By Zach Alvira
Head of Content
Week 1 of the NFL season is behind us, and boy what a treat it was.
The Cardinals showed they are much improved. The Rams and Lions gave fans an overtime thriller. San Francisco appeared to be firing on all cylinders even without Christian McCaffrey. The Eagles became the first NFL team to ever win a game in Brazil.
Needless to say, I'm excited for the second week of the season. Here's the five games I'm looking forward to watching this weekend from the couch. Let's start with some fireworks.
Buffalo Bills (1-0) at Miami Dolphins (1-0), Thursday Night Football
I think it would be a shame if we didn't see a ton of points scored Thursday night between these two. Josh Allen and the Bills started slow against the Cardinals, but eventually got it going to hold off the Red Birds for the win in Week 1. James Cook looked good against a much improved run defense, and it appears the loss of Stefon Diggs didn't hurt too much.
As for Miami, the Dolphins were locked in a tight one with Jacksonville but pulled it off. Tyreek Hill showed off his speed and Tua Tagovailoa showed off his arm strength. Both teams have solid defenses, but I still expect a lot of points on the board.
My best bet: Over 48.5 points
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) at Detroit Lions (1-0), Sunday - 10 a.m.
I warned you the Lions would be on this list every week. Just remember, this is my list, not yours. Anyway, Detroit showed the type of power run team it could be against the Rams, especially during the overtime period in which Penei Sewell and the boys DEMOLISHED the L.A. front seven. David Montgomery gouged the Rams and ultimately sealed the game right away on the ground. Jared Goff looked solid. Not great, but solid. Jameson Williams had a career night and that goes to show just how good Detroit truly is (totally biased opinion).
The Bucs come in after beating Washington in Week 1. Baker Mayfeild and Rachaad White continue to be the heart of the offense alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The biggest question, however, can the Bucs keep up with the Lions offensively? I personally don't think so.
My best bet: Lions -7.5
Los Angeles Rams (0-1) at Arizona Cardinals (0-1), Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
Are these two of the best winless teams in the NFL? Ok, maybe a little too early for that. But both teams looked solid despite losses.
Kyler Murray had command of the Cardinals offense. Michael Wilson showed he can be a legit target for Murray. The offensive line did solid in protection, though the injury bug may haunt them as the season goes on. The biggest question will be whether Marvin Harrison Jr. sees a bigger role moving forward. One reception won't cut it, and I know that isn't his fault. Los Angeles has also been hit with the injury bug. Way worse than the Cardinals, actually.
Yet Matthew Stafford looked to be in midseason form against Detroit. Cooper Kupp is still a threat. Kyren Williams (Go Irish) is becoming a great running back and despite the overtime period, the Rams defense was solid. This game is truly a tossup.
My best bet: Cardinals -1.5
Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-0), Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
Sure, the Bengals didn't look very good. But come on, it's Joe Burrow against Patrick Mahomes. Of course I'm going to watch this game.
These two have had herculean battles over the last few years, most notable deep in the AFC Playoffs. I don't buy the Bengals' struggles in Week 1. I also don't believe the Chiefs are firing on all cylinders quite yet. This will be a good litmus test for both. Are the Chiefs truly Super Bowl contenders/favorites again? Can the Bengals turn it around?
I hope those questions are answered with the same great quarterback play and back-and-forth battle we're used to with these two squads.
My best bet: Chiefs -5.5
Chicago Bears (1-0) at Houston Texans (1-0), Sunday, 5:20 p.m.
Future MVPs going at it? Well, maybe one for sure in C.J. Stroud. Caleb Williams still has some proving to do.
The Bears got it done against Tennessee in a close matchup. Williams didn't look spectacular, but he managed the game. The Bears defense came up clutch down the stretch to secure the victory, and they will likely be leaned upon again against Houston. The Texans won a close matchup against the Colts. Stroud threw for 234 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Joe Mixon had over 150 yeards on the ground. When was the last time that happened?
The Texans are loaded with talent. The Bears are, too. This is perhaps a matchup of two of the future faces of the NFL at quarterback and elite receivers. We're in for a treat.
My best bet: Texans -6.5
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