Nfl game scout week # 2

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Week 2 GameScout: Titans at Jaguars
September 14, 2017

TENNESSEE TITANS (0-1) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-0)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, EverBank Field. TV: CBS, Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta.

SERIES HISTORY: 45th regular-season meeting. Titans lead series, 24-20. Last time there was a series sweep was in 2008. Last year's two games produced double-digit wins by both teams on their home fields. The previous six games were all decided by eight points or fewer. The biggest game between the two teams came on Jan. 23, 2000, when the Titans scored 23 unanswered points in the second half for a 33-14 win the AFC Championship Game before 75,206, the second largest home crowd in Jaguars history.

KEYS TO THE GAME: The Titans got away from their supposed identity Sunday in losing to Oakland, throwing the ball 41 times and running it only 21 times for 95 yards. The Titans have to be concerned about the Jaguars' defense, which had 10 sacks and forced four turnovers in hammering the Texans. The Titans' offensive line is better than Houston's, but the Titans still need to run the ball more efficiently with DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry and use play action to help neutralize the Jaguars' pass rush.

No need for the Jaguars to change the game plan from a week ago. They went into the Houston game convinced they could run the ball right at defensive end J.J. Watt, and they did. They churned out 155 yards on the ground and took the pressure off quarterback Blake Bortles, who did not need the big play through the air to win. Look for another heavy dose of Leonard Fournette with adequate relief from Chris Ivory as the Jaguars strive for a 160- to 180-yard rushing attack.

The Jags must contain talented Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota. They are not likely to match the team-record 10 sacks they had last week, but they will need to put enough pressure on Mariota to minimize his time to find open receivers.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Jaguars LT Cam Robinson vs. Titans LB Brian Orakpo. Robinson may think he deserves a week off after passing the test with flying colors against Houston's solid defensive front last week. Robinson and others helped hold J.J. Watt to just one tackle and very little pressure on Blake Bortles. While that was a successful debut for Robinson, there isn't any time for a let-up as Orakpo will be a challenge. The outside linebacker likes to blitz and he'll be coming right through Robinson. His ability to contain Orakpo and open holes on the left side for Leonard Fournette and Chris Ivory will go a long way toward determining whether the Jaguars can make it two wins in a row over divisional foes.

--Titans Pro Bowl LT Taylor Lewan vs. Jaguars DE Calais Campbell. Lewan and the Titans' offensive line did OK in pass protection last week, but they probably would prefer not to pass block 41 times a game like they did against Oakland. When the Titans do pass, they must account for Campbell, who had four sacks last week. He can line up inside, meaning OG Quinton Spain and C Ben Jones might be responsible for him in certain looks. Lewan, with his athleticism, is the Titans' best pass blocker and, even if he needs help, the Titans need to keep Campbell off Mariota.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Titans WR Rishard Matthews. While much of the attention was on the new weapons that Mariota has at the receiver position in Eric Decker, Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor, it was clear that Mariota still was plenty reliant on Matthews. The 2016 free-agent signee, who had 65 catches a year ago, caught five passes for 71 yards against Oakland. His 24-yard catch was Tennessee's biggest gain of the day.

FAST FACTS: Titans QB Marcus Mariota passed for 256 yards and rushed for a TD last week. He has six passing TDs vs. one INT and 126 rushing yards in the past three meetings. He has not thrown an interception in four straight division games. ... Titans RB DeMarco Murray has eclipsed 100 yards rushing in two of the past three meetings. Since 2013, he leads the NFL with 37 rushing TDs and ranks second with 4,999 yards rushing. ... Titans LB Brian Orakpo has two forced fumbles and a sack in two games at Jacksonville. ... In the last three meetings, Jaguars QB Blake Bortles has thrown for 984 yards (328 per game) with nine TDs and no interceptions. ... Jaguars rookie RB Leonard Fournette rushed for 100 yards and a TD last week and is the first RB in franchise history with100 yards rushing in his NFL debut. ... Titans CB Jalen Ramsey had a pick-six and four passes defensed in the last meeting. He has 16 passes defensed, two picks and a forced fumble in the past six games.

PREDICTION: This will be a game in which either Mariota or Fournette decides the outcome. They will both make the game watchable, but Mariota seems due to have a breakout year despite a slow start vs. Oakland.

OUR PICK: Titans, 24-17.

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Week 2 GameScout: Texans at Bengals
September 14, 2017

HOUSTON TEXANS (0-1) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-1)

KICKOFF: Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET, Paul Brown Stadium. TV: NFL Network, NBC, Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya.

SERIES HISTORY: 10th regular-season meeting. Texans lead series, 5-4. The Bengals won the first three games in the series, but Houston has won five of the past six meetings, including three games at Paul Brown Stadium. The Texans also defeated the Bengals in AFC wild-card playoff games in 2011 and 2012.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Major focus on this game is that Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to start his first NFL game. It wasn't official as of Wednesday morning, but the Houston Chronicle reported that Watson's injured right ankle held up fine during practice Tuesday and he took snaps with the first team. He replaced Tom Savage in the season opener and the team likes his superior mobility. Still, the Texans should use a lot of maximum protection after allowing 10 sacks, a franchise record, against Jacksonville. Defensively, the Texans will try to set the edge better than they did last week, when they allowed 155 rushing yards.

On Wednesday, Texans linebacker Brian Cushing was suspended 10 games for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs. He was already out for this game with a concussion.

Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is coming off one of the worst performances of his career as he threw four interceptions and lost a fumble last week. He will face a formidable Texans defensive front featuring J.J .Watt. The Bengals' suspect offensive line needs to figure out a way to protect Dalton and prevent tipped balls, two of which resulted in interceptions last week.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

---Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Bengals CB Adam Jones. Hopkins was targeted 16 times last week, but caught just seven passes for 55 yards and one score. Jones returns from a one-game suspension.

--Texans DE J.J. Watt vs. Bengals offensive line. Watt has nine tackles and a sack in his career against the Bengals, whose O-line came into this season with three new starters before losing guard Trey Hopkins to a knee injury last week. The Bengals' line allowed five sacks and a strip-fumble in the opener.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Bengals WR John Ross. The first-round draft choice was a full participant in practice this week, but coach Marvin Lewis said that doesn't mean he will play Thursday night. Ross has been out with a knee sprain since being a late arrival to training camp due to a shoulder injury suffered in college. Ross' NFL debut is much-anticipated after he ran a scouting-combine record 4.22-second 40-yard dash.

FAST FACTS:Texans DE J.J. Watt had sack in his last game at Cincinnati. He has 76 sacks since entering league in 2011, most in NFL. ... Texans DE Jadeveon Clowney had a sack in the last meeting. He led the team and ranked second in the AFC with 16 TFL last season. ... Houston LB Whitney Mercilus has three sacks and five TFL in the past two meetings. His 19.5 sacks since 2015 are fifth among NFL rush linebackers. ... Bengals QB Andy Dalton passed for 268 yards and a TD in the last meeting. He and Carson Palmer are the only QBs in Bengals history with multiple seasons of 4,000 passing yards. Dalton ranked fourth in the AFC with 53 completions of 25 yards or more last season. ... Bengals WR A.J. Green had a team-high 74 receiving yards last week. He has 22 catches (7.3 per game) for 247 yards (82.3 per game) in three career meetings with Houston. He ranks second in team history with 7,209 yards receiving.

