Primetime Preview: Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons

Primetime Preview: Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons

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by | Sep 15, 2019 | Featured, NFL

How great is it that football is back? With redzone on all day long and an amazing Sunday Night matchup, what could be better? The ‘Birds of Prey’ rivalry, as some call it, will be a high scoring affair between two of the past NFC champions. 

The Falcons suffered a bad loss in Minnesota last week. They fell behind early and their offense couldn’t get going until too late. The Falcons looked defeated stopping the run as they allowed Dalvin Cook to stomp all over them for a huge game. They gave up a total of 174 rushing yards, so expect to see the Eagles try and work the ground early. 

Similar to Atlanta, the Eagles also came out slow and had to come from behind to defeat the Redskins in week 1. The offense looked spectacular after a quarter and a half of rust. Their defense wasn’t too special though, as they allowed Case Keenum to carve them up for 370 passing yards. Can you name the Redskins #1 WR? Bet you didn’t say rookie Terry McLaurin from Ohio State. 

With the Redskins producing like this against the Eagles, the Falcons have a tremendous opportunity. Expect the Eagles secondary to play better than week 1, but that doesn’t change the fact that nobody in the league can cover Julio Jones.

With two of the best passing attacks in the NFC, this surely will be a high scoring game. Vegas has the over/under point total set as 52.5 right now, showing how much scoring they expect to see. Wouldn’t be surprised if the over hit, even at 52.5. 

The Eagles have a 20-14-1 record over the Falcons in this rivalry. Philly has also won the last three games against Atlanta, holding them to just 12.3 pts/gm, a good 15 below their season averages. Win streaks tend to accumulate between these two, as the Falcons took the three prior to the Eagles streak. 

The Falcons need this game more than the Eagles. They are at home with the risk of falling to 0-2 on the season. Since 2007, there has been only a 12% chance of making the playoffs after starting 0-2. Although the Seahawks and Texans accomplished this in 2018, the Falcons don’t want to mess with that probability. 

 

Sep 15, 2019 No Comments
SR NFL Week 2: Preview and Predictions

SR NFL Week 2: Preview and Predictions

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by | Sep 15, 2019 | Featured, NFL

1:00 PM EST

Cardinals @ Ravens

The Ravens are hot off a 59-10 demolition of the Miami Dolphins. The Cardinals took a while to get going, but their offense showed potential. Expect the Ravens quality defense to prevail here, slowing down Kyler enough to take the win. 

Score Prediction: Ravens 27-17

 

Chargers @ Lions

Even without Melvin Gordon II, the Chargers offense looked lethal in week 1. Don’t expect the Lions to constantly stop Phillip Rivers from moving the ball down the field. Game flow will be a big factor here, as the Chargers should look to dominate time of possession. 

Score Prediction: Chargers 21-13

 

Colts @ Titans

The Titans proved their defense was legit in week 1, steamrolling the Browns for their first victory. Now at home, playing the Andrew Luck-less Colts. Give me the Titans at home to win a pretty boring game. 

Score Prediction: Titans 24-17

 

49ers @ Bengals

Joe Mixon seems to be active for today’s game which could be a huge benefit for the Bengals. If the ankle can stay healthy and the Bengals can produce on the ground, they have a chance to win this low scoring contest. 

Score Prediction: Bengals 21-17

 

Vikings @ Packers

One of the best rivalries in the NFL, the Packers and Vikings always have great battles. Minnesota will be without two of their starting members of the secondary, so Rodgers should have a big game. What should be one of the most thrilling games of week 2, I’ll take the home team by 3. 

Score Prediction: Packers 31-28

 

Jaguars @ Texans

Gardner Minshew gets his first NFL start, and although he looked impressive against the Chiefs, Houston’s defense should be able to create pressure and force some turnovers. It doesn’t help that the game is in Houston and Deshaun Watson looked flawless in week 1. 

Score Prediction: Texans 24-13

 

Cowboys @ Redskins

The Redskins played a very competitive game against the Eagles in week 1. Unfortunately for them, don’t anticipate the same here. The Cowboys will jump out to an early lead and will control Time of Possession. Zeke Elliott will have a big day, especially in the second half. 

