Week 1 of the NFL season is officially over. It’s safe to say that our sky-high expectations were met and only increased the excitement for Week 2. But before we get into the upcoming matchups, let’s take a look back at the storylines in Week 1 and what we should keep an eye on in Week 2. Then our expert will break down his best bets for Week 2, which includes targeting 2 primetime games. Let’s dive in!
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Week 1 Takeaways
There’s a lot to take in after Week 1. There were plenty of letdowns, surprises and everything in between as all 32 teams played their first game in months. However, there are a few takeaways that stand out among the rest (I’m looking at you, Christian McCaffrey). Here are just a few of the many takeaways from Week 1.
How hurt is Christian McCaffrey?
The 49ers star running back made headlines on Monday night when he was a late scratch from the primetime game against the Jets. McCaffrey has been reportedly dealing with a calf and Achilles injury throughout training camp, but CMC was expected to be able to suit up for Week 1. His unavailability was a surprise to many… except Jordan Mason. The 49ers backup running back seemed to make a slip-up in his postgame interview when he mentioned that he had known he was starting for days. So, did the 49ers try to hide the extent of McCaffrey's injury? It was reported yesterday that he is dealing with Achilles tendonitis and is doubtful for Week 2, which will push his season debut at least another week. Can the Niners remain a powerhouse in the NFC if McCaffrey has to miss some time?
What should the Giants do with Daniel Jones?
The Giants have an issue at quarterback. That may sound weird to say considering they are currently paying their quarterback $40 million a year. Daniel Jones has been a disaster in New York lately and even though he just signed a 4-year, $160 million deal last spring, he may not be New York’s starting quarterback for long. Jones had a lot of pressure on him heading into Week 1 after a brutal 2023 campaign before a season-ending injury. However, Jones picked up right where he left off in Week 1, as he was 22/42 for just 186 yards and 0 touchdowns against the Vikings. He also threw 2 interceptions and was sacked 5 times. After the game, Brian Daboll confirmed that Jones would be the starter in Week 2. The question is: how thin is the ice that Jones is on?
Looking ahead at Week 2
Although it’s just been one week, there are several players and teams under pressure to perform better in Week 2. The NFL season is a long and grueling one, so it’s important not to dig yourself into an early hole. Here are some of the most important storylines to keep an eye on as Week 2 rolls around.
What’s wrong with the Bengals?
There are a lot of problems happening in Cincinnati right now. One of the most important ones being the contract extension talks with Ja’Marr Chase. Chase sat out most of training camp and was adamant about getting a new deal before the season began. However, by Sunday it was clear that Chase and the Bengals were still far apart and no deal would be made by Week 1. Chase did suit up and led the team with 6 receptions for 62 yards, but the Bengals managed just 10 points and lost to Jacoby Brissett and the Patriots as 7.5-point favorites. Cincinnati wasn’t able to get the running game going, the defense couldn’t put pressure on Brissett, and by far the most concerning part was that Joe Burrow’s wrist doesn’t look 100% healthy. Is another disappointing season ahead for the Bengals?
Deshaun Watson finds himself in trouble again
Deshuan Watson had one of the worst Week 1 performances of any quarterback. Cleveland was a 2.5-point favorite at home against the Cowboys and they were steamrolled in a 16-point loss. Watson finished just 24/45 for 169 yards with 2 interceptions. He was throwing behind receivers, had no accuracy on deep balls and couldn’t handle the pressure. Every time Dallas had an extra man at the line and blitzed Watson, he made erratic throws or got sacked. And then after the game, another sexual assault lawsuit arose against Watson. There are a lot of question marks surrounding Watson heading into Week 2 - both on and off the field.
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NFL Week 2 Best Bets
Bills +2.5 over Dolphins (-110)
Week 2 begins with a Thursday Night Football matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. This AFC East matchup will feature two 1-0 teams on their quest to stay undefeated, but unlike the oddsmakers, I don’t think the favorite will win. The Dolphins are 2.5-point favorites on their home field, but there’s a lot to dislike about the Fins this week. Both Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane were banged up following Week 1 and neither participated in practice on Monday or Tuesday. It’s a possibility that one or both running backs could miss Week 2 which would be a huge blow for the Miami rushing attack. Buffalo struggled to stop Kyler Murray and James Conner on the ground in Week 1 so I can only imagine the performance from the shifty Achane if he can suit up.
As for Josh Allen and the Bills offense, not having a star WR1 didn’t seem to hurt them. Allen distributed the ball and completed a pass to 9 different receivers, while he and James Cook dominated the rushing attack. I think Buffalo could sneak out with a win in Miami.
Texans -6.5 over Bears (-110)
The Houston passing attack was every bit as dangerous as we expected in Week 1. CJ Stroud had a fantastic rookie season and entered Week 1 surrounded by offensive talent. Along with Nico Collins and Tank Dell from last season, the Texans added Stefon Diggs for red zone production and Joe Mixon as a reliable back. Houston left Indianapolis with a 29-27 win as Stroud threw for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns, Diggs hauled in 2 touchdown passes and Joe Mixon rushed for over 150 yards.
Their next opponent will be the Chicago Bears, who nearly lost in Week 1 if it wasn’t for their defense. Caleb Williams looked terrible in the pocket and D’Andre Swift couldn’t get anything going on the ground. Although Chicago scored 24 points, it all came from their defense and kicker. I like the Texans to run all over the Bears on Sunday Night Football.
