The mantra for success in life is to remain even-keel that is to not be too high or not be too low. It is a formula that works for Fortune 500 Executives and in the world of sports. After week 1 win a team needs to realize it was not the Super Bowl, hopefully it is the start of a successful season. However, for the teams that lost in week 1, it is not the end of the world but they need an immediate response in week 2. Since 2007, 125 teams have gone 0-2 to start season. Only 12 have rallied to make the playoffs. That’s 113-12 for all you math fans at home. Seven teams were 0-2 last year, none made the playoffs. So as we head into week 2, teams must realize the urgency of the moment despite being so early in the season. In this article, we preview and predict the 5 hottest games in Week 2.
1. Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs-Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime)
Week 2 kicks off with a showdown in the Wild AFC West between Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes. Both quarterbacks were outstanding in Week 1 with Herbert completing 26 of 34 passes for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns while Mahomes completed 30 of 39 passes for 360 yards. Six different Kansas City players scored TDs in Week 1 and they showed they did not miss Tyreek Hill at all. The concern for the Chiefs is still the defense because they still gave up 21 points to the Cardinals although most of it came in the 4th quarter. The Chargers head into the matchup without star wide receiver Keenan Allen who has a hamstring injury. Another concern is that there top 3 rushers only ran for 69 yards on 25 attempts which is a paltry performance. The Chargers won this game on the road last season but I have a hard thinking they will do so back to back. I think this will be the game of the week and I have the home team winning narrowly.
Chiefs 31-Chargers 28
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, FuboTV)
The schedule makers did not do the Bucs any favor by having them play consecutive road games after a Sunday night game. All week, the stat that will reverberate in Tom Brady’s ear is that he is 0-4 against the Saints in the regular season since joining the Buccaneers. The Bucs offense should have ended the Cowboys game early but did not perform well on third downs going 5 of 14. The Saints on the other hand, mounted a fierce comeback in the quarterback scoring 17 points to beat the Falcons 27-26. The Saints defense did not look impressive and if it isn’t playing their usual best against the Bucs, I think Brady will win this game. The Bucs defense looks healthy and will be able to slow down the Saints. I have Brady winning a close game.
Bucs 24- Saints 21
3. New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Patriots offense manifested the struggles that all the analyst predicted in the offseason. Mac Jones seemed like he was stuck in his rookie season throwing short passes, being efficient without the explosive plays to worry the Dolphins. Kendrick Bourne apparently was disciplined and limited to only 2 snaps which included a 41-yard play. He should definitely feature more in this matchup to get this offense kick-started. The Steelers had an impressive week 1 winning a tough divisional game in Cincinnati. The team excelled on defense forcing 7 sacks and 4 turnovers on Joe Burrow. However, the team lost All-Pro T.J Watt to an injury that fortunately will have him out only six weeks. Mitch Trubisky played made good decisions down the stretch of week 1 but it remains to been whether he can play mistake free football. The Patriots not having to face Watt will give them a boost in confidence to win a close game on the road.
Patriots 20-Steelers 19
4. Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers-Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, FuboTV)
The Packers were terrible in there week 1 loss to the Vikings from the very first snap of the game. Aaron Rodgers looked out of sync with his young core of wide receivers. On the other hand, the Bears shocked the 49ers in a driving rainstorm to pull out an unlikely week 1 upset. Rodgers will look at this matchup on Sunday Night Football as the opportunity to right the ship and get the offense moving. lightning never strikes twice in the same place for the Bears to win this game and I have the Pickers winning big.
Packers 27-Bears 14
5. Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills -Monday, 7:15 p.m. ET (ESPN, FuboTV)
The Titans head into this matchup after blowing a big lead to fall to the Giants in week 1. Derrick Henry underwhelmed with 21 runs yielding 82 yards while Ryan Tannehill was pedestrian in completing 20 of 33 passes for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns. They now have the tough task of travelling on the road to face the Bills team who have been resting for 11 days. Josh Allen had a dominant second half and the Bills defense was great in a very impressive win against the Rams on opening night. Tennessee has the last two matchup in the head-to-head contest but the Bills should win big before hyped-up crowd on Monday Night Football.
Bills 31-Titans 17
Season record: 3-2