#falcons game is enough to keep me happy but the bengals being 1-4 means i must work on longfic

[kdsburneraccount]

No aces threepeat i breathed a sigh of relief

[sports-balling-blog]

NFL hot(ish) takes for 2020 (AFC edition)

FOOTBALL IS BACK…if you ignore high school football and college football and soccer football but we’re ignoring that! So here we go my 2020 power rankings

AFC West

4. Las Vegas Raiders- lead by everyone’s 17th favorite starting quarterback and the rest of the silver and black are in for a long year stuck in the AFC West and not making moves themselves. Just add this season to the broken dreams that pave the strip…at least y’all have hockey?

3. Denver Broncos- John Elway must have really been hoping he could make lightning strike twice and bring Aaron Rodgers to the mile high city only to be stuck with a combination of Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater to see through the season instead of you know drafting a quarterback. There is too much talent *cough cough Von Miller cough cough* for the Broncos to be a complete disaster but you guys are dangerously close to Kyle Orton/Tim Tebow territory.

2. The S̶a̶n̶ ̶D̶i̶e̶g̶o̶ Los Angeles Charges- much like everyone else I’m pretty high on the Los Angeles Chargers (of Anaheim) after seeing the team’s second half of 2020 and Justin Herbert. It’s finally looking like the rebuild will yield results but we have one last question for the team will they have more wins than fans in So-Fi this year?

1. Kansas City Chiefs- shock of all shocks the back to back AFC Champions with an MVP QB and hall of fame coach will repeat as division champions. While it should be a cake walk to their seventh straight playoff appearance (and sixth straight division title) it’ll be interesting to see if they did enough to keep pace with the other top teams in the AFC.

AFC South

4. Houston Texans- HAHAHAHAH do I really need to talk more. Everything this last off season seems to have been the incorrect move more Huston especially the whole deshaun Watson situation. At least on the bright side at least no one can claim you’re tanking.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars- the Trevor Lawrence era has officially began. Too bad it’s going to start like the Minshew/Nick Foles era ended, with lots of losses. That much is clear when they chose to pander to Florida Gators fans by hiring Urban Mayer signing Tim Tebow instead of actually improving. To the three Jags fans out there be glad the Texans are in your division.

2. Indianapolis Colts- ahhh the Colts and injuries quarterbacks can you name a better tradition? The Carson Wentz era In Indy will have to wait a good chunk of the season to get started in Ernest given the newly acquired QB will miss up to 12 weeks. There’s certainly enough talent there for the Colts to stay in wild card contention and not fall in with the other two teams listed above.

1. Tennessee Titans- I don’t think there’s anyone quite as happy to be in Nashville as Julio Jones is. After years of trying to get out of Atlanta this falcon is free and here to help a titans squad looking to capitalize on the teams back to back playoff appearances.

AFC North

4. Cincinnati Bengals- congrats bengals you’ve found your franchise savior! Now you just need to scrap him off the turf every other play. And to add insult to (hopefully not another) injury AJ Green left to the Arizona desert after a decade. There’s still a long rebuild ahead bengals.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers- WHAT? How can the team that went 11-0 to start rank third? The Steelers are a long way from being one of the NFL’s top teams and the end of last season especially the game against Buffalo showed it. This year there’s no easy schedule for the black and gold to pray on. While everyone else in their division got better at least to a small extent Pittsburgh just got older and slower.

2. Baltimore Ravens- It will be an interesting season for Lamar and the Ravens and we’ll get a good taste almost immediately as they take on Kansas City in week two. The defense is there for sure a deep playoff run the only question is can the receivers include new addition Sammy Watkins can stay healthy and productive enough for the offense to match that pace.

1. Cleveland Browns- hard to believe the browns went 1-31 not very long ago. Cleveland looks like a completely different team these days boasting what looks to be one of if not the best defenses in the league especially after adding Clowney. Making the playoffs will be the least of the browns problems the only question is how far will they go. The way this team is built I’m guessing far.

AFC East

4. New York Jets- Zach Wilson is here after some rather uneventful years with Sam Darnold at the helm, but more importantly Adam Gase is gone! You’re Free! While the Jets won’t have much to show for it this year I think mean green’s perpetual rebuild sneakily took a turn for the better. We might have to stop calling them the butt fumble in a few years.

3. New England Patriots-yeah I know it feels weird for me to put them here too, but let’s face facts the Patriots are no longer a Super Bowl caliber team. The 7-9 record last season speaks for that. Its rather unlikely that lightning will strike twice in the form of Mac Jones right away. Give it a year or two and we’ll see where you are.

2. Miami Dolphins- another AFC East team looking at a bright future without Adam Gase! Brian Flores has done a great job righting the ship of state and now the dolphins look primed to build on last season and make a playoff appearance! Unfortunately the AFC is too too heavy for you to really do much there but good job none the less!

1. Buffalo Bills- another long suffering team now enjoying great success this time with Josh Allen. The Wyoming Alum looks to lead what will be one of the NFL’s best offenses past the AFC title game and into a Super Bowl this time. Their first since 1993

Playoff time!

1. Kansas City Chiefs- I don’t think they’re leagues better than the other playoff teams but when you’re looking for your fourth straight AFC Title game appearance I’ll give you a bit of a pass.

2. Buffalo Bills- not much to say here the Bills are a talented squad who are going to be successful.

3. Tennessee Titans- the regular season may be kind of a mixed bag for the Titans when it comes to record (obviously not too bad) but I think the playoffs is where this team will come to shine.

4. Cleveland browns- four feels too low for this team but when you look at who’s above them it’s kinda hard to disagree with it.

5. San Angels Chargers- look at you Chargers fan! You’re in the playoffs maybe you can make some magic happen.

6. Miami Dolphins- after coming so close last year you can loose in the first round just like in 2016.

7. Indianapolis Colts- just like last year you get to play Buffalo first and just like last year you won’t get a second game.

All in all the AFC is really a three team race. While I think I best team in general is the Chiefs I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Tennessee represents the AFC.

[techcrunchappcom]

New Post has been published on https://techcrunchapp.com/2020-nfl-season-bold-predictions-final-record-for-every-team-playoff-and-super-bowl-picks/

2020 NFL season: Bold predictions, final record for every team, playoff and Super Bowl picks

Guys, I don’t want to jinx anything, but I think the 2020 NFL season is actually going to happen. 

The first game of the year is now just two days away, and unless this country comes under attack by fire-breathing hornets between now and Thursday — which does seem at least somewhat plausible based on how the year has gone so far — I’m thinking we’re going to get football. 

With the start of the NFL season now here, that means it’s time for everyone’s favorite thing: PREDICTIONS. 

