The opening week of the NFL season has come and gone. From an MVP-sized collapse out of Aaron Rodgers, to an MVP-level performance from Jameis Winston, to some wild overtime antics in Las Vegas, NFL football is back. Though The Journal was unsuccessful in last week’s contest against The Western Gazette, this week should offer more promise—or at least a similar level of excitement.
Here are the picks for Week Two.
Starters: $94
Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
Losing to Tom Brady is a noble art in the NFL, one that Prescott learned last week. However, Prescott also threw for three touchdowns and 403 yards and earned a quarterback rating—a metric used by the NFL based on ing statistics—of over 100 against one of the best defences in the league. Facing off against the Chargers this week, Prescott should be able to put points on the board once more.
Nick Chubb, Running Back, Cleveland Browns
Another Sunday, another miracle for the Chiefs on a come-from-behind victory. None of the blame should fall on Chubb’s shoulders, though, as he recorded two touchdowns and rushed for 83 yards. Facing off against a Texans defence ranked 27 last season, Chubb should have another dominant performance this week.
Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys
Amari Cooper hauled in two touchdowns from Dak Prescott on Thursday while recording 139 yards on 16 receptions. A key contributor to the Dallas offence, having played nearly every snap in the opener, Cooper should be able to take advantage of a rejuvenated ing attack while facing a defence ranked 23 last season.
Noah Fant, Tight End, Denver Broncos
Even after starting on the road, Fant cemented himself as a decent target for new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, recording 63 yards on eight catches and playing on the field for nearly 80 per cent of the plays run by the offense. Facing off against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team with a defence ranked 31 last season, Fant should have a successful outing.
New Orleans Saints Defence
Regardless of an Aaron Rodgers collapse, the New Orleans Saints defence was dominant on Sunday, holding the Packers to three points and under 250 yards while forcing two interceptions, including one within 20 yards of the end zone. Though an encore is unlikely against the Panthers, the Saints should still hold their own.
Bench: $87
Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens
Once more, history is not on Lamar Jackson’s side, as his promised receivers have failed to perform. After an overtime loss in Las Vegas—in which Jackson fumbled three times and threw only a single touchdown—the Ravens face off against a Chiefs defence that held him to just 170 yards last season.
Antonio Gibson, Running Back, Washington Football Team
Perhaps resulting from a quarterback change after Ryan Fitzpatrick was injured, Antonio Gibson had difficulty on Sunday, fumbling twice and failing to score a single touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. Facing off against a Giants rushing defence ranked 10 last season, Gibson should continue to struggle to find the end zone.
Mike Evans, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The only receiver left out in Thursday’s game against the Cowboys, Mike Evans struggled to benefit from receptions, recording only six for 24 yards. With offensive talents such as Antonio Brown, Rob Gronkowski, and Chris Godwin on the opposite side of the field, Evans will likely struggle to find touches on Sunday against the Falcons.
Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts, a rookie tight end out of Florida, struggled to find his footing along with the rest of the Atlanta offense, who only managed to score six points against the Eagles. Pitts had four receptions for 31 yards, and facing a stout Tampa Bay defence, he should find it difficult to break through.
Baltimore Ravens Defence
The Baltimore Ravens face off against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, a team that boasts Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. After having struggled against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chiefs should give Baltimore’s unit a significant challenge.
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