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The second week of the season is here. Plenty of information to digest off the openers. Time to make some more predictions as September reaches its midway point.
11. Saquon Barkley will get more touches
Granted the game against Dallas was out of hand early, but for Saquon Barkley to get 11 rushes and 6 targets (4 catches), it feels like the Giants were saving their star RB for a wiser day. Expect him to be busier against the Bills. Don’t think it will be as easy as the 120 yards rushing — 59 came on one play — against a Buffalo defense that is strong.
10. Kirk Cousins will break the century mark
Not the boldest of predictions. However, it has to be noted Kirk Cousins threw all of 10 passes, completing 8 for 98 yards against Atlanta. It would not be surprising if the Vikings’ QB throws more passes in one quarter against rival Green Bay. Heck, he could have more than 98 yards in a quarter, too.
9. Sam Ficken will miss a kick
No knock on the Jets’ newest kicker. This is more shade toward Adam Gase. The Jets let Jason Myers, who was 33-of-36 on FGAs and 30-of-33 on PATs in 2018 head to Seattle. Feels like they had no plan as Ficken is their fourth placekicker since the preseason. Shameful.
8. The Dolphins won’t allow 59 points
After the embarrassment against Baltimore, the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots visit Miami. Brian Flores is a disciple of Bill Belichick. The Dolphins play the Patriots tough in South Beach. Wouldn’t expect to see Belichick pile it on Flores … if he can find a way to win in Miami.
7. A missed call won’t impact Saints at Rams
The Saints’ bad run with refs has to stop somewhere. First, it was the non-call in the NFL Championship and Monday Night it was the bad call on how much time should have come off the clock on a play before halftime. The officiating crew Sunday at the Coliseum is going to be under the hot light. It can’t afford a mistake.
6. Lamar Jackson will outplay Kyler Murray
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Don’t be fooled by the fourth-quarter magic against the Lions. Kyler Murray and Arizona have a lot of growing pains to go through. And the Baltimore defense is far more of a test than the Detroit “D.” Expect more of the first three quarters in the opener than the last 25 minutes of playing time. Jackson may not be as brilliant as he was against Miami, but he still is more game-ready and tested than the reigning Heisman winner.
5. There won’t be 52 points in the Browns-Jets game
Why pick such a random number? The first Monday Night Football game saw the Browns defeat the Jets, 31-21. Hence, 52. In that one, former Giant Homer Jones had a 94-yard kickoff return for a TD. After Week 1, I wouldn’t expect an offensive outburst from either QB, particularly Sam Darnold
4. Odell Beckham Jr. will be booed — loudly
The talented but challenging WR returns to MetLife Stadium, where he starred and created a stir for the Giants. The fans will be wearing green and not blue. Still, there will not be a warm reception for Odell Beckham Jr.
3. The Broncos will give the Bears a tussle
Chicago could be in for a second consecutive low-scoring, tight game. The Bears’ offense didn’t wow anyone against Green Bay. One has to believe the Denver defense — and roster — is going to be fired up to try and win one for Vic Fangio. who used to be Chicago’s DC.
2. Ben Roethlisberger will rebound
Seattle is a tough out for any team, anywhere. Still, it is hard to believe the Steelers will put forth another stinker after the opener against the Patriots. Home cooking will stabilize the world for Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin. Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson had their hands full at home with the Bengals in Seattle. A 10 a.m. Pacific time for the Seahawks won’t help their body clocks in the Steel City.
1. 2 RBs will crack 100 yards in Colts-Titans
Derrick Henry and Marlon Mack will continue to tear through defenses. Both will have more than 100 yards and at least one score in the AFC South battle.
