Contact: mharmon2570@gmail.com
  Backyard Banter
  • Home
  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
  • Bio Page
  • Harmon's Fantasy Football Tiered Rankings
  • The Backyard Banter Quarterback Typology
  • Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers
  • Reception Perception
    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
    • Rebuilding a broken house: losing weight, changing my lifestyle and never looking back
    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
    • The #FreeAustinTice Campaign
    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
    • Washington Redskins Injury Concerns
    • Carolina Panther's Draft Bungles
    • Stubbornness the Silent Coaching Killer
  • The Fantasy Gameplan Podcast
  • Draft Class Jersey Number Grades
  • The Eye in the Sky
    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Colts vs. Seahawks (Week Five)
  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
    • Josh McCown Free Agent Profile
    • Jason Hatcher Free Agent Profile
    • Jarius Byrd Free Agent Profile
    • T.J. Ward Free Agent Profile
    • Lamarr Houston Free Agent Profile
    • Darrelle Revis Free Agent Profile
    • Eric Decker Free Agent Profile
    • Jared Veldheer Free Agent Profile
    • DeMarcus Ware Free Agent Profile
    • Tyson Jackson Free Agent Profile
    • Jon Asamoah Free Agent Profile
    • Michael Johnson Free Agent Profile
    • Brandon Albert Free Agent Profile
    • Louis Delmas Free Agent Profile
    • Red Bryant Free Agent Profile
    • John Carlson Free Agent Profile
    • D'Qwell Jackson Free Agent Profile
  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Fullback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
    • 2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Guard Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Center Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Linebacker Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Cornerback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Safety Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Specialist Free Agent Breakdown
  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 75)
    • 2014 Tiered Colored Position Board
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 32)
    • 2014 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Draft Running Back Top 10 Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Post Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Pre Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Top 10 Ranking
  • Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 13th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 6th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • March 30th Sunday Morning Coming Down
  • 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seventeen 2013 Power Rankings
    • Week Sixteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fifteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fourteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Thirteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Twelve 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eleven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Ten 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Nine 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eight 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Six 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Five 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Four 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Three 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Two 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • 2013 Season Preview Edition/Week One
  • 2013 Weekly NFL Previews
    • Super Bowl Preview
    • Playoffs- Conference Championship Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Divisional Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round NFL Preview
    • Week Sixteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fifteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fourteen NFL Preview
    • Week Thirteen NFL Preview
    • Week Twelve Picks
    • Week Eleven Picks
    • Week Ten Picks
    • Week Nine Picks
    • Week Eight Picks
    • Week Seven Picks
    • Week Six Picks
    • Week Five Picks
    • Week Four Picks
    • Week Three Picks
    • Week Two Picks
    • Week One Picks
  • Week in Review 2013
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round in Review
    • Week Seventeen in Review
    • Week Sixteen in Review
    • Week Fifteen in Review
    • Week Fourteen in Review
    • Week Thirteen in Review
    • Week Twelve in Review
    • Week Eleven in Review
    • Week Ten in Review
    • Week Nine in Review
    • Week Eight in Review
    • Week Seven in Review
    • Week Six in Review
    • Week Five in Review
    • Week Four in Review
    • Week Three in Review
    • Week Two in Review
    • Week One in Review
  • 2013 Team Record Predictions
    • AFC Record Predictions
    • NFC Record Predictions
  • Rapid Reactions
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eleven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Ten
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Nine
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eight
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Seven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Six
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Five
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Four
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Three
  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
    • AFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
    • NFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
  • NFL Player Rankings (2013)
    • Top 10 NFL Quarterback Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Running Back Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Wide Receiver Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Tight End Rankings
    • Top 10 Offensive Linemen Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Defensive Lineman Rankings
  • 2013 Season Archives
    • How to Fix 'em (2013 Offseason) >
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Oakland Raiders
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • Detroit Lions
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Buffalo Bills
      • New York Jets
      • Tennessee Titans
      • San Diego Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • 2012 Season Archives
    • The Backyard Banter 2012 Season Awards
    • Fantasy Football Corner >
      • Week Twelve Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Eleven Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Ten Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Nine Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
      • Week Eight Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
    • Untitled
    • NFL Power Rankings (2012) >
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 7
      • Week 6
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1
      • Season Preview Edition 8/18
    • My Weekly NFL Picks (2012) >
      • Super Bowl Pick
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17 Picks
      • Week 16 Picks
    • Week in Review (2012) >
      • The Super Bowl
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1

Week Two NFL Picks

By: Matt Harmon

New York Jets (1-0) at New England Patriots (1-0) 
Matchup to Watch: Patriots Receivers vs. Jets Corners
  • The Patriots have always been an interesting matchup for the Jets because in the past, when Revis was in town, the Jets just used him to shut down the opponents best outside receivers. Of course the Patriots have not had a top outside receiver to shut down since Randy Moss, and preferred to run their offense in the middle of the field through tight ends and slot receivers. This year things have changed, staples from both teams like Revis, Wes Welker, and Aaron Hernandez are gone, and Rob Gronkowski remains on the shelf. So, how will things have change when these two teams matchup? How will Antonio Cromartie and Dee Milliner be deployed against Kenbrell Thompkins and Julian Edleman (Danny Amendola is unlikely to play)? It should be really interesting to watch the evolved product of these two teams go against each other. 
My Pick: Patriots
  • I am certainly going to pick the Pats, but a few things that give me pause first. The Patriots did not look spectacular in Week One against the Bills or anything, and there is such a dearth of weapons on New England’s offense. This was already a problem before, but now Amendola and Shane Vereen are both going to miss this game. Also, weird things always happen on Thursday night games, so maybe if the Jets bring their absolute A-game we could see an upset. Despite all this, I will not pull the trigger and believe the Patriots are going to win. 

