With exception of the Eagles @ Bears tonight, which should be an entertaining game, week 2 is behind us. I'll make my prediction now, Eagles might pull this one out if they can play some D and put some pressure on Cutler. I think they will, and I predict the Eagles eke this one out down the stretch.
The Good:
Minnesota Vikings. The last-minute acquisition of Bradford was an excellent decision, as evidenced by his performance last night. Despite losing Peterson in the 3rd quarter, the combination of Bradford's steady performance (22 of 31 in passing, 286 yards, 2 TD's and zero interceptions) and a very impressive Vikings defensive performance has them 2-0 this season.
NY Giants. For the first time since 2009, the Giants win their opening 2 games to start the season despite not having a single offense-credited touchdown against the Saints Sunday. Manning had an otherwise solid performance with 32 for 41 pass attempts and 353 yards with no interceptions. The Giants defense looks steady, and if Cruz and Beckham simply do what is expected of them - the Giants could be the stalwarts of the NFC east this season.
NE Patriots. The Brady-less Pats move to 2-0, despite Garoppolo's shoulder injury taking him out of the contest in the 2nd quarter. Jimmy G looked great yet again, going 18-27 for 234 passing yards and three touchdowns. The shoulder injury isn't serious, and although it's unlikely that he'll be in uniform Thursday night against Houston, the news is better-than-expected long-term. The bottom line is that Belichick has a 2-week ordeal to negotiate with the potential of having a 3rd stringer assume a starting role for the remaining 2 games of Brady's absence, and there's no doubt that he's making some calls and surveying the weak pool of remaining also-rans out of work to get through the next two weeks. But this doesn't factor considering that even should the Pats lose the next two games - they're still the team to beat. It just means that Brady will come into the picture in week 5 with an incentive to run the tables the rest of the season.
Denver Broncos. Their defense continues to win games, even the ugly ones like the game against the Colts Sunday night. Von Miller made the play of the game with forcing the sack-fumble on Andrew Luck, moving the Broncs to 2-0. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Trevor Siemian, but he's held his own thus far with that heralded defense in Denver continuing to play their usual role.
Pittsburgh. It was a lethargic opening half of football, but the Steelers continue to figure out how to win not playing their best, and particularly Sunday in not-so-good conditions. They will improve as the season progresses, providing their defense continues to perform. They're 2-0, but face a tough upcoming schedule. They're @ Philly on Sunday, then face the Chiefs, Jets, Dolphins and Patriots the following four weeks.
The Bad
Indianapolis Colts. Andrew Luck might be the highest-paid NFL player in history, but he is not a miracle worker. A great quarterback cannot account for so many bad decisions and a non-supporting cast, which includes much of the coaching staff. They continue to be satisfied with mediocrity, with little idea how to plug the holes in a sinking ship. They've not been good now for far too long with Luck at the helm, heads need to roll there.
NFC West. This division is an absolute dumpster-fire, with the Cardinals holding the matches and gasoline. Seattle loses to the second-worst team in the league, Chip Kelly's only win has come against the second-worst team in the league, and the Cardinals have arguably the easiest schedule of any better-than-average team coming up this season.
The Downright Ugly
Buffalo Bills. There's such a level of dysfunction going on in Buffalo that it's impossible to ignore. Between the husband-wife owners micromanaging the team, meeting with the players in a private meeting with Rex Ryan not invited, to Rex Ryan himself... this soap opera continues to play out in excruciatingly painful fashion for the Bills faithful. Recently fired Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman, on some level, has to be somewhat relieved that he no longer has to be a part of it. Rex Ryan will not make it through the season, although quite frankly it doesn't matter. No competent prospective head coach would want that job with all of the drama going on there with an ineffective, tone-deaf GM and the owners.
Seattle. They've amassed 15 points total through the first two games of the season. Not sure what's going on with Russell Wilson, or the team in general. But losing to the likes of Case Keenum and the LA Rams gives even the most ardent of Seahawks fans reason to worry. The offense clearly is struggling, and that's on Pete Carroll.
New Orleans. The blowback is never good when an 0-2 team's performance is being over-shadowed by players calling out their opponents for cheating. Saints CB Sterling Moore wasted little time taking Odell Beckham Jr to task for numerous offensive pass interference no-calls after the game Sunday in the post interview commentary. It sounds like desperation has already set in in New Orleans, and not even Drew Brees (who surpassed Marino as #3 all-time passing yards Sunday) can help them. I sense a tough season ahead for Sean Payton, who appears resigned to accept that his team will be missing the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive season.