I’ll be honest, I have high expectations for my predictions this year and that’s mainly because I’ve been locked in my house for the past five months quarantined with a baby. During that period, the only two things I’ve done are: 1. Change diapers and 2. Try to figure out who’s going to win this year’s Super Bowl. Although I’d like to think I’ll hit the nail on the head with all of my predictions this year, the fact of the matter is that this could end up being one of the most unpredictable years in NFL history. Not only was the preseason eliminated, but NFL teams did their best to shut down the flow of information coming out of their training camps, which means I have no idea which rookies have looked good or if any aging veterans look like they should be thinking about retirement. 

I mean, one team has a 41-year-old player on its practice squad in case you’re wondering how bizarre things have gotten this year. 

Before we get to my predictions, let me explain how things are going to work here: I’m going to go through each division and predict each team’s final record. After that, I’ll be making a bold prediction for each division. Once you roll through the divisional portion of these predictions, you’ll see my playoff picks and eventually, my Super Bowl champion. In two of the past five years, my preseason Super Bowl pick has ended up winning it all, so you might want to scroll down and check out that prediction first to see if I’m picking your favorite team. 

Also, since we all know that making fun of someone’s predictions is half the fun of reading predictions, you can send all your hate tweets to me on Twitter by clicking here, and just so you know, Broncos fans, I’m already mentally preparing for your hate tweets. 

Finally, if you’re wondering how I did last season, I predicted the exact win total of five different teams. I also correctly predicted that the Packers would make it to the NFC title game and that the Chiefs would win the Super Bowl. On the other hand, I completely whiffed on San Francisco. I had the 49ers going 6-10 last season, and they responded to that prediction by laughing in my face all the way to the Super Bowl. Niners fans also laughed in my face.

Alright, that’s enough jibber-jabber about last year, let’s get to the 2020 predictions.

AFC East

1. *Patriots: 10-6 2. *Bills: 9-7 3. Dolphins: 6-10 4. Jets: 4-12

AFC East bold prediction: Cam Newton leads the NFL in total touchdowns

No one knows if the Patriots are going to be any good this year and that’s mainly because no one knows if Cam Newton is going to be any good. The former Panthers quarterback hasn’t been able to stay healthy over the past few seasons, so there’s no guarantee he’s going to be able stay healthy in New England. That being said, I actually think Newton is going to have a monstrous year. For one, the Patriots are going to have the element of surprise on their side in 2020. For the past two decades, every opponent knew what the Patriots offense was going to do (even if they couldn’t stop it). This year, no one has any idea what the Patriots are going to do on offense, and because of that, it could be tough to stop. Also, Newton gives the Patriots something they never had with Tom Brady: A quarterback who is a threat to run the ball. If Newton can throw 30 touchdown passes this year and rush for 10 more, that will likely be enough to lead the NFL in total touchdowns, and that’s exactly what I’m predicting. 

AFC North

1. *Steelers: 11-5 2. *Ravens: 11-5 3. Browns: 8-8 4. Bengals: 7-9

AFC North bold prediction: Joe Burrow sets NFL record for most TD passes by a rookie

This record is currently held by an AFC North rival (Baker Mayfield), which means it will probably feel especially gratifying for Burrow if he’s able to knock the Browns quarterback out of the record book. Back in 2018, Mayfield threw 27 touchdown passes, which broke Peyton Manning’s record of 26 that had stood since 1997. Burrow is going to have a huge advantage over Mayfield, and that’s because the Bengals quarterback is going to be the starter from Day 1, which means he’ll definitely be starting 16 games this season (Mayfield only started 13 games for the Browns in 2018). 

The other upside for Burrow is that he’s going to have a lot of receiving talent to work with in Cincinnati with guys like A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, Auden Tate, Alex Erickson and John Ross, plus running backs Joe Mixon and Gio Bernard. Also, there’s a good chance we’ll see Burrow put up big numbers this year no matter how the Bengals play. On one hand, if the Bengals are good, it will likely be because Burrow is having a phenomenal rookie season. On the other hand, if the Bengals are bad, we could see Burrow put up some huge numbers in garbage time, which could help his touchdown total.

AFC South

1. *Colts: 10-6 2. *Titans: 9-7 3. Texans: 7-9 4. Jaguars: 3-13

AFC South bold prediction: Doug Marrone is the first coach fired during the 2020 season

In most cases, when a team makes it to the AFC Championship game, they try to build on that success, but for some reason the Jaguars decided to do the opposite. Since making it to the AFC title game in 2017, all the Jaguars have done is completely dismantle their entire roster. The final two nails in the coffin came last week when the team dumped both Yannick Ngakoue (in a trade) and Leonard Fournette. After two straight last-place finishes over the past two seasons, Marrone is definitely on the hot seat this year and if the Jaguars get off to a slow start, he might not last long in Jacksonville. The Jags have a bye in Week 7 this season and if the team shoots off to a 1-6 or 0-7 start, it won’t be surprising if owner Shad Khan finally pulls the plug on the Marrone era in Jacksonville.  

AFC West

1. *Chiefs: 13-3 2. Chargers: 7-9 3. Raiders: 6-10 4. Broncos: 5-11

AFC West bold prediction: The Broncos are worse than they were in 2019

The Broncos have been a trendy pick this year as a dark horse playoff team and a big reason for that is because of the way they finished the season. Over the final five weeks of 2019, Drew Lock led them to a 4-1 record, which allowed Denver to finish the season 7-9. One of the biggest question marks in Denver is the offensive line, which is a problem, because that’s not an issue you want to be worrying about when you have a second-year quarterback under center. The Broncos might have quite a few weapons, but those weapons don’t really mean anything if Lock never has time to get them the ball. 

NFC East

1. *Cowboys: 11-5 2. Eagles: 9-7 3. Washington: 4-12 4. Giants: 3-13

NFC East bold prediction: Dak Prescott wins MVP

I’m starting to think that Jerry Jones actually had a diabolical plan going into 2020 that involved not giving Dak a long-term deal so that he’ll be playing with a chip on his shoulder the entire season, and I’m also starting to think that this plan might work. Last year, Dak finished with the second-most passing yards in the NFL and the fourth-most touchdown passes, despite playing in a run-friendly offense. With a more pass-happy coach and even more offensive weapons, we’ll likely see some even bigger numbers from Prescott. Oh, and let’s not forget that he plays for America’s team, which basically means that you’re automatically in the MVP conversation as long as you finish above .500 and I absolutely think the Cowboys are going to finish above .500. 

NFC North

1. *Packers: 9-7 2. Vikings: 9-7 3. Lions: 8-8 4. Bears: 6-10

NFC North bold prediction: No team in the division will hit double-digit wins

If there’s one division where it feels like every team took at least a small step back this year, it’s the NFC North. The Packers added zero receiving weapons for Aaron Rodgers, the Vikings lost half their starters on defense, Bears coach Matt Nagy is being forced to start a quarterback he doesn’t have any confidence in  and the Lions are the Lions. Basically, it’s a recipe for disaster and disaster in this case will be a season where none of the teams in the division hit the 10-win mark. This qualifies as bold, because it’s only happened one time in the 18-year history of the NFC North. Since the division’s first year in 2002, the only time none of the teams hit the double-digit mark came in 2013 when the Packers won the NFC North with just eight wins. 

