Bing Predicts: NFL Week 2

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens

Game time: Thursday, Sept. 13 at 5:20 p.m. PST

The series is tied 22-22-0

 After strong Sunday performances from both Baltimore and Cincinnati, this AFC North rivalry is one of the more intriguing Week 2 matchups.

Granted, their 47-3 blowout victory came against the woeful Buffalo Bills and ineffective Nathan Peterman at quarterback, but the Ravens and their bolstered offense were arguably the most impressive team Week 1. The Bengals were also victorious, using a late rally and 24 unanswered points to take down the Colts 34-23.

Cincinnati has had the upper hand in recent years – winning seven of their last nine matchups against the Ravens – but Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco looked like the Super Bowl MVP of old on Sunday, going 25-for-34 with 234 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

These are common opponents playing on limited rest: this game could go either way. 

Bing Predicts winner: Cincinnati Bengals (60% chance)

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Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. PST

Atlanta Falcons lead series 28-10-0

Atlanta looks to continue their recent dominance over Carolina at home on Sunday as the division rivals square off. The Falcons have won four of the last five meetings and are favored by a narrow margin at home this weekend despite their 0-1 start to the season and the Panthers 16-8 victory over the Cowboys.

Receiver Julio Jones had a strong season opener after the five-year, $71.25 million contract extension he signed in the offseason, and it was apparent exactly why the Falcons paid their All Pro wide out – he was targeted 19 times and had 10 receptions for 169 yards in their 18-12 loss last Thursday to the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Both teams suffered key injuries Week 1, which is sure to have an impact Sunday – Falcons safety Keanu Neal tore his ACL, and Panthers tight end Greg Olsen endured a foot injury that placed him in a walking boot.

The Panthers have a top defensive unit, meaning quarterback Matt Ryan will again have his work cut out for him, but the Falcons offensive firepower has a lot more to show than their performance last week.

Bing Predicts winner: Atlanta Falcons (66% chance)

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Los Angeles Chargers vs. Buffalo Bills

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. PST

Los Angeles Chargers lead series 24-12-2

There is no reason to have any faith in the Buffalo Bills, huge home underdogs to the Chargers this week after their embarrassing 47-3 loss to the Ravens Sunday.

Nathan Peterman registered an improbable 0.0 quarterback rating in his second career start for the Bills before being benched in favor of rookie Josh Allen (who was only slightly more impressive). In Peterman’s only other start, which was Week 11 of the 2017 season, he was intercepted five times in the first half. That opponent: the Chargers.

The Los Angeles defense was also gutted Week 1, giving up 48 points to Kansas City, but faced a dynamic Chiefs team with legitimate playmakers. The Chargers will be seeking to force another turnover frenzy no matter who lines up under center for Buffalo this week.

QB Philip Rivers and the Los Angeles offense found a rhythm in the fourth quarter last week. Expect that rhythm to continue against the Bills.

Bing Predicts winner: Los Angeles Chargers (70% chance)

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Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. PST

Green Bay Packers lead series 60-53-2

Aaron Rodgers and his health will be the biggest question mark as the days lead up to this premier Week 2 matchup. Rodgers engineered one of the most improbable comebacks in NFL history, leading the Packers from a 20-point second-half deficit Sunday after exiting the game on a cart in the second quarter with a knee injury. Noticeably hobbling, the two-time MVP defeated the Bears 24-23 in a superhero-like display.

There is no official word on his status, but Rodgers says he’ll be ready for Week 2. It shouldn’t be forgotten that Minnesota is the team that essentially ended Rodgers’ season last year when linebacker Anthony Barr drove him into the ground, breaking his collarbone. Rodgers certainly hasn’t forgotten.

The Vikings reached the NFC Championship last season, and became even more lethal in the offseason, adding quarterback Kirk Cousins. Minnesota is off to a good start in 2018 after taking down the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday 24-16 and forcing four turnovers.