PREDICTION: Game could be decided by which quarterback handles pressure the best. This will be a trial by fire for Watson who will not have the team's top three tight ends, C.J. Fiedorowicz (injured reserve), Ryan Griffin and Stephen Anderson (concussions). The team will go with Evan Baylis from the practice squad. Watson's mobility should serve the Texans better than Savage's strong arm. That will be a big draw to watch the game, but Bengals veteran quarterback Dalton will certainly do his best to avoid opening the season 0-2 at home.

OUR PICK: Bengals, 28-21.

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Week 2 GameScout: Packers at Falcons
September 14, 2017

GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-0) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (1-0)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium. TV: NBC, Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya.

SERIES HISTORY: 29th regular-season meeting. Packers lead series, 15-13. The Falcons beat the Packers in the regular season in 2016 and thumped them 44-21 in the NFC Championship Game last season to earn the franchise's second trip to the Super Bowl.

KEYS TO THE GAME: The Falcons will be on alert for possible scrambles from Packers QB Aaron Rodgers when he extends plays and when he tries to take shots and cash in on free plays with his cadence. He had four free shots against Seattle.

"He's fantastic on the move with the way he can improvise and get out of the pocket," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. "When you can extend plays, that makes it difficult because now the coverage definitely turns in."

When he gets loose, the Falcons may have to jump out of a zone coverage and convert to man on the fly.

"We use the term, 'Plaster' when a quarterback breaks contain," Quinn said. "He can also run for some first downs when he needs to. They have a really unique style that they play."

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Packers TE Martellus Bennett vs. Falcons SS Keanu Neal. Bennett caught three of six targets for 43 yards against Seattle as the Packers moved him around in different formations. "He's a good matchup guy," Quinn said. The Falcons have the option of using Neal or strong-side linebacker DeVondre Campbell to cover Bennett. Campbell had a pass breakup against the Bears.

--Packers WR Randall Cobb vs. Falcons CB Brian Poole. The Packers like to hit Cobb on short quick routes so he can make a move and get in the open field. Poole is a tough defender and strong open-field tackler. Cobb caught six passes for 82 yards in the NFC Championship Game against the Falcons last season. He caught nine passes vs. Seattle.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Falcons TE Austin Hooper. He caught two passes for 128 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown catch-and-run, in the season opener against the Chicago Bears. The second-year player from Stanford is taking over as the starter from Jacob Tamme, who was not re-signed.

"I knew he had some speed," QB Matt Ryan said when asked about Hooper's big season opener. "He's sneaky with his ability to run. He's had to work extremely hard this offseason. I'm proud of the way he handled that. Sometimes, it's tough after your rookie year. You're tired, you're beat up, (you must) find the right mindset to get back and work and get better. I thought Austin did a great job at that this year."

FAST FACTS: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has passed for 300 yards in five of his past six games, including the postseason. Rodgers has a 117 passer rating (2,279 yards, 19 TDs, 2 INTs) in seven career games against the Falcons. ... Falcons QB Matt Ryan has passed for 1,055 yards, 11 TDs and 1 INT in his past three performances, including the playoffs. His passer rating during that span is 129.1. ... Packers WR Jordy Nelson has 18 receptions for 307 yards and four touchdowns in his last three contests against Atlanta. ... Falcons DE Brooks Reid is coming off his second career multi-sack performance. Reed's takedown of Chicago QB Mike Glennon in the waning seconds preserved the Falcons' season-opening win.

PREDICTION: What a terrific prime-time matchup. In a nearly even game, the edge goes to the home team, particularly when one considers that it will be the first game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

OUR PICK: Falcons, 30-27.

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Week 2 GameScout: Lions at Giants
September 14, 2017

DETROIT LIONS (1-0) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (0-1)

KICKOFF: Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium. TV: ESPN, Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters.

SERIES HISTORY: 44th regular-season meeting. Series tied, 21-21-1. The Giants beat the Lions 17-6 last season, the first of three straight losses the Lions suffered to end the season and cost them the NFC North title. The most famous meeting between these two teams happened in the 1935 championship game, when the Lions beat the Giants 26-7 for their first title.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Running the ball has been a chore for the Lions against much lesser teams, so expect the Lions to use the short passing game to loosen up one of the best defenses in the NFL. Theo Riddick could be especially active against the Giants' linebackers, and Ameer Abdullah is a threat catching the ball as well.

On defense, the Lions must take advantage of a leaky Giants offensive line and get pressure on Eli Manning. Both Ziggy Ansah and Anthony Zettel are capable of big games, and Haloti Ngata should be disruptive against John Jerry. Points won't be easy to come by, so taking care of the football and maximizing field position are necessities.

The Giants' offense is seeking redemption, starting with a more balanced offensive attack that helps keep the group on the field and gives the already overworked defense more of a breather. For that to happen, the Giants need to get a much better showing from their beleaguered offensive line, which last week couldn't execute on a consistent basis.

The Giants also hope to have star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (sprained ankle) back for this game. The fourth-year receiver is likely to be a game-time decision, needing to convince the team's medical staff and himself that his healing ankle can hold up.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Lions CB Darius Slay. Slay left last year's Giants game in the first half with a hamstring injury, and Beckham is no lock to play this week because of an ankle sprain. But, if both players make it to Monday, this should be a prime-time matchup between one of the best receivers in the game and a potential Pro Bowl cornerback. If the Lions can hold Beckham in check, they should have success against the Giants offense.

--Lions RG T.J. Lang vs. Giants DT Damon Harrison. Lang had an uneven Lions debut last week, drawing two penalties in a game in which the Lions struggled to run the ball. But they went out and got the veteran guard for matchups like this. Harrison is one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the game, and his power is tough for any interior lineman to match.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Lions CB Quandre Diggs. Diggs finished last season on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle, then had his job as the Lions' nickel cornerback threatened this offseason when the team signed D.J. Hayden. In last week's opener, Diggs shined with three pass breakups and allowed just one catch to Larry Fitzgerald in man coverage (on a bubble screen). With Hayden splitting time with Nevin Lawson as an outside cornerback, it'll be up to Diggs this week to shut down talented Giants slot receiver Sterling Shepard.