NFC South

1. *Buccaneers: 11-5 2. *Saints: 10-6 3. Falcons: 8-8 4. Panthers: 4-12

NFC South bold prediction: Buccaneers win the division for the first time in 13 years

With Tom Brady now in Tampa, this might not seem like a bold prediction, but according to our friends at William Hill Sportsbook, it definitely qualifies as bold, and that’s because the Saints are the overwhelming favorite to win the division this year. With just days to go until the start of the season, the Saints’ odds of winning the division are sitting at -120 (bet $100 to win $83.30) while the Bucs have much worse odds at +160 (bet $100, win $160). Not only will I be riding the Brady train this year, but I’ll be riding it all the way to the NFC title game. Unfortunately for the Buccaneers though, I don’t have Tampa Bay winning that game. To find out who I have beating them, you’ll have to keep reading. 

NFC West

1. *Seahawks: 11-5 2. *49ers: 10-6 3. *Rams: 9-7 4. Cardinals: 8-8

NFC West bold prediction: All four teams finish at .500 or above

Most people seem to agree this year that the NFC West is the most stacked division in the NFL, so you might be wondering why this prediction qualifies as a bold prediction and the reason for that is because it’s never happened before. The NFC West has existed since 1970, and in the 50 years since then, there’s never been a single season where every team in the division finished at .500 or above. If it’s ever going to happen, this feels like the year the four teams could get it done. 

NFC Playoffs

Teams: 1. Cowboys 2. Seahawks 3. Buccaneers 4. Packers 5. 49ers 6. Saints 7. Rams

Wild Card

(2) Seahawks 20-16 over (7) Rams

(3) Buccaneers 30-27 over (6) Saints

(5) 49ers 34-20 over�� (4) Packers

Divisional

(1) Cowboys 27-23 over (5) 49ers

(3) Buccaneers 31-24 over (2) Seahawks

NFC Championship

(1) Cowboys 34-30 over (3) Buccaneers

AFC Playoffs

Teams: 1. Chiefs 2. Steelers 3. Colts 4. Patriots 5. Ravens 6. Titans 7. Bills

Wild Card

(2) Steelers 23-20 over (7) Bills

(3) Colts 27-24 over (6) Titans

(5) Ravens 31-23 over (4) Patriots

Divisional 

(1) Chiefs 33-30 over (5) Ravens

(3) Colts 34-27 over (2) Steelers

AFC Championship

(1) Chiefs 31-24 over (3) Colts

Super Bowl LV in Tampa (CBS)

Cowboys 34-31 over Chiefs

Playoffs bold prediction: Cowboys end 25-year Super Bowl drought

If you know any Cowboys fans, then you’re probably well aware that at the start of every NFL season, there’s nothing they like to talk about more than why this will finally be the year the Cowboys win the Super Bowl. It’s pretty much happened every year for the past 25 seasons. Although I usually laugh in their face after they make the prediction, this year I won’t be doing that, and that’s because I ACTUALLY AGREE WITH THEM. I think Jerry Jones might have brainwashed me because I think THE DALLAS COWBOYS ARE GOING TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL, and they’re going to do it by knocking off the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. 

Basically, not only am I predicting that Dak Prescott will win the MVP this year (as you read about earlier), but I’m also predicting that he’ll lead the Cowboys to the Lombardi Trophy. I think what I’m trying to say here is that Jerry Jones better get his check book ready because Dak’s asking price is going to triple if all of this happens. 

The biggest reason I like the Cowboys this year is because they won’t be held back by coaching. Although Mike McCarthy isn’t a Hall of Fame coach by any means, he certainly feels like a step up from Jason Garrett, and let’s not forget, he also has Super Bowl coaching experience because he won a Lombardi Trophy during his time in Green Bay. 

Also, I’m not sure if fans will be allowed to attend, but if they are, this Super Bowl would probably give us some amazing tailgating and that’s because the parking lot at Raymond James would be filled with both Kansas City and Texas barbecue, which is important to note, because we could finally decide which one is actually better. 

Finally, if my predictions all pan out — and I’m sure they will — here’s what the top of the NFL Draft order will look like next April, and based on those first three picks, maybe they should move the event back to New York for the year. 

