Winners for every matchup. Fantasy nuggets to get you through the weekend. And everything you need to catch up on Week 2. It’s all here.
We’re previewing the Week 2 NFL slate with score predictions for each game from our Nation reporters, what to watch for in fantasy, ESPN Football Power Index projections from Seth Walder and Hank Gargiulo, and much more.
Jump to a matchup: MIN-GB| CAR-ATL| KC-PIT| PHI-TB| CLE-NO IND-WSH| HOU-TEN| MIA-NYJ| LAC-BUF| NE-JAX ARI-LAR| DET-SF| OAK-DEN| NYG-DAL| SEA-CHI
Point spread: GB -1| Matchup quality: 73.8 (of 100)
Courtney Cronin’s pick: Minnesota notched 26 quarterback pressures against the 49ers while its defensive line pushed the pocket to make Jimmy Garoppolo uncomfortable. Even if the Vikings face a less-mobile version of Aaron Rodgers, they know that the QB isn’t going to be a statue in the pocket. Lost in the will-he-or-won’t-he play narrative is how underwhelming the Packers were elsewhere on offense against the Bears, receiving few contributions from their running backs and tight ends. Vikings 26, Packers 22
Catch up on what’s happening before Week 2:
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• Biggest injury questions of Week 2 »
• Outlook for all 15 new starting QBs »
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• Best veteran contract for all 32 teams
• Week 2 upset picks, fantasy flops, more » More NFL coverage »
Rob Demovsky’s pick: The Packers are 95-48 when Rodgers starts and 6-11-1 when he doesn’t. But he has never started a game with a sprained left knee, so if he plays Sunday against the Vikings, who knows how much he’ll be able to do. It could be close if he plays or a blowout if he doesn’t given backup DeShone Kizer ’s propensity for turnovers. Vikings 24, Packers 20
FPI win projection: GB, 60 percent. This prediction assumes Rodgers — the hero of Week 1 — is healthy. Should Kizer be forced to start, FPI would give the Packers just a 43 percent chance to win.
What to watch for in fantasy: Jamaal Williams averaged just 3.1 yards per carry in Week 1, and now he gets a stiff Vikings front that led the league in adjusted fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2017. Read more.
In case you missed it: Rodgers can’t walk on water but can play well after injury… Vikings prepare for whichever Rodgers they’ll get… Scouts: Vikings better everywhere but QB
Point spread: ATL -6| Matchup quality: 59.5 (of 100)
David Newton’s pick: Cam Newton might think he’s Superman, but playing without Greg Olsen (foot) and a new right side of the offensive line with Trai Turner (concussion) likely out and Daryl Williams (knee) definitely out might be too much even for him to overcome. The defense will keep this one close, and cornerback James Bradberry will contain Julio Jones. But in the end… Falcons 20, Panthers 17
Vaughn McClure’s pick: Although the Falcons are without Deion Jones (foot surgery) and Keanu Neal (ACL) and could be without Devonta Freeman (knee), they have enough to compensate, particularly on offense. Jones had a career-best 300-yard game vs. the Panthers in 2016, and Matt Ryan is destined to rebound at home after a shaky opener at Philadelphia. Falcons 24, Panthers 20
Steve Young expects Matt Ryan to use his arsenal of weapons to get Atlanta’s offense back on track.
FPI win projection: ATL, 65 percent. It might be early, but no game has a higher potential playoff impact than this one. Carolina would jump to 57 percent with a win and drop to 33 percent with a loss. The Falcons would climb to 50 percent with a win and drop to 25 percent with a loss. The combined leverage for this matchup is 48 percent.
What to watch for in fantasy: Olsen’s absence boosts Devin Funchess ‚ fantasy outlook. In nine games Funchess has played with Olsen sidelined, he has averaged 14.19 fantasy points on 7.78 targets per game. Read more.
In case you missed it: For true respect, Newton, Ryan need to put a ring on it… Rookie Thomas on fast track to replace Olsen
Point spread: PIT -4| Matchup quality: 57.9 (of 100)
Adam Teicher’s pick: The Chiefs haven’t matched up well against the Steelers in recent years. Pittsburgh has dominated up front — the Steelers have 514 rushing yards in the past three matchups to 176 for the Chiefs — and controlled Kansas City’s high-scoring offense (the Chiefs have 43 points in the three games). That won’t change this season. Steelers 27, Chiefs 23
Jeremy Fowler’s pick: The Steelers have won six of their past seven against the Chiefs, whose defense allowed 469 rushing yards in the past three matchups with Pittsburgh. Tyreek Hill has averaged 4.84 yards per touch during the same stretch. Ben Roethlisberger will be eager to find his rhythm at home, and the Chiefs‘ inexperienced secondary should help. Steelers 30, Chiefs 27
FPI win projection: PIT, 65 percent. The Chiefs had the best special-teams week of any team last week — Hill had a punt return for a touchdown — which is great in the moment, but less predictable than offense or defense. Going forward, FPI still isn’t quite sold on K. C.
Steve Young loves the new-look Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes leading the offense and expects them to keep trending up in Week 2.
What to watch for in fantasy: Sure, Patrick Mahomes picked up two TD throws on short shovel/flip passes in Week 1. But here’s why he should be started on the road in Pittsburgh. Read more.
