Graphics: Mali
Analysis 1-16 Fallen
Analysis 17-32 Arod
Giants (0-0): The Giants versus the Dolphins is heading to fair sim territory with the schedules not matching up for these two playoff caliber coaches. Both teams are sitting at a 91 overall respectively, so there’s no real edge sim wise, or so you’d think. The offensive skills positions are in favor of the Dolphins while the offensive line of the Giants is a bit better out of the two teams. Both teams feature formidable front sevens and the Giants have the highest rated defensive star in Derwin James, but the Dolphins have more defenders rated higher on average. So, it is anyone’s guess which team will prevail, but the bigger question is if any players will be injured long term (hopefully not.)
Rams (1-0): The Rams straight up bullied the Seahawks out of the gate and ended the game with just over 24 minutes of time of possession. CJ Stroud only completed 50% of his passes and the Rams stifling defense held the Seahawks to 19 points. On paper, the roster doesn’t look as scary as a whole, but the Rams are stacked at the key positions and DK knows how to get the most out of his team.
Bears (1-0): Years in the making, Jordan Love faced off against the team that drafted him and he shined with a 149.3 QBR. The Bears lost the time of possession battle, but forcing a +3 turnover margin is where they made a statement. They proved the NFC North has to go through Chicago this season.
Jaguars (1-0): Quiet the critics. Jacksonville’s unorthodox approach at trading away all of their veteran defensive backs for younger talent was risky, but it paid off beautifully. They were able to hold the Cardinals to 15 points and forced 5 turnovers. There’s no indication that Jacksonville will be slowing down at all this season.
Colts (1-0): 54 points. The Colts were able to put up the most points on offense this week and 31 of those points came in the second quarter of the game. It’s very possible they could have put up even more if they didn’t let off the gas. I think the Colts are going to have one of the highest scoring offenses this season and it’s going to crown them the AFC South title.
Chargers (1-0): A highly controversial victory for the Chargers against the Patrick Mahomes led Jets this week. Coach HD came in and took advantage of the situation presented in front of him. He played soundly and blitzed effectively. I’d like to see him keep this aggressive style defense against a faster offense, but the Chargers are a favourite to contest the division this season.
Raiders (1-0): The Raiders toyed with the Kansas City Chiefs for all intents and purposes until the second half where they put up 21 of their 34 points. Jayden Daneils didn’t give his best performance this week, but the Raiders only had the ball for 16 minutes the entire game. The Raiders took care of business in the first week of the season, but they will have to control the ball a little better against the tougher defenses in the league.
Cowboys (1-0) Cross your fingers and throw up a prayer. The Cowboys looked like they didn’t want to win against the Broncos, but they were able to pull off the three point victory in the final minutes of the game. Rookie QB Mason Garcia has to perform better if the Cowboys expect to make the playoffs this season. A QBR of 35.4 and 38% completion rate isn’t destined to win consistently.
Bucs (1-0): DTR Who? Jacurri Brown is the starter is Tampa, but they didn’t even need a passing attack this week against Carolina. The Buccaneers rushed for over 300 yards on just 25 carries and led by J.K Dobbins who is here to prove that despite a couple suspensions, he’s still one of the best halfbacks in the league.
Texans (1-0): Welcome back Kyler Murray. Sporting a 150 QBR and completing 100% of his passes, Murray’s leadership helped the Texans get a dominate victory over the Steelers. Murray and Coach Drama will face off against a tougher matchup in week 2 that has high scoring written all over it.
Dolphins (0-0): The Giants versus the Dolphins is heading to fair sim territory with the schedules not matching up for these two playoff caliber coaches. Both teams are sitting at a 91 overall respectively, so there’s no real edge sim wise, or so you’d think. The offensive skills positions are in favor of the Dolphins while the offensive line of the Giants is a bit better out of the two teams. Both teams feature formidable front sevens and the Giants have the highest rated defensive star in Derwin James, but the Dolphins have more defenders rated higher on average. So, it is anyone’s guess which team will prevail, but the bigger question is if any players will be injured long term (hopefully not.)
Packers (0-1): The Packers have to do a better job at scoring points in the first half. They controlled the time of possession, had almost double the yards, and secured 25 first downs against the Bears but they fell short of a victory by 5 points. The Packers will get back on track if they can bring the same style of offense every week that they played in the fourth quarter this week.