The Vikings have won four of the last five matchups, but Green Bay is home and seeking revenge for last year.

Bing Predicts winner: Minnesota Vikings (53% chance)

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Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. PST

Tennessee Titans lead series 17-15

The Titans enter Week 2 with a lot of uncertainties after their starting quarterback Marcus Mariota (elbow), starting tight end Delanie Walker (ankle), and starting left tackle Taylor Lewan (concussion) all left the game with injuries. Tennessee lost 27-20 to the Miami Dolphins.

It’s unknown if any of the three key players will be ready Sunday when they welcome the Texans, who are also coming off a 27-20 loss. Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson has lofty expectations to live up to after an impressive rookie campaign – a campaign that was cut short after a torn ACL. Watson took the blame for his low energy after the loss on Sunday, but expect the young star to come out with more fire Sunday.

Bing Predicts winner: Houston Texans (60% chance)

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New Orleans Saints vs. Cleveland Browns

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. PST

Cleveland Browns lead series 13-4-0

Leave it to the Cleveland Browns to end their 17-game losing streak without actually winning. Despite Sunday’s contest ending in a 24-24 tie, the Browns fought back against the Steelers, caused five turnovers, and had a chance to win in overtime – a positive step for a team with zero victories last season.

Cleveland welcomes the Saints on Sunday. New Orleans lost in an upset Week 1 after Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hung 48 points on the Super Bowl hopefuls. New Orleans did battle back from a 24-point fourth quarter deficit to make it a one score game, but ultimately, the 529 yards of Tampa Bay offense was too much to overcome.

The Browns are a better team than they were last year, but they’re not better than the Saints.

Bing Predicts winner: New Orleans Saints (72% chance)

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New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. PST

New York Jets lead series 54-50-1

The story this Sunday when the Dolphins travel to New York will revolve around rookie quarterback Sam Darnold and if he can build on an impressive NFL debut. After throwing a pick-six on the first play of his career, Darnold gained his composure and helped lead the Jets to a 48-17 victory over the Lions – the most road points scored in the team’s long history.

The Jets also intercepted the Lions five different times, four of which were thrown by Lions starter Matthew Stafford.

The Dolphins also came away with a Week 1 victory, holding off the Titans 27-20. Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill is in his seventh season with the team but missed all of last year rehabbing a torn ACL. He was serviceable on Sunday, going 20-of-28 through the air with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Dolphins-Jets rivalry has been evenly matched this entire decade – both teams have won 8 of their last 16 matchups. This game is a coin toss.

Bing Predicts winner: New York Jets (53% chance)

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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. PST

Pittsburgh Steelers lead series 23-11-0

Two teams with big 2018 expectations meet in Pittsburgh for a Week 2 AFC matchup. The Steelers were shocked last week when the Browns, a team with one win in the last two years, took the team to overtime in a game that eventually ended in a 24-24 tie. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was responsible for five turnovers on the day.

The Chiefs showed firepower in their 48-40 victory over the Saints. Second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who moved into the starting role after Alex Smith was traded this offseason, had a brilliant game, throwing for 256 yards and four touchdowns in his second career start.

This game should bring a lot of offense. Expect a bounce back from Big Ben and another productive game from Tyreek Hill, who had 169 yards receiving and three touchdowns on Sunday.

Pittsburgh’s James Conner was impressive filling in for All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell, who continues to hold out in a contract dispute. Conner had 135 yards and two touchdowns.

It will be fun to see if the Steelers can rebound from a tough game last week or if the Chiefs can keep the momentum rolling.

Bing Predicts winner: Pittsburgh Steelers (61% chance)

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. PST

Philadelphia Eagles lead series 10-8-0

The Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles defended their crown Week 1, but can they stop Ryan Fitzpatrick and the red-hot Buccaneers offense when they visit Tampa Bay on Sunday?