Score Prediction: Cowboys 28-14

 

Bills @ Giants

Possibly one of the least exciting games on the week 2 schedule, the Bills at Giants will be a run heavy affair. Saquon Barkley will have his hands all over this contest. Wouldn’t shock me if he put up 200 yards and 2 TDs on the way to a Giants victory. 

Score Prediction: Giants 24-20

 

Seahawks @ Steelers

After their week 1 performance on Sunday Night, the Steelers have much to prove heading into this week. Lucky for them, they are playing at home in the favorable 1:00 PM EST time slot. As the Seahawks have to travel from Seattle, the early start time could lead to a quick start for the Steelers. Expect them to jump out early and never give the lead back. 

Score Prediction: Steelers 28-21

 

Patriots @ Dolphins

Talk about two polar opposites heading into week 2. The Patriots just came off a monsterous victory while the Fins got squished by the Cards. Vegas had the spread at 19.5 heading into the weekend. As a bettor I would stay away, as the Patriots have a terrible history in Miami. The Pats will win, but will they cover? Not too sure about that. 

Score Prediction: Patriots 28-13

 

4:05 PM EST

Chiefs @ Raiders

The Raiders proved a lot of critics wrong with their strong performance against the Broncos. The offense and defense both looked better than advertised, but was this just the poor play of the Broncos? Even in Oakland, the Chiefs should take care of the division opponent pretty easily. Kansas City’s offense is just too powerful even without Tyreek Hill. 

Score Prediction: Chiefs 31-14

 

4:25 PM EST

Saints @ Rams

One of the best matchups in NFL history came between these two in the 2018 regular season. Although I don’t foresee another 100 point game, this has to be a high scoring affair. Two of the best passing attacks in the game makes this easily the most exciting of the later kickoffs. With such even teams at this point in the season, the home team is the safe bet.  

Score Prediction: Rams 31-27

 

Bears @ Broncos

Even though Mitch Trubisky was terrible in week 1, he should have the chance to bounce back against the Broncos. The Bears still possess the best defensive unit in the league, and because of this the Broncos won’t be able to sustain many long drives. Gameflow will lead to heavy use of David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen. No way the Broncos offense can put up more than two touchdowns, even at home. 

Score Prediction: Bears 24-10

 

Sep 15, 2019 No Comments
The Miami Dolphins Player Exodus is Underway

The Miami Dolphins Player Exodus is Underway

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by | Sep 13, 2019 | Featured, NFL, uncategorised

In Week 1, the Miami Dolphins were embarrassed and demolished on their home field to the tune of a 59-10 drubbing at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.

After spending the entire training camp telling anyone who would listen that they aren’t tanking the Dolphins surely looked like a team that was not capable of winning many games.

A report by ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio came out that said how multiple players had spoken with their agents and were determined to demand a trade away from the sinking ship.

Dolphins head coach, Brian Flores denied the report and some players within the organization stated that they wanted to be in Miami and hoped that their teammates felt the same.

During last night’s Thursday Night Football game, word leaked that 2018 first-round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick was being allowed by the team to seek a trade to another team.

When he was drafted, Fitzpatrick ability to play safety or cornerback was listed as a strength. However, two years—and two coaching staffs—into his career his inability to master either position is making him less of a critical piece.

According to The Miami Herald, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and owner Stephen Ross disagreed over who to take with the pick that became Fitzpatrick—ironically enough the player Ross wanted was Lamar Jackson. Grier supposedly said that he was taking Fitzpatrick no matter what and that Ross could fire him if he wanted.

Fitzpatrick is still young so he should net Miami a decent pick in return (rumors are already out that the Dolphins asking price is too high).

He likely won’t be the last player to ask out of the situation with the Dolphins. In actuality he might be the beginning of a mass exodus.

Sep 13, 2019 No Comments
SneakerReporter NFL Power Rankings: 9/12

SneakerReporter NFL Power Rankings: 9/12

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by | Sep 13, 2019 | Featured, NFL

Each week, SneakerReporter will put out their power rankings of all 32 NFL teams. 

With Week 2 kicking off tonight (Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:20 PM EST on NBC) it’s time to unveil where each team sits.

The fun begins below and be sure to check back each Thursday to track how far up or down your favorite team moves from week-to-week. 

