Some interesting results this week. New England may have started a new chapter in their effectiveness. The Jets were no better offensively with a healthy Aaron Rodgers, so the problem may be the rest of the players. The Saints provided one of the most dominant performances of the week!
The Chicago Bears gave me flashbacks to the 1985 team and that record-setting defense. Despite offensive struggles and an inability to score, defense and special teams provided 24 points and won the game, shutting down the Titans for the entire second half.
Power 12
1. DALLAS COWBOYS (1-0) : Dominant performance with shades of the past, with Zeke back running the ball.
2. Minnesota Vikings (1-0) : OK, so they were playing the Giants. Still, they manhandled them.
3. New Orleans Saints (1-0) : They looked like a top college Power 5 team playing an FCS team
4. Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) : The Jim Harbaugh era started a little shaky offensively, but the defense is stout.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) : Yes, their win was helped by a close call, but you also have to realize that most years the offense is slow in the first week, yet they overcame everything the Ravens defense threw at them. If they improve on the same arc as they have in previous years, a three-peat is possible.
6. Tampa Bay Bucs (1-0) : What a performance!
7. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) : A little closer than it should have been, but they definitely looked strong
8. Detroit Lions (1-0)
9. Baltimore Ravens (0-1) : Yes, they lost, but they also nearly sent that game into overtime.
10. Los Angeles Rams (0-1) : Speaking of overtime, that's what the Rams forced. Yes, their defense went to sleep in overtime, not offering any resistance to the Lions, but they showed real ability in the first sixty minutes.
11. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
12. New England Patriots (1-0) : Impressive start for their new coach
Divisional Power Rankings
1. NFC North : It's been a while since this team was on top, but three impressive wins, and even a fairly decent loss by the Pack, showed great skill.
2. NFC West : Strength on strength in this division. Even the Cardinals looked decent!
3. AFC West
4. NFC South
5. AFC East : The growth of the Patriots could boost this division, but the Jets will drag them down
6. AFC South
7. NFC East
8. AFC North
Week 2 picks
Thursday night
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins : These two usually produce high-scoring affairs. The Bills have basically dominated this division in recent years, and I see no reason for that to change, but the Dolphins might pull this one out. BILLS, 30-27
Sunday early games
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars : The Jags seem to have some real power in the passing game. The Browns seem to still be finding themselves, especially on defense. JAGS, 20-10
Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers : The Pack should bounce back with a strong performance at home. PACK, 23-16
Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens : Potentially our first shutout of the season, but I won't pick it that way. RAVENS, 30-10
Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers : Win #2 for Harbaugh. CHARGERS, 23-13
New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys : Whoa! This should be a thrilling game, with lots of points scored. While the Saints might have a slight edge on the defensive end of the ball, I have to favor home field advantage on this one. COWBOYS, 34-33
New York Giants at Washington Commanders : Neither team is exceptionally strong. This one will likely be won by the team that makes the fewest mistakes. COMMANDERS, 16-13
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans : Nice easy game for the Titans defense. TITANS, 21-13
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings : Ooh, if this was played last year, I'd pick the other way. However, given their respective Week 1 performances, I have to give a slight nod to the Vikings. This one is almost even, though, so it's really anyone's game. VIKINGS, 24-23
Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots : Last week may have been a fluke, as nobody knew what to expect from the Patriots' new coach. If they win this week, I'll consider it the start of a trend. They have to prove it first. SEAHAWKS, 19-16
Tampa Bay Bucs at Detroit Lions : Another potential overtime game, I think the Lions will prevail again. LIONS, 29-23
Sunday late games
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs : The Bengals have been a thorn in Mahomes' side, but I think this year they may have them beat. CHIEFS, 24-20
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals : The Rams won't need overtime this week, although the Cards aren't likely to make this easy. RAMS, 20-16
Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos : Okay, Justin Fields played pretty well last week. I don't hink it'll matter how quickly Russell Wilson gets back into the lineup. STEELERS, 23-16
Sunday night
Chicago Bears at Houston Texans : If this were earlier in the day, I'd automatically pick the Bears. However, the Bears have a lousy history on Sunday and Monday nights. They might win, but I'm afraid they won't, especially if the offense continues to sputter. TEXANS, 23-16
Monday Night Football
Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles : Eagles all the way. EAGLES, 27-16
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