NFL Week 2 Results

As quickly as it began, week 2 in the NFL is over and done with. Just like week 1, week 2 was chalked full of great football, highlight reel plays, and big wins for many teams. Let's take a look at who won in week 2:

Winning team in red text

Buffalo Bills VS Green Bay Packers

 Results: The Bills could get little offense going in their game against the Packers. The Packers on the other hand were churning on all cylinders as Rodgers 2 Touchdowns led them to a week 2 win.

Analysis: Buffalo's offense has yet to find any sort of identity, and the lack of Quarterback play hurts them yet again this week as Trent Edwards was comatose in his production, tossing two interceptions.

Miami Dolphins VS Minnesota Vikings

Results: Miami won a close game against the Vikings as they forced 3 interceptions from Brett Favre.

Analysis: The Dolphins grinded out a win over Minnesota, relying primarily on their run game. The Dolphins defense played well as they picked off 3 of Brett Favre's passes. The Vikings offense just hasn't been efficient enough yet this year, they were only 1/5 in the red zone.

 Kansas City Chiefs VS Cleveland Browns

 Results: Kansas City edged out a close win against Cleveland, in route to a 2-0 start.

Analysis: Neither QB in this game looked stellar, as Matt Cassell threw two interceptions, and Seneca Wallace 1. The Chiefs relied on their run game the most, as Thomas Jones led the team in rushing yards with 83. They also returned an interception for a touchdown.

Chicago Bears VS Dallas Cowboys

Results: Jay Cutler lead the Chicago Bears to their second victory of the year over the Dallas Cowboys.

Analysis: For the second week in a row, Dallas has not lived up to expectations. They have trouble getting any sort of run game going, and to make matters worse, Tony Romo threw two interceptions. Dallas's passing game with Miles Austin lived up to potential, but a lack of run game, defensive power, and the ability to finish out a game, is hurting them.

Arizona Cardinals VS Atlanta Falcons

 Results: The Falcons found their offensive firepower in week 2 as they destroyed the helpless cardinals, bouncing back from their week 1 loss to Pittsburgh.

Analysis: The Falcons exceeded in every aspect of the game, having Matt Ryan throw for 3 TDs, team rushing totals over 220 yards, and the defense forcing 3 interceptions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers VS Carolina Panthers

Results: Josh Freeman led the Bucs to their second win of the season, throwing two touchdown passes.

Analysis: The Buccaneers took advantage of the quarterback miscues of Carolina and their 2 interceptions, to get a win this weekend. Tampa Bay's defense played well, keeping the Panthers to only one touchdown all game.

Philadelphia Eagles VS Detroit Lions

Results: The Eagles held on to their lead late in the game and survived a 4th quarter surge by Detroit to grab the win.

Analysis: Michael Vick looked good in his starting role in the Eagles offense as he led them to beat the Lions. Even in defeat, Detroit showed lots of potential, primarily in rookie running back Jahvid Best, who had staggering numbers in the game ( 9 Rec for 154 yards & TD, 78 rushing yards & 2 TDs).

 Baltimore Ravens VS Cincinnati Bengals

Results: The Bengals won a close game against their division rivals, using primarily their defense ironically to win the game.

Analysis: Against the Ravens stout defense, the Bengals subsisted on 5 Field Goals to win them the game. But the real deciding factor was their ability to pick off Ravens Qb Joe Flacco 4 times.

Pittsburgh Steelers VS Tennessee Titans

Results: The Steelers used their formidable defense to dismantle the Titans and improve to 2-0

Analysis: In an odd victory, subsisting solely on their ability to terrorize the Titans offense, and Vince Young, the Steelers only had about 40 yards of passing. They were capable though of demolishing Vince Young so thoroughly that after throwing two interceptions, he was benched for Kerry Collins. Shutting down superstar Chris Johnson also insured victory for Pittsburgh.

Seattle Seahawks VS Denver Broncos

Results: The Broncos forced 3 Matt Hasselbeck interceptions and their offense churned towards a week 2 win.

Analysis: Seattle's offense looked far worse then in week 1, as did their defense. Denver bounced back from a week 1 loss to Jacksonville, to rout Seattle in week 2. Demaryius Thomas made his rookie debut and hauled in a TD pass from Kyle Orton.