Order of first five picks for 2021 NFL Draft

1. Jaguars 2. Giants 3. Jets  4. Washington 5. Panthers

require.config("baseUrl":"https://sportsfly.cbsistatic.com/fly-892/bundles/sportsmediajs/js-build","config":"version":"fly/components/accordion":"1.0","fly/components/alert":"1.0","fly/components/base":"1.0","fly/components/carousel":"1.0","fly/components/dropdown":"1.0","fly/components/fixate":"1.0","fly/components/form-validate":"1.0","fly/components/image-gallery":"1.0","fly/components/iframe-messenger":"1.0","fly/components/load-more":"1.0","fly/components/load-more-article":"1.0","fly/components/load-more-scroll":"1.0","fly/components/loading":"1.0","fly/components/modal":"1.0","fly/components/modal-iframe":"1.0","fly/components/network-bar":"1.0","fly/components/poll":"1.0","fly/components/search-player":"1.0","fly/components/social-button":"1.0","fly/components/social-counts":"1.0","fly/components/social-links":"1.0","fly/components/tabs":"1.0","fly/components/video":"1.0","fly/libs/easy-xdm":"2.4.17.1","fly/libs/jquery.cookie":"1.2","fly/libs/jquery.throttle-debounce":"1.1","fly/libs/jquery.widget":"1.9.2","fly/libs/omniture.s-code":"1.0","fly/utils/jquery-mobile-init":"1.0","fly/libs/jquery.mobile":"1.3.2","fly/libs/backbone":"1.0.0","fly/libs/underscore":"1.5.1","fly/libs/jquery.easing":"1.3","fly/managers/ad":"2.0","fly/managers/components":"1.0","fly/managers/cookie":"1.0","fly/managers/debug":"1.0","fly/managers/geo":"1.0","fly/managers/gpt":"4.3","fly/managers/history":"2.0","fly/managers/madison":"1.0","fly/managers/social-authentication":"1.0","fly/utils/data-prefix":"1.0","fly/utils/data-selector":"1.0","fly/utils/function-natives":"1.0","fly/utils/guid":"1.0","fly/utils/log":"1.0","fly/utils/object-helper":"1.0","fly/utils/string-helper":"1.0","fly/utils/string-vars":"1.0","fly/utils/url-helper":"1.0","libs/jshashtable":"2.1","libs/select2":"3.5.1","libs/jsonp":"2.4.0","libs/jquery/mobile":"1.4.5","libs/modernizr.custom":"2.6.2","libs/velocity":"1.2.2","libs/dataTables":"1.10.6","libs/dataTables.fixedColumns":"3.0.4","libs/dataTables.fixedHeader":"2.1.2","libs/dateformat":"1.0.3","libs/waypoints/infinite":"3.1.1","libs/waypoints/inview":"3.1.1","libs/waypoints/jquery.waypoints":"3.1.1","libs/waypoints/sticky":"3.1.1","libs/jquery/dotdotdot":"1.6.1","libs/jquery/flexslider":"2.1","libs/jquery/lazyload":"1.9.3","libs/jquery/maskedinput":"1.3.1","libs/jquery/marquee":"1.3.1","libs/jquery/numberformatter":"1.2.3","libs/jquery/placeholder":"0.2.4","libs/jquery/scrollbar":"0.1.6","libs/jquery/tablesorter":"2.0.5","libs/jquery/touchswipe":"1.6.18","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.core":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.draggable":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.mouse":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.position":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.slider":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.sortable":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.touch-punch":"0.2.3","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.autocomplete":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.accordion":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.tabs":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.menu":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.dialog":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.resizable":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.button":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.tooltip":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.effects":"1.11.4","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.datepicker":"1.11.4","shim":"liveconnection/managers/connection":"deps":["liveconnection/libs/sockjs-0.3.4"],"liveconnection/libs/sockjs-0.3.4":"exports":"SockJS","libs/setValueFromArray":"exports":"set","libs/getValueFromArray":"exports":"get","fly/libs/jquery.mobile-1.3.2":["version!fly/utils/jquery-mobile-init"],"libs/backbone.marionette":"deps":["jquery","version!fly/libs/underscore","version!fly/libs/backbone"],"exports":"Marionette","fly/libs/underscore-1.5.1":"exports":"_","fly/libs/backbone-1.0.0":"deps":["version!fly/libs/underscore","jquery"],"exports":"Backbone","libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.tabs-1.11.4":["jquery","version!libs/jquery/ui/jquery.ui.core","version!fly/libs/jquery.widget"],"libs/jquery/flexslider-2.1":["jquery"],"libs/dataTables.fixedColumns-3.0.4":["jquery","version!libs/dataTables"],"libs/dataTables.fixedHeader-2.1.2":["jquery","version!libs/dataTables"],"https://sports.cbsimg.net/js/CBSi/app/VideoPlayer/AdobePass-min.js":["https://sports.cbsimg.net/js/CBSi/util/Utils-min.js"],"map":"*":"adobe-pass":"https://sports.cbsimg.net/js/CBSi/app/VideoPlayer/AdobePass-min.js","facebook":"https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js","facebook-debug":"https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all/debug.js","google":"https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js","google-platform":"https://apis.google.com/js/client:platform.js","google-csa":"https://www.google.com/adsense/search/async-ads.js","google-javascript-api":"https://www.google.com/jsapi","google-client-api":"https://apis.google.com/js/api:client.js","gpt":"https://securepubads.g.doubleclick.net/tag/js/gpt.js","newsroom":"https://c2.taboola.com/nr/cbsinteractive-cbssports/newsroom.js","recaptcha":"https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?onload=loadRecaptcha&render=explicit","recaptcha_ajax":"https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api/js/recaptcha_ajax.js","supreme-golf":"https://sgapps-staging.supremegolf.com/search/assets/js/bundle.js","taboola":"https://cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/cbsinteractive-cbssports/loader.js","twitter":"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js","video-utils":"https://sports.cbsimg.net/js/CBSi/util/Utils-min.js","waitSeconds":300);

[thedenfantasyleague]

The Den Fantasy League Recap: Week Two

Fellas, 

I believe we can all agree that the first few weeks of Fantasy can be weird. Players are still figuring out their roles with their teams, defenses are game-planning players differently, etc. However, we’re starting to see some teams in our league establish themselves at the top or bottom of our league. With that being said, let’s not count anyone out just yet. Like we saw, last year E started 0-7 and rallied back to claim his title. Good luck to everyone in week three. On to the recap. 

_

Fire Jarn v. Debbie Rowe

A tale as old as time: Robbie comes out hot and then plummets at the end of the season. We’ve all seen it. But here we are again and Robbie is back to 2-0. Robbie has been the enemy of the state this week with his single-handed responsibility of the Cats losing, contributing to Jane’s already rough weekend. Rob came out hot again this week with another big week from Brady. The HOF was aided by big games from Kerryon, Boyd, Godwin, and Vance-Will-Make-Em-Dance. The question mark for Rob would be: does Kamara thrive or plummet with the absence of Brees in NO? Jake’s rough weekend continued into Sunday with a pretty lackluster game all around but it started on Thursday night. CMC started the week off with 5.3 points. Yeah, the guy who had 32.9 points came out with a dud in a 27+-point drop. Add that in with Evans’s 6.1 points add to the disappointment. Aaron Jones, Kupp, and even Eifert Zone were good plays but the production across the board wasn’t there. Even Deshaun (absent his one TD run) didn’t bring much to the table. Both teams have interesting matchups next week. 

VP v. Wilmore Cinderella

In the battle of two teams that find themselves at the bottom of the point scorers, we saw Vinny and JP square off in a yuck-bowl. Vinny is trending like his Dolphins and that is not a good thing. In Vinny’s defense, he struggled with the injury bug this week. Vinny’s holding on to AB before his potential suspension and big games from Gould and Sanders helped him out. The bad news: his franchise Quarterback is out for several weeks moving forward. On top of that, Damien got hurt in their game. Those two combined with rough week two games from Jones and Hopkins don’t help. JP was on the bottom-half of point scorers this week but found enough change in the couch to get him the win. The top half of JP’s team comes with a lot of question marks: 

Cam is STRUGGLING

Conner got hurt

Thomas did enough but what will he look like without Brees?

Can Diggs be good when Cousins sucks? 

Two teams with serious question marks going into week three. 

Team Timshel v. Virginia Kuppcakes

Going from two teams with question marks to another that is arguably the worst team in the league at this point (PVO). Money Bags Mike spent his coin on a handcuff that he didn’t need this week. Dak was back along with good plays with Gurley, Breida, Keenan, AP, and J-Tuck (duh). Mike’s team looks like one that if they put everything together, has a chance for a sneaky run. The sad part about this: Mike scored less than 100 points and still almost doubled up Al. Al’s team STINKS (PVO) right now. Sloppy is out for the year, DJ struggled outside of his one TD, same with James, Thielen can’t be counted on right now because Kirk sucks, OJ has combined for 1.2 points in two weeks (1.2!!!!), Mixon is hurt (and the Bengals stink), and even Gostkowski missed a field gold and two extra points. Now, let’s take a step back and take a deep breath. There were some positives: Cooks had a solid showing and there were some positives on his bench: Kirk (11.4), Penny (12.5), Fitz (10.4), Gore (14.3), and Josh Allen (22.2). There might be hope for Al yet but he’s going to need to step it up or soon he’ll be game-planning for Cabana day. 