1. New England Patriots 1-0 (LW: 1)

On the field, there’s zero drama, off the field they welcome the biggest news story of the season into their team when they signed Antonio Brown, buckle up for some fun 

2. Kansas City Chiefs 1-0 (LW: 2) 

The Jacksonville Jaguars weren’t as big of a test as initially believed and the team lost WR Tyreek Hill; no worries just insert Sammy Watkins and rinse, wash, and repeat. 

3. New Orleans Saints 1-0 (LW: 3)

They won the game of the week in their comeback win over the Houston Texans and if they keep playing as they did in the second half, then watch out. 

4. Baltimore Ravens 1-0 (LW: 8)

Is this an overreaction to one game against a team actively trying to lose, maybe, but Lamar Jackson looked MVP-caliber good to start the season. 

5. Los Angeles Rams 1-0 (LW:4)

It seems that the Rams are fully committed to giving Todd Gurley a limited role at the beginning of the season but he’s still good enough to carry this team. 

6. Dallas Cowboys 1-0 (LW: 9)

Dallas flatly embarrassed the New York Giants in their season opener and look the part of a future Super Bowl Champion. 

7. Green Bay Packers 1-0 (LW: 11)

Matt LaFleur’s offense didn’t have the greatest debut, instead, it was the revamped Packers defense that stole the show. 

8. Minnesota Vikings 1-0 (LW:13)

Kirk Cousins wasn’t even needed in last week’s dismantling of the Atlanta Falcons, a healthy Dalvin Cook goes (and can run) a long way. 

9. Philadelphia Eagles 1-0 (LW: 5)

Carson Wentz and his array of weapons looked mediocre at best in their first game against the lowly Washington Redskins, all eyes will be on them as they travel to Atlanta for Sunday Night Football. 

10. Chicago Bears 0-1 (LW: 6)

The Monsters of the Midway haven’t lost a step but their offense did and Matt Nagy is going to get that corrected soon.

11. Houston Texans 0-1 (LW: 10)

Deshaun Watson might be surrounded by some new faces but he’s still taking a beating in the pocket and if Houston can’t keep him upright there will be a lot of wasted talent on this roster. 

12. Cleveland Browns 0-1 (LW: 7)

Browns gonna Browns; a very disappointing first week leads into a primetime spotlight on Monday Night Football—luckily the New York Jets will be beaten up heading into the game. 

13. Los Angeles Chargers 1-0 (LW: 12)

“Melvin Gordon who?” – Austin Ekeler

14. Tennessee Titans 1-0 (LW: 24)

The biggest riser this week made a statement in their opening victory against the Cleveland Browns. 

15. Pittsburgh Steelers 0-1 (LW: 14)

Usually losing by 30 is a reason to take a nose dive down Rankings like these but when the team you lost to is the juggernaut that is the New England Patriots there isn’t much movement required. 

16. Carolina Panthers 0-1 (LW: 19)

This is Christian McCaffrey’s team now and we all need to accept that. 

17. Indianapolis Colts 0-1 (LW: 20)

Jacoby Brissett looked pretty, pretty, pretty good—just saying. 

18. Seattle Seahawks 1-0 (LW: 17)

An unimpressive, close home win over the Cincinnati Bengals isn’t much to cheer about. 

19. New York Jets 0-1 (LW: 15)

Allowing the Buffalo Bills to score 17 unanswered points isn’t great but losing the franchise quarterback to mononucleosis is worse. 

20. Atlanta Falcons 0-1 (LW: 16)

Maybe that was the lowest moment for the Falcons and things will only get better from here. 

 

21. Jacksonville Jaguars 0-1 (LW: 18)

Nick Foles is done for most of the season but Gardner Minshew still is an upgrade over Blake Bortles. 

 

22. Oakland Raiders 1-0 (LW: 21)

The team came out energized after Antonio Brown put their collective backs to the wall but this still isn’t a good team. 

 

23. San Francisco 49ers 1-0 (LW: 22)

15 MORE GAMES JIMMY GAROPPOLO, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!

 

24. Buffalo Bills 1-0 (LW: 23)

Their comeback victory showed fortitude but besides the final score, there weren’t many positives for the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. 

 

25. Cincinnati Bengals 0-1 (LW: 27)

John Ross III playing like a top 10 pick would be HUGE for his group. 