St. Louis Rams VS Oakland Raiders

Results: Oakland struggled early, but won a close game against St. Louis.

Analysis: Jason Campbell struggled for Oakland, which led to them putting in Bruce Gradkowski who revived the offense. Darren McFadden was on point again this week, rushing for 145 yards in the victory. Oakland struggled in the red zone, going 1/4, and St. Louis had problems with their ability to convert third downs, only making it a measly 20% of the time.

Houston Texans VS Washington Redskins

Results: In perhaps the most exciting game of the weekend, the Texans rallied to come back from a large deficit, prompting overtime in which they kicked the game winning field goal.

Analysis: In a game for the stat books,  both QBs were on point, Schuab passing for 497 yards and Mcnabb for 426. This was Houston's first overtime win in franchise history and it helped them extend their record to 2-0 on the season.

New England Patriots VS New York Jets

Results: The Jets Mark Sanchez has a flawless performance as he helped them bounce back from their week 1 loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Sanchez struggled last week against the Ravens, but seemed to find his groove and threw for three touchdowns this weekend. The defense also won the turnover battle as they forced Brady into making mistakes, and picked him off twice.

Jacksonville Jaguars VS San Diego Chargers

 Results: San Diego routed Jacksonville in a big bounce back from a disappointing weak 1 loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: In a game that we saw 6 interceptions total, unfortunately for the Jaguars, four of them were from David Garrard. Jacksonville simply could not get much going offensively, or do much to get in the way of Philip Rivers and the Chargers offense.

Indianapolis Colts VS New York Giants

Results: The Colts bounced back from a disappointing loss to division rival Houston, to demolish the Giants on Sunday night.

Analysis: In a mere week, Indianapolis seemed to have improved on every side of the ball. They were running it well, their defense (specifically pass defense) was stellar, and the older Manning tossed 3 touchdowns while leading his team towards an easy win.

New Orleans Saints VS San Fransisco 49ers

Results: The Super Bowl champs improved to 2-0 with a hard fought win over San Fransisco on Monday night.

Analysis: 49ers Qb Alex Smith played excellent in the first half, and nearly came away with the victory late in the game. Unfortunately the Saints wanted no part of overtime, and Brees led the march down the field for the game winning FG.

Week 2 Picks:  10 - 6

 

NFL Week 1 Results

 It was a very exciting opening weekend in the NFl; There was intense moments, last second wins, surprising upsets and incredible plays. Lets dive into who came out with the W in week one:

Winning team denoted with red text

Minnesota Vikings VS New Orleans Saints

Saints QB Drew Brees Celebrates

Results: In a opening weekend game that was much lower scoring then most people expected, the Saints kept the Vikings offense stagnant and held on for the win.

Analysis: Both defenses played fairly well in this game (except for the opening drive by the Saints in which apparently the vikings were caught sleeping), limiting each other to a low scoring affair. While New Orleans' offense looked good, they were not perfect and gave Brett Favre and the Vikes many chances to come back and put up some more points. Unfortunately for the Vikings, Favre looked out of sync with his receivers, and the offense never got really going (I'm guessing they miss Sidney Rice right now)

Cleveland Browns VS Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 Results: Cleveland may have jumped out in front in this game but plethora of mistakes, and two Josh Freeman touchdowns turned the tables, giving the Buccaneers a win in week 1.

Analysis: Cleveland gave Tampa Bay too many opportunities to turn the tides as new QB Jake Delhomme threw two interceptions. They also missed a field goal, which did not help them any.

Miami Dolphins VS Buffalo Bills

 Results: The new Dolphins defense limited buffalo's yardage and scoring opportunities, Chad Henne did not turn the ball over, and Ronnie Brown found his way into the end zone to give Miami the win.

Analysis: Buffalo's offensive struggles really spelled their defeat on Sunday. They did not get any point on the board till the second quarter and their only touchdown did not come until the 4th. Miami can still improve, try to make sure they score on every red zone opportunity, and maybe get Brandon Marshall some deep looks.

 Cincinnati Bengals Vs New England Patriots

Results: The Bengals could not get their productive offense going until it was too late as Wes Welker highlighted a Patriots offense, and came away with a win.

