Last Week: 11-5 Overall Record: 12-5
Against the Spread: 9-6-2
*Spread is in parentheses. Ex: If a team is (-3), they are favored by 3 points. Generally, home teams have a three-point advantage. *
*Lines provided by Caesars*
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Week 2 NFL Injury Report
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Cincinnati Bengals 0-1 @ Cleveland Browns 1-0 (-6) – Thursday, 7:20pm
Prediction: Cle over Cin 24-20
Two of the last three number one overall NFL draft picks face each other for the first time. Both teams come into the game on very different spectrums. The Browns will have a lot of pressure to perform in their home opener after a 38-6 trouncing resulted in their 20th season opener defeat in 22 tries. Meanwhile, a feisty Bengals squad came up short against an overmatched Chargers team after an A.J. Green touchdown was wiped off with an offensive pass interference call, which was then proceeded by a potential game-tying Randy Bullock 31 yard chip shot was shanked after an alleged cramp in the middle of the kick with seven seconds left (one of the more hilarious ways I have seen a game end, I might add). Burrow, other than a regrettable turnover in the 4th, played very well against a good defense for an NFL debut. Mayfield on the other hand, has struggled since his fantastic rookie year, which raises many questions for a quarterback that is surrounded with plenty of talent (on paper, at least) to reverse the franchise’s two decade-long misfortune. While these two young signal callers will be the talk of the night in primetime, it will be the running game that will be the biggest x-factor this week. Despite a 32-point blowout, the Browns were able to run the ball considerably well, as the one-two punch of Chubb and Hunt combined for 132 yards on 23 carries (5.74 YPC). Yes, Odell will eventually need to get involved, but going away from what works will not get the job done. I expect the team that will be able to control the clock will be the team that comes out on top.
Final: CLE 35 – CIN 30
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New York Giants 0-1 (+5.5) @ Chicago Bears 1-0 – Sunday, 12:00pm
Prediction: NYG over Chi 27-26
So I guess going with Trubisky over Foles was….. the right call? Well, maybe we still have to wait and see. Nevertheless, kudos to the former Tar Heel, who led the Bears from down 17 to a victory, including two touchdowns in the final three minutes. The Bears defense, however, were a rookie blatant drop away from allowing the Lions to escape. New York had a tough test on MNF at home against one of the toughest defenses in the league. Saquon Barkley had a rough night, compiling just six yards on 15 carries, becoming the sixth NFL player since 1970 to rush for fewer than 10 yards on at least 15 carries. Daniel Jones did manage to move the ball well, including a pair of touchdown tosses to Darius Slayton, though a horrendous interception at the goal line ultimately did them in. It is a tough game to call consider both teams seemingly look destined for the cellar, though a 2-0 start will give Chicago tons of momentum for a team looking to return to the playoffs. One of the toughest games to pick on the slate, my gut tells me Jason Garrett finds a way to get Saquon going against the team that allowed 151 all-purpose yards to a committee of Lions running backs led by a 35-year-old Adrian Peterson.
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Atlanta Falcons 0-1 @ Dallas Cowboys 0-1 (-4) – Sunday, 12:00pm
Prediction: Dal over Atl 34-31
The shootout of the week consists of two teams desperately looking to avoid an 0-2 start. A Matt Ryan-led Falcons team has never begun a season 0-2, while the Cowboys have only started 0-2 once since 2002 (2010, the year Jason Garrett took over midseason). One of those trends will end this weekend, though. The Falcons were able to pass at will against the Seahawks with Jones, Ridley and Gage all eclipsing 100 yards. McCarthy’s first game with Dallas saw a more aggressive tone, although a turnover on downs in the red zone and an offensive pass interference on Michael Gallup prevented the Cowboys from overcoming their deficit against the Rams. The biggest takeaway from the loss in LA were injuries. Dallas lost Jarwin for the year, while Vander Esch (collarbone) and Lee (hernia) will miss at least six weeks due to respective surgeries. Already without La’el Collins, Dallas could be without Tyron Smith who came up late on injury report with a neck issue and is now a game-time decision. These two teams will be consistent threats to put up points all season, but it looks like this back and forth affair will come down to who can convert touchdowns as the game enters the closing minutes.