FAST FACTS: Detroit QB Matthew Stafford passed for 292 yards, four TDs and one interception in Week 1. In the past two vs. the Giants, he has 619 passing yards (309.5 per game) and two TDs. ... Detroit RB Theo Riddick caught six passes and scored last week. Since 2014, he ranks first among NFL RBs with 13 receiving TDs. ... Detroit WR Golden Tate led the team with 10 receptions and 107 yards in Week 1. In his past two games vs. the Giants, he has 14 receptions for 215 yards (107.5 per game). He has 290 receptions since 2014, fourth among NFL receivers. ... Giants QB Eli Manning made his 200th consecutive start last week, the third-longest streak by a QB in NFL history. In two home games vs. Detroit, he has 378 passing yards, four TDs and no INTs. He needs 23 completions to pass Hall of Famer John Elway (4,123) for the sixth-most completions in NFL history. ... Giants WR Sterling Shepard caught a TD pass in the last meeting. He has a TD catch in four of the past five home games.

PREDICTION: Neither team has a running game, but at least the Lions can throw the ball consistently.

OUR PICK: Lions, 21-16.

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Week 2 GameScout: Eagles at Chiefs
September 14, 2017

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-0) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-0)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Arrowhead Stadium. TV: FOX, Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis, Pam Oliver.

SERIES HISTORY: 8th regular-season meeting. Eagles lead series, 4-3. The Chiefs have lost two of their four home openers under coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs prevailed in the only other matchup between Reid and his former team. The Chiefs won 26-16 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia behind the 172 total yards of running back Jamaal Charles.

KEYS TO THE GAME: The student meets the master as Doug Pederson leads his Eagles against Pederson's former boss, Andy Reid.

Kansas City, fresh off a convincing win at New England, must figure out how to protect Alex Smith and open up running lanes outside for rookie running back Kareem Hunt.

Hunt found success on the edges in Week 1, gaining 128 yards on 12 carries, but the rookie picked up just 11 yards on three inside rushes.

The Chiefs' offensive line faces a steep challenge against the Eagles' front seven, starting with defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. The Eagles present a tough, physical pressure defense that will test the nimble and athletic Chiefs offensive front. That puts pressure on Smith to get rid of the ball quickly.

When the Eagles have the ball, the biggest battles loom on the edges with tackles Lane Johnson and Jason Peters tasked with protecting quarterback Carson Wentz from pass rushers Justin Houston and Dee Ford.

But Wentz showed last week he doesn't always need time to make plays down field.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Chiefs OL vs. Eagles front seven. The Chiefs use their athletic and nimble offensive line to create opportunities on the edges and down the field. The Eagles' front seven, led by Fletcher Cox, poses a more physical challenge than the Chiefs faced last week at New England. The offensive line must provide time for QB Alex Smith and create running lanes for rookie RB Kareem Hunt.

--Chiefs LB Justin Houston vs. Eagles RT Lane Johnson. Houston looked in peak form against the Patriots, notching two sacks and showing the ability to make plays in both the run and passing games. Johnson keeping Houston away from Wentz is the key to neutralizing the Chiefs' pass rush.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Chiefs RB Charcandrick West. West received just one touch against New England, but made it count with a 21-yard touchdown run. RB Kareem Hunt faces the pressure of following up one of the best debuts in NFL history, but a week of distractions could take their toll on the rookie. West looks healthy once again after a high-ankle sprain derailed much of his 2016 season. West can run as well as catch the ball out of the backfield.

FAST FACTS: Eagles QB Carson Wentz completed 26 of 39 (66.7 percent) for 307 yards, two TDs and a pick in Week 1. The second-year player has five career 300-yard games and is 4-0 in September. ... Eagles WR Nelson Agholor tallied a career-high six receptions for 86 yards, including a 58-yard TD, last week. ... Eagles DE Brandon Graham had two sacks and forced a fumble in Week 1. ... Eagles DT Fletcher Cox tallied a sack, forced a fumble and returned a fumble for a TD last week. He has five sacks in his past five games vs. the AFC. ... Chiefs coach Andy Reid was Philadelphia's coach from 1999 to 2012 and led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games. ... Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt tallied 246 scrimmage yards (148 rushing), the most by an NFL player in his debut. He also scored three TDs.

PREDICTION: These coaches know each other well, and the difference just might be QB experience and special teams, which both favor the home team.

OUR PICK: Chiefs, 27-24.

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Week 2 GameScout: Cardinals at Colts
September 14, 2017

ARIZONA CARDINALS (0-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-1)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium. TV: FOX, Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin.

SERIES HISTORY: 16th regular-season meeting. Colts lead series, 8-7. The Cardinals routed the Colts in the most recent meeting, 40-11, in 2013. That was Cardinals coach Bruce Arians' first season in the desert and it came a year after he won NFL Coach of the Year as the Colts' interim head coach.

KEYS TO THE GAME: The Cardinals' offense might go into this game with wide eyes after watching the Los Angeles Rams batter the Colts for 46 points in Week 1. Given Carson Palmer's issues in Detroit, especially with spotting the open man and throwing a handful of passes in the dirt, it probably would behoove the Cardinals to shift to a quicker passing attack with shorter, underneath throws and a variety of screen plays to receivers, running backs and tight ends.

The running game, meanwhile, remains anyone's guess now that the team has lost its most valuable weapon in running back David Johnson, who might not be back until Christmas because of a dislocated wrist. Kerwynn Williams and Andre Ellington probably can't be counted on to elicit too many fears even against the Colts' porous defense.

Defensively, it's clear the Cardinals will want to mount a consistent pass rush against whichever quarterback the Colts start. Andrew Luck is still sidelined following shoulder surgery. It may not matter if the starter is Scott Tolzien or newcomer Jacoby Brissett, although the latter presents more of a challenge in terms of mobility. The Cardinals played more zone coverage with their defensive backs in Week 1. Look for them to revert back to their bread and butter -- press-man coverage -- this time. The Colts could counter by focusing on running back Frank Gore, who rushed for 144 yards in his last game against the Cardinals.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Cardinals LT John Wetzel vs. Colts DE Henry Anderson and OLB John Simon. Indianapolis managed only one sack against the Rams and QB Jared Goff in Week 1, but look for the Colts to try to exploit Wetzel, who will be filling in for D.J. Humphries (sprained right MCL). Wetzel can assume he will get the treatment from Anderson and Simon.

--Colts TE Jack Doyle vs. Cardinals LB Chandler Jones and LB Markus Golden. Doyle is one of six tight ends in the NFL with at 60-plus receptions and five-plus touchdowns since 2016. Doyle could be a friendly target for the Colts, and it will be incumbent upon the Cardinals' linebackers to make sure Doyle does not break free.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Colts WR T.Y. Hilton. Hilton has a tough challenge ahead of him, but he might be up for it. The 27-year-old, three-time Pro Bowl wideout needs to resuscitate the Colts' passing game even though he is not the one throwing passes. Hilton has topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past four seasons. This year, he is off to a relatively quiet start, with three catches for 57 yards in the season opener. Tolzien failed to connect with him on several plays, including an interception on a throw that missed its mark. Arizona allowed 285 passing yards in Week 1 and will try to bounce back on the road. Cardinals CB Justin Bethel will try to stay hot after returning an interception 82 yards for a touchdown.