Analysis:  Cincinatti struggled early as they only came away with 3 points in the first half. They could not contain the Patriots offense and specifically Welker. To make matters worse, Carson Palmer threw a harsh interception that was returned for a touchdown. They picked it up in the second half as they scored 3 touchdowns, but they simply were not efficient enough.

Indianapolis Colts VS Houston Texans

Results: Houston used their running game to wear down the Indianapolis team as they received their first win of the season against their long time division rival. 

Analysis: While Peyton Manning managed to put up big passing numbers, failure to convert crucial third downs, based on poor blocking and surprisingly dropped passes, hurt the offense. The defense has no answer for the run game, and could not help get their offense back in the game. 

Jacksonville Jaguars VS Denver Broncos

  Results: The Jaguar offense looked good as they put up three touchdowns threw the air and put down the Broncos in week one.

Analysis: Maurice Jones-Drew had little resistance from the Denver defense, but the main problem for them was David Garrard and his 3 touchdown passes. Kyle Orton also killed the last chance with a crucial interception late in the 4th quarter. Their 70 yards in penalties certainly did not help either. Denver looked to have a easy week two game versus a usually morbid Seattle team, but after Seattle's rout of San Fransisco, you can be assured the Broncos are going to take the game very seriously or fall to 0-2 on the season.

Atlanta Falcons VS Pittsburgh Steelers

 Results: Surprisingly, no team scored a touchdown until the overtime run by Pittsburgh. Both QBs tossed 1 interception, and it was a field goal fest.

Analysis: Rashard Mendenhall was relied on heavily for the Steelers as he rushed for over 100 yards. On the opposite side, Michael Turner really never got anything going on the ground. Both teams were 0% efficient in the red zone as well.

Oakland Raiders VS Tennessee Titans

Results:  As to be expected, Chris Johnson is back to running up and down the field, as his excellent play led the Titans to convincingly beat the Oakland Raiders.

Analysis:  Darren McFadden seemed to be the entire Oakland offense as he led in both rushing and receiving yards and had their only touch down. On the other side, Vince Young performed well tossing two TD passes, but mainly it was Johnson (as always) who rushed for over 140 yards, and for 2 touchdowns.

Carolina Panthers VS New York Giants

Results:  While both Quarterbacks seemed to make a lot of mistakes, having thrown for 3 interceptions each, Eli Manning made up for it with 3 touch down passes and gained the win for the Giants.

Analysis: Carolina was 1/5 in the red zone and could just not get their offense going against this Giants team. On the other side, Hakeem Nicks pulled in 3 touchdown passes, propelling New York to a week 1 win.

Detroit Lions VS Chicago Bears

Results:   Jay Cutler threw two passes to running back Matt Forte that he turned into touchdowns to help Chicago pull off a win, although a controversial one.

Analysis:  The problems started for Detroit when Matthew Stafford was taken out of the game due to an injury. The Lions had a chance to win it in the remaining seconds and Calvin Johnson got his hands on the ball in the end zone on a deep pass.  Unfortunately for him, they ruled it incomplete. While the technical rule forcing this call may be correct implemented her, it may undoubtedly be a bad rule, as anyone watching the game would have ruled him in.

 Arizona Cardinals VS St. Louis Rams

 Results: Arizona used new QB Derek Anderson and Larry Fitzgerald, in addition to capitalizing on 3 Sam Bradford interceptions to walk away with a week 1 win.

Analysis: St Louis Struggled as Bradford tosses 3 interceptions, bu they managed to stay in the game till the end, but could not pull off a last second win.

Green Bay Packers VS Philadelphia Eagles

 Results:  Green Bay gained a much needed advantage when they injured Kevin Kolb and he was forced to leave the game. Their defense played well and managed to hold off the Eagles in route to a win.

Analysis:  When Kolb got injured, Michael Vick came in for the Eagles, and surprisingly, he looked good rushing and throwing. Too bad for the Eagles it was too little too late as they could never score the game tying touchdown.

San Fransico 49ers VS Seattle Seahawks

  Results:  Seattle shut down the 49ers offense, picking off Alex Smith twice, and returning 1 for a touchdown in their week 1 win.