San Diego Chargers (0-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
Matchup to Watch: Trent Cole and Connor Barwin vs. King Dunlap and D.J. Fluker
  • The Eagles pass rushing outside linebackers were a big question mark headed into this season. Trent Cole is paying in a 3-4 for the first time in his career and Connor Barwin underperformed for the Texans before being brought in as a free agent. Similarly, observers questioned how the San Diego offensive tackles would hold up as well. Well, in week one the pair of Eagles linebackers exceeded expectations, particularly Trent Cole, who harassed Trent Williams all evening. The San Diego offensive tackles, on the other hand, lived up to their billing as liabilities. If both units play like they did last week, advantage Eagles.  
My Pick: Eagles
  • The Eagles looked really impressive in their big debut last week and I expect that to continue against the Chargers. You just cannot trust the Chargers to pull through in the clutch after they blew yet another game Monday night. With Phillip Rivers always capable of throwing the killer interception, it will be interesting to see if the Philadelphia defense can continue to force turnovers at the rate they did last week.


Tennessee Titans (1-0) at Houston Texans (1-0)
Matchup to Watch: Jurrell Casey vs. Chris Myers
  • Casey is one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the league. He put on a dominant performance against the Steelers, collecting two sacks and singlehandedly destroying the Steelers on offense, especially after Maurkice Pouncey went down. This week Casey will do battle with Texans center Chris Myers. Myers is a master technician and is great fit in the Texans zone-blocking scheme. Myers and his fellow interior offensive linemen cannot allow Casey to blow up their run game, or they will struggle to move the ball on offense. 
My Pick: Texans
  • I think the results of the win at Pittsburgh were more about the Steelers playing poorly than the Titans playing well. There still is not much to like about their offense, and the Texans just have way more talent. 

Cleveland Browns (0-1) at Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
Matchup to Watch: Browns front seven vs. Ravens offense
  • The Browns front seven destroyed Miami last week, and made it simply impossible for the Dolphins to run the ball at all. Baltimore did not run the ball well in week one and it showed in how it affected their passing game. If Cleveland can shut down the Ravens ground game, then they have the chance to pull off an upset.
My Pick: Ravens
  • Neither of these teams was particularly impressive in week one and both offenses show a lack of firepower on offense. I trust the Ravens more to get it together more than the Browns, but I cannot say I feel too confident about it. 

Miami Dolphins (1-0) at Indianapolis Colts (1-0)
Matchup to Watch: Cameron Wake vs. the Colts offensive tackles
  • Cameron Wake is one of the best 4-3 defensive ends in the league. He is a monster as a pass rusher and started the season off with a dominant performance against Cleveland. Colts owner astutely demanded that his team do a better job of protecting Andrew Luck after he was once again hit too much against the Raiders. Left tackle, Anthony Costanzo, in particular is brutal, and if he is matched up against Wake then the Colts are in trouble. 
My Pick: Dolphins
  • I am kind of hesitant on the Colts right now, and the Dolphins defense is legit. I see Wake, Dion Jordan, and Oliver Vernon harassing Andrew Luck all day. Can Luck carry this team to another win? Of course he could, but I don’t trust it to happen every single week. 

St. Louis Rams (1-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-1)
Matchup to Watch: Robert Quinn vs. Sam Baker
  • Robert Quinn destroyed Levi Brown all day last week, and the Saints also destroyed the Falcons offensive line. Everyone focuses on how bad new starting right tackle, Lamar Holmes is, but Sam Baker was also abused last week as well. if Baker cannot fend off Quinn, Atlanta will have trouble establishing the passing game. 
My Pick: Rams
  • I smell an upset here. I think St. Louis’ new offense will give Atlanta trouble and I see Quinn and Chris Long winning the matchup I listed above. I have some hesitation since Atlanta is at home, but I really think the matchups favor the Rams.

Carolina Panthers (0-1) at Buffalo Bills (0-1)
Matchup to Watch: C.J. Spiller vs. the Panthers front seven
  • The Panthers completely shut down Marshawn Lynch last week, and the Patriots did a similar number on C.J. Spiller. If the Bills are going to win this game they need to get Spiller going. He is an elite, dynamic talent and he can break any game wide open. The Panthers need a repeat of last week’s performance and they cannot let Spiller run all over them.
My Pick: Panthers
  • This certainly is not a lock, but I think the Panthers keep Spiller in check, and their pass rush will give Manuel some trouble. They just have to hope they can score some more points than last week.

