Take It To The Bank- NFL Week Two
The second week is here and there were many surprises in week one. From the four-touchdown game by Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, to the 27-point fantasy outburst from Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski. We look back on those performances, and look ahead to the upcoming week with our weekly prediction column: Take it to the Bank.
AP Gets It Together
Last week, we watched as Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was held to just 31 yards on 10 carries. Not really the numbers that fantasy owners were expecting after almost all took him in the first round. This week, Peterson and the Vikings return home for the first time this season. I’d expect AP to get his regular workload and should make an impact against a Detroit Lions team who lost some big guys off their line this offseason.
Adrian Peterson looks to get back on track (Via Fantasy Pros)
It’s On Like Gronky Kong
This past week, Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan said that he may have to opt to put three defenders on New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. While I found this a bit humorous, I don’t really think that Rex was kidding. There will be times where Gronk has three players covering him. I’d expect Gronkowski to have a below average game, but anything is possible. Pats wide receiver Julian Edelman is expected to have a good fantasy outing, and Danny Amendola is a sneaky play this week.
Super Mariota
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was in for a huge week in week one, becoming just the second rookie quarterback ever to throw four touchdowns in his first career game. This week, Mariota turns his attention to the Cleveland Browns, who just allowed a big game to New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick last week. Expect big things for the rookie this week.
Macaroni and Brees
The search party is out for New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees this week. Listen, I know that he still threw for 355 yards last week against the Arizona Cardinals, but the stat that stood out to me was that Brees had only one touchdown pass on four trips to the red zone. Now while there is concern about Brees, the veteran will get to try in week two against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who allowed four touchdown passes in the first half to Marcus Mariota. We’ll see how much easier that makes it for Brees. Start him as normal.
Gurley Birds…Again
In case you haven’t heard, the St. Louis Rams have been practicing with running back Todd Gurley this week. The rookie halfback isn’t supposed to return to the lineup until week four after tearing his ACL last season at the collegiate level with Georgia. This is great news for Gurley owners, as it signals the possibility of a week three return. Currently, Gurley is listed as questionable for this week’s matchup against the Washington Redskins, but I’m not confident that Gurley will play this week. Look for Tre Mason to get the start at running back for the Rams.
UPDATE (Sunday 9/20 @ 11:30 AM): Gurley is inactive today. The Rams are targeting a week three return.
Brett Malamud is an English Rhetoric Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
Studs and Duds: NFL Week Seven
By Brett Malamud
It’s pretty easy to spot out the studs for this week. With the many game changing plays this week, some of these studs were a lock for the list. Here’s this week’s edition of Studs and Duds:
Stud: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
How can you lead off this list with anyone who isn’t named Peyton Manning? The future hall of famer reached a new plateau, becoming the NFL’s all time leading passing touchdowns leader. But he didn’t stop there, and threw another touchdown. Manning finished the day with 318 passing yards and four touchdowns.
Dud: Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals
It just so happens that the Bengals were shutout but I’m blaming Bernard here, simply because of his dip in performance from the week before. A week after his 157 yard performance, Bernard could not find success this week. He finished the day with just 17 yards on the ground and without a touchdown.
Stud: Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
Thomas caught Peyton Manning’s record breaking touchdown as part of his two touchdown night. Thomas finished the day with eight catches on nine targets for 171 receiving yards.
Dud: Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears
Jeffery was a big disappointment this week. He had just two catches for nine yards, and that’s not acceptable, especially since the Bears were already down 14-0 and were forced to throw the football.
Stud: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson had another outstanding week. He threw for 313 passing yards and two touchdowns. Once again, Wilson proved his value to fantasy owners and added 106 rushing yards and a touchdown as well.
Dud: Julius Thomas, Denver Broncos
Surprisingly, Thomas had a off night on Sunday. He caught just four of his six targets, including a brutal drop. Thomas still leads the NFL in touchdowns though with nine.
Stud: Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills
Sammy Watkins had a great day with a pair of touchdown catches. The highlight was his second touchdown grab, which gave Buffalo the lead with a second left on the clock.
Dud: Buffalo Bills Running Backs
The Bills had a pretty dreadful second quarter. No, it wasn’t because of the score, but rather their backfield. Both Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller went down with injuries and will be out for the next few weeks. Not great for a team that is trying to compete in a competitive AFC East.
The Bills will miss CJ Spiller (Via AP)
Stud: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
Remember how I said that one play could land you on the studs or duds list? These last two studs are complete examples of just that with their trick plays. Wide receiver Antonio Brown came around the backfield to take a reverse. He curled back around to the left with the ball and fired one straight into the chest of Lance Moore. The trick play gave the Steelers the lead and eventually the win.
