NFL Week 1 Reaction to Key Games

Here's my Week 1 Reaction to the Key or Important games.

Ravens vs. Broncos (49-27 Denver) 

The opening game of the NFL season debuted on Thursday night with the reigning Super Bowl Champs heading out to the Mile High City to compete in a rematch of last year's dramatic AFC Divisional playoff game. The Ravens looked good, holding a 17-14 lead at the half but it all went south from there. Peyton Manning ended up throwing for 7 touchdowns on the way to a bashing of the Ravens. Manning with his new weapons Wes Welker and Tight End Julius Thomas each had 2 touch downs and Demaryius Thomas added a pair of his own. The Broncos offense looked unbelievable and is why I can't see them not winning the AFC crown. They have 6 cup cake games against the Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders. A 13-3 or 14-2 record is in their future. The only question I have for them is come playoff time when it is time to grind out games. Who's their running back? Remember these 2 things. Once everyone went to bed, the Ravens started coming back because Denver started running the ball. Also, Denver ran 23 times for only 65 yards. That's not going to get it done come playoff time.

As for the Ravens, they just looked abysmal. Flacco actually played solid but between Dallas Clark and Ed Dickson's drops and Jacoby Jones freak injury, Flacco had no chance. Marlon Brown stepped in well as the 2nd wide out but Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce were ineffective. The defense couldn't cover or tackle especially the secondary. Their poor performance could force rookie Matt Elam into the lineup as well as rookie linebacker Arthur Brown. But with all the bad, I saw some hope for the Ravens. Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil each recorded a sack and as I mentioned above, the Broncos only rushed for 65 yards on 23 carries. The Ravens with Ray Lewis would be fine but going forward I'm not sure exactly what is in store for Baltimore. I believe they will murder the Browns but after that we'll have to wait and see.

Falcons vs. Saints (23-17 New Orleans)

All the hype going into the game was about Sean Payton's return after his Bounty Gate suspension. All the talk of the Saints offense getting their mastermind play caller back was great but what should truly be acknowledged is the addition of Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator. Set as a predicted shootout, Rob Ryan's defense allowed only 17 points in a spectacular effort. If before the game you told me Matty Ice would have the ball down 6 in the redzone on the last drive, 10 out of 10 times I would've said the Falcons would have come out victorious. Give credit to the Saints, they held and showed me two things. They improved magically over the offseason on defense. Their record setting defense (bad records) had greatly improved. And two. Bold prediction. The New Orleans Saints will win the division. The Saints just have their mojo back.

The Falcons will be fine. They should easily grab a playoff spot and it wouldn't shock me if they won the division. They have a stupid good offense and Roddy White was hobbled the entire game. The Birds will be fine just fine.











Packers vs. 49ers (34-28 San Francisco)

In a great sunday afternoon shootout, we saw Colin Kaepernick completely dominate the Green Bay defense. This time, though, he did it with his arm rather than his legs. Kaepernick threw for 412 yards and three scores and showed us again why Anquan Boldin was Joe Flacco's favorite target. Boldin could not be stopped. He quickly ridded all doubt that he would be able to fill in for the injured Michael Crabtree. Kaep also seemed to find a new connection with TE Vernon Davis. After not targeting Davis much in the 11 games they played together last season, Kaepernick found him for 2 scores. The defense was put to the test against Aaron Rodgers but faired alright. Especially rookie safety Eric Reid who picked off Rodgers and did well in his first career game.

The Pack will also be alright. People are really sleeping on the Bears who I think will be a solid squad this year but with that being said, Rodgers will claim the division title. They simply have too many weapons to be stopped. They totaled 28 points against arguably the best defense in the league. All I have to say is good luck Washington.






Eagles vs. Redskins (33-27 Eagles)

The score doesn't really tell the real story of this game. The Eagles ran an NFL record 51 plays in the first half with Chip Kelly's new up tempo offense. While I think there was a major over reaction to the Eagles success, I still think the Eagles may establish themselves as a very dangerous team. People saying they'll win the division now or McCoy will lead the league in rushing are nice thoughts but I think at least for now are a little quick on the trigger. The defense played great in the first half but struggled when RG3 shook off the rust. Also, Vick came up hobbled a few times and there's a slim chance he starts all 16 games this season. Would it surprise me if the Eagles won the division? Absolutely not. A weak division and a good looking offensive scheme. But talk to me at the quarter mark and I'll update my thoughts on the BirdGang.