FAST FACTS: Cardinals RB Kerwynn Williams is aiming for his fourth game in the past five contests with a rushing touchdown. Williams carried the ball five times for 10 yards in the season opener but managed to find the end zone. ... Colts WR Donte Moncrief has a touchdown reception in two of his past three games against NFC opponents. ... Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson has picked off 20 passes since 2011, which is the third-most in the NFL. ... Colts K Adam Vinatieri has 531 field goals in his career, which is No. 3 on the NFL's all-time list. Vinatieri trails only Morten Andersen (565) and Gary Anderson (538).

PREDICTION: After losing their best playmaker on offense, the Cardinals could use a matchup like this. The Colts are a mess without their star quarterback, which should spell good medicine for Arizona.

OUR PICK: Cardinals, 28-13.

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Week 2 GameScout: Bills at Panthers
September 14, 2017

BUFFALO BILLS (1-0) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-0)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Bank of America Stadium. TV: CBS, Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon.

SERIES HISTORY: 7th regular-season meeting. Bills lead series, 5-1. Buffalo has won the last two matchups, including the most recent in 2013.

KEYS TO THE GAME: First-year Bills coach Sean McDermott is trying to avoid his first loss in his new job while facing an opponent he knows well. McDermott spent the past six seasons as Carolina's defensive coordinator. Look for Carolina to continue to expand what QB Cam Newton can do now that he has played a full game and had a healthy dose of practice time after some limitations throughout training camp while recovering from shoulder surgery. The Panthers will want to test the Bills' secondary with downfield passes to see what cracks are evident.

The Bills must find a way to be more dangerous in the passing game. Against the Jets, they stayed close to the vest and QB Tyrod Taylor threw mostly short passes to his backs and tight ends. He targeted his wide receivers only eight times, and they combined for just four catches for 83 yards and a TD. The Panthers are stout in the front seven and it may be difficult for the Bills to get LeSean McCoy going, though they will certainly try, so Taylor must take some shots downfield in an effort to bite some big chunks of yardage.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin vs. Bills CB Tre'Davious White. White had a very nice debut last week, but it would have been difficult for him not to against the Jets' weak receivers. We should get a better feel for the first-rounder this week, especially if he matches up with Benjamin. White is 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, while Benjamin is 6-5, 245. That's a huge physical disparity that the Panthers may look to exploit because White does not switch sides in Buffalo's zone, so Carolina could get the matchup often..

--Bills C Eric Wood vs. Panthers DT Star Lotulelei. Lotulelei has been disruptive during the preseason and the opener, but he'll be dealing with a wily veteran in Wood. The Bills are counting on moving bodies along the offensive front in order to spring RB LeSean McCoy loose. If Lotulelei can dictate movement along the front, it could open lanes for Carolina linebackers to make more plays.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Panthers WR Curtis Samuel: The speedy rookie out of Ohio State plays in his first home game after a rather quiet debut. He's one of the players coach Ron Rivera would like to see on the field more often, particularly with his potential to stretch defenses. The second-round draftee didn't have a reception in the opener.

FAST FACTS: Bills QB Tyrod Taylor rushed for 38 yards in Week 1 and set a franchise record for most career rushing yards by a QB (1,186). .. Buffalo RB LeSean McCoy had 159 scrimmage yards (110 rushing) last week. He has gone over 100 in 66 games since entering league in 2009, the most in the NFL. ... Buffalo S Micah Hyde notched an interception last week and has nine INTs since 2014, tied for seventh among NFL safeties. ... Panthers QB Cam Newton passed for two TDs last week. He threw for 229 yards and two TDs in the last meeting. He is the only active QB with at least 20,000 passing yards (21,943) and 3,000 rushing yards (3,569). ... Carolina rookie RB Christian McCaffrey totaled 85 yards from scrimmage (47 receiving) in his NFL debut last week. He led the team with five catches. ... Carolina LB Luke Keuchly made seven tackles and hauled in an interception in Week 1. He totaled 14 tackles and an INT in the last meeting. In eight home games vs. the AFC, he has 87 tackles (10.9 per game), a sack, a forced fumble and two interceptions. Since 2012, he leads the NFL with 700 tackles and leads NFL linebackers with 13 interceptions.

PREDICTION: McDermott isn't the only ex-Panther with the Bills. First-year Bills general manager Brandon Beane spent 19 years in the Carolina organization, including the past two as assistant general manager. Perhaps that's why the Bills appear to be building a roster with a Carolina recipe. But too many ingredients are still missing.

OUR PICK: Panthers, 35-17.

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Game 2 GameScout: Browns at Ravens
September 14, 2017

CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-1) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-0)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, M&T Bank Stadium. TV: CBS, Andrew Catalon, James Lofton, Steve Tasker.

SERIES HISTORY: 37th regular-season meeting. Ravens lead series, 27-9. It was bad enough for the Browns before the Ravens drafted quarterback Joe Flacco in 2008, but it has been even tougher on them since then. The Browns have faced Flacco 17 times and beaten him only twice.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Ravens blueprint for success in Week 1: Run the ball effectively and play lockdown, mistake-free defense. Baltimore was completely dominant in a 20-0 win over Cincinnati. The Ravens had four interceptions against Bengals veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, so they will try to rattle Browns rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer early and often.

The Ravens' offense suffered a big setback when running back Danny Woodhead was ruled out at least four weeks with a hamstring injury. Baltimore has two running backs on its practice squad -- Alex Collins and Jeremy Langford -- who could be promoted to the active roster for depth, but the first option could be Buck Allen, who has shown promise catching the ball and making defenders miss tackles.

The Browns put some pressure on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but sacked him only once. Their chances of beating the Ravens increase if the pass rush can finish the job against Flacco. That could mean getting creative with inside blitzes. Middle linebacker Joe Schobert proved in preseason he has the quickness to blitz successfully.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

-- Ravens LB Terrell Suggs vs. Browns OT Joe Thomas. Suggs is a six-time Pro Bowler and Thomas has earned 10 trips to the Pro Bowl. These two veterans already had epic battles in the trenches. They are also regarded among the best all-time players at their positions. Suggs, 34, had six tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble last week against the Bengals. However, he will face a bigger challenge against Thomas, who is tasked with helping keep young quarterback DeShone Kizer upright. These combatants know each other's tendencies, so this should be high-level NFL entertainment. .

--Ravens WR Jeremy Maclin vs. Browns CB Jamar Taylor. Steelers receiver Antonio Brown caught 11 passes last week for 182 yards, many with Taylor defending him. Maclin caught a 48-yard touchdown pass against the Bengals in the opener. The Ravens are likely to test Taylor until he proves he can cover Maclin successfully.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Ravens RB Buck Allen. With Danny Woodhead out with a hamstring injury, Allen will play a bigger role in the offense. He already got a lot of work in the opener against the Bengals, carrying the ball 21 times for 71 yards. After being benched last year, Allen worked hard in the offseason and the results have shown since the beginning of training camp. He could have a big game this week against the Browns, especially with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

FAST FACTS: Browns rookie QB DeShone Kizer completed 20 of 30 for 222 yards, one TD and one interception, adding a rushing TD, in his debut. ... Browns RB Isaiah Crowell has 201 scrimmage yards (156 rushing yards) and a rushing TD in his past two games vs. Baltimore. He has 100-yard rushing performances in two of his past three division games. ... Browns LB Jamie Collins had a sack in last meeting. He is one of two players in the NFL with at least 10 sacks (12.5) and five INTs (5) since 2014. . . The Ravens are coming off their first shutout win since Nov. 16, 2009, at Cleveland. ... Baltimore QB Joe Flacco has 1,120 yards passing (280 per game) with eight TDs and four INTs in his past four games vs. Cleveland. ... S Tony Jefferson made nine tackles, including a sack, in his debut with the Ravens.

