Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) @ Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
Story of the game: For the first time since 2010, the Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-0 going into their second game of the season though many would feel they were lucky to hold off Cleveland last Sunday after the Browns scored 24 unanswered points to level the game late on.
The key to Cleveland’s comeback was adopting the no-huddle offense. The difference between their attack in the first and second half could not be more stark. In gaining just 101 yards in the opening two quarters, the Browns snapped the ball 26 times with an average of 8 seconds left on the clock. The Steelers dealt with it comfortably.
In the second half, the Browns ran 27 plays from the up-tempo no huddle offence, snapping the ball with 18 seconds left on the clock and gaining 208 yards and all three touchdowns. Indeed, it was only when the Browns slowed things down again late on that the Steelers were able to muster the win.
Luckily for Dick LeBeau’s defence, the Ravens aren’t exactly known for their no-huddle attack using it only 14 times last week when losing to the Bengals but in a copycat league like the NFL, expect Gary Kubiak to call more up-tempo plays tonight.
The Ravens looked far from the 2013 Super Bowl champions last week with Joe Flacco attempting a phenomenal 62 passes, six more than the next quarterback on the list and 17 more than the only QB in the top five to win in week one, Nick Foles.
With Ray Rice now gone from the organisation, Justin Forsett and Bernard Pierce will have to step up. However, the real run danger in this game will be Le’Veon Bell with the Steelers who’ll look to add to his 109 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries last week.
Line: The Ravens are 2.5 point favourites.
Best bet: Dennis Pitta led the way for the Ravens with ten receptions last week and he’s 4/1 to be their first touchdown scorer this evening.
Fantasy advice: Big Ben Roethlisberger had a decent opening week in fantasy with 17 points but, combined with a short week, he’s only thrown multiple touchdowns once in his last five games in Baltimore. Avoid.
Verdict: The Ravens could close ranks and rally around the self-inflicted adversity they’ve faced this week but the Steelers are the better football team. Pittsburgh by 3+
Atlanta Falcons (1-0) @ Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)
The NFL’s best offense – albeit with only one week worth of football to consider – travels to face a team not only looking to win it’s tenth successive regular season home game but that has never given up more than 20 points in that run.
It’s a stiff challenge for the Falcons who looked very impressive against one of the leading Super Bowl contenders – the New Orleans Saints – last weekend as they have failed to win two games in a row since December 2012.
Something will have to give on Sunday though as they Bengals have failed to win their opening two games since 2006 but they are coming off a win over a divisional rival with AJ Green and Andy Dalton showing above that sometimes being lucky and being good are one in the same.
Line: The Bengals are five point favourites.
Best bet: The teams to be tied at half-time with the Bengals to win at the end is available at a very attractive 13/1.
Fantasy advice: Andy Dalton was the fifth best fantasy quarterback last year and averages more than two touchdowns a game against NFC teams. Get him started.
Verdict: The Bengals are very, very good at home. Cincinnati by 6.
Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) @ Denver Broncos (1-0)
The Broncos defence were in fine form against the Colts last week, intercepting Andrew Luck twice, sacking him three times and eventually holding off a late rally when they went into bend don’t break mode.
However, after a great opening two quarters, the second half saw Peyton Manning’s offense lapse into some of the same bad habits that cost them in the Super Bowl, converting just one of seven third downs and seemingly unable to get any momentum going.
The Chiefs were horrible against the Titans last week on both sides of the football with Jamaal Charles totaling just 34 yards on seven carries and four catches. On defence, they made Jake Locker look like a Pro Bowl quarterback, completing 22 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns.
Line: The Broncos are 13.5 point favourites
Best bet: The Chiefs were so horrible last week that the Broncos winning between 11-15 points looks great value at 11/2.
Fantasy advice: As with Aaron Rodgers last week, it’s really difficult to sit someone you picked in the first round but if you have any other option, I wouldn’t start Charles.
Verdict: This could be ugly. Broncos by 14+
Other games and picks
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills Evens
Detroit Lions @ Carolina Panthers -2.5
New Orleans Saints @ Cleveland Browns +7
New England Patriots @ Minnesota Vikings +3
Arizona Cardinals @ New York Giants +2.5
Dallas Cowboys @ Tennessee Titans -3
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Washington -7
Seattle Seahawks @ San Diego Chargers +7
St. Louis Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers -7
New York Jets @ Green Bay Packers -9.5
Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders +2.5
Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers -7.5
Philadelphia Eagles @ Indianapolis Colts -3
Note, the team in bold is picked to beat the spread, not necessarily win the game.