El Commish v. The Perfect Ten

Look, I’m happy to have won but are we worried about E starting 0-2? Personally, I don’t care because I was a force to be reckoned with this week. My top scoring performance was a big turnaround from last week’s disappointing start. Yes, it was good to see good games from Henry, Kelce, and even DJ Moore set the tone early on TNF but, in the words of E: “Pats d… Wtf jarn.” The aforementioned disgusting Dolphins were huge for me in my defensive effort giving up 4 picks (4!!!!!!!), two of those being pick-sixes (Fitzmagic is trash!), and seven sacks all without surpassing 200 total yards and zero points. For those following along at home, that equals 35(!!!) points from my defense. I mean, how bad could you possibly be? Finally, my Falcons stepped up on SNF to seal my victory with bounce-back games from Matty Ice (19.1), Julio (22.6) and Matt Bryant (7). Although it wasn’t a ton of points, either way, E didn’t really stand a chance. E had some bright spots this week with OBJ having himself a game (22.1 points) and guys surpassing their projections for the week: Stafford (of course), Sony, Ekeler, and Ridley helped give E the bulk of his points. The question for E right now is: should he be concerned with the absence of Tyreek? If OBJ and Ridley continue the points from this week, no. However, he should be concerned if the production doesn’t stay and if he needs to make some changes down the stretch. Finally, I’m not too concerned for his Matt Prater -2. That’s likely an anomaly but could be an issue if it turns into an Adam Vinatieri collapse.

Kalabar’s Revenge v. Stick With Us PVO 

The game everyone was looking at on Monday night pitted Spooky G v. Dylan and his Browns. There were a couple of questions for both teams going into the primetime game: Could G continue his hot streak with the Chiefs offense? Could Dylan avoid the Browns-win-Dylan-lose (and vice versa) correlation? Both of those questions proved vital to both teams. G’s team secured the win this week with another massive game from Mahomes and double-digit games from Le’Veon, and Singletary. The problem was only one other player hit their projection for this week: Rams D. He did have some good points on their bench but this may be something that he needs to keep an eye on. From Dylan’s end, he spent a lot of money on players he didn’t even play this week and, like G, had a good amount of points on his bench. For Dyl, he had four players in double figures but five in total who failed to reach their projections this week. I’ll be interested to see if Dylan shakes things up a bit (does he bench Baker?) or just hope that this week was a fluke? Either way, I’m not counting either of these teams out nor am I crowning them early. 

Hank Mardukas v. Mr. Magorium 

Speaking of spooky, how should Gabe feel right about now? We’ll hear from him shortly regarding the Kurse but I know I’m grateful I don’t have that burden on me. In regards to the matchup, Scott put on a show this week following up from last week’s victory. Huge games from Lamar, Dalvin, and Golladay almost had enough to surpass Gabe alone. Scott only had two players not reach double figures in his dominant effort. Scott’s always been full of question marks so we’ll see if he can sustain this production from his superstars. For Gabe, his top three flourished. Great games from Goff, Zeke, and Chubb, who all exceeded their projections, was really the only bright spot for Gabe this week. In fact, not a single other player hit their projection this week and it wasn’t really close. Woods and Gordon took a backseat to other WRs on their respective rosters, Vernon and Carson couldn’t repeat last week’s performance, and even his D and kicker came up short. I’m not sure if Gabe should be concerned just yet as there is a lot of potential on his team but he has to do something to get on the good side of G. With that, let’s hear from the man himself. 

The Biggest Loser (PVO)

This was a Biggest Loser for the ages. We had Gabe and Scott on to talk about their matchup with a special guest. We talk spirits, lineups, and Gabe makes a lot of claims about other teams, including a guarantee. 

Week 3 Matchups

Debbie Rowe (1-1) v. El Commish (1-1)

***The Perfect Ten (0-2) v. Mr. Magorium (0-2)*** GAME OF THE WEEK

Fire Jarn (2-0) v. Hank Mardukas (2-0)

Wilmore Cinderella (1-1) v. Virginia Kuppcakes (0-2)

Stick With Us PVO (1-1) v. VP (0-2)

Kalabar’s Revenge (2-0) v. Team Timshel (2-0)

_ 

Best of luck this week, gentlemen. As always, set your lineup accordingly. 

Your beloved Commissioner, 

Jared R. Mosqueda

[junker-town]

2017 NFL celebration rankings: Chiefs take 1st place in Week 9 with a potato sack race

Sorry Vikings. There’s a new leader in our celebration rankings.

The NFL relaxed its rules on celebrations this offseason. Here at SB Nation, our editorial stance is that this makes the game funner for players and fans alike, and we endorse it wholeheartedly.

For the longest time, we enjoyed seeing Antonio Brown twerking in the end zone and Odell Beckham Jr. doing his best Michael Jackson impression, only to have that delight interrupted by a flag and the knowledge that a fine would likely follow. We shouldn’t see any pelvic thrusting this year despite the relaxed rules. It’s still a penalty. But players can dance, use the ball as a prop, and choreograph celebrations with teammates til their hearts’ content.

We’ll be celebrating the celebrations this season by keeping a running list of rankings. At the end of the year we’ll crown a winner.

Here are the latest NFL celebration rankings:

Group category

1. Potato sack race

This is brilliant. After a Travis Kelce touchdown, Tyreek Hill and Demarcus Robinson faced off against him in a potato sack race. Demetrius Harris officiates, and both Robinson and Hill fall down. We don’t want to speculate, but they might have let Kelce win.

2. Duck, duck, goose!

It wasn’t easy to unseat the Colts and their bank heist, but the Vikings pulled it off with a duck, duck, goose celebration in the end zone.

3. Steelers play hide and seek

JuJu Smith-Schuster is a rookie, but he’s already proven he’s one of the most fun players in the league. Case in point: this hide and seek celebration with Le’Veon Bell.

4. Eagles score a touchdown, then hit a home run

Torrey Smith scores to put the Eagles up 20-0, and then he knocks one out of the park. It doesn’t get much better than this.

5. Eagles charge the mound

The Eagles must really love these baseball-themed celebrations. This one was great because it happened during the week of the World Series. Zach Ertz hits Alshon Jeffery with a pitch, and Jeffery charges the mound.

6. Colts pull off a bank heist

Someone finally knocked Taco Charlton out of the top spot, and it’s the Colts, with a creative take on a bank robbery.

7. Titans become Temptations impersonators for a minute

I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May. I guess you’d say, what can make me feel this way? My girl, my girl, my girl ...

Thanks to the Titans we’ve got that one stuck in our heads.