Woah. The 'Skins defense looked horrible. They got thrashed by McCoy, Vick, and Bryce Brown. RG3 looked mediocre at best. And Alfred Morris struggled early and often. I can't see this team returning to the post season. You might say, and rightfully so, isn't that an overreaction. It may be but I believe all 3 teams in the NFC East made nice additions in the offseason and Washington did not. My prediction, the Redskins will finish LAST in their division.

Sportacular Sport's NFL Week 8 Picks

Here are Sportacular Sport's predictions and analysis for Week 8 of the NFL Season

So far this week I'm 0-1 because the Vikings lost to the Buccaneers on Thursday Night. 

Bye Week Teams- Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals

(1-5) Carolina Panthers @ (5-1) Chicago Bears

After a strong defensive showing from the Bears on Monday Night, it seems no one can score against this defense. Allowing only 13 ppg the bears go up against a Cam Newton who cannot seem to escape the Sophomore slump. After a poor outing at home against a beat up Dallas team, I don't see this one being any close. While Cam contains big-play potential, I see Matt Forte having an excellent game and the Bears prevailing big. (With Jay Cutler though, how is anyone supposed to figure out this game)

Final Score- Bears-31- Panthers-17(I think the Panthers will score a garbage touchdown making it look closer than it really was)

(3-3) San Diego Chargers @ (1-6) Cleveland Browns

Philip Rivers just pulled off the biggest choke-job of his career and for him that's saying something. In wake of blowing a 24 pt lead two mondays ago, I think the Chargers rebound with a tight win. The Browns might be without first round pick Trent Richardson and even if he suits up he's struggling with a rib injury. The Browns always have a knack for keeping games close, especially at Paul Brown Stadium. Their average margin of defeat is just over 7 points a game meaning their always in it till the end. Rivers plays well enough to get the victory.

Final Score- Chargers-24-Browns-20

(4-3) Seattle Seahawks @ (2-4) Detroit Lions

A surprising 4-3 Seattle team led by rookie QB Russel Wilson, travels to Detroit, Michigan to face a disappointing Lions team. After reaching the playoffs for the first time in a decade, the Lions look like the 2008 0-16 Detroit team. Not really, but they are very disappointing based off the potential entering the season. A 5,000 yard passer (Matthew Stafford) and the NFL's best receiver (Calvin Johnson). On the other hand, Marshawn Lynch keeps running over players and the Seahawks keep squeaking out wins. I've been very discouraged by the play of the Lions and very satisfied with the performance of the Hawks. In a surprise, I think the Seahawks sneak into Detroit and steals a win.

Final Score- Seahawks-23-Detroit-21

(1-5) Jacksonville Jaguars @ (4-3) Green Bay Packers

Maurice Jones- Drew and maybe Blaine Gabbert are going to be out for this game. If both are playing, I still don't see this one being any close. Green Bay is at home and Rodgers has found his game again. The Jags, on the other hand, just blew a game to the Raiders last Sunday and don't have much going for them. Their past two top draft picks have been Gabbert and Justin Blackmon. Neither have produced and having the 28th ranked defense won't help much. I predict this one being a blowout. Final Score-Packers 38-Jaguars-13

(3-3) Indianapolis Colts @ (3-4) Tennessee Titans

An inspired Colts team travels to Nashville to face a streaking Titans squad. Having won two in a row with Matt Hasselbeck at the helm, the Titans have beaten the Steelers at home and then traveled to Buffalo and won in a high scoring affair. The Colts also are playing well themselves after beating the Packers and Browns in two out of their last three. I anticipate this game to be very close and very well played. Chris Johnson appears to be playing well and Kenny Britt when healthy can be very effective. While RGIII seems to be running away with the ROY, Andrew Luck has been very good as well. The one aspect that I think could take Tennessee over the top would be their special teams. Therefore, in a very tight one I believe with the home crowd the Titans will be victorious.

Final Score- Titans-31-Colts-27

(4-3) New England Patriots "@" (3-4) St. Louis Rams

The reason for the quotations is because this game is taking place in London, England. After heartbreaking losses to the Ravens and Seahawks and a very close game against the Jets, it is very hard to tell which Patriot team we will see in England this weekend. I anticipate a team led by 3 time Super Bowl Champ Tom Brady making a major statement. If the Patriots lose this game though, this could be the beginning of the end of the Brady dynasty. The St. Louis Rams are showing signs of an up and coming team. Playing in the NFC West is a tough task nowadays as the Rams are in last with a decent 3-4 record. St. Louis has been playing well but they're do for a stinker and the Patriots are going to be angry this weekend.