Analysis:   San Fransisco could not get anything going at all as they settled for a pair of field goals for the game.Matt Hasselbeck seemed to be reinvigorated in the weekend opener as he tossed two touchdowns in the win.

 Dallas Cowboys VS Washington Redskins

Results: Washington kept Dallas in check as the limited to seven points and handed them their first loss of the season.

Analysis:  Washington got a jump when they scored on a long fumble recovery. While Tony Romo outplayed the newly acquired 'Skin Mcnaab, he couldn't get the ball into the end zone enough, and the penalty on the final play killed their chances.

Baltimore Ravens VS New York Jets

  

 Results: In a game ruled by two stout defenses, Joe Flacco greatly outplayed opponent Mark Sanchez in route to a slim one point victory.

Analysis: Anquan Boldin and Todd Heap helped the Ravens get up and down the field, and the Ravens scored the game's long touchdown in the third quarter.

San Diego Chargners VS Kansas City Chiefs

 Results: Kansas City shocked the Chargers as they pulled the upset monday night, utilizing great special teams play, and a revamped defense.

Analysis: The Chargers were off rhythm all game due to the Chiefs greatly improved, very fast defense, that pressured them all night. Some good running by Jamaal Charles, and crazy special teams play by Dexter McCluster helped them score and win the game.  

Week 1 Picks:  8 - 8

Four NFL Teams That Could Elevate Their Status in 2010

The upcoming 2010 season looks to be an exciting year in football. Every year a team or two rises from the levels of mediocrity or atrociousness and surprises the league and the fans by rising to the challenge and showing everyone that their team is better then previously believed. Let's look at a few teams that might surprise us in 2010:

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders went a mediocre 5 - 11 last year, largely in part due to the cancer that was JaMarcus Russell. Looking forward to 2010, Russell is gone, Oakland has a viable QB option in Jason Campbell, and rare promising season looms near. Their passing defense was top ten last year, and with the additions of rookie Rolando McClain and free agent John Henderson among others, the defense might continue taking steps in the right direction. As far as the offense is concerned, it was atrocious last year, though Jason Campbell's addition alone doubles its potential. His ability to properly lead this squad, have team mates trust in him, and actually complete passes put him leagues above his joke of a predecessor. Louis Murphy has emerged as a viable option for Campbell and Chaz Schilens shows flashes of the same talent. The key here is if Heyward-Bey can improve enough to be a part of this offense and help them succeed.

Detroit Lions

As a two win team, it's pretty easy to surpass the expectations of most fans. But now more then ever there is real hope for the Lions, as they are slowly amassing talented players. Matthew Stafford is still young, but he looks he will be a very capable QB once he gets all the odds and ends evened out. He has the fortune of having one of the best wide receivers in the league already on his team, and the addition of Nate Burleson will only add another viable option to the passing game. Also, in the run game, the Lions drafted Jahvid Best, one of the most talented running backs in the draft. Between Best and Kevin Smith, their backfield should look pretty good come start of the season. On the defensive side, the rookie Ndamukong Suh, a ferocious defensive tackle, and off season additions Kyle Vanden Bosch, and Dre Bly could help bolster the defense.

Seattle Seahawks

 Seattle gets on this list partially because they have such a weak division, that their ability to succeed is a little easier then most. As of late, they have not looked very promising. Hasselbeck is getting older, and it seems he will soon pass the torch to quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (if they have as much faith in him as we are led to believe). The offense has potential though with talented wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh already on the team and the additions of rookie WR Golden Tate and big offensive tackle Russell Okung to bolster the line. The addition of Safety Earl Thomas is a solid boost to the defensive unit.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have been up and down the past few seasons, but their level of talent remains very real. What will surprise people most is their ability to clash with and possibly win the division over a very good Jets team. The running back corp (when healthy) is one of the best in the league, made up of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams (they were 4th in the league rushing last year). They have the ability to be a run heavy offense and have great sucess this way. The biggest questions come from their passing game and defense. If Chad Henne can step up, continue to improve, and manage the game as well as Chad Pennington did recently, then this team can do great things. Luckily for Henne, Miami managed to snag one of the best wide receivers in the league in Brandon Marshall. This signing is HUGE for Miami's offense as it presents a go to guy and #1  big play WR for Henne right away. The defense is going to have to support them though (they were 22nd overall last year), and the rookie selection Jared Odrick and signing of Karlos Dansby should help their cause immensely.

