Every year, the NFL is the top sports league because teams rise from the ashes of the previous season to shock the world. A team that may finish last place in their division can turn it around and capture the crown the following year. It explains why the NFC East has not had a repeat champion in nearly two years. The lack of dominance indicates the parity in the league, and why capped spending and revenue-sharing are effective. In 2023, there are seven teams with 2-0 records. Of the group, fans might have expected the 49ers, Eagles, and Cowboys to be among them. Did anyone expect the Falcons, Buccaneers, Saints, and Commanders to be the other four teams? (Hand Down) I didn’t. The big question is whether these surprising teams can keep it going in week 3. In this article, we preview the five hottest matchups that include most of these teams.
1. Atlanta Falcons (2-0) at Detroit Lions (1-1)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET Fox
The Atlanta Falcons will convert me into a believer if they win this Sunday Bijan Robinson is validating my expectations as the preeminent favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year with his standout performance on this team. Robinson has tallied 180 rushing yards entering week three and is second in the league in rushing yards. He has grabbed ten catches and 75 yards to prove he is an all-purpose running back. After the high of an opening night win against the Chiefs, the Lions lost last week at home in a tough loss to the Seahawks. The Lions’ defense proved they are a work in progress, and I think this week they will force a few turnovers to bounce back from the disappointment. It will be an exciting game among two young teams, but I think the Lions will prevail by less than a touchdown.
Lions 30-Falcons 24
2. Buffalo Bills (1-1) at Washington Commanders(2-0)-Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
The Washington Commanders are undefeated, and probably its fortune has shifted away from the gloom of former owner Daniel Snyder. Under a new ownership group that includes Magic Johnson, it has been two wins in a row for the franchise. Sam Howell showed some promise last week in leading his team to a big road win in Denver. However, the test will be too tough for him and the team because Josh Allen heading into town. Allen returned to his best last week in a dominant 38-10m win over the Raiders. The key to Allen’s bounce-back performance is the lack of turnovers, and it should be the Commanders’ game plan to force Allen to make mistakes. I think they will get at least one turnover, but the Bills will still be too much for the Commanders.
Bills 27-Commanders 20
3. New Orleans Saints(2-0) at Green Bay Packers(1-1)-Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
The Packers were outstanding in week one by trouncing the Chicago Bears but collapsed in Atlanta last week after leading 24-12 in the fourth quarter. However, Jordan Love has excelled at the quarterback position by tallying 396 yards, six touchdowns, and 0 interceptions while leading the league in passer rating. However, things will get tougher for Love in week three because he will be a facing ferocious Saints defense that has only given up one touchdown this season. The disadvantage for the Saints is that they just have played a road Monday night and then travel to Wisconsin to play a Sunday 1 o’clock game on the road. I think this will be a tight contest, but Lambeau Field will be rocking for the home opener after back-to-back road games.
Packers 23-Saints 21
4. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) Monday, 7:15 p.m., ESPN
Who would have predicted this would be the matchup of the undefeated teams in week two before the start of the season? Yet, here we are. The Buccaneers have been a surprise team because Baker Mayfield has been a reliable cog for this team. Mayfield has completed 69.1% of his passes, 490 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The key for Mayfield is protecting the ball and making better decisions. However, I favor the Eagles in this matchup because they will have extra rest coming off a Thursday night win and then playing on Monday Night in Week 3. The Eagles have been shaky on defense after getting shredded in the secondary by the Patriots and Vikings. They need to be wary of Mike Evans who can wreck this game. I think the Bucs have a shot to win this game, but Philadelphia will barely squeak by.
Eagles 24-Buccaneers 23
5. Los Angeles Rams (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)-Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET ABC
The Bengals are desperate to win this matchup after back-to-back losses to start the season. However, they head into the matchup uncertain about the status of Joe Burrow’s calf injury. The Rams’ pass rush will test Burrows’ agility because Aaron Donald is an unstoppable force in pursuing the quarterback. The Rams were good against the Seahawks and played the 49ers tough in week 2. Puka Nacua is becoming a household name with 25 catches and 266 yards in the first two weeks. However, I think the home team’s desperation will propel them to restrict the Rams’ scoring, and the offense will make the key plays to lead the team to a low-scoring win.