Fitzpatrick, who is filling in for the suspended Jameis Winston, is coming off of what is likely the most impressive performance of his 13-year NFL career - the quarterback went 21-28 for 417 yards through the air and a staggering five total touchdowns. Tampa Bay shocked the Saints, beating them 48-40.

No Carson Wentz for the Eagles? No problem. Backup Nick Foles took the field Sunday, as Wentz is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered late last season. But the Eagles showed exactly why their well-rounded squad can carry the weight. Foles did just enough to preserve an 18-12 victory on the opening night of the NFL season, and an impressive defensive showing from one of the league’s top units disoriented former MVP Matt Ryan, holding him to zero touchdown passes and forcing an interception.

Can ‘Fitzmagic’ and star wide receiver Mike Evans, who had 147 yards and a touchdown Sunday, keep things going, or are the Eagles simply too good? Mark this one as a potential upset alert.

Bing Predicts winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (51% chance)

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Washington Redskins vs. Indianapolis Colts

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. PST

Indianapolis Colts lead series 20-12-0

After his first regular season NFL start in 616 days, quarterback Andrew Luck and the Colts will travel to Washington to take on the Redskins. Luck, who was asked to throw the ball over 50 times Sunday, was understandably rusty. He finished 39-of-53 with 319 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in Indianapolis’ 34-23 loss at home to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Redskins lost quarterback Kirk Cousins to free agency, but veteran Alex Smith, who was acquired in the offseason, has slotted in nicely for the team. Smith executed well in his first game with Washington with 255 yards through the air and two touchdowns in a 24-6 victory over the Arizona Cardinals Sunday.

Another veteran who played his first game as a Redskin was Adrian Peterson. The former All-Pro had an impact with 96 yards on the ground and a touchdown.

The Colts should be happy to have Luck back, but expect a little more rust this week in Washington. The Redskins haven’t started 2-0 since 2011, but continued efficiency from Smith and Peterson should help them to a home victory.

Bing Predicts winner: Washington Redskins (69% chance)

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Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 1:05 p.m. PST

Los Angeles Rams lead series 39-38-2

After an impressive road victory for Los Angeles and an abysmal performance at home by Arizona, there is no reason to think the Rams won’t roll when the Cardinals visit LA on Sunday.

Jared Goff and the Los Angeles offense looked shaky at times but made big plays when it mattered in their 38-18 Monday night victory over the Raiders in Oakland. The new-look defense was opportunistic down the stretch, intercepting Raiders quarterback Derek Carr twice in the fourth quarter, including a game-sealing pick-six by two-time Pro Bowl cornerback and new addition Marcus Peters.

Sam Bradford is likely to start at quarterback for the Cardinals on Sunday, but don’t be surprised if rookie first-round selection Josh Rosen sees time if this game is a blowout. The Rams’ hungry defense and potent offense may be feasting in Week 2.

Bing Predicts winner: Los Angeles Rams (79% chance)

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San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 1:05 p.m. PST

San Francisco 49ers lead series 37-28-1

It’s a battle of two 0-1 teams looking to right the ship in Week 2 when Detroit heads west to take on San Francisco. The Lions and first-year head coach Matt Patricia were annihilated on Monday night 48-17. Detroit quarterbacks combined for five interceptions thrown (Matthew Stafford - 4, Matt Cassel - 1) in the blowout loss.

The 49ers played a competitive game against the Minnesota Vikings but were also plagued with interceptions down the stretch. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw his third interception of the game in the fourth quarter after the 49ers pulled within one score, securing a Minnesota 24-16 victory.

The key to Sunday’s game will be quarterback play and who does a better job protecting the football. Garoppolo and Stafford are both gunslingers, so expect each guy to take shots down the field. The Lions have not won in San Francisco since 1975, and after an identity-revealing big loss to the Jets, that streak could easily continue. 