NFL Week 3 Recap; Real Scores Vs Proposed Scores

Well week 3 is over and let's look at how the game's went and what kind of moving and shaking teams are doing with a 3rd game under their belt.

Teams Keeping Their Dominance

New Orleans - Even in a game where the passing attack was not statistically ridiculous the Saints trounced Buffalo with a potent rushing attack and efficient football.

Both New York Teams (Giants and Jets) - With the Giants shutout of Tampa and the Jets victory over Tennessee they are looking better then ever.

Baltimore - With another big win, they are playing good hard football.

Teams That Are Moving Up

Indianapolis - With their destruction of Arizona on Sunday night, the Colts have looked the most promising all year, applying significant pressure to Kurt Warner, running the ball better, and playing football better on all sides of the ball.

Jacksonville - They got a much needed win over a division rival as they ran up and down on Houston. We'll see if they can continue versus the hapless Titans next week.

Cincinnati - With their upset win over the super bowl champs, they are looking less and less like a fluke and more and more like a real threat.

Teams That Are Moving Down

Seattle - They opened the season with a shutout victory over the Rams and have thus fallen to 1-2. Matt Hasselbeck did not play because of a broken rib. Next week's game with Indy is going to pose real problems.

Miami - The Dolphins fall to 0-3 as they get beaten by the Chargers. There running attack is potent, but lack of passing success, big play ability, and conversion play has limited them.

Tennessee - The team with the best record last year is currently 0-3. Their misusing their talent and they need to figure a way to fix that fast.


Cleveland Browns Vs Baltimore Ravens

Proposed Score: Baltimore 27 - Cleveland 13
Real Score: Baltimore 34 - Cleveland 3


Washington Redskins Vs Detroit Lions
Proposed Score: Washington 17 - Detroit 9
Real Score: Washington 14 - Detroit 19


Houston Texans Vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Proposed Score: Houston 20 - Jacksonville 9
Real Score: Houston 24 - Jacksonville 31


Atlanta Falcons Vs New England Patriots
Proposed Score: Atlanta 23 - New England 13
Real Score: Atlanta 10 - New England 26



Green Bay Packers Vs St. Louis Rams
Proposed Score: Green Bay 27 - St. Louis 6
Real Score: Green Bay 36 - St. Louis 17


New York Giants Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Proposed Score: New York 28 - Tampa Bay 17
Real Score: New York 24 - Tampa Bay 0


New York Jets Vs Tennessee Titans
Proposed Score: Titans 17 - Jets 14
Real Score: Titans 17 - Jets 24


Kansas City Chiefs Vs Philadelphia Eagles
Proposed Score: Philadelphia 33 - Kansas City 13
Real Score: Philadelphia 34 - Kansas City 14


San Fransisco 49ers Vs Minnesota Vikings
Proposed Score: Minnesota 17 - San Fran 13
Real Score: Minnesota 27 - San Fran 24


New Orleans Saints Vs Buffalo Bills
Proposed Score: New Orleans 38 - Buffalo 19
Real Score: New Orleans 27 - Buffalo 19


Chicago Bears Vs Seattle Seahawks
Proposed Score: Chicago 20 - Seattle 10
Real Score: Chicago 25 - Seattle 19



Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Cincinnati Bengals
Proposed Score: Steelers 21 - Bengals 14
Real Score: Steelers 20 - Bengals 23


Denver Broncos Vs Oakland Raiders
Proposed Score: Denver 14 - Oakland 10
Real Score: Denver 23 - Oakland 3



Miami Dolphins Vs San Diego Chargers
Proposed Score: Dolphins 17 - Chargers 14
Real Score: Dolphins 13 - Chargers 23



Arizona Cardinals Vs Indianapolis Colts
Proposed Score: Indianapolis 23 - Arizona 19
Real Score: Indianapolis 31- Arizona 10


Carolina Panthers Vs Dallas Cowboys
Proposed Score: Dallas 27 - Carolina 19
Real Score: Dallas 21 - Carolina 7

Week 3 picks: 10-6