Detroit Lions 0-1 @ Green Bay Packers 1-0 (-6) – Sunday, 12:00pm
Prediction: GB over Det 31-20
The Lions are 0-1 after allowing Mitch Trubisky to score 21 unanswered to come back on the road. Starting the year 0-2, both of which would come to divisional foes. Rodgers put an offseason filled with questions about the decision to draft Jordan Love to rest after throwing for 364 yards and four touchdowns against the leaky Vikings secondary. Rookie cornerback Jeff Okudah will make his debut this weekend after being sidelined against the Bears and it could not come at a better time after Justin Coleman and Desmond Trufant both suffered injuries last week, the former of which who was placed on IR. Expect Rodgers to test the young cornerback early and often with superstar Davante Adams after he comes off a week that tied the franchise record for most receptions in a game. Lambeau leaps may not happen due to the lack of fans, but I anticipate many celebrations against the ailing Lions defense.
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Jacksonville Jaguars 1-0 @ Tennessee Titans 1-0 (-9) – Sunday, 12:00pm
Prediction: Ten over Jac 27-17
An improbable early battle for an early AFC South lead is on the horizon. Minshew Mania continued his impressive ways, becoming just the fourth quarterback in NFL history to complete 95% of their passes (19-20) and three touchdowns. The impressive start to the year makes one wonder what kind of dilemma it creates for a front office seemingly looking to tank, only to get further away from their goal with the continued success of the former Washington State quarterback. Tennessee escaped Mile High last week with a W despite a horrendous game by the former three-time All-Pro and Patriot Stephen Gostkowski, who managed to boot in a 25-yarder to end a night that included four missed kicks. It was clear that the Titans continued to ride the momentum Derrick Henry ended the 2020 postseason with, as the newly extended running back led the way with 34 touches. Henry could be poised to continue his heavy workload, as AJ Brown will be sidelined this week with a bone bruise. If history is any indication, it bodes well for Henry as has had historic success against Jacksonville, averaging 106.3 rush yards per game to go along with eight touchdowns, four of which came on a Thursday night game two years prior that included a 99-yard scamper to tie Tony Dorsett’s record. A big day at the office, or even one on part with his game last Monday, and it may be too much for the Jags to overcome.
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Minnesota Vikings 0-1 @ Indianapolis Colts 0-1 (-3) – Sunday, 12:00pm
Prediction: Ind over Min 30-24
An unfortunate start to both franchises forces both to rally to avoid an 0-2 start. The Colts will be without their starting running back for the rest of the year after an Achilles injury leaves the team needing to lean on second round rookie Jonathan Taylor and change-of-pace back Nyheim Hines to shoulder the bulk of the load. Minnesota’s suddenly thin defensive unit was found reeling after giving up a league-high 43 points to start the year. An underwhelming Ngakoue debut combined with an absence from two-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter allowed Rodgers to play all day unscathed. Now up against one of the top offensive lines in football, will this allow veteran Philip Rivers to have his way as well? The Vikings, losers of five straight, will look to take down the Colts for the first time since December of 1997, when the Peyton Manning-Ryan Leaf debate was actually a legitimate debate. One of the toughest games on the slate, the Colts prevail following a second straight lackluster defensive performance from the purple and gold.
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Buffalo Bills 1-0 (-5.5) @ Miami Dolphins 0-1 – Sunday, 12:00pm
Prediction: Buf over Mia 27-20
After a strong start to end 2019, the Dolphins began the year in underwhelming fashion, losing on the road to the new look Patriots. Miami could not get much going offensively, largely to a lack of possession time (25:11), as New England ran for a league-high 217 rushing yards. It was obvious that they struggled with Cam Newton as a mobile quarterback, and it does not help matters they will need a quick turnaround as Josh Allen comes to town this week. The Bills were a part of one of the more uninspiring matchups in Week 1, taking on the depleted Jets. While, it was not the most competitive game, Allen did have his way with Gang Green, throwing for 312 yards and a pair of scores, in addition to the 57 he compiled himself on the ground. While I would have loved to see him work on his game in the pocket, rather than rush 14 times against one of the NFL’s worst, it was an overall solid season opener. Buffalo has won five of their last six versus Miami, including a sweep in 2019. The Dolphins could get more going this week, as the Bills are depleted at linebacker, as three have already been ruled out, including starters Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds. The Dolphins success will be predicated on getting Ryan Fitzpatrick going after his three-interception performance last week. If he continues to struggle, we may see a Tua debut sooner rather than later.