 

t26. Arizona Cardinals 0-0-1 (LW: 26)

Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury looked like failures for three quarters but when the lights were the brightest they both found a rhythm to pull out a tie. 

 

t26. Detroit Lions 0-0-1 (LW: 29)

Matt Patricia ditched the ATV and the Detroit Lions ditched an easy win in the desert. 

 

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0-1 (LW: 28)

Time is running out quickly on the Jameis Winston experience. 

 

29. Washington Redskins 0-1 (LW: 32)

My initial assessment of this team was wrong they are readily better than the Miami Dolphins. 

 

30. Denver Broncos 0-1 (LW: 25)

Not a great start for Vic Fangio and the Denver Broncos.

 

31. New York Giants 0-1 (LW: 30)

Just let Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley do whatever they want for the rest of the year. 

 

32. Miami Dolphins 0-1 (LW: 31)

They’re REALLY tanking.

Sep 13, 2019 No Comments
Primetime Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers

Primetime Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers

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by | Sep 12, 2019 | Featured, NFL

As the division opponents head into week two trying to rebound from a loss, this weeks edition of TNF should be jam packed with exciting plays. Thursday night is tough for the players, as the short week of rehab gives them very little time to recover. This is heightened in the beginning of the season as players are still adjusting to regular season play. 

There is no way to sugarcoat the performance of the Buccaneers in week 1. The Bucs and 49ers combined for some of the worst 3 quarters of NFL football fans have ever seen. They ended up taking the loss 31-17, and new HC Bruce Arians has some adjustments to make. Jameis Winston looked defeated as he tossed two pick 6’s and couldn’t find a rhythm. 

It will be interesting to see how the Bucs respond on both offense and defense. Coming into the season, all eyes were on the passing game with Winston and the plethora of weapons on the outside. With two legitimate options at receiver and a young star TE, the Bucs were just missing a running back. 2nd year RB Ronald Jones II looked good in week 1, putting up 75 yards on 13 carries. 

On paper, the Bucs offense looks lethal. They also have plenty of solid young defenders both in the linebacking core and defensive line. If Winston and Arians can get on the same page calling plays, the Bucs could make some noise. Winston has just been too inconsistent to be overly optimistic.

Although Carolina also suffered a week 1 defeat courtesy of the LA Rams, Panthers’ fans should still have hope. Cam Newton had a very rough start, but Tampa Bay doesn’t deploy that high caliber of a defensive unit. Another good sign for the Panthers is their stud of a running back. Christian McCaffrey absolutely balled out in week 1, putting up over 200 yards and 2 TDs. 

McCaffrey is truly one of the most underappreciated players in the league. His consistency at such a high volume is remarkable. Production like his is something you only see on the top offenses, and that doesn’t get talked about enough. McCaffrey was our pick for OPOY here at SneakerReporter, so don’t be surprised to see another huge performance here in week 2. 

The NFC South is one of the most competitive divisions in the whole NFL. Every week matters for these teams, especially the Buccaneers and Panthers who are trying to fight for a wild card spot. 

 

Sep 12, 2019 No Comments
BREAKING NEWS: Derrius Guice Undergoes Surgery to Repair Torn Meniscus

BREAKING NEWS: Derrius Guice Undergoes Surgery to Repair Torn Meniscus

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by | Sep 12, 2019 | Featured, NFL

Last season, Washington Redskins rookie running back Derrius Guice tore his ACL during the preseason. It put a halt on what looked like a promising start to the former LSU player.

After a yearlong rehab and the team taking it lightly this past preseason, big things were expected out of him now that he was on the field and healthy.

In Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles Guice totaled  18 yards on 10 carries. Hardly the start to a breakout campaign in his second season but there were glimpses of promise as the Redskins hung tough for the duration of the game.

The Eagles also have one of the toughest run defenses so it is natural that Guice wouldn’t have a huge game in the opener.

Yet, following the game word came out that Guice was experiencing some issues with his left knee—he tore the ACL in his right knee—and now it has been confirmed that he suffered a torn meniscus.

Guice underwent surgery this morning, which was performed by Dr. James Andrews and he will be sidelined indefinitely.

Sep 12, 2019 No Comments