Washington Redskins (0-1) at Green Bay Packers (0-1)
Matchup to Watch: Clay Matthews vs. Trent Williams
  • It went unnoticed last week with all the hype around the Eagles and the turnover problems of the Redskins, but Pro Bowl left tackle had a pretty rough game. Williams was rock solid last year, and his high level of play was a catalyst for their offensive success. Clay Matthews is not exactly the guy you want to see when you need a get-well week.
My Pick: Packers
  • Both of these teams could use a win this week, but I am picking the Packers to come away with a win. RGIII still does not look right, and the Packers are just a better team.

Minnesota Vikings (0-1) at Chicago Bears (1-0)
Matchup to Watch: Christian Ponder vs. Charles Tillman
  • This one is pretty simple, Christian Ponder is the master of turnovers, and Tillman is the master of getting turnovers. Ponder is clearly a weak link for the Vikings right now, and if he cannot improve his play, the Bears are going to blow them out.
My Pick: Bears
  • The Bears are clearly the better team right now. Unless Adrian Peterson has an out of this world performance, I think the Bears win this one going away.  

Dallas Cowboys (1-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
Matchup to Watch: Brandon Carr vs. Dwayne Bowe
  • This is the first time Carr is going against his former team, and I bet he is fired up to show them what they are missing. This is also an important matchup because even though they had a cakewalk victory over the Jaguars, I still have questions about the Chiefs passing game. Dwayne Bowe is their only established upper-echelon threat. If Carr can shut Bowe down, the Chiefs could be in trouble.
My Pick: Chiefs
  • I like the Chiefs to win this game, especially since they’re at home. The Cowboys are not as good of a team as people want to believe and the Chiefs can put them away if they play the way they did against Jacksonville. 

New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)

Matchup to Watch: Josh Freeman vs. Saints secondary
  • The wheels are falling off in Tampa Bay. The team is already having players only meetings, and reports are coming out that Josh Freeman slept through the team picture. The circus music is already blaring around the Buccaneers facility, and Freeman seems to be at the center of it. He needs to have a good game this week to quite the hate. 
My Pick: Saints
  • The Saints are a top ten team in the league this year, and the Bucs are a bottom five team this year. It really is about as simple as that. 

Detroit Lions (1-0) at Arizona Cardinals (0-1)
Matchup to Watch: Lions defensive tackles vs. Arizona offensive line
  • Here is another easy matchup to watch. Suh and Fairley looked dominant against the Vikings, and this Cardinals offensive line is just terrible. If Arizona throws out a performance like we saw against the Rams, they are going to get Carson Palmer killed. 
My Pick: Lions
  • I really like what’s cooking up in Detroit. Reggie Bush seems to really be that missing piece on offense, and the defense looks pretty nasty as well. The Cardinals are much improved, but this is a bad matchup for them.  

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) at Oakland Raiders (0-1)
Matchup to Watch: Terrelle Pryor vs. Chad Henne
  • I am cheating here, because this is not really a matchup, but this game is going to come down which quarterback plays better. Chad Henne certainly gives the Jaguars a better chance to win than the lowly Blaine Gabbert, and Pryor played pretty well in his second start. Both quarterbacks still have the potential to throw a backbreaking interception, and whichever one manages not to do that will likely get their team a win. 
My Pick: Jaguars
  • I really, really struggled with this because both teams are really bad, but I took the semi bold road and picked the Jaguars. I think Henne will actually be able to move the ball, and there is just no way they play that bad again. 

Denver Broncos (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1)
Matchup to Watch: Broncos pass catchers vs. the Giants secondary
  • This is not just a matchup it is a mismatch. The Giants secondary was bad headed into the season and now they may be missing a few starters after two players ran into each other last Sunday. All the focus will be on the Manning brothers, but if the younger Manning’s defense cannot win this matchup, it will not matter how good he plays.
My Pick: Broncos
  • The problem here is that this is exactly the type of game the Giants always come out guns a blazing, and shock us all with a win. However, the Broncos are just the much better team right now.  

San Francisco 49ers (1-0) at Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
Matchup to Watch: Anquan Boldin vs. Richard Sherman
  • As far as the 49ers wide receiver group, Boldin is pretty much their only established threat. Boldin went off last week against the Packers like it was 2008, and I am sure the Seahawks noticed. If Seattle is smart they will assign their shut down corner to cover Boldin on just about every play to ensure he does not have a repeat performance against them.  
My Pick: Seahawks 
  • This game is going to be so awesome and I literally cannot wait for it. Both teams are great, but I am taking the Seahawks because they are just about unbeatable at home.  

Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)
Matchup to Watch: Antonio Brown vs. Leon Hall
  • The Steelers offense is in such dire straits right now when it comes having anyone capable of making a play. Brown is their best receiver and they have to come up with some more packages to get him the ball. However, Leon Hall is a very good corner in this league, and he is certainly capable of handling Brown.
My Pick: Bengals
  • I really just do not have a lot of faith in the Steelers right now, and the Bengals are clearly the more talented team. However, the Bengals have shown us through the years they are always capable of a good choke job against their rivals.  

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.