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San Francisco 49ers 0-1 (-7) @ New York Jets 0-1 – Sunday, 12:00pm
Prediction: SF over NYJ 30-10
The 49ers began their redemption year on a rather sour note, surrendering a late lead, ultimately leading to an upset at home against Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. The lackadaisical play throughout the duration of the game was very concerning, and now that George Kittle (knee sprain) and Richard Sherman (IR – calf) have been ruled out, this will add to an already depleted receiving corps and secondary. On the other side, the Jets are dealing with injuries of their own. With Le’Veon Bell to IR after aggravating a hamstring injury from camp and Jamison Crowder ruled out with his own, the Jets must find a way to replace 63.3% of its offensive output last week. While it is a feel good story seeing the ageless Frank Gore pass Emmitt Smith for most games played by a running back last week (227 games), it is hard to get excited about a 37-year-old leading the way, even if it is against his former team. San Francisco has been plagued with injuries so far, but despite this, there is still enough of a talent discrepancy to get their first win of the year at MetLife Stadium this weekend.
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Los Angeles Rams 1-0 @ Philadelphia Eagles 0-1 (-1) – Sunday, 12:00pm
Prediction: Phi over LAR 24-20
The Eagles limp into Week 2 following an improbable comeback from the Washington Football Team that included allowing 27 unanswered points over the final 30:40 of the game. Sure, you can blame it on the plethora of injuries, a game that saw five starting lineman on both sides of the ball, as well as Miles Sanders and Alshon Jeffery, but Carson Wentz was uncharacteristically bad, posting a league-low 20.1 Total QBR. The Washington front seven got to him at will, sacking Wentz eight times, including 1.5 from rookie Chase Young. The Rams had an impressive performance in their stadium debut, where they were able to hold a Cowboys high-powered offense to merely three points in the second half. The committee of Cam Akers and Malcolm Brown were able to fill the void of the departed Todd Gurley, combining for 153 all-purpose yards. If they can keep a consistent rush attack going, they will be a force to reckon with in the NFC West. In what is the closest thing to a pick ‘em this week, the Eagles get four starters back, which could give them enough to maintain a hot start. This game will be a methodical chest match that will likely come down to who will be able to control the clock. I think Wentz does just enough to keep them ahead late this time.
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Denver Broncos 0-1 @ Pittsburgh Steelers 1-0 (-7.5) – Sunday, 12:00pm
Prediction: Pit over Den 31-15
Both the Broncos and Steelers will be on short weeks after their respective Monday night matchups last week. Pittsburgh began the year with a stellar defensive performance, holding Saquon Barkley to 66 all-purpose yards on 21 touches, and picking off Daniel Jones a couple of times en route to a convincing opening night win. Big Ben was solid in his return from missing nearly the entire 2019 season with an elbow injury, throwing for three scores, two of which were to JuJu Smith-Schuster. James Conner was limited after suffering an ankle sprain early in the game, but Benny Snell picked up the slack, rushing for an encouraging 113 yards in Conner’s absence. The depth offensively was a bright spot for a team that was one of the league’s most inefficient last year. The Broncos suffered a last second defeat to the Titans with 17 seconds left in a low scoring affair. Drew Lock did have a relatively solid performance following a late scratch from his top receiver Courtland Sutton, but it was not enough to avoid his second career loss as a starter. A returning Bradley Chubb was not enough to fill the void by Von Miller injury, finishing the night with zero tackles and two QB hits. The news that AJ Bouye was place on IR following a shoulder injury Monday night will not help matters for a defense that had tons of promise entering the season. Even if Sutton can return, it is tough to imagine the Broncos to put enough points on the board to overcome a stout Pittsburgh defense.
