up a franchise record for yards. New Orleans needs to tackle better, but it also needs increased pressure up front from Cam Jordan and Junior Gallette. The Browns averaged 4.5 yards per carry last week and rookie RBs Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell can shoulder the rushing load, but pass protection is where the falloff could be felt minus injured Ben Tate.
- The Saints did a good job of establishing the run last week and must continue that trend, if for no other reason than to give their defense a breather. The Browns are a better defensive unit than the one blistered at Pittsburgh last week, and New Orleans is often a far less potent threat outside on grass surfaces. That said, QB Drew Brees will see mismatches downfield and will target CB Buster Skrine while also attacking with TE Jimmy Graham.
- Matchup to watch — Saints WR Brandin Cooks vs. Browns CB Justin Gilbert: Gilbert played 59 of 71 snaps in the opener, but suffered through the inconsistency expected of a first-year corner. Coach Mike Pettine hinted at reducing his workload, which could lead to more snaps for K’Waun Williams or Robert Nelson. Cooks, also a rookie, fared much better in his debut, catching seven passes for 77 yards and a touchdown and will be moved all over the formation as the Saints seek speed mismatches.
- Player spotlight — Saints OLB Parys Haralson: With FB Erik Lorig battling an ankle injury, Haralson was used as a lead blocker at times in Atlanta. In the first offensive action of his nine-year career, Haralson did clear a path on a rushing touchdown.
- Fast facts: The Saints have just eight players on the roster who were with the team for New Orleans’ Super Bowl victory five years ago. … The Browns are 1-13 in home openers since 2013.
The Saints are not as explosive on the road, particularly on grass, and their defensive shortcomings are real enough to allow Browns QB Brian Hoyer to engineer lengthy drives to keep Brees & Co. from rolling up the score.
Our pick: Browns 23-20
New York Jets (1-0) at Green Bay Packers (0-1)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisc. – TV: FOX
- Keys to the game: The Packers want to back Geno Smith into long passing downs and see how the second-year quarterback handles decision-making under pressure. But in order to see that scenario play out, Green Bay will have to corral the Jets’ ground game. Easier said than done with RBs Chris Johnson and Chris Ivory the heart of the game plan, Smith able to extend plays with his feed and Green Bay coming off an opener in which it allowed 207 rushing yards on 5.6 yards per carry in Seattle.
- The Packers are confident RB Eddie Lacy will clear the concussion protocol in time, and need to stay committed to the ground game because their offensive line will not hold up long in protection against the Jets’ stout front seven. QB Aaron Rodgers struggled to drive the ball down field in Seattle, and the Jets will similarly try to contain the run, allow short completions and then feast on third down.
- Matchup to watch — Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson vs. Packers RT Bryan Bulaga: Bulaga practiced midweek and should play following a sprained MCL in Seattle. The Packers are holding their breath, because backup Derek Sherrod was a turnstile in his stead, getting beat badly for two sacks.
- Player spotlight — Packers ILB Jamari Lattimore: The fourth-year player may start in place of Brad Jones next to A.J. Hawk. Jones has been struggling with a quad injury, and was guilty of multiple missed tackles and a pair of holding penalties in Seattle.
- Fast facts: The Jets held Rodgers to a 44 percent completion rate in 2010, the lowest mark of his career as a starter. … The Jets and Patriots are the only two NFL teams Rodgers has yet to throw a touchdown against. … The Packers have won six of their past seven home openers.
The Packers mask their defensive frailties — and calls for coordinator Dom Capers’ job — for at least a week with Rodgers relying on short drops and quickly firing against the Jets’ outmanned secondary.
Our pick: Packers 27-24
St. Louis Rams (0-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa – TV: CBS
- Keys to the game: Coach Lovie Smith’s trademark takeaways were nowhere to be found in the Bucs’ opening loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Rams arrive with a second- or third-string quarterback hoping to find success similar to that of sub Derek Anderson, who riddled the Tampa-2 to the tune of a 70.6 completion percentage and 108.7 rating in Week 1. Shaun Hill (thigh) was knocked out of last week’s game, forcing Austin Davis into action. They were sacked a combined five times with two interceptions and produced three points. That’s an immense amount of weight for any defense to carry, even if coach Jeff Fisher believes this iteration of the Rams to have elite potential. Each offense is buoyed by a running game that spun its wheels in the opener. Doug Martin had nine yards on nine carries, nothing like the chain-moving presence Smith envisioned. Veteran QB Josh McCown needs more from his average offensive line and running game to get the ball to the team’s top weapons on the perimeter, or he’ll be clacking facemasks with Rams DE Robert Quinn all afternoon.
- Matchup to watch — Rams DTs Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers vs. Bucs C Evan Dietrich-Smith: Donald, one of two Rams first-round picks in 2014, is cat quick off the snap and could create some problems in both the run and pass game if not controlled by Dietrich-Smith, who likely will get help from one of the guards. But Brockers is equal parts power and quickness, and the Bucs likely need a tight end to help the offensive line hold up.