8. Taco Charlton makin’ tacos for his teammates

This was a preseason celebration, but it’s so perfect that we have to count it. As a matter of fact, we’re all convinced this one may be hard to top, period.

If anybody but a guy named Taco tried to pull this off, it would be weird. But for Charlton, it totally works.

9. Le’Veon Bell benches in the end zone

This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “flex on ‘em.”

10. Rob Kelley teaches Morgan Moses how to spike

Now this is teamwork.

11. Eagles coordinate a group spike

It’s simple, yet well-timed and effective.

12. The Lions pretend they’re a curling team

The Lions have this group celebration thing down, and they’re dominating this category. After a touchdown in Week 3 against the Falcons, Golden Tate and his teammates went all Winter Olympics on us in the end zone.

13. The Bills take a video game break

After a Jordan Matthews score, he and Zay Jones faced off in a pretend video game. Wonder who won?

14. Taylor Gabriel and Julio Jones on a relay team?

Excuse me, USA Track and Field, but this is actually not a bad idea. These two can both fly.

✈️ #Line it up @juliojones_11 #Brotherhood http://pic.twitter.com/kBX7ijwtP9

— Taylor Gabriel (@TGdadon1) September 26, 2017

15. Marvin Jones and his teammates Double Dutch

This celebration is the perfect example of why the NFL needed to chill out about group celebrations. When Marvin Jones and his teammates go full-on elementary school kids jumping rope on a playground, it’s the embodiment of fun.

The catch was great... the celebration was even better! #NYJvsDET det-lions http://pic.twitter.com/hT2yYHbhor

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 20, 2017

16. Martavis Bryant shooting dice

Martavis Bryant scored his first touchdown since 2015 in Week 2 against the Vikings, and he celebrated by throwing some imaginary dice. His teammate Antonio Brown promptly snatched them up.

17. Titans are not worthy of Wesley Woodyard

Are any of these players really old enough to remember Wayne’s World? It doesn’t matter. This is a good one.

18. Deshaun Watson dances with Toro, the Texans’ mascot

Everybody’s having a good time! They should have been. The Texans won 57-14.

19. Packers serving up some chow

Davante Adams dished up some dinner for his teammates, and Randall Cobb was first in line. Maybe it was a Cobb salad.

20. Dalvin is Cookin’

Vikings rookie Dalvin Cook celebrated a trip to the end zone with a play off of his last name. It was unfortunately his last celebration of the season since he tore his ACL and landed on IR later in the game.

21. Titans players take some photos in the end zone

Rishard Matthews scored in Week 3 against the Seahawks, and he pulled in teammates Eric Weems and Jonnu Smith for a little photoshoot.

22. Don’t leave Graham Glasgow hanging, guys!

.@ShowtimeTate: "We're going to try to involve him next time. Poor Graham. He just wants to be included." http://pic.twitter.com/FZ2VomzH44

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 20, 2017

Golden Tate and Marvin Jones celebrated a touchdown with a friendly little fake game of ping pong. But offensive lineman Graham Glasgow just wanted to join in, and the guys gave him the cold shoulder. Our only quarrel with their top-ranked curling celebration is that Glasgow wasn’t around. Include your teammate next time, because otherwise this was a fun one.

23. We legitimately don’t know what the Bengals are even doing here

Kudos for taking advantage of the celebration rules, but tighten up, fellas.

Solo category

1. Juju Schuster-Smith with the Dragon Ball Z nod

Kamehameha!

2. Juju Smith-Schuster locks up his bike

He’s only a rookie, and he’s the youngest player in the NFL. But he sure knows how to celebrate. Smith-Schuster’s bike was stolen. He celebrated a touchdown in the next game by locking up the exercise bike on the sideline. Better safe than sorry.

3. Stefon Diggs pays homage to Randy Moss

This couldn’t have come at a better time, as Diggs honored the Vikings legend on a night when Moss was in the house to be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. Diggs hit Moss’ classic Splitting the Defense celebration, then went right into a Milly Rock.

4. Odell Beckham Jr. performs CPR on the ball

Sadly, this is the last Beckham celebration we’ll see this year. He’s been placed on IR after having season-ending surgery to repair a broken ankle he suffered in Week 5 against the Chargers. But this was a good one.

5. Tyreek Hill makes a phone call

We don’t know who he’s calling. Saul? Ghostbusters? Carly Rae Jepsen? It doesn’t matter. It’s a fun celebration.

6. Myles Garrett celebrates his first sack with a nod to J.R. Smith

What a way to make his entrance into the NFL.

7. Joe Mixon’s Milly Rock

It’s flawless execution from the rookie.

8. Kareem Hunt takes a nap in the end zone

Playing football is hard work, and everybody needs a nap now and then. Kareem Hunt caught up on some hard-earned rest after scoring a touchdown against the Eagles by catching some Z’s in the end zone.

9. Kenny Stills does his best LaDainian Tomlinson impression

After scoring a touchdown against the Chargers, Stills’ celebration was an homage to Chargers great LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson was even in the house to see it happen.

10. Adam Thielen can’t contain his excitement

This looks less like a planned celebration and more like Thielen just being super-excited. But we like it.

11. Browns tight end David Njoku spikes the ball into his own butt

This was probably an unintended consequence, but it was hilarious.

12. GRONK SPIKE from Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney celebrated his pick-six against Tom Brady and the Patriots in the best possible way.

13. Travis Kelce’s got moves

Technically this could be a group celebration, but Kelce steals the show, so he’s getting the solo nod here.

14. Charcandrick West’s sassy dance

There’s something to be said for a good old-fashioned touchdown celebration dance. That’s what West gave us in the Chiefs’ win over the Texans in Week 5.

15. Tie - Mack Hollins and Mark Ingram are both Backpack Kid

Much like Backpack Kid stole Katy Perry’s spotlight on Saturday Night Live, these guys tried to show each other up with their own versions of Backpack Kid’s dance.

16. Stefon Diggs punts a ball to Mars

We need to ask Marquette King to analyze Diggs’ form, but he gets some pretty good air under this one.

17. Cam Newton brought back the dab

Newton said the dab was dead, then proved the dab can never die.

Cam Newton brought back the dab http://pic.twitter.com/xJKFeM76XH

— SB Nation (@SBNation) September 17, 2017

18. Cam’s really got to expand his repertoire

All of this buildup for his same old Superman celebration. Sigh.

19. Yeah, we don’t even know

What’s this celebration? We have no idea.

Basketball-related category

1. Demetrius Harris shoots a free throw while Tyreek Hill plays the part of the hoop

The Chiefs made another strong case in favor of group celebrations in their season-opening win over the Patriots. Harris got into the end zone, and his teammates joined him for a little basketball-themed celebration.

