With Week 1 far within the rearview, let’s deal with Week 2 when a number of groups (New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons) are aiming to keep away from disastrous begins.
May the Falcons make a QB change? Will Saquon Barkley roll once more? Does Jordan Mason have one other 100-yard-plus speeding recreation in him?
Yardbarker NFL writers supply a Week 2 prediction for each crew within the NFC.
NFC East
DALLAS COWBOYS | No touchdowns for the Saints | In opposition to the lowly Panthers in Week 1, Saints quarterback Derek Carr went 19-of-23 for 200 yards and three TDs, however he gained’t have it as simple on the highway in opposition to a Dallas protection that delivered six sacks and two interceptions in opposition to the Browns within the opener. Anticipate kicker Blake Grupe, who had 4 FG makes an attempt in opposition to Carolina, to be New Orleans’ lone scorer.
NEW YORK GIANTS | Malik Nabers scores first NFL landing | Nabers had 21 TD catches for LSU however couldn’t discover the top zone in opposition to the Vikings in Week 1. He shouldn’t have any downside scoring on the highway in opposition to a Washington protection that gave up a league-high 262.2 yards per recreation passing in 2023 and allowed Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield to throw for 4 touchdowns in Week 1.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES | Saquon Barkley scores three extra touchdowns on American soil | Philadelphia’s new lead again accounted for 132 yards total and three touchdowns in opposition to the Packers on a sloppy subject in Brazil in Week 1. He’ll discover South Philadelphia much more agreeable on “Monday Evening Soccer” in opposition to a Falcons crew coming off an 18-10 loss to Justin Fields and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS | WR Terry McLaurin goes over 100 yards | In a Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay, Washington’s No. 1 pass-catcher had two catches on 4 targets for 17 yards. Because the crew’s main receiver since 2019, McLaurin has his eyes set on a fifth straight 1,000-yard receiving season and may do properly at residence in opposition to a Giants secondary that allowed ex-Jets QB Sam Darnold to go for 208 yards in opposition to them at residence in Week 1. — Bruce Ewing
NFC West
ARIZONA CARDINALS | Marvin Harrison Jr. scores his first NFL landing | After being focused on simply three passes in his NFL debut (and catching simply one in every of them), Harrison Jr. figures to be a central a part of the offense in Week 2 at residence in opposition to the Rams. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said the rookie is prominent in the team’s game plan.
LOS ANGELES RAMS | Cooper Kupp has not less than 10 catches | Kupp is at all times an enormous a part of the offense, however with second-year standout Puka Nacua sidelined with a knee harm, he should tackle a fair greater function Sunday on the Cardinals. He’ll go in opposition to an unproven secondary that ought to end in him reaching double-digit receptions for the second week in a row.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS | Jordan Mason has 100 yards once more | With star operating again Christian McCaffrey nonetheless restricted by an harm, Mason figures to get one other wholesome dose of enjoying time in Week 2 on the highway in opposition to the Vikings. He has the luxurious of enjoying behind a powerful line in one of many league’s extra modern offenses. Mason seemed spectacular (28 carries, 147 yards) in a Week 1 win in opposition to the Jets.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | Geno Smith and the offense will battle | The offense had issues in a Week 1 win over the Broncos, and it’s not going to get any simpler in New England. The Patriots protection is the energy of the crew and can trigger issues for Seattle’s questionable offensive line. Anticipate second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez to close down half of the sector for Smith and his receivers. — Adam Gretz
NFC North
CHICAGO BEARS | WR D.J. Moore has a 100-yard recreation | In a Week 1 win in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts, the Houston Texans allowed three go performs of fifty or extra yards, two by WR Alec Pierce. Moore is a big-play risk on each down, so if rookie QB Caleb Williams has any success passing, it’ll be as a result of Moore has an enormous day on the highway.
DETROIT LIONS | TE Sam LaPorta scores two touchdowns | In a 26-20 Week 1 win over the Rams, the offense put up 363 yards, however the unit appeared just a little off. Amon-Ra St. Brown (13 yards receiving) and LaPorta (45 yards) had quiet video games, however search for LaPorta to go off for a number of scores at residence in opposition to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary that was the fourth worst in opposition to the go final season.
GREEN BAY PACKERS | The Packers will rush for 200+ yards | With quarterback Malik Willis in for the injured Jordan Love in Week 2’s residence matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, count on Inexperienced Bay’s teaching workers to play to their backup QB’s strengths, which incorporates his mobility. The Packers will lean closely on their run recreation to make life simpler on Willis, which suggests operating backs Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson (and Willis) shouldn’t have any subject piling up speeding yards.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS | QB Sam Darnold throws a number of interceptions | Darnold spent final season with the San Francisco 49ers, so if there’s a crew that is aware of how you can learn him, it’s Minnesota’s residence opponent on Sunday. DBs Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, Talanoa Hufanga and Ji’Ayir Brown went up in opposition to Darnold in observe loads final season, so if San Francisco rushes the passer prefer it usually does, Darnold might be compelled into boneheaded throws that end in interceptions. — Michael Gallagher
NFC South
ATLANTA FALCONS | Michael Penix Jr. performs | The Falcons’ first-round decide gained’t be ready behind starter Kirk Cousins for lengthy. Whether or not resulting from one other turnover-filled efficiency or the crew admitting Cousins isn’t 100% wholesome after final season’s Achilles harm, Penix shall be compelled into motion as Atlanta’s season goes from unhealthy to worse on Monday evening in opposition to the Eagles.
CAROLINA PANTHERS | Nation singer Luke Combs tweets one other disapproving message | Following Carolina’s dispiriting 47-10 loss to the Saints, nation music celebrity and Panthers fan Luke Combs tweeted, “New year, same old Panthers. Absolutely gruesome watch.” A humiliating residence loss to the Chargers in Week 2 may need Combs calling for proprietor David Tepper to promote the crew.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | Workforce rushes for 120+ yards | First-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak handed his debut with the Saints with flying colours. New Orleans gained 180 yards speeding, and its newfound emphasis on that side shall be evident in opposition to a Cowboys protection that was vulnerable to the run final season.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS | Baker Mayfield throws a number of interceptions | Regardless of a straightforward 37-20 Week 1 win over the Commanders, the offensive line wasn’t excellent, ranking 31st in pass-block win rate, per ESPN. The Lions had been tenth in pass-rush win charge in Week 1, and Detroit will hold Mayfield below duress, inflicting him to make a number of unhealthy choices. — Eric Smithling
