I won’t jump to conclusions after the second weekend of football, but there is cause for concern for several franchises. Some losses were due to injuries and teams playing hungrier, desperate to get wins before division play begins. Did the Panthers make it into my top 10 power rankings?
Lets Find Out….
- Tampa Bay (2-0) No team within the NFC may have the weapons that 44 year-old Tom Brady has at his disposal; and this is without a consistent run game heading into week three. The run game has been M.I.A. through two weeks, but that hasn’t slowed down this offensive arsenal attack…yet. Balance could come into play in week three, in a date with the Los Angeles Rams – my game of the week.
- Los Angeles Ram (2-0) Cooper Kupp single-handedly took over Sunday, becoming the first Ram since 1950 to have 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in the first two games of the season. It’s safe to say on this trend he may be headed for 1000 yards receiving within the first 8 games of the season. Up next is a test against Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers’ defense.
- Kansas City Chiefs (1-1) There may be a blue-print to beating the Chiefs, but every team doesn’t have the dual-threat talent of Lamar Jackson in their backfield. Shutting out the Chiefs in the 4th quarter shouldn’t be overlooked. If Lamar can get a consistent 3rd weapon outside of Hollywood Brown and Mark Andrews, watch out.
- Arizona Cardinals (2-0) The Kyler Murray show is here, whether you’re ready for it or not. The NFC West proved, yet again, it’s indeed the toughest division in football. The rookie sensation Rondale Moore on 8 targets had 7 receptions for 11 yards and a TD. You can no longer just keep your eyes on Deandre Hopkins and A.J. Green. If the Vikings’ kicker doesn’t miss the game-sealing field goal, we are perhaps having a different discussion.
- Seattle Seahawks (1-1) Derrick Henry got rolling in the second, half rushing for 182 yards with 3 Touchdowns. As the game goes on, the big back wears and tears on defenses. Tyler Lockett looks like Tyreek Hill 2.0. Russell Wilson has been on a mission to begin the season – informing us all those trade rumors before week 1 were exactly as we mentioned, rumors. Chris Carson tacked on two touchdowns Sunday after dealing with injuries the last two seasons. Can we get more D.K. Metcalf within the flow of the offense please for fantasy football reasons?!
- Buffalo Bills (1-1) Taking your frustrations out on a division foe and completely silencing them on the offensive end sent a statement through the entire division. These aren’t your grandfather’s Buffalo Bills. More of a balanced attack this week, with the running game, attributing to 3 touchdowns. Are the Bills the class of the NFC East?
- San Francisco 49ers (2-0) Injuries have depleted the 49ers run game with Elijah Mitchell suffering a shoulder injury on Sunday, who replaced Raheem Mostert whose expected to miss the season. Jimmy Garoppolo has to step up Sunday in matchup versus Mr. Rodgers on Sunday night football.
- Baltimore Ravens (1-1) There may be a blue-print to beating the Chiefs, but every team doesn’t have the dual-threat talent of Lamar Jackson in their backfield. Shutting out the Chiefs in the 4th quarter shouldn’t be overlooked. If Lamar can get a consistent 3rd weapon outside of Hollywood Brown and Mark Andrews, watch out.
- Cleveland Browns (1-1) Odell Beckham Jr. was ruled out during pregame and matters didn’t get better with Jarvis Landry spraining his MCL. Baker will be forced to play without his top 2 receivers in week 3 versus Chicago. Does Baker take a step back in his progression and lean towards Nick Chubb and the run game?
- Carolina Panthers (2-0) Hello Carolina! An impressive victory at Bank of America, against Jameiss Winston who threw 5 touchdowns on the Packers a week prior, leaps the Panthers into my top 10. Limiting Alvin Kamara, arguably the best dual-threat back in the NFL to just 5 yards rushing on 8 attempts, speaks for itself. The Panthers get a Texans team on a short week that lost its quarterback, veteran Tyrod Taylo,r Sunday to the Browns (he’s listed week to week). The Panthers’ defense looks like a top 5 juggernaut so far this season.