Stud: St. Louis Rams
The trick plays of the weekend came in St. Louis. The Seahawks, who are argued to have the top punt coverage unit in the league, were fooled multiple times by the Rams. First, they were set to return a punt as the Rams were backed up to their own 18 yard line when punter Johnny Hekker passed the ball for a first down. Then later in the game, Seattle set out to return a punt. The Rams ran back towards the left side of the field to block for return man Tavon Austin, bringing the Seahawks along with them. The punt actually came down on the opposite side of the field to Steadman Bailey, who had an almost open sideline. Bailey took the return all the way back for a touchdown. The Rams went on to beat the defending champions 28-26.
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
NFL Week Seven Predictions
By Brett Malamud
This week has Peyton Manning on the precipice of NFL history. Manning needs just two touchdowns to tie Brett Favre for the all time touchdowns record. Here’s what else is on tap for week seven:
BYES: Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
-Jets (1-5) at Patriots (4-2), Thursday @ 8:25 PM EST
The Jets come into this matchup off their loss to Peyton Manning and the Broncos. They showed signs of promise, and kept with Denver for most of the game. This week they’ll face another hall of fame quarterback in Tom Brady. Brady was excellent last week against the Bills and hopes to continue his success. I believe that the game will be close throughout, but I’m taking New England. Verdict: Patriots
-Falcons (2-4) at Ravens (4-2), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Falcons lost to the Bears last week in a game that was close through three quarters before Chicago pulled away. They’ll face the Ravens, who return home after their biggest win this season. Joe Flacco finished his day with five touchdown passes in route to a 48-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I’m going to pick the Ravens to stay hot. Verdict: Ravens
-Titans (2-4) at Redskins (1-5), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Titans barely edged out the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, in a performance that Tennessee should not be proud of. They allowed 336 passing yards to Jaguars rookie quarterback Blake Bortles. This week they’ll have a tougher matchup against Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins who threw for 354 yards against a tough Arizona Cardinals defense. The task will be tough, and I think it’ll be too difficult for the Titans to stop Cousins. Verdict: Redskins
-Seahawks (3-2) at Rams (1-4), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Seahawks were shocked last week by the Dallas Cowboys. Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson was held to just 126 yards on the day. The Rams also were defeated last week, taking a Monday night loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Look for Rams rookie quarterback Austin Davis to show some promise against a deadly Seahawks defense, and ultimately win. The Rams will continue powering through their rough schedule. Verdict: Rams
-Browns (3-2) at Jaguars (0-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
I picked the Browns to win last week and they did against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’re going to win this one too, especially against the winless Jaguars. Verdict: Browns
-Bengals (3-1-1) at Colts (4-2), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
Last week’s Bengals-Panthers game ended with Mike Nugent kicking a 36-yard field goal wide right as the clock expired to end the game in a tie. The Bengals now look to regroup as they head into Indianapolis. They’ll try to stop a red-hot Colts team, led by quarterback Andrew Luck and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. The Colts come off of a win in Houston on Thursday Night Football. They’ll take this one, especially at the rate they’ve been playing at. Verdict: Colts
-Vikings (2-4) at Bills (3-3), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Bills couldn’t handle Tom Brady and the Patriots last week, and that sent them to an even 3-3 on the season. Bills quarterback Kyle Orton did look good though and hopes to continue that this week. He’ll match up against Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater couldn’t find the endzone last week against the Detroit Lions. I think that will change, but the Bills will run away with this one. Verdict: Bills
-Dolphins (2-3) at Bears (3-3), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
Jay Cutler impressed last week, torching the Atlanta Falcons for 381 passing yards in route to a 27-13 victory. This week, the Bears turn their attention to the Miami Dolphins, who come off of a closely contested game with the Green Bay Packers. This game will be very close, but I’m going with Chicago here. Verdict: Bears
-Saints (2-3) at Lions (4-2), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Saints head off of their bye week into Detroit, where they’ll take on the Lions. Injuries will have an impact in this one, as the Saints will likely be without tight end Jimmy Graham, and the status of Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is up in the air as well. The one achilles heel of the Lions could be their running game, currently ranked 29th in the league. With that said, look for wide receiver Golden Tate to step into the spotlight and lead the Lions to a close victory. Verdict: Lions
