By: Barry “Bear” Blanchard
Boy, did we have some surprises in Week 1. That’s why I love this game because you can never be too certain about anything. Dak Prescott showed he hasn’t missed a beat, the Steelers came out like a team possessed on defense and special teams, and the Houston Texans straight catslapped the Jags and Trevor Lawrence around to show they are not to be underestimated.
Then you have the absolute shellacking my Titans and Aaron Rodger’s Packers took. That put both myself and the masses on notice that this NFL season is going to be one to keep you on the edge on your seats. With the Raiders finishing the week in rodeo fashion to stave off the Ravens to bring my Week 1 record to 9-7, I need to re-evaluate my judging process.
That’s exactly what I will do starting right now with this Thursday night showdown between Taylor Heinicke and Daniel Jones.
The Football Team Defense shines turning Danny Dimes into pennies
Why?
I love me some Taylor Heinicke! I watched him for years in Vikings and Panthers preseason games lighting up second and third team defenses. Then Heinicke got his big opportunity last postseason versus the eventual Super Bowl Bucs where he gave them a run for their money in 31-23 loss. Fitzpatrick hitting IR with a hip injury opens the door once again and although this Giants defense is legit, Taylor is just a playmaker. Ron Rivera even gave him the “gunslinger” moniker and that’s high praise coming from ole Riverboat. I think Saquon needs one more week to get his legs back under him and until Daniel Jones proves he can hold on to the football, It’s Taylor Time baby!
On to Sunday where we begin with two 1-0 teams I have no faith in.
Steelers outlast Raiders
Why?
Both these teams shocked me with their victories last week so I love the fact that they face-off in week 2. Disregarding the fact they made me look foolish, I believe they both were able to lean on their strengths and escape with wins. The Steelers defense and special teams accounted for 17 of their 23 points while holding Josh Allen to 244 yards on 51 pass attempts. Crazy.Then the Raiders took advantage of the injured Ravens by targeting Darren Waller a whopping 19 TIMES while containing Lamar as the only real rushing threat Baltimore possessed. Now there are no excuses as Lamar literally fumbled the game away but I can’t help that I was not impressed. Enter this scolding Pittsburgh D with Minkah Fitzpatrick and I think Derek Carr is forced to find another option in the passing game. I see a low-scoring affair with the Steelers once again dominating in 2 out of 3 phases and getting this W to improve to 2-0.
Since we are on the topic of scolding defenses…
Rams suffocate Colts
Why?
I mean have you heard of Aaron Donald? I know this one will surely destroy Pat McAfee as he championed Matthew Stafford to the Colts all offseason but instead received Carson Wentz. The Rams made Andy Dalton’s life hell last week and I see a repeat performance against this Colts team that’s still reeling from Russell’s bombs. With the best interior defensive lineman coupled with arguably the best CB in the league, I don’t see a world where Michael Pittman, Zach Pascal, and Parris Campbell can keep up with Stafford
and his bevy of weapons that includes 4th string DeSean Jackson and 5th string Tutu Atwell just chomping at the bits waiting for their chance.
Sorry Pat, it’s gonna be a long year lol
Eagles outduel Shanahan and the 49ers
Jalen Hurts blew me away! I actually struggled to pick the Eagles last week because Matty Ice is a proven all-star and I was sure Arthur Smith would have them boys firing on offense. Now that I mention it, I’m not even certain if I was more impressed with the offense or the defense of Philadelphia. Both fronts dominated like I predicted but the Philly secondary put the clamps on Ridley and Pitts with Russell Gage basically registering as non-existent on the field. Enter Deebo and the 49ers. I see a much tougher challenge for Philly’s front 7 and Darius Slay better travel after Samuel’s 189 yards on 9 catches but Jalen Hurts will not be stopped. The 49ers lost their #1 corner in Jason Verrett for the season and you see how Jared Goff came alive once that happened. Jalen quietly has a stable of underappreciated pass catchers that now even includes rookie RB Kenneth Gainwell so I predict the Eagles shock the world and take down these surging Niners.
San Francisco isn’t the only surging team about to be brought back to reality.
Bills beat Dolphins
Buffalo is out for blood, that’s why. All offseason, analysts have hyped them as Super Bowl
contenders, Josh Allen as league MVP, etc. Then they get shellshocked by a ferocious Steelers D week 1 and the Buffalo train has come to a screeching halt. I haven’t heard a peep about them since. I say they take that personally and unleash those frustrations on a rallying Miami squad. The Dolphins get LT Austin Jackson and WR Will Fuller IV just in time for their second divisional showdown. Tua played well last week and the defense did a great job against Mac Jones, even after the worst roughing the passer call in NFL history led to his 1st NFL TD pass (more on that later). However, Josh Allen has a much better game this go round and brings this division to a tie with his arm AND legs. Watch out for Devin Singletary and Matt Breida in a revenge game to secure the win late.
Let’s stay in the division with a rookie QB showdown!
