NFL Games To Watch This Weekend - Brendan Darr's Blog

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Brendan Darr's Blog

NFL Games To Watch This Weekend Stuck

Posted on September 15, 2012 at 10:25 AM.

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New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers, 1:00 PM on FOX

Why To Watch:

The Saints are coming off a shocking loss against the upstart Washington Redskins. Meanwhile, the Panthers finished with 10 yards rushing last week and will be looking for their first win of the season. Which of these teams with playoff aspirations starts 0-2?

X-Factor:

Matt � Saints Defense

How will Steve Spagnuolo�s defense handle another hybrid quarterback this week in Cam Newton? Last week, the Saints were embarrassed by failing to stop the Redskins at every opportunity. The Panthers also have a very good run attack that New Orleans will have to contain as well. If they can, the Saints offense will blow past the Panthers defense

Brendan - The Saints Running Game

The Saints can put up 300 yards passing in their sleep. Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks of this generation, but one thing that has made the Saints special these last few years is their running game having the ability to pick up the slack when Brees got off to a slow start. That wasn't the case against the Redskins, as the Saints couldn't get anything going. They'll have to pick it up against the Panthers.

Prediction:

Matt � I want to pick the upset and take Carolina, but the Panthers defense doesn�t seem to be anywhere near the class of Washington�s. Cam Newton and the offense will bounce back, although it will be Drew Brees in control throughout. Prediction: 28-24 Saints

Brendan - I simply cannot see the Saints falling to 0-2. There are tons of stats I want to throw at you, but it simply comes down to the fact I don't see Brees letting this team lose. Prediction: 34-21 Saints

Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00 PM on CBS

Why to Watch:

The Eagles nearly lost to the Browns -- that's right, THE BROWNS -- last week. A team destined for a dynasty nearly lost to the Cleveland Browns on the opening week. The Eagles can't afford another 5 turnovers against the Ravens. Baltimore, meanwhile, shellacked the Bengals on Monday Night Football and will look to open up a gap in the NFC North with another win.

X Factor:

Matt � Andy Reid�s variety

Michael Vick threw an astonishing 56 times against Cleveland with four interceptions as well. Even though McCoy did end up with 20 carries, there needs to be more variety in the offense to crack a hole in Baltimore�s defense. Against the Browns, the Eagles continuously played vertically without mixing it up at all.

For a coach and maybe even a quarterback playing for their jobs, the Eagles will have to look much better in their first test of the season.

Brendan - WR Torrey Smith

Smith started off last weeks game with a bang on his 52-yard reception, but was kept quiet after that. Smith will need to have a big week against the stout Philly secondary to open up the field for Ray Rice and the ground game.

Predictions:

Matt: Even with Philly at home, the Ravens are going to have another big day. Joe Flacco and Cam Cameron have really found something with their no huddle and that could be too much to handle for the Eagles. Add in Philly�s potential offensive problems and you�re looking at a blowout. Prediction: 34-10 Ravens

Brendan: I agree with Matt 100% on this game. Flacco looks like he could run the Oregon offense these days. The Eagles could be without one or both of their dynamic receivers in Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson due to injury. Throw in Vick's unpredictability (I may have to rant on this some other time) and this smells like a Ravens blowout. Predicition: 41-23 Ravens

New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:30 PM on CBS

Why to Watch:
The Jets offense was unlike anything we've seen in the Rex Ryan era last week against a defense in Buffalo that was much improved. It will be interesting to see if the high-octane passing offense can continue to take pressure off Shonn Greene for the Jets. For the Steelers, they need to rebound off the loss in Denver last week. They certainly cannot fall two games behind the Ravens.

X-Factor:

Matt � Stephen Hill

Stephen Hill was a big part of the Jets� success in their week one demolition against the Bills. For the Jets to beat the Steelers, he�ll need to wreak havoc like his Georgia Tech counterpart did in the previous two games against the Steelers. Demaryius Thomas proved to be a nightmare for Ike Taylor regardless who was throwing him the ball. If Hill can have that type of success, the Jets� offense will flourish.