-Panthers (3-2-1) at Packers (4-2), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Panthers escaped last week’s game with a tie after the Bengals kicker Mike Nugent missed a 36-yard attempt as time expired in overtime. Carolina quarterback Cam Newton had 284 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air, in addition to his 107 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Panthers will take on the Packers at Lambeau Field this week. The Packers beat the Dolphins this week and look to continue their win streak. I believe that they will. Verdict: Packers
-Chiefs (2-3) at Chargers (5-1), Sunday @ 4:05 PM EST
The Chiefs come in off of the bye week after being defeated in San Francisco the week before. The Chargers on the other hand squeaked out a victory against the Oakland Raiders. Quarterback Philip Rivers threw for 313 yards and three touchdowns. San Diego has the third ranked defense and will have to stop the Chiefs’ run game. I think they will, and will charge past the chiefs this weekend Verdict: Chargers
-Cardinals (4-1) at Raiders (0-5), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
I’d be shocked to see Oakland come away with a victory in this one. The Cardinals took down the Redskins last week, and the Raiders took a loss to the Chargers. Look for the Cardinals to keep the Raiders winless. Verdict: Chargers
-Giants (3-3) at Cowboys (5-1), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
A battle is brewing in the NFC East. The Eagles and Cowboys are currently tied for first place at 3-1 and lurking behind them is the Giants at 3-3. The Giants are sure to miss wide receiver Victor Cruz after he tore his patella tendon, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Odell Beckham Jr. and Ruben Randle will have to step up, knowing that they’ll have to get open quick due to the bad offensive line that the Giants have. I’m going to have to go with the Cowboys simply because of their offense, that took down the mighty Seattle Seahawks last weekend. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and running back DeMarco Murray should have a big day. Verdict: Cowboys
-49ers (4-2) at Broncos (4-1), Sunday @ 8:30 PM EST
My game of the week is right here, with the 49ers traveling into the Mile High City. The Broncos are fresh off of their win against the Jets last week. Peyton Manning is two touchdown passes away from tying Brett Favre for the all time touchdowns record. He’ll most likely tie the record on Sunday. The 49ers took down the Rams last week, but will probably take a loss to Peyton and the Broncos here. Verdict: Broncos
Peyton Manning will go for the NFL all time touchdowns record this week (Via CBS Sports)
-Texans (3-3) at Steelers (3-3), Monday @ 8:30 PM EST
The Texans took a loss at home on Thursday Night Football to send them to an even 3-3 record. The Steelers took a loss to the Cleveland Browns. With both teams looking to bounce back, expect a good game here. I’m going with the Steelers, who head into this week with the sixth ranked offense in the league. Verdict: Steelers
Jets Fans, Don’t Panic Just Yet…
Jets head coach Rex Ryan has continued to believe in Geno Smith and has kept him as the starting quarterback (Via UPI)
Jack Allen is a writer for dabuzzza.com. He is a fan of the New York Mets, New York Islanders, New York Knicks, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, Queens Park Rangers, and West Virginia Mountaineer football and basketball. His favorite athletes are David Wright, John Tavares, Geno Smith, Allen Iverson and Charlie Austin. He is a very passionate and determined fan. You can follow him on twitter @JackAllen99.
AFC East Preview
By Jack Allen
If you ask me, I believe the AFC East is a constantly improving division. Starting with the New England Patriots (Division winners for the last 6 years) under future Hall of Fame head coach Bill Belichick they’ve dominated the AFC East for pretty much the last 14 years. With three Super Bowls (2001, 2003, and 2004) are the overwhelming favorite for this division as of right now. They might have one problem, with an aging Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski just coming back it could be a problem staying healthy. It’ll take a lot to keep them off the field, but don’t forget Tom Brady could soon be wearing down.
Tom Brady is still an elite quarterback but could he be losing steam? (via ibtimes)
As for the New York Jets, under 2nd year QB Geno Smith I believe they have enough to clinch a Wild Card birth in the AFC. Rex Ryan and his defense can lead this young team in the NFL playoffs. Im not sure how far they can go, but it will be an exciting year in East Rutherford. Im going to say it comes all the way down to Week 17 in Miami to possibly sneak in to the playoffs. With new faces like Eric Decker, Chris Johnson and Jonathan Babin it should be an exciting season.
Down in South Florida they have a very nice thing going that I think needs some time to develop. Last season in week 17 they had a win and in game at home against their divisional rival NY Jets. Nothing went right in a disappointing 20-7 loss. The Dolphins will give themselves a chance and play the Jets at home in a similar way they did last season and blow it again. Ryan Tannehill seems to have developed nicely, but not too many other threats on the football field. Should be an interesting year in Miami.