Bing Predicts winner: San Francisco 49ers (61% chance)

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Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 1:25 p.m. PST

Oakland Raiders lead series 63-52-2

The Broncos welcome the Raiders this week, looking to continue their recent dominance at home over their AFC West division rival; Denver has won five of the last six home matchups. Denver is off to a promising start after a 27-24 victory over Seattle, despite some costly turnovers. New addition Case Keenum, who came over from Minnesota this offseason, threw three interceptions along with his three touchdowns.

Expect Keenum to take better care of the ball as the season progresses; the journeyman QB threw only seven picks all of last season.

The Raiders started out strong on Monday against the Rams, but reckless play from quarterback Derek Carr kept the Raiders off the board in the second half. Carr had three interceptions (two in the fourth quarter) and zero touchdown passes; he will need to be better if the Raiders want a shot in Denver.

Bing Predicts winner: Denver Broncos (70% chance)

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Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 1:25 p.m. PST

New England Patriots lead series 11-1-0

In what can be deemed a ‘revenge game,’ Jacksonville looks to atone for last year’s AFC Championship game where a 10-point fourth quarter lead was squandered, allowing the Patriots to reach their third Super Bowl in four years.

Both teams are off to undefeated starts, and while the Patriots are narrowly favored on the road, Jacksonville’s defense will give them a strong chance.

New England’s defense came to play on Sunday, holding one of the league’s bright stars, Deshaun Watson, to just 176 yards in their 27-20 victory over the Texans. The Jags eked out a 20-15 win over the Giants in Week 1.

The most entertaining matchup should be when Jaguars star cornerback Jalen Ramsey is lined up on Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, especially in the wake of Ramsey’s comments regarding Gronk’s greatness. Ramsey wasn’t superb last week against the Giants’ Odell Beckham Jr., which should give him extra motivation this week.

Bing Predicts winner: New England Patriots (60% chance)

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Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

Game time: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 5:20 p.m. PST

Dallas Cowboys lead series 64-46-2

One of the better NFL rivalries over recent years is back in action, although less excitement surrounds the Giants and Cowboys this season – the Eagles are the heavy favorites to win the NFC East after their remarkable Super Bowl run last year.

After tough losses last week, both teams are trying to get back to even. Dallas swept both games against New York last year, winning by a combined score of 49-13. The Giants offense is rejuvenated this season with Odell Beckham Jr. returning from an ankle injury, and the team took highly-touted rookie running back Saquon Barkley out of Penn State. Both players had impact games in Week 1 – Barkley with 106 yards rushing and a touchdown on 18 rushes while Beckham Jr. had 111 yards receiving on 11 catches.

As simple as it sounds, the team with fewer mistakes late in the game should be in the driver’s seat on Sunday night. A muffed punt toward the end of last Sunday’s game against the Jaguars removed any chance of a Giants come-from-behind victory, and Dallas QB Dak Prescott fumbled after he was sacked late in the fourth quarter of their loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Bing Predicts winner: Dallas Cowboys (60% chance)

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Chicago Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks

Game time: Monday, Sept. 17 at 5:15 p.m. PST

Seattle Seahawks lead series 11-6-0

 Week 2 concludes on Monday night with a matchup featuring the Seahawks and the Bears. Chicago, whose defense looked unstoppable in the first half last week, had its heart ripped out by a surgical Aaron Rodgers. The Bears squandered a 20-point lead to an injured, but seemingly immortal, Rodgers, who yet again pulled off late-game magic, winning 24-23.

Chicago and its offense did show some promise under new head coach Matt Nagy, and the recent addition of former Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack to an already improved Bears defense should have teams worried for years to come. Mack had a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery, and interception returned for a touchdown on Sunday, all in the first half.

A weak Seattle offensive line that gave up six sacks last week will have their work cut out for them on Monday. The Seahawks also lost No. 1 receiver Doug Baldwin to a knee injury in their 27-24 loss to Denver.

The two teams have only squared off twice since 2012; Seattle was the winner of both matchups. Chicago hopes its improved defense will be enough to keep Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson on edge.

Bing Predicts winner: Chicago Bears (55% chance)

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