The Eagles have to be ready in this one after jumping out to a 16-0 lead but then seeing their lead shrink in the opener and finally stopping their opponents to win the game. Minnesota needs a win to avoid the 0-2 start, but can their defense stop the Eagles high flying attack, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts? Probably not, but they have to settle it on the football field.
Another good contest this Sunday should take place in Cincinnati where the Bengals (0-1) will host the Baltimore Ravens, who walloped Houston, 25-9 in their opener. The Bengals were crushed in Cleveland, 24-3 as QB Joe Burrow stunk it up, passing for only 82 yards in the blowout loss. Expect a much better effort from Burrow in this one. The Ravens (1-0) can score some points as well, but the Bengals have had their number the last two seasons.
The Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) lost their opener, 21-20 at home to the Detroit Lions and now they have to go on the road and face the Jacksonville Jaguars, who beat the Indianapolis Colts, 31-21 last Sunday. It wasn't easy for the Jaguars (1-0), but in the final quarter, their defense got the stops they needed and the offense helped seal the game for the road win.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes should have his favorite target back this week as tight end Travis Kelce returns after missing the opener with a sore knee. The Jags defense better be ready for Mahomes and Kelce and as well their offense will have to account for Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones, who ended his long holdout after missing the first game. This one could be the game of the week that goes down to the wire.
The Dallas Cowboys (1-0), fresh off their Sunday night 40-0 beat down of the visiting New York Giants, will host the other New York football team, the Jets on Sunday afternoon. The Jets (1-0) beat the Buffalo Bills, 22-16 in overtime on Monday Night Football for the home win, but they lost starting QB Aaron Rodgers for the entire season with an Achilles injury.
The Cowboys defense should run rough shod against Jets QB Zach Wilson, who is trying to overcome much criticism after a rough 2022 season that saw him get benched. The Cowboys offense will face a stiff test as well with the Jets defense that intercepted three passes (all by safety Jordan Whitehead) and recovered a fumble as well. This game could be closer that most people might think, but Dallas should get the win.
The rest of the action for this week's games are broken down in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo predictions for all 16 games follow up.
Green Bay Packers (1-0) at Atlanta Falcons (1-0) - This one should be a close game. Packers surprised the Bears with an easy win while the Falcons smacked down the Panthers.
Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) at Buffalo Bills (0-1) - The Bills will be steaming after taking the loss on national TV to the Jets. The Raiders escaped with a close win and now have to go across the country for the earlier start. Take the Bills.
Seattle Seahawks (0-1) at Detroit Lions (1-0) - Can the Seahawks pull off a surprise in Motown? It's possible, but these new look Lions will be looking to roar once again after beating the Chiefs on the road last week.
Indianapolis Colts (0-1) at Houston Texans (0-1) - The first of the 'Who cares?' games this season.
Chicago Bears (0-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) - Can Bucs QB Baker Mayfield spin some more magic this week and get the team to 2-0? It's possible because the Bears defense looks pretty bad once again.
Los Angeles Chargers (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (0-1) - Somebody has to win this game. Both teams lost squeakers last week, but the Chargers could be without star running back Austin Ekeler, who is nursing a sore ankle. Toss up.
New York Giants (0-1) at Arizona Cardinals (0-1) - Can the Giants rebound and score some points this week? The Cardinals defense showed a little something in a close loss to Washington, so don't count them out in this one.
San Francisco 49ers (1-0) at Los Angeles Rams (1-0) - Take the 49ers in what could be a low scoring affair.
Washington Commanders (1-0) at Denver Broncos (0-1) - This one will likely come down to the last possession. Denver rates a slight edge at home.
Miami Dolphins (1-0) at New England Patriots (0-1) - Can the Pats defense slow down Miami QB Tua (Tagovailoa) and wide receiver Tyreek (Hill) and the high flying Dolphins passing attack? Not likely.
New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Carolina Panthers (0-1) - These two teams take to the field in one of TWO Monday night games this week. Panthers could spring a surprise on the Saints, but the Saints should be ready.
Cleveland Browns (1-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1) - The Browns defense devastated the Bengals last weekend and could do the same against a depleted Steelers offense, who could be without one of their top wide receivers. Pittsburgh's pass rush must get after Browns QB Deshaun Watson in this second Monday night game if they want to keep it close.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Two . . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
PHILADELPHIA over Minnesota
Green Bay over Atlanta
Buffalo over Las Vegas
Cincinnati over Baltimore
Detroit over Seattle
Houston over Indianapolis
Kansas City over Jacksonville
Tampa Bay over Chicago
L.A. Chargers over Tennessee
N.Y. Giants over Arizona
San Francisco over L.A. Rams
Dallas over N.Y. Jets
Denver over Washington
Miami over New England
New Orleans over Carolina
Cleveland over Pittsburgh
Last Week's Record - 10-6
SEASON RECORD - 10-6
Lock of the Week Record - 1-0
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