2. Devonta Freeman shoots a free throw

These basketball-themed celebrations are pretty popular. Freeman scored two touchdowns in Atlanta’s Week 2 win over the Packers, and he celebrated his first score by shooting a free throw through his teammate Andy Levitre’s arms. NBC celebrated, too, by playing the old NBA on NBC theme song.

3. Vintage Vernon Davis

Davis has to be so happy he won’t get fined for this one anymore.

[packernet]

New Post has been published on https://www.packernet.com/blog/2017/09/24/packernet-predictions-week-3/

Packernet predictions: Week 3

As we prepare for week 3 of the 2017 NFL season, Packernet has decided to put our predictive powers to the test. Each week we will give you our picks and see how we stack up.

*Special guest predictions by Tecmo Bowl*

Record through 2 week

Jon 20-9 (70%) Ryan 19-10 (69%) Tecmo 17-12 (59%)

Baltimore Ravens (2-0) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) Line: Ravens by 4. Total: 39

Ryan’s Pick: Jaguars

The Ravens seem to be the better team but their 2-0 record came against the Bengals and the Browns, two of the worst teams in the NFL. The Jaguars aren’t great either but they are certainly the best defense they’ve faced.

The question for me simply comes down to whether the Jaguars offense can put up enough points. In my opinion 20 points may just do it in this game.

Bortles is a wild card but he’s played really well in London so I’m putting my money where it should never be, on Blake Bortles.

It should also be noted the Ravens entire team is on IR at the moment.

Jon’s Pick: Jaguars

I don’t think Baltimore is anything special, and for some reason, Bortles is 2-0 in London.

Tecmo Sim: Ravens 21 Jaguars 17

The Ravens scored more points but Bortles threw 0 interceptions. Who really won this game?

Cleveland Browns (0-2) at Indianapolis Colts (0-2) Line: Browns by 1.5. Total: 41

Ryan’s Pick: Colts

Incredibly tough call but I like the Colts ability to stop Kizer more than the Browns ability to stop Brissett. Add in the fact that the Colts are at home and it’s enough for me to give them the edge.

Jon’s Pick: Browns

Talk about a toilet bowl matchup… and I don’t mean the joke about taking the Browns to the Super Bowl, this is just an awful game. I don’t have a reason for my pick, just a gut feeling.

Tecmo Sim: Browns 14 Colts 16

It’s a horrible game but someone has to win. T.Y. Hilton has a great game going for over 150 yards.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) at Chicago Bears (0-2) Line: Steelers by 7.5. Total: 44

Ryan’s Pick:Steelers

Even if the Steelers implode and are unable to get Bell or Brown going, I still can’t imaging the Bears winning. I’m not even sure how they score points. It’s real bad for the Bears right now who are, in my opinion, more than happy to tank the season with Glennon, load up on picks in 2018, and try again next year healthy with their new stud QB.

If that’s isn’t what they’re doing, I’m not sure why.

Jon’s Pick: Steelers

Markus Wheaton might be back this week, but that doesn’t mean Chicago suddenly got good.

Tecmo Sim: Steelers 34 Bears 30

Something about this score seems right. Seems unlikely the Bears could possibly put up 30 but their ability to keep a game close and lose it in on the last drive is what the Bears do.

Miami Dolphins (1-0) at New York Jets (0-2) Line: Dolphins by 6. Total: 43

Ryan’s Pick: Dolphins

I’m tempted to take the Jets in an upset here but I think a narrow win is more likely. The Jets are terrible but Miami isn’t exactly a top 10 team. Their offensive line is terrible, their quarterback and wide receivers are mediocre, and their defense outside of Suh and Wake really aren’t any good.

Still, there is nobody on the Jets that I think is capable of having a big game outside of maybe Jermaine Kerse and his quarterback is Josh McCown.

Assuming Ajayi is healthy, he should be able to destroy the Jets defense, and there isn’t a single defensive back on the Jets defense able to cover Parker and Landry.

Jon’s Pick: Dolphins

The Jets look so bad so far, that they seem to be in danger of matching the 2008 Lions right now.

Tecmo Sim: Dolphins 24 Jets 21

The game is probably a little closer than most would expect but the Dolphins Jay Ajayi gashes the Jets for 125 yards.

Denver Broncos (2-0) at Buffalo Bills (1-1) Line: Broncos by 3. Total: 40

Ryan’s Pick: Broncos

For 2 straight weeks I’ve bet against the Broncos and they’ve done nothing but come back and win. Based on their performance so far in 2017 they are making the case for being the best team in the NFL.

The Bills defense might be scary for those that are concerned Anderson and Siemian are a fluke but consider the alternative. Are the Bills really going to be able to score on the Broncos?

Jon’s Pick: Broncos

Buffalo can’t seem to get anything going offensively. Denver is better in every way.

Tecmo Sim: Broncos 14 Bills 17

Another big upset, LeSean McCoy runs for 174 yards. The Broncos offense sputters against a stingy Bills D.

Houston Texans (1-1) at New England Patriots (1-1) Line: Patriots by 13.5. Total: 44

Ryan’s Pick: Patriots

I wish there was a way I could make this seem like a tough call but it isn’t. The Patriots are struggles against the run and the Texans defense may be enough to give Texans fans hope for a brief period of time but it certainly won’t last.

Jon’s Pick: Patriots

If Houston could score points, they might be able to win this game, but they can’t, so they won’t.

Tecmo Sim: Texans 20 Patriots 23

Gillislee goes down with an injury but not before putting up over 100 yards rushing. The Patriots pull out a close one.

New Orleans Saints (0-2) at Carolina Panthers (2-0) Line: Panthers by 5.5. Total: 46.5

Ryan’s Pick: Saints

If the Saints were at home I would feel better about this but I’m still comfortable with the pick. So far that Saints lose to a red hot Vikings team and a furious Tom Brady coming off a loss. I’m not sure how many teams in the NFL come out of those games better than 0-2.

The Panthers on the other hand beat the 49ers and the Bills. I think most teams are 2-0 after that stretch. Granted, the Panthers allowing just 6 points through 2 games is impressive but what happens when one of the better offenses in the NFL comes to town?

The Panthers won despite only scoring 9 points last week after losing Greg Olsen in the second quarter. I’m not sure they have enough to win this game, even against a terrible Saints defense.

Jon’s Pick: Panthers

Carolina is allowing three points per game so far. I don’t care who they played, that’s incredible to allow only 6 points through two games. I think there’s a lot of room for their run game this week, too.

Tecmo Sim: Saints 23 Panthers 28

Michael Thomas gashes the Panthers for 150 yards but it’s not quite enough to bring the Saints out of the gutter.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) at Minnesota Vikings (1-1) Line: No Line (Bradford). Total:

Ryan’s Pick: Buccaneers

If Bradford was playing this would be a pretty tough call. Unfortunately for the Vikings, he isn’t and Case Keenum is their backup. Keenum at this time is fighting the good fight for worst QB in the NFL. It’s a tough race that I don’t think he can win but his 54.1% completion percentage (worst in the NFL) should help.