Final Score- Patriots 42-Rams-17

(3-3) Miami Dolphins @ (3-4) New York Jets

Just like the Rams, the Dolphins look like an up and coming team with rookie QB Ryan Tannehill. Reggie Bush can be effective and the breakout player of the year so far is WR Brian Hartline. Coming off a bye week, I expect the Dolphins to jump out to a quick lead and quiet Fireman Ed. Even though NY has lost the best CB (Darrelle Revis) in the league and their top WR (Santoni Holmes), the Jets can still play good defense. Shonn Greene leads the ground and pound attack although he is inconsistent. A late comeback by Mark Sanchez and our first sighting of a Tim Tebow TD leads the Jets to a close win at home.

Final Score-Jets-23-Dolphins-20

(6-0) Atlanta Falcons @ (3-3) Philadelphia Eagles

The last undefeated team in the NFL travels to a highly talented yet underperforming Eagles team on Sunday @ 1pm. Matty Ice has lived up to his nickname in winning late in games. The Falcons haven't been overly dominant but that's irrelevant because they're finding ways to win. The Eagles however led by Mike "turnover" Vick have one of the most talented teams in the NFL yet cannot perform likewise. Lesean Mccoy has been O.K. and the combo of the Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin have been alright as well. However, I see a strong defensive effort from the Eagles on Sunday as they play up to their potential. Eagles eliminate the final undefeated and win by enough where Mike Vick won't have the chance to blow the game.

Final Score-Eagles-27-Falcons-17

(3-4) Washington Redskins @ (3-3) Pittsburgh Steelers

RGIII has almost locked up ROY and we are only heading into week 8 of the NFL season. His unbelievable play on 4th and 11 last week almost helped the Redskins knock off the defending champs on the road. If it weren't for a 77 yard breakdown in the secondary courtesy of Victor Cruz, the Redskins would have a chance to have a winning record heading into the 2nd half of the season. While the 'Skins look like they have a bright future, the Steelers show up with a different team every week. Big Ben has a 14-1 record at home against NFC opponents but those were teams filled with DPOY's like healthy Troy Polamalus and James Harrisons. In the upset of the week, watch as that record becomes 14-2. 

Final Score-Redskins-23-Steelers-21

(2-4) Oakland Raiders @ (1-5) Kansas City Chiefs

These two teams came into the season with much upside and have not delivered much. Besides KC's dream season a few years ago, the Chargers and Broncos look like they still control the AFC West. Oakland led by turnover prone Carson Palmer and injury ridden Darren McFadden and Darius Heyward-Bey have yet to click. After a come from behind against the...Jags... Oakland doesn't have much besides two all pro kickers. The Chiefs though have the talent in Jamal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. Matt Cassel has been injured but even before that the Chiefs didn't look very good. Bowe doesn't want to be there and the Chiefs cheer when their QB gets hurt. This looks like the worst game of the week. I guess I'll take the Chiefs because they are at home but besides that there is nothing doing here.

Final Score-Chiefs-31-Raiders-23

(5-2) New York Giants @ (3-3) Dallas Cowboys

The New York Giants are playing like defending champions and no one can touch Eli in the 4th. The Cowboys have way too much talent to be just 3-3. Granted they should've beaten the Ravens, the Cowboys have a dynamic duo at WR, a pro-bowl Qb, and a solid RB. The Cowboys defeated the Giants in the opening of the NFL season but are extremely inconsistent. The Giants usually go through a mid season slump and what greater time to start right about now.

Final Score-Cowboys-26-Giants-17

(2-4) New Orleans Saints @ (3-3) Denver Broncos

The Saints have won 2 in a row behind excellent performances by Drew Brees. The Denver Broncos are also riding a small winning streak and are coming off their bye. Give a rested Peyton Manning an extra week to prepare for a horrible defense and watch a thrashing. The Saints can put up points themselves but it won't be enough on Sunday Night. Expect an extremely exciting game resulting in a Broncos's win.

Final Score-Broncos-41-Saints-31