After an opening round in which some top teams lost their matches or key players, it is already time for Week 2. Teams will want to continue their good start or get their noses moving in the right direction. There are a number of interesting competitions on the programme. Read our predictions here, then you can place your bet at non GamStop bookmakers.
Minnesota Vikings (0-1) @ Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
Lincoln Financial Field | Thursday night | 02.15
The Vikings surprisingly lost their first game of the season to the lower-rated Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The standout was Justin Jefferson, who had already caught more than 100 yards before halftime. It became somewhat clear that almost everything at Jefferson will have to come today this year. He barely received a ball in the second half, and the Vikings collapsed. In the run-up to the difficult game with the Eagles, Minnesota has minor injury problems in the offensive line. Garrett Bradburry and Christian Darrisaw are both day-to-day.
The Eagles beat the Patriots, but it wasn’t as convincing as it usually was last year. Jalen Hurts had a hard time finding his receivers. Philly’s defence looked solid again, with rookie Jalen Carter as a positive standout. The Eagles have some injuries. Kenneth Gainwell is day-to-day, James Bradberry is in concussion protocol and linebacker Nakobe Deans was placed on IR. Still, Philly is the favourite in this home game. Prediction: Eagles.
Green Bay Packers (1-0) @ Atlanta Falcons (1-0)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Sunday| 7 p.m
The Packers started the Jordan Love era convincingly with a victory over the Bears. The Packers’ play looked more than solid at times, and that will give confidence that they can compete again in the NFC North this year. Aaron Jones excelled against the Bears, but he suffered a hamstring injury, which still makes him uncertain. Receiver Christian Watson missed the first game, he is still questionable.
The Falcons won, but it was certainly not convincing. Bright spots were rookie Bijan Robinson who scored a beautiful touchdown, and new safety Jessie Bates with 2 interceptions. Talented receivers Drake London and Kyle Pitts were again largely ignored during the game, no doubt to the frustration of many fantasy players. The Falcons are still largely fit, jack-of-all-trades Cordarelle Paterson and Jeff Okudah are questionable. The meeting between the Packers and the Falcons will go in the right direction for Green Bay. Prediction: Packers.
Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) @ Buffalo Bills (0-1)
Highmark Stadium | Sunday| 7 p.m
The Raiders won an uninteresting game against the Broncos. Jimmy Garoppolo’s game will give courage to citizens in Las Vegas. He didn’t do anything special, but he also made a few mistakes. This way the Raiders can win their games this year. Jacobi Meyers emerged from the match with the Broncos with a minor concussion, which means he is in the protocol. Chandler Jones is also questionable, but he is in contention with the Raiders.
The Bills lost a much-discussed game to the Jets. Even though New York played almost the entire game with Zach Wilson, Buffalo was unable to win. Josh Allen had a very difficult MNF, with three incomprehensible interceptions. If the Bills want to compete this year, they will have to play a different game against the Raiders. The positive point from the defeat is that the Bills emerged from the game unscathed. Von Miller is still missed. Buffalo will get their first win against the Raiders. Prediction: Bills.
Baltimore Ravens (1-0) @ Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)
Paycor Stadium | Sunday| 7 p.m
The Ravens won quite easily against the Texans, but that was not much of an issue in Baltimore last week. For the umpteenth year in a row, Baltimore has been hit by the injury spectre. JK Dobbins is out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Marcus Williams will also miss Week 2. Mark Andrews missed week 1 and is still questionable. On the offensive line, Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum are uncertain for the match against Cincinnati. Enough reason to worry about John Harbaugh.
The Bengals had no chance against the Browns. The offense in particular, from which fireworks would normally be expected, did not come off at all. 0 touchdowns, and 1 field goal, was the meagre harvest of the highest-paid player in the NFL, Joe Burrow. There is no immediate reason to panic in Cincinnati. Burrow missed the entire preseason and the Browns simply have a strong defense. The Bengals emerged from the match without injuries. Now they will put things in order against the battered AFC North rival from Baltimore. Prediction: Bengals.
Seattle Seahawks (0-1) @ Detroit Lions (1-0)
Ford Field | Sunday| 7 p.m
The Seahawks performed above expectations last year but were brought down to earth by the Rams in Week 1. The second half in particular was one to forget for Geno Smith and his team. O-liners Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas did not return from the match completely armpit-fresh. That’s why Seattle signed veteran Jason Peters. The Seahawks will also hope that safety Jamal Adams returns after all his injuries.
The Lions won the first game against the Chiefs. No one in Detroit will care that the Chiefs were missing two key players. This year the Lions want to compete in the NFC, and this is a good first step. Jared Goff stood out with more than solid play. If the former #1 pick continues to play like this, he can take Detroit far. The Lions emerged from the match against KC without any significant injuries and will continue their good form against the Seahawks. Prediction: Lions.
Indianapolis Colts (0-1) @ Houston Texans (0-1)
NRG Stadium | Sunday| 7 p.m
Not much is expected from the Colts this year. Last Sunday, Indianapolis lost to division rival Jacksonville. People will look back with satisfaction on Anthony Richardson ‘s debut. It was certainly not flawless, but the rookie showed at times that he has a lot of potential. In the upcoming game against the Texans, Richardson will have to show a lot with his legs. Running backs Jonathan Taylor and Evan Hull are unavailable and Zach Moss is questionable.
The Texans didn’t have much of a chance against the Ravens. Rookie quarterback CJ Stroud looked awkward, although that doesn’t necessarily mean anything in his very first game. Edge rusher Will Anderson already showed some nice things, Texas can have a lot of fun with him. The matchup between the Colts and Texans won’t be the best game of Week 2, but it will be interesting to see Richardson and Stroud in the same game. The Colts will come out on top. Prediction: Colts.