Conversely, although the Vikings have a formidable defense, their corners are struggling and will have to face Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson. Best of luck fellas.

Jon’s Pick: Buccaneers

Minnesota sans Bradford is Minnesota sans a win. Tampa takes this one pretty easily, I think.

Tecmo Sim: Buccaneers 13 Vikings 31

Bradford out, Cook under 50 yards rushing, Latavious Murray the top receiver, and the Vikings win with 31 points. A $1 investment would make you a millionaire with a bet like that.

Atlanta Falcons (2-0) at Detroit Lions (2-0) Line: Falcons by 3. Total: 51

Ryan’s Pick: Falcons

At first I was determined to pick the Lions. They look like a team on fire with a legitimate offense that was going to be real tough to beat in the NFC North.

All that may be true but the Falcons are just a better football team and there’s no real way around it. I don’t believe in the Lions run game and anything you can say about the Lions ability to throw the ball can be said more so about the Falcons.

The Falcons run, pass, and defense better than the Lions. Even on the road I take the Falcons.

Jon’s Pick: Lions

Call me crazy for picking against them every week, but I think this is the week they finally lose. Detroit can keep pace scoring, and they haven’t lost half their starting roster, like the Packers had last week.

Tecmo Sim: Falcons 28 Lions 30

Julio Jones does his best impression of Aaron Rodgers putting the team on his back going for over 200 yards receiving. In the end, Stafford’s surgical performance (91% completion percentage) is enough to put the Falcons away.

New York Giants (0-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) Line: Eagles by 6. Total: 42.5

Ryan’s Pick: Eagles

Although I want to give respect to the Giants defense, they aren’t shutting anyone out. They gave up 19 to the Cowboys and 24 to the Lions. Not horrible but when your team is struggling to put up 10 points in a game, it matters very little how good your defense is.

Eagles have plenty of offense to outpace the Giants anemic offense. They also seem to get the better of the Giants more often than not.

Jon’s Pick: Eagles

The Giants have been totally lost during the first couple of weeks. I don’t think Beckham can hide all of their offensive problems again this year.

Tecmo Sim: Giants 17 Eagles 31

I had a hunch to play Sproles in daily fantasy this week and Tecmo having him go for 168 yards might just be the sign I needed… No I’m not kidding.

Seattle Seahawks (1-1) at Tennessee Titans (1-1) Line: Titans by 3. Total: 42

Ryan’s Pick: Titans

Seattle was only able to put up 9 points on the Packers and followed it up by scoring 12 against the 49ers. The team should be 0-2 but the defense was able to hold the 49ers to just 9 points.

The Titans aren’t the 49ers and holding the to 9 points is beyond unlikely. They are much closer to the Packers than the 49ers but with a better defense.

Although I’m concerned with the Seahawks tendency to heat up as the season goes on, it’s only week 3. I think the poor offensive play continues on the road against the Titans.

Jon’s Pick: Titans

Seattle can’t get anything going on offense. Their defense has been okay, but Tennessee can score points in bunches in the right situation. I think they can score at least 17, and Seattle has shown little to indicate they can match that output.

Tecmo Sim: Seahawks 21 Titans 42

The Titans exploded (Murray and Davis over 100 yards) and the Seahawks imploded (Wilson 3 interceptions). Pretty much sums this up.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) at Los Angeles Chargers (0-2) Line: Chiefs by 3. Total: 47.5

Ryan’s Pick: Chiefs

The Chargers only lost by a combined 5 points in 2 weeks. Their ability to win this game exists but the Chiefs have a ton of weapons and the Chargers really don’t at this point.

In order to win this game the Chargers will need to stay in front of the Chiefs and I don’t think they have the defense to make that happen.

Jon’s Pick: Chiefs

I heard only 25,000 fans showed up for their first home game… pathetic. San Diego finds ways to lose. I think this will be close, maybe the Chargers even lead for significant time, but then it draws close and they choke it away, yet again. It wasn’t Mike McCoy’s fault that the team couldn’t win games, they’re just losers

Tecmo Sim: Chiefs 7 Chargers 28

Tecmo keeps predicting a spectacular crash to earth for the Chiefs. Perhaps this is the week.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) at Green Bay Packers (1-1) Line: Packers by 9. Total: 46.5

Ryan’s Pick: Packers

The Bengals have the worst offensive line in the NFL right now and Dalton is playing the worst football of his career. They have yet to score a single touchdown and are heading to Green Bay to play Aaron Rodgers at home in September. Not a recipe for success.

Oh, and the Bengals are the only NFL team Rodgers hasn’t beat.

Jon’s Pick: Packers

Until Cincinnati dumps Marv Lewis and Dalton, they’re going to continue to be a joke of a team. That has nothing to do with this week, but it’s the truth. Even banged up, Green Bay is better than Cincinnati.

Tecmo Sim: Bengals 20 Packers 28

The game wasn’t pretty. Montgomery was the top rusher and didn’t hit 40 yards, and Rodgers barely surpassed 250 yards but Jordy was an unstoppable force. Let’s all hope he’s playing Sunday.

Oakland Raiders (2-0) at Washington Redskins (1-1) Line: Raiders by 3. Total: 54

Ryan’s Pick: Raiders

The Raiders are 1 of the top offenses in the NFL. The Redskins are having success on the ground but can’t throw the ball to save their life. When the Raiders run up the score the Redskins will be forced to abandon what they do well and turn to what they don’t.

Jon’s Pick: Raiders

Washington has looked awfully shaky through two weeks, while Oakland looks like a Super Bowl contender. This one feels obvious, almost too obvious… but I’ll take the obvious here.

Tecmo Sim: Raiders 30 Redskins 27

Crabtree again leads the team in receptions and yards. I’m not sure if he’s benefiting from Cooper drawing all the attention or if he’s just legitimately the better option but he has been on fire.

Dallas Cowboys (1-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-1) Line: Cowboys by 3.5. Total: 47

Ryan’s Pick: Cowboys

Their records are the same but these teams are not even close in talent level. The Cowboys loss came at the hands of an incredibly talented Broncos team. The Cardinals lone win came in overtime against the Colts. They nearly went 0-2 at the hands of the Colts. Let that sink in.

There is a part of me that is concerned about how the Cowboys young stars will respond to a loss, especially considering the way Ezekiel Elliott acted. If this was against another team I might bet on the Cowboys to lose in an upset but against the Cardinals there is just no way.

Jon’s Pick: Cowboys

Dallas got embarrassed last week, something Arizona is accustomed to feeling, so it seems. I think Dallas will play with something to prove, and look closer to the team we saw vs New York instead of Denver.

Tecmo Sim: Cowboys 21 Cardinals 17

It was close but was it really? The Cardinals are just awful in 2017.