WEEK 2 MATCHUPS
DALLAS (1-0) AT DENVER (1-0)
After manhandling the Giants, Dallas can really prove it is an NFC power again by crossing over divisions, heading to the Rockies and beating the Broncos. The Cowboys had the ball for so long against New York, the Giants’ formidable defense withered. Denver’s “D” is just as good.
PHILADELPHIA (1-0) AT KANSAS CITY (1-0)
Both teams are coming off impressive road wins. Kansas City was opportunistic — and sometimes dominant — with the ball while surprising the Patriots in New England to kick off the NFL season more than a week ago. Eagles QB Carson Wentz must watch for Chiefs LB Justin Houston, who had 4.5 sacks the last time the clubs met.
NEW ENGLAND (0-1) AT NEW ORLEANS (0-1)
The Patriots usually respond well after a loss, especially one in which QB Tom Brady struggled. Since 2003, the Patriots are 42-6 in the regular season in that scenario.
MINNESOTA (1-0) AT PITTSBURGH (1-0)
The Vikings, particularly second-round running back Dalvin Cook (127 rushing yards), were impressive on Monday night against New Orleans, but a short turnaround for a trip to the Steel City is never enviable. The Steelers appear to be building a defense to complement their all-world offense.
CHICAGO (0-1) AT TAMPA BAY (0-0)
It’s impossible to know what the Bucs have after being forced by Hurricane Irma to move their bye up to opening week. They could be dynamic on offense and improved on defense, which would put them in the mix. Former Bucs QB Mike Glennon played well in his first outing for Chicago.
MIAMI (0-0) AT L.A. CHARGERS (0-1)
It’s impossible to know what the Dolphins have after being forced by Hurricane Irma to move their bye up to opening week, too. They’ve spent the week in California and figure to be rusty. If they can get their running game on track with Jay Ajayi, they could spoil the Chargers’ official debut in L.A. — well, their return there after playing all of one season as the L.A. Chargers in 1960, the debut year of the AFL.
BUFFALO (1-0) AT CAROLINA (1-0)
Although they haven’t made the playoffs since the last century, the Bills lead this series 5-1. Their running game with LeSean McCoy was dynamic in the opener, but that was against the Jets. This should be a saltier test.
N.Y. JETS (0-1) AT OAKLAND (1-0)
You can bet Raiders fans are stoked over the team’s performance at Tennessee, especially the balance on offense. Marshawn Lynch was in Beast Mode; eight players caught passes from Derek Carr. The Jets probably don’t have eight players who would make Oakland’s roster.
SAN FRANCISCO (0-1) AT SEATTLE (0-1)
Once a terrific NFC West rivalry, the Seahawks have won six straight overall in the series and the past six matchups in Seattle, including the playoffs.
WASHINGTON (0-1) AT L.A. RAMS (1-0)
For the first time in his short NFL career, Jared Goff looked like a pro QB in the Rams’ opening rout of the Colts. The Redskins looked downright mediocre losing to Philadelphia.
CLEVELAND (0-1) AT BALTIMORE (1-0)
If the Ravens can mash the Browns on the ground and rush the passer well — both things they mastered while shutting out Cincinnati last week — they will be tough every game. Baltimore QB Joe Flacco is 15-2 lifetime against the Browns, with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
ARIZONA (0-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS (0-1)
Both teams come off rough openers. Arizona lost at Detroit and star RB David Johnson, one of the NFL’s most versatile players, broke his wrist. Indy is without Andrew Luck again — and for who knows how long.
DETROIT (1-0) AT N.Y. GIANTS (0-1)
Whither Odell? If the Giants don’t have standout receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle injury) again, and their offensive line is as abysmal as it was against Dallas, this Monday’s game might not be much of a prime-time showcase. Then again, New York’s defense always is worth watching.