NFL Week 2: 5 upsets to watch for
After watching the Houston Texans beat the Cincinnati Bengals (or was it Cincinnati losing more than Houston?) we take a look at five other upsets that could happen this weekend.
5. Miami Dolphins over Los Angeles Chargers
The Dolphins had their first game canceled because of Hurricane Irma, making this their season-opener. In the interim, head coach Adam Gase and Co. have had the team out in California, gearing up for the first Chargers’ home game in Los Angeles since 1960. The Dolphins reached the playoffs last year as a 10-6 team but aren’t getting much love. Can they take down Los Angeles, which fell in the final seconds to the Broncos in Week 1?
4. Denver Broncos over Dallas Cowboys
Speaking of Denver, the Broncos should almost never be underdogs at home. The Mile High City has been notorious as one of the best home-field advantages in the sport, and this week, the Broncos welcome in the Cowboys in a battle of undefeated teams. Dallas provides a very strong challenge to Denver, with Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley and the league’s best offensive line. Still, the Broncos have great corners, a terrific pass-rusher in Von Miller and a pair of legitimate receivers. Watch this game.
3. Buffalo Bills over Carolina Panthers
This might be a stretch, but bare with me. Sean McDermott was the defensive coordinator with Carolina before taking the head-coaching gig with the Bills. The Panthers are a much better team in comparison to Buffalo, so this should be a mismatch. That said, the Bills will be amply motivated to win for McDermott, all while Cam Newton is still working his way back from a shoulder surgery. Don’t expect a Bills win, but this could be closer than most think.
2. Detroit Lions over New York Giants
The Lions are laying points on the road, and deservedly so. The Giants went 11-5 last year while the Lions cooled off toward the end of the season, finishing 9-7. However, Detroit looked very strong in Week 1, scoring 35 points against the Arizona Cardinals in a win. Meanwhile, the Giants scored three points in a hideous defeat in Dallas. The Lions could absolutely win this game, perhaps by more than one score.
1. Minnesota Vikings over Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh started the week by being a seven-point favorite at home against the Vikings, but that’s an aggressive line. Minnesota torched the New Orleans Saints in their opener, with Sam Bradford throwing for 346 yards in a 29-19 win. Pittsburgh is much better than the Saints, but its pass defense is lackluster and Le’Veon Bell is clearly still working his way back after holding out through August. The Vikings have a great defense, a solid passing game and an electric running back in rookie Dalvin Cook. This might end up being the best game of the week.