PREDICTION: Flacco missed the entire preseason with a back injury and did not take many chances in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, especially with an early lead. However, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Flacco is fully able to throw the ball downfield if needed, so watch for Baltimore to open it up, if necessary. And it may become necessary because Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams put together a quick, hard-hitting defense that held Pittsburgh to just 35 yards on the ground.

OUR PICK: Ravens, 31-21.

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Week 2 GameScout: Vikings at Steelers
September 14, 2017

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-0) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-0)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Heinz Field. TV: FOX, Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber, Kristina Pink.

SERIES HISTORY: 17th regular-season meeting. Vikings lead series, 9-7, but the Steelers have won three of the past four. The Vikings won the most recent meeting, 34-27, in September 2013 in London. The Steelers won the only postseason meeting between the teams. The Steelers beat the Vikings 16-6 in Super Bowl IX.

KEYS TO THE GAME: The Steelers want to have a balanced offense. That's their goal every week. But in the opener at Cleveland, the Browns' style of defense and some early penalties forced the Steelers to deviate from their plan. They passed 36 times and ran it just 17. Expect that to change against the Vikings. Running back Le'Veon Bell had just 10 carries for 32 yards against the Browns. The Steelers want to get him more touches, especially early in the game, so he can develop a rhythm.

When the Steelers are on defense, they'll look to stuff the run and make the Vikings a one-dimensional offense. Vikings rookie running back Dalvin Cook had 127 yards in his debut, and the Steelers will try to limit his effectiveness. If they can do that and force Sam Bradford into obvious passing situations, they should be able to tee off and rush the passer. They sacked Browns rookie DeShone Kizer seven times.

The Vikings have to stop receiver Antonio Brown. To do that, they first must stop Bell. The Vikings' run defense slammed the door early on Adrian Peterson and the New Orleans Saints. If the same can be done against Bell and the Steelers, the Vikings have the corners to slow Brown.

Offensively, the Vikings' line needs another clean performance. No pre-snap penalties in the hostile surroundings. If they start doing that, the three-and-outs will pile up, and the Steelers will take control of the game.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Vikings WR Stephon Diggs vs. Steelers CB Joe Haden and CB Artie Burns. Diggs had seven catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints while Haden was targeted early and often by the Browns. This is the reason the Steelers traded for Haden -- to match up with other team's top receivers. Burns will get his chances to cover Diggs because the Vikings move him around in their formations.

--Steelers WR Antonio Brown vs. Vikings CBs Xavier Rhodes and Terence Newman. Rhodes, the team's Pro Bowl corner, is expected to shadow Brown whenever he lines up outside. Rhodes usually shadows a receiver of Brown's ability. But he hasn't gone inside and lined up over a receiver in the slot. Brown can be a dangerous slot receiver. Newman, the 39-year-old former starter, took the bulk of the snaps in the nickel slot position last week. Mackensie Alexander, a second-year pro who has yet to seize his opportunity to be the full-time nickel corner, could see snaps inside as well. But the Vikings will want to try to keep either Rhodes or Newman on Brown for most of the game.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Steelers WR Martavis Bryant. Bryant was quiet in his first game since January 2016. The Browns held him to two catches for 14 yards. Look for the Steelers to get their big-play receiver a little more involved against the Vikings. Bryant was a big-play machine in 2014 and 2015. He missed last season on a drug suspension. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will look his way more this week.

FAST FACTS: Minnesota QB Sam Bradford completed 84.4 percent of his passes for 346 yards, three TDs and no INTs last week. In his past three vs. the AFC, he has 854 passing yards, three TDs and one INT. ... Vikings RB Dalvin Cook rushed for 127 yards in Week 1, the most by a Viking in his NFL debut. ... Minnesota WR Adam Thielen led the team with nine receptions and 157 yards last week. He has 16 receptions, 303 yards and two TDs in his past two road games. ... Minnesota DE Everson Griffen had six tackles and a sack last week. He had a sack and forced fumble in the last meeting. He has 31.5 sacks since 2014, fifth in the NFL. ... Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger passed for 263 yards, two TDs and one INT last week. He had 383 passing yards in the last meeting. He is 32-15 vs. the NFC. ... Pittsburgh WR Antonio Brown had 11 catches for 182 yards in Week 1. He has six games with at least 175 yards since entering league in 2010, most among active players. He caught 12 passes for 88 yards in the last meeting.

PREDICTION: The Vikings' stout defense should be able to force Pittsburgh to be one-dimensional, and Bradford figures to hit some downfield plays vs. the Steelers' revamped secondary.

OUR PICK: Vikings, 28-20.

[StarDust Bum]

Week 2 GameScout: Redskins at Rams
September 14, 2017

WASHINGTON REDSKINS (0-1) AT LOS ANGELES RAMS (1-0)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. TV: FOX, Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman, Peter Schrager.

SERIES HISTORY: 36th regular-season meeting. Redskins lead series, 23-11-1. Washington won 24-10 in Week 2 of the 2015 season at FedEx Field. This is Washington's first visit to Los Angeles since Dec. 24, 1994. That was the Rams' last game in Southern California before the franchise relocated to St. Louis. They returned to Los Angeles last season. The teams have split four playoff games. They played a memorable playoff game in 1986 in which the Rams fumbled three times and star running back Eric Dickerson was run down by speedy Redskins CB Darrell Green on a 65-yard run.

KEYS TO THE GAME: The Redskins must find more balance on offense. They couldn't run the ball against Philadelphia in Week 1 and that made it easier for the Eagles to attack with pressure and keep quarterback Kirk Cousins from finding any rhythm. That task won't get any easier against a Rams front that might include star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who could play Sunday after ending his holdout last week.

In Week 1, Washington ran it 17 times and threw it 40. If the running backs aren't up to the challenge, then quick passes to Terrelle Pryor and Jamison Crowder might get Cousins and his receivers into a rhythm early and serve as a proxy for the run game.

Washington knows all about what Rams coach Sean McVay, Washington's former offensive coordinator, likes to run on offense. This will be a chess match. The Redskins have more speed on the field this year with Zach Brown, a Pro Bowler in 2016, now at inside linebacker next to Mason Foster and D.J. Swearinger at safety. The defensive line, led by rookie Jonathan Allen, held up well in the run game against Philadelphia, which was held to 58 rushing yards.