Brendan - Ryan Clark

Without Clark last week Peyton Manning was able to pick apart the Steelers defense like only Peyton Manning could do. Clark returns as the Steelers depart the thin air of Denver and should have a huge impact upon his return.

Prediction:

Matt - You never know what you�re getting with Mark Sanchez. While Stephen Hill will have a good game, the re-additions of Clark and Mendenhall will help the Steelers significantly. Although, both defenses are banged up with Darrelle Revis being out for the Jets and Troy Polamalu and James Harrison being out for the Steelers. Prediction: 17-14 Steelers.

Brendan - Much like I said with the Saints earlier, I can't see the Steelers dropping to 0-2. They just aren't that type of team. I expect the Steelers to open up the offense a little more this week with the return of Menenhall, and I expect Clark to help in the secondary. I'd expect a pretty big week from Shonn Greene, with the Steelers injuries, but it won't be enough. Prediction: 23-20 Steelers.

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, 1:00 PM on CBS

Why to Watch:

Two teams with elevated expectations this season got off to a rocky start to the season. Kansas City was blown out by Atlanta, but that could be the case for many teams this season. The Bills, meanwhile, were blown out by the Jets. Which I don't think will be the case for many teams this year. Which team rebounds?

X-Factor:

Matt � Chiefs Defense

Matt Cassell and the offense played pretty well against Atlanta until the defense couldn�t stop Atlanta in the second half. Cassell and the other starters couldn�t keep up with the Falcons� firepower.

Luckily for the Chiefs, they�ll get LB Tamba Hali and CB Brandon Flowers back from injury this week. Both players are a crucial part of their defense who could very well make a difference.

The Chiefs� defensive potential can be great, but it�s all about coming together. The Bills might not be the best test, but for them to win, they�ll still have to be solid nonetheless.

Brendan - Ryan Fitzpatrick

I admittedly have Fitzpatrick on a few fantasy teams (12-team leagues, it's not like he is my starter) and wouldn't mind seeing him have a big week. However, the Harvard product has 12 Interceptions in his last 5 games (7 in his last two games) and has looked awful since signing his big contract. He'll need to manage the game better to take pressure off C.J. Spiller this week.

Prediction:

Matt -This could be the closest game this week. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Matt Cassel may not be world beaters, but both squads on paper are very talented. The Bills losing Fred Jackson hurts, but CJ Spiller could be a great starter in the meantime. With the game being at Buffalo, the Bills will edge the Chiefs on a game winning drive. Prediction: 21-20 Bills.

Brendan - Personally, this is one of those games I would only watch on NFL Redzone for fantasy purposes, but both teams had high expectations heading into the season. I think Kansas City is able to get more going offensively, and therefore have the advantage. Safety Eric Berry will get some redemption for his devastating injury last year. Prediction: 17-10 Chiefs.

Comments

# 1 truzoe @ Sep 15

You guys must not know football. There is no way the ravens put up 40points against the eagles defense. With one of the best dline in the league and ravens have two rookies starting in their online. Look for flaco to face crazy pressure all game and have at least two int. stick to video games..

# 2 keator @ Sep 15

This eagles fans is talking bad after barely beating the browns.

# 3 rudeworld @ Sep 15

Lol... The Ravens are not in the NFC NORTH.... Anyway, Jets will beat the Steelers 24(+)-10 big game from Green (138 rush yards) and Holmes returning to his old stomping grounds (6 catches 125 yards 1 TD).

# 4 AussieChiefsFan @ Sep 16

Well as a chiefs fan im definitely watching KC@BUF! GO CHIEFS!! But yea those other games are some goods ones too looks out for.

# 5 truzoe @ Sep 16

41-23 huh?? if it wasnt for vick 2picks and bad fumbles by our backs. we would have won by more. AMAZING game though but the better team won. that could be superbowl preview