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Carolina Panthers 0-1 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0-1 (-9) – Sunday, 12:00pm
Prediction: TB over Car 34-14
Following a rather convincing loss in New Orleans, the Bucs look to rebound this week against a Panthers team coming off a rather disappointing loss themselves. Brady did struggle with multiple reads, and following a miscommunication with Mike Evans and a pick-six by Janoris Jenkins (his 3rd straight game with a pick-six), Bruce Arians criticized the 43 year-old for his play. Though all seems well now, it will be important to get back on track against one of the most inexperienced defenses in the league. Matt Rhule’s innovative offense had its moments, but in crunch time it was tough to justify a fullback dive on 4th and a long one with 1:23 remaining when you have the likes of Christian McCaffrey at your disposal. The advantage of having that caliber of player at your disposal will be tested in Tampa on Sunday, as the Bucs were one of two teams last season to hold McCaffrey under 100 all-purpose yard, which was accomplished in both games (38 carries for 68 rush yards). The Buccaneers will be short-handed with Chris Godwin now out due to a concussion, but still have enough to put up some points. I anticipate the Panthers have trouble moving the ball early on, with Brady providing a spark to allow the offense to run away with it.
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Washington Football Team 1-0 @ Arizona Cardinals 1-0 (-6.5) – Sunday, 3:05pm
Prediction: Ari over Was 23-13
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Kansas City Chiefs 1-0 (-9) @ Los Angeles Chargers 1-0 – Sunday, 3:25pm
Prediction: KC over LAC 31-16
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Baltimore Ravens 1-0 (-7) @ Houston Texans 0-1 – Sunday, 3:25pm
Prediction: Bal over Hou 35-17
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New England Patriots 1-0 @ Seattle Seahawks 1-0 (-3.5) – Sunday, 7:20pm
Prediction: Sea over NE 20-13
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New Orleans Saints 1-0 (-6) @ Las Vegas Raiders 1-0 – Monday, 7:15pm
Prediction: : NO over LV 30-13
Check out how my picks compare to experts across multiple platforms below!
| Week 2 | Kam | CBSSports (Eisenberg) | Bleacher Report | Rosenthal (NFL.com) | ESPN (Wick) |
| Total Record (Games Behind) | 12-5 (-) | 12-5 (-) | 11-6 (-1) | 10-7 (-2) | 10-7 (-2) |
| This Week’s Record | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| 0-1 Bengals @ Browns 0-1 (-6)(TNF) | CLE | CLE | CLE | CLE | CLE |
| 0-1 Giants @ Bears 1-0 (-5.5) | NYG | CHI | NYG | NYG | CHI |
| 0-1 Falcons @ Cowboys 0-1 (-4) | DAL | DAL | DAL | ATL | DAL |
| 0-1 Lions @ Packers 1-0 (-6) | GB | GB | GB | GB | GB |
| 1-0 Jaguars @ Titans 1-0 (-9) | TEN | TEN | JAC | TEN | TEN |
| 0-1 Vikings @ Colts 0-1 (-3) | IND | IND | MIN | IND | IND |
| 1-0 Bills (-5.5) @ Dolphins 0-1 | BUF | BUF | BUF | BUF | MIA |
| 0-1 49ers (-7)@ Jets 0-1 | SF | SF | SF | SF | SF |
| 1-0 Rams @ Eagles 0-1 (-1) | PHI | LAR | LAR | PHI | LAR |
| 0-1 Broncos @ Steelers 1-0 (-7.5) | PIT | PIT | PIT | PIT | PIT |
| 0-1 Panthers @ Buccaneers 0-1 (-9) | TB | TB | TB | TB | TB |
| 1-0 Washington @ Cardinals 1-0 (-6.5) | ARI | ARI | ARI | ARI | ARI |
| 1-0 Chiefs (-9) @ Chargers 1-0 | KC | KC | KC | KC | KC |
| 1-0 Ravens (-7) @ Texans 0-1 | BAL | BAL | BAL | BAL | HOU |
| 1-0 Patriots @ Seahawks 1-0 (-3.5) (SNF) | SEA | SEA | SEA | SEA | SEA |
| 1-0 Saints (-6) @ Raiders 1-0 (MNF) | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Against the spread picks are below:
| Kam ATS |
| Overall: 9-6-2. |
| This Week: 1-0. |
| CIN +6 |
| NYG +5.5 |
| ATL +4 |
| GB -6 |
| TEN -9 |
| IND -3 |
| BUF -5.5 |
| SF -7 |
| PHI -1 |
| PIT -7.5 |
| TB -9 |
| WAS +6.5 |
| KC -9 |
| BAL -7 |
| SEA -3.5 |
| NO -6 |
This Just In 