In Week 1, the Rams looked efficient in the passing game as nine players caught passes from Jared Goff. They need to use that as a catalyst to get Todd Gurley and the running game going. Gurley was held to 40 rushing yards last week.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Rams RT Rob Havenstein vs. Redskins OLB Ryan Kerrigan. Kerrigan had his third career interception return for a touchdown against the Eagles on Sunday. But he and his teammates blew golden chances to sack Carson Wentz, who made them pay for missed tackles in the backfield. The same can't happen against Los Angeles' Jared Goff. Havenstein has the challenge of holding off the productive Kerrigan, who did half a half sack in Week 1.

--Redskins TE Jordan Reed vs. Rams LB Mark Barron. Barron is one of the most athletic defenders in the NFL and will be vitally important in slowing down Reed, who presents huge matchup problems with opposing linebackers and safeties in the Redskins' TE-heavy attack.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Rams DT Aaron Donald. The Pro Bowl lineman is expected to play after ending his holdout last week. Maybe the best defensive lineman in the NFL, Donald doesn't need much time to get ready. Donald leads all DTs with 28 sacks and 57 tackles for loss since entering the NFL in 2014. He has nine tackles and 1.5 sacks in two previous games against Washington. The interior of the Redskins' offensive line, especially Pro Bowl RG Brandon Scherff, will be tested.

FAST FACTS: Washington QB Kirk Cousins completed 85.2 percent of his passes for 203 yards and a TD in the last meeting. In his past 12 road games, he has 3,587 passing yards (298.9 per game), 22 TDs, six INTs and a 105.7 rating. ... WR Terrelle Pryor led Washington with six receptions and 66 yards in his team debut. ... Washington TE Jordan Reed caught six passes for 82 yards in the last meeting. Since 2015, he ranks second among NFL TEs with 17 TDs. He has three TDs in his past three road contests. ... The Rams' Sean McVay won his coaching debut last week against the Indianapolis Colts. The Rams' 46 points were the third-highest total in a coach's debut since 1933. McVay was Washington's offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016. ... Rams QB Jared Goff completed 21 of 29 for a career-high 306 yards and a TD in Week 1.

PREDICTION: Goff seems to have adjusted to his new receivers more quickly than Cousins has, and the Rams' good defense could be boosted by Donald.

OUR PICK: Rams, 24-20.

[StarDust Bum]

Week 2 GameScout: Patriots at Saints
September 14, 2017

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (0-1) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-1)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Mercedes-Benz Superdome. TV: CBS, Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson.

SERIES HISTORY: 14th regular-season meeting. Patriots lead series, 9-4. New England has had a long-standing upper hand over New Orleans, including the first five meetings in the series from 1972 to 1986 before the Saints took three in a row. More recently, the games have been quite competitive, with longtime friends Bill Belichick and Sean Payton leading their squads. The Patriots needed a Tom Brady-to-Kenbrell Thompkins 17-yard touchdown pass with five seconds to play to pull off the comeback 30-27 victory in Foxborough in the most recent meeting, in 2013. The last battle in the bayou saw the Saints dispatch the Patriots 38-17 on "Monday Night Football" in 2009, with Drew Brees throwing five touchdown passes and notching a perfect 158.3 passer rating.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Look for Patriots QB Tom Brady to get back to the basics with quick, timely, rhythmic throws against a suspect Saints secondary that starts two rookies. That means some potential slot throws to Chris Hogan, as well as full use of his pass-catching backs in matchups against rookie Alex Anzalone and New Orleans' young linebackers.

Defensively, the personnel will be as interesting as the game plan. It's unlikely safety Jordan Richards will continue to see significant snaps as a linebacker. The health of linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee) is a question mark, but the Patriots might be in line for a return to some more traditional fronts against the Saints.

The Patriots were victimized by too many big plays in the opener against the Chiefs and that's certainly still a fear against Drew Brees' varied passing attack that thrives indoors. New Orleans struggled in the red zone in Minnesota on opening night and the Patriots will need to be stout in that area even if they can clean up their big-play problems.

The Saints need to run the football consistently well for a variety of reasons. They have to get Brees into manageable third downs, which they didn't do last week, especially with backups starting at both tackle spots. If the Patriots get the Saints into third-and-long and know Brees needs to pass, rookie Ryan Ramczyk and recently re-signed Bryce Harris will have trouble protecting him. An effective run game would also use up time and limit how much of it Brady has to attack New Orleans' defense, which was picked apart in the season opener.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Patriots WR Brandin Cooks vs. Saints CB De'Vante Harris. The Vikings targeted Harris and had a great deal of success against him last week. There's no reason to think the Patriots won't target Harris to see if he's up to the challenge. Cooks, traded to New England in the offseason, no doubt will be motivated to make big plays against his former team.

--Saints WR Michael Thomas vs. Patriots CBs. The Saints' passing game never got untracked against the Vikings and will have to have a big game if New Orleans is going to beat New England. With No. 2 receiver Willie Snead suspended, Thomas becomes even more important to Drew Brees.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Saints RB Alvin Kamara. The rookie had more carries (8) than Adrian Peterson or Mark Ingram (7 each) in the opener and also caught four passes. His run-catch skill-set resembles that of Chiefs rookie Kareem Hunt, who had 246 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns against the Patriots.

FAST FACTS: Patriots RB Mike Gillislee scored a career-high three rushing TDs last week. He was the first player to do that in his debut with the Patriots. He has seven rushing TDs in his past six games. ... Patriots WR Brandin Cooks was the Saints' first-round selection in 2014. In three seasons with New Orleans, he caught 215 passes for 2,861 yards and 20 TDs. He recorded 88 receiving yards in his Patriots debut last week. ... Patriots DE Trey Flowers had two sacks last week and has four multi-sack games since 2016, tied for most in the NFL. ... Saints QB Drew Brees has thrown for 959 yards, 10 TDs and one INT in four career meetings. In his past 15 home games, he is averaging 357.7 passing yards, with 42 TD passes.

PREDICTION: This looks like a classic quarterback duel between the NFL's two senior star QBs. Of course, the team that can help its QB by running it is probably the one that will win. That edge seems to belong to the Patriots.

OUR PICK: Patriots, 30-25.

[StarDust Bum]

Week 2 GameScout: Jets at Raiders
September 14, 2017

NEW YORK JETS (0-1) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-0)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. TV: CBS, Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Evan Washburn.

SERIES HISTORY: 42nd regular-season meeting. Raiders lead series, 22-17-2. The teams are 2-2 against each other in the postseason, with the last playoff game coming in the 2003 divisional round, a 30-10 Oakland win in which Jerry Rice caught a touchdown pass for the Raiders. The most famous game between the teams was the "Heidi" game in 1968, when NBC left the game to broadcast the kids' movie (the Raiders won the game, but the Jets got revenge in the playoffs a month later). The last meeting came two seasons ago, when Oakland won 34-20 behind 333 yards and four touchdown passes from quarterback Derek Carr.