Jets surprise Patriots!
Why?
I’m not even bout to lie, I don’t like Mac Jones. It has nothing to do with the Patriots
organization, but I feel Cam was obviously the better QB in that locker room. The league has officially anointed Mac Jones their poster boy after coming to his rescue multiple
times last week, laughably to no avail. I saw that roughing the passer call where Elandon Roberts bum rushed through the RB, lost his balance, grabbed the legs of a retreating and stumbling Mac Jones for a huge 3rd down sack, only to get a roughing the passer call for a hit below the knee. A penalty installed because of Tom Brady and his ACL injury in 2008. It had Tuck Rule energy written all over it but at least it happened in week 1 instead of for the AFC Championship game. *heavy sigh* Now back to our regularly schedule programming with Jones entering Zach Wilson’s house. Wilson flashed last week against a very good Panthers D and with the return of slot gangster Jamison Crowder, I expect a much better performance this time around. If the Jets play solid run defense, They can force Mac Jones into some errant throws and have a day, which I think they will do.
Another low-scoring affair with the Jets probably pulling out a 1-point victory themselves and NFL analysts once again praising Mac Jones efforts and poise in another loss smh.
There’s one more rookie QB who has an uphill battle in his home opener.
Broncos stifle Trevor Lawrence and Jaguars O
Why?
I was noticeable peeved last week when the local CBS game was the Texans vs Jaguars. Now it was because there was a Titans game on but it was a pleasant surprise to see the Jaguars struggle as much as they did. I did not like the gameplan of Lawrence throwing the ball 51 times when you have a proven RB in James Robinson against the suspect front 7 of Houston.Urban Meyer realized his mistake and said he would focus on running the ball more this week but it’s too little too late as the Denver Broncos are not to be trifled with. I see this game being over early with Teddy not receiving any resistance and the tandem of Melvin Gordon III/Javonte Williams grinding the clock away just like the stable of Houston backs did last week. It’s about to be a long season for Trevor unless they get prime Ohio State/Florida Urban Meyer ASAP!
Since we’re talking Texans, let’s get to my easiest prediction of the week.
Browns run ragged over Houston
Why?
Well I already told you, they RUN RAGGED over them. I am sticking with my belief that
Cleveland is a better team without Odell and guess what, Odell is out again this week. That
means a heavy dose of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt against a weak Houston defensive front. The biggest question mark here is how Tyrod Taylor performs against an immensely better Browns defense with Garrett coming from one side and Clowney from the other. I imagine he’ll be running for his life on Sunday and maybe he makes a couple plays, but he won’t have enough opportunities to keep up with the grueling Browns offense. Cleveland wins big.
Cleveland’s division and state rival will also be in action against a formidable foe. The result?
Cincinnati spoils Andy Dalton revenge game
Why?
I want to say all this is contingent on Andy Dalton playing 4 quarters of football. If he comes in there and stinks it up against his whole squad, we know Justin Fields is right there waiting. However, I don’t believe that happens this week and Andy is simply out-dueled by Burrow. Tee Higgins looks good to go and JaMarr Chase showed why he was the first WR taken in the 2021 NFL Draft. I love Chicago’s front 7 so Joe Mixon might have a tough day at the office, but can’t see a way these Bear’s corners/safeties stop this WR room. This might end up being an exciting affair with the Bears also having an underutilized offensive arsenal, but I love this Bengals squad and see them improving to 2-0.
The last noon game is my toughest call this week. Honestly, I don’t have a clue but you know what, I’m still going to be right somehow.
Panthers overcome Saints!
My decision maker here was offensive weaponry. Jameis did spectacularly last week against a very solid Green Bay defense, but was rewarded with great field position time and time again. That will not be the case in this game against a Carolina offense that employs the yardage monster Christian McCaffrey as well as Robby Anderson, DJ Moore, and rookie Terrace Marshall Jr. Add in the fact that Star CB Marshon Lattimore may not be available and Saints defense is in for a real challenge. Let’s not forget about this Panther’s defensive unit and their playmakers Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, Hassan Reddick, and Jeremy Chinn. We all know what Alvin Kamara brings to the table, but outside of him with Michael Thomas out, it could and likely will be tough-sledding for the Saints in this outing. My cousin Elijah is a huge Panther’s fan as well as a staunch Jameis supporter so while I want to be right with my pick, I also want his boy Jameis to get the shine too so either way, he’ll hurt and I’ll feel good being there to comfort his hurt. I’m such a great cousin.
On to the afternoon where I pray Jesus will continue our winning streak!
Titans rebound versus Seahawks!
Why?
I will be in church on Sunday. Tennessee was 7-0 last season after I got baptized in my Eddie George jersey and attended sermon. I haven’t been the past 2 Titan’s games that saw us lose a playoff heartbreaker to Baltimore last season then get mollywopped by Kyler and the Cardinals last week. I’ve seen enough so with a road game in Seattle against RUSSELL FREAKING WILSON, I know it will take every amount of Grace available to get this win. I’ll be there early, I’m putting 40 dollars in the basket to make amends for missing last week, and I’m putting this in the Lord’s hands. Amen!!