- Player spotlight — Rams DE William Hayes: He calls himself “Father Nature” and after three offseason surgeries will start in injured DE Chris Long’s spot on the left side. Eugene Sims and rookie free agent Ethan Westbrooks could also see time on the left side.
- Fast facts: QB Sam Bradford (IR) and Long (IR-recall) take up a total of $30.5 million in salary-cap space for the Rams. … Bucs quarterbacks have one 300-yard passing performance in their past 27 games.
St. Louis needs points and field position from defense and special teams because of severe limitations on offense. The Bucs find more scoring to scrape out a victory.
Our pick: Buccaneers 20-13
Seattle Seahawks (1-0) at San Diego Chargers (0-1)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego – TV: FOX
- Keys to the game: The Chargers took a serious introspective look at their defense after the Seahawks hung 41 points on San Diego in Week 2 of the preseason. Granted, it was the exhibition season, but the Chargers looked helpless against the Seahawks’ emerging group of playmakers that now features a healthy Percy Harvin keeping defenses off-balance as a potential threat as a runner and receiver. San Diego must own the line of scrimmage, keep RB Marshawn Lynch to minimal gains and capitalize when QB Russell Wilson leaves two or three passes up for grabs. San Diego expects to have a far-improved offense this season with a trio of running backs and a plethora of downfield options for QB Philip Rivers. Pressure up the middle was a crippling factor late in the Week 1 loss, and now Rich Ohrnberger steps in for injured C Nick Hardwick.
- Matchup to watch — Seahawks LG Bobby Carpenter vs. Chargers DT Sean Lissemore/RDE Corey Liuget: Carpenter appears motivated after Seattle declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. He showed up to training camp in the best shape of his career and was a force in the opening victory over Green Bay. When Seattle needs yards on the ground, it typically goes left behind Carpenter and LT Russell Okung, but Carpenter is far more vulnerable in pass protection.
- Player spotlight — Seahawks CB Marcus Burley: The undrafted rookie was acquired six days before the season opener and finds himself in the nickel role following injuries to Jeremy Lane and Tharold Simon.
- Fast facts: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said WR Bryan Walters is likely to return punts to allow FS Earl Thomas to focus on defensive duties. … Rivers threw for 455 yards and two touchdowns in the last meeting in 2012.
On paper this looks like a mismatch, and the short trip to Southern California won’t phase the Super Bowl champions. The potential Achilles heel for the Seahawks is a depleted secondary beyond starting CBs Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell, but Seattle’s front four often gets enough pressure to mask any secondary shortcomings.
Our pick: Seahawks 27-23
Houston Texans (1-0) at Oakland Raiders (0-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, at O.co Coliseum, Oakland – TV: CBS
- Keys to the game: Texans RB Arian Foster averaged 186.5 yards from scrimmage in two career games against the Raiders and will get plenty of touches as Houston works to set up a work-in-progress passing game. Coach Dennis Allen hinted the Raiders might look to more press coverage after playing too soft against the Jets and paying the price. Against Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Raiders could rely on more front four pressure hoping the interception-prone quarterback forces the issue.
- The Raiders learned last week that a series of “safe” play calls — quick hitches, screens and dumpoffs – showed their hyper-conservative plan and brought more heat from the New York Jets’ 3-4 defense. Expect more “jumbo” packages with Menelik Watson at tackle and Khalif Barnes playing as an extra tight end to help deal with DE J.J. Watt. It won’t hurt to go without Maurice Jones-Drew, who played 28 snaps last week but is questionable with a hand injury.
- Matchup to watch — Raiders CB Carlos Rogers vs. Texans WR Andre Johnson: Jets QB Geno Smith was 9-for-9 throwing toward Rogers, who was giving a big cushion and didn’t tackle well. Johnson had 10 catches for 116 yards against a different secondary in the last meeting with Oakland.
- Player spotlight — Texans P Shane Lechler: He played his first 13 seasons at Oakland and had a 47.2-yard gross and a 40-yard net in 2013 with the Texans. Lechler is critical in Texans head coach Bill O’Brien’s push to squash opposing special teams and dominate field position.
- Fast facts: The Raiders have lost 10 consecutive games against teams with a winning record. The last win came Nov. 27, 2011 (Bears). … Johnson needs eight receptions to surpass Art Monk for eighth on the NFL’s all-time receptions list.
Rookie quarterback Derek Carr showed promise on the road but no matter the venue, he’ll be hard-pressed to win without the backing of a dependable running game.
Our pick: Texans 26-16
Chicago Bears (0-1) at San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif. – TV: NBC
- Keys to the game: If the Bears were reduced to waves of flailing bodies by the Bills’ running game, a relentless 49ers ground attack could bury Chicago. Mobile quarterbacks and read-option misdirection stumped the Bears yet again in Week 1, and in QB Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco has an ace at the controls. Chronic weak links at safety and strong-side linebacker aren’t easily masked by the Bears against a deep WR corps and TE Vernon Davis, who caught two touchdown passes last week.