KEYS TO THE GAME: For the Jets to have any shot at moving the ball effectively, they'll need to hit their tight ends for some easy first downs. With Eric Tomlinson (concussion) banged up, that job may again fall to Will Tye, who had three catches for 34 yards on Sunday, only one week after he was cut by the Giants. The Raiders allowed seven catches for 76 yards to Titans tight end Delanie Walker, but he is one of the top tight ends in the NFL.

Defensively, the Jets are going to have their hands full. Carr, running back Marshawn Lynch and receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are some of the best skill position players in the business. New kicker Giorgio Tavecchio was a revelation last week, making all four of his field goals, including two from 52 yards.

Despite his team being favored by almost two TDs, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio is not dismissing the Jets.

"They probably have one of the better (defensive) fronts in the league," Del Rio said. "It's one of the best we'll face. They're aggressive in their scheme. The two safeties they drafted are good players.

"Our motto is basically to respect every opponent, but fear nobody," Del Rio said. "I got asked by the New York media about their team and the (point) spread. Those things mean nothing to us. It's about playing the game. It's about understanding the challenges that you face. That's what we're about."

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Jets WR ArDarius Stewart vs. Raiders CB Gareon Conley. Conley missed last week's game because of a shin injury, but the first-round pick out of Ohio State is likely to make his NFL debut this week and could see action against fellow rookie Stewart, who caught two passes for 10 yards in the opener.

--Raiders RT Marshall Newhouse and RG Gabe Jackson vs. Jets LE Leonard Williams. Newhouse is listed as the No. 1 left tackle after being co-No. 1 a week ago with Vadal Alexander. He played solidly against Tennessee while Alexander relinquished a sack. He'll have a difficult challenge in Williams, the Jets' most talented lineman and a player the Raiders carefully considered in the draft before opting for Amari Cooper. When Newhouse is working against the outside rush of linebacker Jordan Jenkins, Jackson will have some duty guarding Williams. The fourth-year guard earned a five-year, $56 million deal in the offseason and is a foundation player for the Raiders.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Jets RBs Matt Forte and Bilal Powell. The Jets' duo ran for a woeful 38 yards on 13 carries against the Buffalo Bills. Most would say the Tennessee Titans' tandem of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry is more explosive than Forte and Powell, but Murray and Henry managed just 69 yards on 18 carries in their loss to the Raiders. And with the Oakland crowd likely to be at full pitch for Sunday's home opener, don't expect many, if any, big plays from the Jets' ground attack.

FAST FACTS: Jets QB Josh McCown started nine games for Oakland in 2007. He threw for 341 yards and two touchdowns in his last start vs. Oakland (2015 with Cleveland). ... Oakland QB Derek Carr passed for 262 yards and two TDs in Week 1. In two starts vs. the Jets, he has six TD passes and no INTs, with a 113.8 rating. He threw for 333 yards and four TDs in the last meeting. ... In his return to the NFL last week, Oakland RB Marshawn Lynch tallied 92 scrimmage yards (76 rushing). He has 74 rushing TDs since entering league in 2007, second most in the NFL. ... DE Khalil Mack had a sack and three tackles for loss in the last meeting. He leads the NFL with 26 sacks since 2015.

PREDICTION: The Raiders are huge favorites for a reason. This might get ugly.

OUR PICK: Raiders, 31-10.

[StarDust Bum]

Week 2 GameScout: Dolphins at Chargers
September 14, 2017

MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-0) AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (0-1)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, StubHub Center. TV: CBS, Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Jamie Erdahl.

SERIES HISTORY: 29th regular-season meeting. Dolphins lead series, 15-13. These teams have played the previous four seasons, with Miami holding a 3-1 lead. The most famous game in this series is the 1982 playoff game, won by San Diego, 41-38, in overtime. Miami won last year on a fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Kiko Alonso.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Offensively, everything starts for Miami by getting RB Jay Ajayi going, and defensively it all starts with stopping the run. If Miami can run the ball and stop the run, life will be easy. If Miami can't run the ball or stop the run, life will be like it was during last year's 1-4 start.

Ideally, Ajayi runs well enough to make the Chargers play an eight-man front. Once that happens, look for QB Jay Cutler to favor WR DeVante Parker on downfield throws in 1-on-1 situations, some up high and others on Parker's back shoulder.

But Miami also must be able to contain and control DEs Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, who could blow up any hope the Dolphins have of seeing the Cutler-Parker connection.

Defensively, even if the Dolphins control RB Melvin Gordon, they still must contend with QB Philip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates and WRs Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and Travis Benjamin.

Miami's pass rush, led by Pro Bowl DE Cam Wake and Pro Bowl DT Ndamukong Suh, must disrupt Rivers on a regular basis or the secondary will get riddled with passes of all lengths.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Dolphins LT Laremy Tunsil vs. Chargers DE Melvin Ingram. Tunsil, a starter at left guard last season, is a first-round pick who has loads of potential but did not have a great preseason. Ingram is a veteran who can rush the passer with either speed or power. He had 1.5 sacks last week against Denver. Tunsil will need good technique or he'll get QB Jay Cutler in trouble.

--Chargers RB Melvin Gordon vs. Dolphins run defense. Gordon was limited to 70 yards on 24 carries last year against Miami. The Dolphins made big additions -- SLB Lawrence Timmons, DE William Hayes, DTs Davon Godchaux and Vincent Taylor -- to stop the run. They were effective last year against Gordon, who entered the game No. 3 in the league in rushing, but there are still concerns about this unit.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Chargers TE Hunter Henry. Henry is the obvious understudy to Antonio Gates, but he brings plenty to the table. After a rookie year in which he caught eight touchdown passes, he was hyped to be a big part of the Chargers' attack. Not only didn't he have a catch in the loss at Denver, but he wasn't even targeted. Look for the offensive scheme to swing his way as the team tries to get him involved.

FAST FACTS: Dolphins QB Jay Cutler will make his team debut after spending the past eight seasons with the Chicago Bears. Cutler planned to become an analyst on Fox TV broadcasts this season, but he changed his mind and rejoined former Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase (now the Dolphins' coach) after an injury sidelined QB Ryan Tannehill. ... Chargers TE Antonio Gates needs one touchdown reception to make history. Gates has 111 career touchdown catches, which is tied with Tony Gonzalez for the most by a tight end in NFL history. ... Dolphins DE Cameron Wake leads all active players with 81 1/2 sacks since 2009. ... Chargers RB Melvin Gordon tallied 132 yards from scrimmage in his last game against the Dolphins.

PREDICTION: After nearly storming back for a victory against the Denver Broncos in Week 1, the Chargers will earn their first win in their new home. Look for Gordon to provide a steadying influence.

OUR PICK: Chargers, 24-22.

[StarDust Bum]

Week 2 GameScout: Cowboys at Broncos
September 14, 2017

DALLAS COWBOYS (1-0) AT DENVER BRONCOS (1-0)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sports Authority Field at Mile High. TV: FOX, Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews.