Ravens (0-1): Four interceptions for Lamar Jackson is very out of character. The Baltimore Ravens suffered a tough loss to the Cleveland Browns in what many would say was the upset of the week. Lamar may not have been quite ready to come back from his injury, but the Ravens have to do a better job at protecting the ball moving forward.
Seahawks (0-1): Do the Rams have the Seahawks number? This is the Seahawks fourth straight loss to the Rams dating back to last season. Most of those games have been lost by double digits. D.K Metcalk wasn’t featured much at all this week either. Ramsey is a lockdown corner, but the Seahawks have to do a better job at getting their best receiver the ball in space.
Bengals (0-1): 11 rushes for 30 rushing yards. The Bengals have to do a better job getting Joe Mixon more carries and more positive yardage. After a 15-2 season, the Bengals were expecting a better offensive attack in week 1, but after falling just short, they’ll take on a revamped Pittsburgh Steelers team that let up a perfect passing attack in week 1. Look for the Bengals to bounce back very quickly.
Browns (1-0): The Cleveland Browns.. Getting into the top half of the power rankings? Say it ain’t so. PML fans in Cleveland have been begging for a top tier coach for a few cycles now and after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in week 1, can we see the Browns feature a winning style week over week? Deshaun Watson led the league in interceptions last season, I think we can expect a different outcome this season.
Bills (1-0): Huge victory over Cammy and the Bills gives Tbandit a head full of steam heading into his week 2 divisional matchup with the Dolphins. The offense relied on a strong game from James Cook as he eclipsed 100 yards and a score. This is exactly what Buffalo needs to balance out the offense.
Lions (1-0): I won’t be so quick to start a LQ hype train, but this was a great win out the gate vs a solid Commanders team. After a strong pre-season, the Lions shockingly went with Baker Mayfield at quarterback over Dak Prescott. Mayfield delivered with almost 300 yards and 3 touchdown passes including a touchdown to Devante Adams in his debut game.
Commanders (0-1): Alright so the Commanders dropped the opener but I wouldn’t be too worried in Washington. Wimmy has shown the ability to look ahead and bounce back. The much anticipated Anthony Scwartz debut game was a dud as he went for 2 grabs for 33 yards.
Broncos (0-1): The Broncos threw what would eventually be the game losing interception with under 2 minutes left in the 4th to lose a heartbreaker to the Cowboys in Dallas. They had the game nearly won, just a bad play call in the end. Coach Deebo will live and learn from this one. But yeah, I’m sure it stung.
49ers (1-0): Domani Jackson recorded an interception and Jaleel Skinner scored a touchdown as the young 49er rookies led the way in a week 1 victory. Got to love what you’re seeing so far in San Fran. Trey Lance kept his starting job, rightfully so and boy did he look cool, calm, and collective under center.
Saints (1-0): Don’t forget the Saints! They climb the ladder after a dub over the Falcons. Perhaps they will be the ones to challenge the Buccaneers this season.
Eagles (1-0): If they want to compete in the division, they MUST win games the games outside the division just like they did week 1 versus New England. CB is gaining confidence.
Panthers (0-1): Not the way you wanted to start the season after many people thought they were ready to dethrone the Bucs. Still have another crack at them later in the season. We may have to to circle back to that run defense after JK Dobbins put up a historic day on the ground.
Vikings (0-1): Cade Klubnik was awful in his debut. He played, rode the bench, played again… stay tuned to see how this quarterback situation plays out in Minnesota.
Jets (0-1): Pat Mahomes debut game was a dud as he threw 4 interceptions. Only 35 away from being benched for the rest of the season.
Falcons (0-1): Desmond Ridder continues to hold the Falcons back from really competing. Shocked they didn’t join the quarterback frenzy this past off season.
Patriots (0-1): Nef is in win now mode and dropping games versus the Eagles is not where a win-now team puts L’s into the loss column
Chiefs (0-1): Post-Mahomes era in Kansas City yields the same results. Trevor Lawrence managed the game okay but Keaton Mitchell didn’t deliver. Kc has an opportunity to bounce back against a Titans team that just got blown out.
Titans (0-1): Speaking of the Titans, man did they look awful. Could be a long season in Tennessee if Bubba doesn’t pick it up fast.
Cardinals (0-1): They had the Jaguars week one and that really isn’t who you want to see to open the season. Have to feel for Dlloyd on that one.
Steelers (0-1): Maalik Murphy played well, like a rookie. He made some bonehead decisions such as a fumble in the endzone to end the 1st half. Was definitely Maaliks decision and not Arods. Nevertheless, Steelers get Cammy and the Bengals week 2.