- Turnovers and two interior offensive line injuries – C Roberto Garza and LG Matt Slauson – robbed QB Jay Cutler of good preseason timing with his outside receivers. The 49ers lack gold-standard cover men to match up with Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall if Cutler gets time to set and launch.
- Matchup to watch – Bears CB Charles Tillman vs. 49ers WR Michael Crabtree: Tillman is expected to play but could be hobbled, making him a target in the passing game. Kaepernick’s confidence in Crabtree is exceedingly high, even when he appears to be draped by clingy coverage. If Tillman crosses the numbers horizontally with Crabtree, he lacks the straight-line speed to trail him for long.
- Player spotlight – 49ers OG Mike Iupati: There’s power, and then there’s Iupati, a 330-pound bear who leads RBs Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde when San Francisco downshifts to old-school power football. The Bears have no physically dominant presence to stand in the earth-mover’s way.
- Fast facts: Davis is second in the NFL since 2009 with 53 TD catches (Calvin Johnson). … Cutler’s teams are 28-3 when he has a 100-plus passer rating.
The Bears need an early score to take the crowd out of it at the opening of Levi’s Stadium. Even so, withstanding the 49ers’ chameleon-like offense that can and will play many styles is too much to ask a defense still feeling its way.
Our pick: 49ers 33-24
Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) at Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis — TV: ESPN
- Keys to the game: The first order of business for the Colts is to improve their shoddy tackling from a season-opening loss to the Broncos and get off the field on third down. If not, the Eagles’ offense kicked it into gear in the second half last week and will race up and down the Lucas Oil Stadium turf. Eagles QB Nick Foles likes to look for TEs Zach Ertz and Brent Celek, while Indianapolis was torched for seven catches for 104 yards and three touchdowns by Broncos TE Julius Thomas.
- The slow starts that plagued the Colts much of last season popped up again in the opener against the Broncos. QB Andrew Luck needs to move the chains more early on, and would receive a huge boost in that effort if Indianapolis can avoid a big early hole and tally more than 14 total carries between RBs Trent Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw. The Eagles did suffer multiple breakdowns in coverage against the Jaguars’ young receiving corps, and will be vulnerable to the experience playmaking ability of Colts WRs Reggie Wayne and Hakeem Nicks working the intermediate and sidelines while T.Y. Hilton stretches the field.
- Matchup to watch — Eagles RT Andrew Gardner vs. Colts OLB Bjoern Werner: Philly is down to its third option at right tackle with Lane Johnson suspended and backup Allen Barbre suffering a season-ending ankle injury. Gardner has been with six NFL teams, but did hold up well last week. Werner is the Colts’ RUSH linebacker and will move around — Gardner is a much more inviting matchup than LT Jason Peters.
- Player spotlight — Eagles OL Dennis Kelly: A healthy inactive for the season opener, Kelly is expected to start on the left side in Week 2 with Evan Mathis out with a sprained knee. David Molk replaced Mathis last week, but is a true center, while Kelly started 10 games as a rookie two years ago and has been working as the backup left guard.
- Fast facts: Six of the Jaguars’ 24 rushing attempts against the Eagles last week went for four yards or longer.
Plenty to hang your hat on and plenty to be concerned about with both wannabe contenders. The Eagles’ offensive line injuries are a concern indoors on the road, but the Colts’ penchant for extremely slow starts once again proves the difference against a playoff-caliber opponent.
Our pick: Eagles 34-31
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
The Baltimore Ravens were able to briefly lift the cloud of controversy hanging over both the franchise and the NFL with a dominant 26-6 triumph against a toothless Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday.
The Ravens (1-1) were in total control of their on-field performance but the result remained of secondary interest to the continued fallout from Baltimore’s recently banished running back Ray Rice.
The 27-year-old was released by the Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the league earlier this week when fresh video evidence surfaced showing disturbing images of Rice involved in an act of domestic violence in February.
Rice had originally been suspended for just two games prior to the release of the new footage and an investigation has now been launched into the NFL’s handling of events.
On the football field, Baltimore made short work of their AFC North rivals, getting two touchdown passes from Joe Flacco and 152 combined rushing yards from promoted running backs Bernard Pierce and Justin Forsett.
“The message was pretty straight forward,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters. “We have a football game to play. We care about our families. We care about the Rice family.
“I thought our guys handled it tremendously with class, with character and they responded.”
Baltimore seized a 10-0 lead in the second quarter and Pittsburgh (1-1) responded with two field goals before the Ravens closed the game with 16 unanswered points.
Flacco connected with tight end Owen Daniels on both touchdown passes, putting his home team ahead 17-6 on the second strike late in the third. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker booted three of his four field goals to complete the scoring.
Pittsburgh had opened the season with a nail-biting 30-27 win over Cleveland on Sunday but failed to reach the end zone in Baltimore. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 217 yards but most of that distance came with the game out of reach. He tossed one interception and the Steelers also coughed up a pair of fumbles.
“We just kept getting behind the chains and we can’t do that,” Roethlisberger said. “I don’t think it was horrible. You have to give them a lot of credit. They are a good defense.”