Next up, a division game that could get out of hand in a hurry…
Tampa Bay rocks Falcons
Why?
After Atlanta’s performance against the Eagles last week, this game is looking like a landslide. Now I thought the same thing last week about the Cowboys but sadly the Falcons don’t have Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, Tony Pollard, and Ezekial Elliott. Tampa Bay did lose slot CB Murhpy-Bunting but also return headhunter safety Jordan Whitehead. This all spells danger for the struggling Falcons offense that couldn’t block anyone last week. I hope Arthur Smith and Dean Pees have the gameplan of a lifetime because that’s what it’ll take to make this one competitive. I don’t see it as Tampa improves to 2-0.
The last 2 afternoon games look to be some high-flying affairs with 4 teams that know how to pass that ball. Who wins?
Vikings take out Cardinals
Why?
Well let me tell you, It’s because of Patrick Peterson. No one knows that Arizona locker room better than the 2011 5 th overall pick. He is going to have his hands full regardless of where he lines up or whom he covers as Arizona has Wide Receivers galore. I’m taking the Vikings partly out of spite for how Arizona embarrassed my Titans, but partly because Minnesota has the offensive firepower to keep up with Kliff, Kyler, and Kompany. I know Arizona has sack machine Chandler Jones and JJ Watt in the interior, with Budda Baker
patrolling the midfield, but Minnesota has a defense of their own that I expect to be better this week. There will be a shootout in Arizona with the difference maker being Dalvin Cook and his ability to keep that amazing Kyler-led offense off the field just long enough for Minnesota to escape 1-1.
The afternoon wraps up with what I expect will to be the highest scoring game of the day…
Chargers zap Cowboys
Why?
It was reported that Demarcus Lawrence broke his foot in practice Wednesday. There’s goes any semblance of a competent Cowboys defense this year. Micah Parsons was a liability in zone coverage last week (See Rob Gronkowski’s stats) and now you have Jared Cook/Austin Ekeler to contend with. Keenan Allen can’t be guarded, Mike Williams is playing to his potential, and Justin Herbert is looking like the best QB out his draft class. Dak will be forced again this week to pick up the slack and potentially throw the ball another 50 times, but it won’t make a difference as I can’t see the Cowboys getting a stop against this Chargers unit.
The NFC Least will once again be a division of contention for analysts after these set of games but no one will care because they’ll be too busy in preparation for this Sunday Night
showstopper.
Kansas City has a field day versus Lamar’s Ravens
Why?
These injuries are too much to handle. We saw a Baltimore team that allowed a league high 435 passing yards to DEREK CARR!! 6 receivers had over 40 yards with a TE leading the way with 10 receptions on 19 targets. Now you have to play Patrick Mahomes, TRAVIS KELCE, and TYREEK HILL on a short week…. Yeah it’s not looking good. The Ravens have also said they will promote Devonta Freeman to the active roster and that somehow makes me even less confident. They actually ran the ball well last week with Ty’Son Williams and Latavius Murray so maybe they’re hoping to play some ball control this time out and keep that Chiefs offense on the sidelines, but unless they find some pass defense, that won’t matter. Lamar is still capable of generating offense, as long as he holds on to the football, so Baltimore shouldn’t get blown out. This was the playoff matchup I sincerely wanted last year but with this current Raven’s roster, I’ll wait until next year for that excitement. Kansas City goes to 2-0.
Last and with the least amount of anticipation, for me anyways, there’s Detroit versus Green Bay on Monday Night. Who pulls it out may be a shocker!!!
Psyche!
Green Bay throttles the Lions
Why?
You won’t like Aaron Rodgers when he’s angry. Although it didn’t seem that way Tuesday
watching him on the Pat McAfee show, Rodgers is known for taking his frustrations out on the Lions. Last year in two games, he threw for a combined 530 yards to go along with 6 total TDS. I fully expect him to continue that trend on a Lion’s team that just lost their #1 CB Jeff Okudah for the season and gave up 41 points to San Francisco a week earlier. I see a great performance from the Green Bay defense as well against their old friend Jamaal Williams and crew. It’ll be a great Monday night for Packers fans as they prep for Week 3’s Sunday Night matchup with San Francisco. Heck, I’m starting both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion in Fantasy just because I see this game being over by halftime.
That concludes my Week 2 predictions. I have started placing real life bets now that I have some NFL action under my belt so next week, I will include how those turned out cause if ya boy can predict not only who wins but by how much, We all gonna get that bag. Stay tuned and listen to The Bear Den on 99.9 Kate FM Monday’s and Tuesday’s 6pm to 10pm for IRL and Fantasy football takes. Also HUGE thanks to my guys Jovan Cutler, Brant Daughtry, and JJ Jackson from SportsCall Auburn (3-6pm Monday-Friday).