SERIES HISTORY: 12th regular-season meeting. Broncos lead series, 7-4. The Broncos have won five straight. The most historic meeting was in Super Bowl XII, when the Cowboys defeated the Broncos 27-10.

KEYS TO THE GAME: For Denver, it starts with stopping the run. The old cliché rings true. After allowing a 21-yard gallop to Melvin Gordon on Monday night, the Broncos' run defense tightened up, limiting Gordon and the Chargers to just 2.0 yards per carry the rest of the game. A similar effort might be difficult to put together against the Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott; but, if the Broncos can pull that off, they will put the game into the hands of Dak Prescott.

While Prescott has been extremely effective and accurate in his career, throwing just four interceptions in 17 starts, he hasn't faced a defense with two Pro Bowl cornerbacks like the one Denver boasts with Aqib Talib and Chris Harris. If the Broncos force Prescott to throw deep and outside, they'll have the Cowboys where they want them.

While the big matchup is Dallas' offense against Denver's defense, the Broncos will need to keep Trevor Siemian clean and try to maintain a running game with C.J. Anderson and Jamaal Charles.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Cowboys OTs Tyron Smith and La'el Collins vs. Broncos OLBs Von Miller and Shaquil Barrett. Barrett had the only sack between the Broncos' two edge rushers last Monday, but both generated plenty of pressure on Philip Rivers and forced the Chargers to chip and double-team on a regular basis, often limiting Rivers' intermediate options under pressure. Smith and Collins are generally capable of succeeding in one-on-one matchups, but if they need help against Miller and Barrett, this will change the Cowboys' equation drastically.

--Broncos OTs Garett Bolles and Menelik Watson vs. Cowboys DEs Tyrone Crawford, DeMarcus Lawrence, Taco Charlton and Benson Mayowa. While Dallas' edge rushers don't offer the same stern challenge as Chargers defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram did on Monday night, they can cause issues. And that could be troublesome after the Broncos allowed too much pressure from the edge. Watson, in particular, struggled, allowing three sacks.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Broncos DE Adam Gotsis. He made the most of his 31 snaps Monday night, posting five tackles and repeatedly bursting into the backfield. The 2016 second-round pick struggled as a rookie, in part because he was still recovering from a torn ACL suffered as a senior at Georgia Tech. But, against the Chargers, he displayed the tenacity and athleticism that caught the Broncos' eye.

FAST FACTS: Dallas QB Dak Prescott passed for 268 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Giants last week. He has 12 passing TDs and just three interceptions in eight career road games. He also is 4-0 with nine TDs and no INTs in four games vs. the AFC. ... Dallas RB Ezekiel Elliott gained 140 scrimmage yards (104 rushing) in Week 1. He has hit 100 in 12 of 16 career games. In four games vs. the AFC, he has 437 rushing yards and seven TDs. ... In Week 1, Dallas TE Jason Witten (11,947) surpassed Hall of Famer Michael Irvin (11,904) for most receiving yards in franchise history. ... Denver QB Trevor Siemian passed for two TDs and recorded his first career rushing TD in Week 1. ... Denver WR Demaryius Thomas aims for his fourth game in a row vs. the NFC with a TD catch. His 497 catches and 6,937 yards are second in the NFL since 2012.

PREDICTION: As long as Prescott and Elliott are protected by an All-Pro wall, the Cowboys will be tough to beat.

OUR PICK: Cowboys, 24-17.

[StarDust Bum]

Week 2 GameScout: Bears at Buccaneers
September 14, 2017

CHICAGO BEARS (0-1) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (0-0)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Raymond James Stadium. TV: FOX, Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth, Shannon Spake.

SERIES HISTORY: 58th regular season meeting. Bears leads series, 38-19. Tampa Bay won the most recent meeting, 38-10 at Raymond James Stadium in 2016. The teams played in 2011 in London with the Bears prevailing 24-18. Until 2002, the Bears and Bucs were in the NFC Central division.

KEYS TO THE GAME: As much as Bears rookie Tarik Cohen surprised much of the NFL with a breakout debut Sunday, at least one Bucs player knew exactly what he would face this week as Chicago comes to play Tampa Bay. "When I saw what he did in his first game, I wasn't shocked at all," said CB Ryan Smith, who played at North Carolina Central when Cohen played for rival North Carolina A&T. "He's a great player, a great athlete. I played him my last two years, and he gave us hell."

Stopping the Bears' running game will be the biggest test for the Bucs. Chicago RB Jordan Howard will run downhill while Cohen will test the Bucs on the perimeter in the pass and run game. The Bucs are familiar with Bears QB Mike Glennon, but he has a deep knowledge of Tampa Bay's defensive players.

Offensively, the Bucs figure to be rusty. Jameis Winston did not throw a touchdown pass in the preseason, but he has good rapport with WRs Mike Evans, Cameron Brate and Adam Humphries. Running the football is the key to the Bucs' play-action game. But RB Jacquizz Rodgers has to carry the load the next three games while Doug Martin is serving a suspension. The Bears did a nice job against Falcons RB Devonta Freeman in Week 1 and will look to continue their strong running defense.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Bears QB Mike Glennon vs. Bucs QB Jameis Winston. Glennon, who started 18 games for the Bucs in his career, was the backup for Winston the last two seasons in Tampa Bay. He knows the Bucs' defense, and he is looking to bounce back from a narrow loss in Week 1 despite a decent performance.

--Bears DE Akiem Hicks vs. Bucs RG J.R. Sweezy. Less than 48 hours after signing a contract extension, Hicks had three tackles and two sacks last week against Atlanta. Sweezy is making his first regular-season start for the Bucs after spending 2016 on injured reserve.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Bears RB Jordan Howard. Howard was so upset after last week's loss that he did not talk to reporters. A big reason for Howard's disappointment was a dropped pass near the front of the end zone that could have represented a go-ahead touchdown. The second-year running back is looking for a more satisfying Week 2 after rushing for 52 yards and a touchdown against Atlanta. Standing in Howard's way will be Buccaneers LBs Kendall Beckwith, Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David. The linebacking corps might not gain the same headlines as the defensive line or secondary, but its success is vital to preventing Howard and his teammates from breaking big plays.

FAST FACTS: Bears RB Tarik Cohen racked up 158 all-purpose yards in the season opener, which marked a franchise record for a team rookie in his debut performance. ... WR DeSean Jackson will make his debut with the Buccaneers. Since the 2009 season, he ranks fifth in the league with 8,819 receiving yards. ... Bears TE Zach Miller has nine touchdown receptions since 2015, which is most on the team. But he is fighting for targets alongside fellow TEs Dion Sims and Adam Shaheen, a rookie second-round pick. ... Bucs S T.J. Ward will make his debut. Ward registered 87 tackles with the Broncos last season and has posted two seasons with 100 tackles.

PREDICTION: The Bears battled the Falcons hard in Week 1, and no reason exists to think they will show any less effort in Week 2 against Tampa Bay. Still, at the end of the day, the team with more talent prevails.

OUR PICK: Buccaneers, 24-20.