With week two of the L season nearly wrapped up, we noticed many groups modify after their Week 1 performances.
The Panthers bounced again properly, placing up 30+ factors for the second straight week, whereas the Saints confirmed us they might be the workforce to look at within the NFC South.
Loads of candidates for this week’s article: Washington misplaced Jayden Daniels (but once more), Denver’s offense appeared anemic till late, Aaron Rodgers appeared washed up, and the Packers slept by way of 3 quarters earlier than lastly waking up and getting previous the Jets.
Let’s take a look at the 4 groups we predict ought to fear most as they lick their wounds in preparation for Week 3.
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Los Angeles Chargers:
What the precise heck is occurring with this workforce? Mike McDaniels was speculated to swoop in and magically make Justin Herbert the MVP that Jim Harbaugh promised us all he could be at some point. It’s not taking place. It could be time to query whether or not Herbert is the true deal or simply one other proficient athlete who would possibly by no means put all of it collectively as an NFL quarterback.
There are different points with this workforce as nicely. Omarian Hampton has to do a greater job of defending the soccer, and this protection has now allowed each the Cardinals and Raiders to put up over 20 factors. The Raiders are off to a pleasant begin, however we aren’t certain if they’re truly any good, and the Seahawks confirmed us Sunday that Arizona isn’t fairly prepared for prime time.
The vast majority of followers that confirmed up for this recreation at SoFi Stadium left joyful, because it appeared extra like a Raiders residence recreation, with the vast majority of the gang rocking the Silver and Black. Add that to the listing of issues that the Chargers’ entrance workplace ought to be involved with.
Issues don’t get simpler for the Bolts as they journey to Buffalo subsequent week to face Josh Allen and the Payments, with the Seahawks ready to host them in week 4. Except they determine issues out rapidly, this season could also be misplaced in LA.
Detroit Lions:
The Lions survived a scare on opening week after blowing a 21-point result in the Saints earlier than ultimately outlasting New Orleans in extra time. This week they weren’t fairly so fortunate as they bumped into Josh Allen and the Payments. Buffalo’s offense had its approach with Detroit all recreation lengthy, and it seems like that is going to be a problem for Dan Campbell’s squad all yr lengthy.
Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon Ra St. Brown all did their half on Thursday evening, however they simply couldn’t maintain tempo because the Payments piled on 41 factors en path to the 10-point victory. For fantasy functions, this can be a excellent storm for the aforementioned trio as Detroit goes to should mild up the scoreboard each week in the event that they intend to win video games.
Via 2 video games, the Detroit protection has allowed nicely over 900 complete yards and 10 touchdowns. They’ve been leaky at stopping the run, however even worse in opposition to opposing quarterbacks, with Tyler Shough and Josh Allen combining for 737 yards and seven touchdowns by way of the air.
Whereas the Lions could also be a haven for fantasy factors this season, their prospects for making the playoffs could also be in some hassle if their protection continues the way in which they’ve performed by way of the primary two weeks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
A few of us is perhaps somewhat salty after getting knocked out of our Survivor Swimming pools, however there’s simply no excuse for this workforce to lose at residence to Cleveland. They’ll blame the climate if they need, however each groups needed to play in that soup, and when your $160 million QB will get outplayed by Deshaun Watson, there’s cause to be fearful.
The Tampa protection was capable of maintain Quinshon Judkins and the Brown working recreation in examine however they weren’t capable of shut down the passing recreation. Did we point out that it was DeShaun Watson main that passing assault? Yeah, there are many causes to be fearful right here.
The underside line is we simply aren’t certain if Todd Bowles is an effective head coach or if Baker Mayfield is the kind of quarterback that may lead a workforce deep into the postseason. Thus far, Baker feels extra like a enjoyable man to root for, however in massive spots he’ll in the end make a key mistake that finally ends up costing his workforce a victory.
They discover themselves in a precarious “must-win” state of affairs in week 3 as they may host the Vikings. Whereas it might be too early to really name this one a “must-win, ” historical past tells us that starting the season 0-3 very hardly ever leads to a postseason look (simply 6 instances since 1979).
Chicago Bears:
We felt nice about these guys after week 1, so what occurred? In Week 1, the Bears offense appeared like a juggernaut, posting 59 factors and making Ben Johnson’s promise to “set information” this season appear like a secure wager to return true. Then got here their Week 2 matchup in opposition to division rivals the Vikings, and now all the pieces appears totally different.
The rain made issues a bit messy from the beginning, however Caleb Williams appeared out of sync together with his receivers all recreation lengthy earlier than in the end having to go away the sport with what seems to be to be a extreme hamstring damage. Now, it seems that Chicago must depend on Tyson Bagent to fill in for a minimum of just a few weeks whereas they wait for his or her QB1 to return.
Some might level to the truth that their protection solely allowed 9 factors as a silver lining, however we’re chalking that as much as the truth that they confronted Carson Wentz. Kevin O’Connell was content material to accept discipline objectives whereas Brian Flores’ protection held the Bears offense to simply 3 factors.
Now, the Bears must pull themselves collectively as they put together for a showdown with the Eagles subsequent Monday evening. Fortunately for Chicago, the remainder of the North has problems with their very own.
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