In case you missed it: Le’Veon saga 2.0: Torn locker room, wasted $853K, free agency outlook… A better test for Chiefs comes against Steelers
Point spread: PHI -3.5| Matchup quality: 53.5 (of 100)
Tim McManus‘ pick: Still no Carson Wentz, but the Eagles‘ offense should get going in Tampa. Mike Wallace noted this week that the Bucs play a lot of „quarters“ defense, which he views as the ideal coverage to get deep balls. Nick Foles might air a few out against a banged-up Tampa secondary after playing conservatively Week 1. The Eagles‘ defensive front, meanwhile, will make it tough for Ryan Fitzpatrick to get his „magic“ going. Eagles 27, Bucs 13
Jenna Laine’s pick: Can the Bucs replicate last week’s offensive firepower and Fitzpatrick’s „Fitz-Magic“ against the Eagles‘ vaunted defense? More importantly, can the defense that gave up 40 points and struggled against the Saints anticipate Doug Pederson’s gadget plays? They did enough last week to earn a vote of confidence here. Bucs 28, Eagles 26
FPI win projection: PHI, 60 percent. It looks like there is still some magic left in Fitzpatrick’s arm, as he posted his highest single-game Total QBR since 2015. The Eagles‘ defense will provide a tougher challenge as it has allowed the second-lowest Total QBR against since the start of last season.
What to watch for in fantasy: Tampa Bay allowed the most fantasy points to slot receivers in Week 1. This bodes well for Nelson Agholor, who aligned inside on 54 percent of his Week 1 routes. Read more.
In case you missed it: Ajayi to be ‚workhorse‘ for Eagles… Monken’s watchful eye benefiting Bucs offense… How Foles nearly joined Bucs
Point spread: NO -8.5| Matchup quality: 48.3 (of 100)
Pat McManamon’s pick: The Browns defense gave up touchdown drives of 88,74 and 39 yards to Pittsburgh and now on the road has to face a Saints team angered by an embarrassing home loss in its opener. That’s not a good formula for a team whose quarterback went 15-of-40 passing in the opener. Saints 31, Browns 16
Mike Triplett’s pick: I’m surprised the Saints are nearly double-digit favorites for the second straight week. Their defense had trouble containing Ryan Fitzpatrick in the pocket in Week 1, and now it has to deal with Tyrod Taylor — not to mention dangerous receiving threats like Jarvis Landry, Josh Gordon and Duke Johnson Jr. Fortunately, the Saints can trump that with Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, who just set a franchise record with 16 catches in Week 1. Saints 30, Browns 25
FPI win projection: NO, 74 percent. Though the Saints lost in Week 1, the Brees-Thomas connection was nearly perfect. The duo completed 16 passes on 17 attempts, and Brees‘ raw QBR when targeting Thomas was 99.4,
What to watch for in fantasy: Gordon managed just one catch on three targets while playing on 78 percent of Cleveland’s offensive snaps in Week 1. Should he be started in Week 2?
In case you missed it: How the highly-touted Saints secondary came back to earth… Brees heaps praise on Mayfield… Browns seek to maintain post-1999 perfection in New Orleans
Point spread: WSH -6| Matchup quality: 47.2 (of 100)
Mike Wells‘ pick: The Colts have started the season 0-2 for four consecutive years. They’re about to extend that streak to five. Field conditions could play a factor in the game because of possible heavy rain due to Hurricane Florence. Colts coach Frank Reich believes poor field conditions favor the offense, and that’s where the Redskins will have the edge because of their running game. Washington rushed for 182 yards in Week 1 against Arizona. Redskins 21, Colts 17
John Keim’s pick: The Redskins have a chance to be 2-0 for the first time since 2011, with upcoming games vs. Green Bay and New Orleans. They need the momentum. Washington’s run game looked as creative and diverse as it ever has been under coach Jay Gruden, and that will give the Colts trouble. Redskins 24, Colts 17
FPI win projection: WSH, 70 percent. Washington was one of FPI’s biggest movers of the week, jumping 11 spots to 11th overall in large part because of the second-highest offensive efficiency of Week 1. In his first start back from injury, Andrew Luck posted a 75.9 Total QBR, which was higher than all but one of Jacoby Brissett ’s starts in 2017.
Darren Woodson and Tedy Bruschi discuss why Redskins have too many weapons for Andrew Luck and the Colts.
What to watch for in fantasy: Despite the addition of Eric Ebron, Jack Doyle is still the Colts tight end you want to play every week in daily fantasy. Read more.
In case you missed it: Tough early schedule means Colts must find footing fast… Smith carries out transformation of Redskins‘ run game
Point spread: HOU -1.5| Matchup quality: 43.4 (of 100)
Sarah Barshop’s pick: Deshaun Watson lit up the Titans for five touchdowns in their last matchup. The secondary will be tested by Watson and DeAndre Hopkins, especially when Watson is able to break the pocket and buy extra time. The pass rush had trouble getting to the quarterback last week, getting only one sack in the season opener. They’ll need a better effort this week, but the Texans will end up with the close win. Texans 24, Titans 17
Turron Davenport’s pick: The Texans‘ pass rush had a hard time getting to Tom Brady early in the season opener, but it improved in the second half. The Texans will look more like that team against Marcus Mariota, who could be playing behind an offensive line that is not at full strength. This won’t be a blowout like the last time Watson faced the Titans, but he will lead the Texans to a victory to avoid starting the season 0-2. Texans 21, Titans 17
FPI win projection: TEN, 57 percent. Deshaun Watson was pressured at a league-high 54 percent rate in Week 1, and a lot of that might have been on him. Watson had the second-longest time before a pass (3.4 seconds) among QBs last weekend.
What to watch for in fantasy: Can you trust Lamar Miller after a strong Week 1? He was on the field for 54 of Houston’s 71 offensive snaps and handled 26 of the 33 pass routes run by the running backs. Read more.
In case you missed it: Watson, Texans hope to recapture magic… Vrabel’s specialty will be key against former team
Point spread: NYJ -3| Matchup quality: 34.