Ever since 2001 the Buffalo Bills have had no divisional titles, a 26-54 record within the AFC East and no playoff appearances. For the first time, in recent memory they look to have to hope. With a good defensive line, a young talented quarterback in EJ Manuel, and their new draft pick Sammy Watkins. Are they ready for a run yet? I say not just yet, but this team will not be a good one to have on your schedule. I project them at 6-10, but I say due to some inexperience they lose some close ones. Not so much now, but the future is looking bright in Western New York.
Prediction:
1). Patriots 11-5
2). Jets 9-7
3).Dolphins 8-8
4).Bills 6-10
Jack Allen is a writer for dabuzzza.com. He is a fan of the New York Mets, New York Islanders, New York Knicks, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, Queens Park Rangers, and West Virginia Mountaineer football and basketball. His favorite athletes are David Wright, John Tavares, Geno Smith, Allen Iverson and Charlie Austin. He is a very passionate and determined fan. You can follow him on twitter @JackAllen99.
2014 NFL DRAFT
The NFL Draft starts at 8:00 PM EST tonight. You can follow the draft coverage here
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | Houston Texans | Jadeveon Clowney | DE | South Carolina |
| 2 | St. Louis Rams (From WSH) | Greg Robinson | OT | Auburn |
| 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Blake Bortles | QB | Central Florida |
| 4 | Buffalo Bills (From CLE) | Sammy Watkins | WR | Clemson |
| 5 | Oakland Raiders | Khalil Mack | OLB | Buffalo |
| 6 | Atlanta Falcons | Jake Matthews | OT | Texas A&M |
| 7 | Tampa Bay Buccanners | Mike Evans | WR | Texas A&M |
| 8 | Cleveland Browns (From MIN) | Justin Gilbert | CB | Oklahoma State |
| 9 | Minnesota Vikings (From CLE) (Via BUF) | Anthony Barr | OLB | UCLA |
| 10 | Detroit Lions | Eric Ebron | TE | UNC |
| 11 | Tennessee Titans | Taylor Lewan | OT | Michigan |
| 12 | New York Giants | Odell Beckham Jr. | WR | LSU |
| 13 | St. Louis Rams | Aaron Donald | DT | Pittsburgh |
| 14 | Chicago Bears | Kyle Fuller | CB | VA. Tech |
| 15 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Ryan Shazier | LB | Ohio State |
| 16 | Dallas Cowboys | Zack Martin | OT | Notre Dame |
| 17 | Baltimore Ravens | CJ Mosley | LB | Alabama |
| 18 | New York Jets | Calvin Pryor | S | Louisville |
| 19 | Miami Dolphins | Ja’wuan James | OT | Tennessee |
| 20 | New Orleans Saints (From ARI) | Brandin Cooks | WR | Oregon State |
| 21 | Green Bay Packers | Ha-Ha Clinton Dix | S | Alabama |
| 22 | Cleveland Browns (From PHI) | Johnny Manziel | QB | Texas A&M |
| 23 | Kansas City Chiefs | Dee Ford | DE | Auburn |
| 24 | Cincinnati Bengals | Darqueze Dennard | CB | Michigan State |
| 25 | San Diego Chargers | Jason Verrett | CB | TCU |
| 26 | Philadelphia Eagles (Via CLE) (From IND) | Marcus Smith | DE | Louisville |
| 27 | Arizona Cardinals (From NO) | Deone Bucannon | S | Washington St. |
| 28 | Carolina Panthers | Kelvin Benjamin | WR | FSU |
| 29 | New England Patriots | Dominique Easley | DT | Florida |
| 30 | San Francisco 49ers | Jimmie Ward | S | Northern Illinois |
| 31 | Denver Broncos | Brandon Roby | CB | Ohio State |
| 32 | Minnesota Vikings (Via SEA) | Teddy Bridgewater | QB | Louisville |
Draft Day Trades:
- Bills acquire No. 4 Pick (Sammy Watkins) from Browns for No. 9 pick (Anthony Barr), plus 2015 1st & 4th round picks
- Browns acquire 8th pick (Justin Gilbert) from Minnesota for 9th pick (Anthony Barr)
- The Cardinals traded No. 20 (Brandin Cooks) to New Orleans for No. 27 (Deone Bucannon) and their third-rounder, Pick No. 91.
- The Browns traded Pick No. 26 (Marcus Smith), and their third-rounder, Pick No. 83, to move up to No. 22 (Johnny Manziel)
- Vikings acquire the 32th pick (Teddy Bridgewater) for the 40th pick and 108th pick
Amid all of the hype for other players this season, expect Clowney’s name to be called first at the NFL Draft (Via Jeff Blake/US Presswire)
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Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
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