Hi everyone. I apologize for my inactivity over the past week. I’m still trying to balance Calhoun’s Corner, The Daily Campus, my social life, and, most importantly, my academics. I have lots of exciting things coming, I promise. For now, let’s take a look at today’s and tomorrow’s NFL games:
Baltimore Ravens (1-1) (-2.5) at New England Patriots (1-1)
Lamar Jackson had a terrific game last week, looking like the Lamar Jackson we saw win an MVP trophy a few years ago. The Ravens are a better team on both offense and defense. It doesn’t help that wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and safety Kyle Dugger are inactive for today’s game. The Patriots are a team I doubt, especially considering their defense has to improve.
Tune into Ravens at Patriots at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Houston Texans (0-1-1) at Chicago Bears (1-1) (-3)
This was a coin-flip game for me, as both teams are not very good. With the home-field advantage and a win already, I’ll pick the Bears with not much confidence.
Tune into Texans at Bears at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Las Vegas Raiders (0-2) (-2) at Tennessee Titans (0-2)
The Raiders are the favorite in this game, but I don’t agree. Without wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and safety Tre’von Moehrig, I think the Raiders are weakened. Despite Derek Carr being the better quarterback in the matchup, I think the Titans are going to win. The Raiders’ run defense isn’t strong, and the game is in Nashville. Derrick Henry is promising in this game.
Tune into Raiders at Titans at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) (-5) at Indianapolis Colts (0-1-1)
The Colts need to get their first win, but I don’t think it comes against the Chiefs. Matt Ryan looked awful last week, I can’t sugarcoat it. Jonathan Taylor needs to get going if they want a chance against Kansas City. The Chiefs have seen a lot of great production from running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, showing that they are a threatening offensive team in the air and on the ground.
Tune into Chiefs at Colts at 1 PM ET on CBS.
Buffalo Bills (2-0) (-4.5) at Miami Dolphins (2-0)
I’m going out on a limb by picking the Dolphins in this AFC East matchup where both teams are undefeated. The Bills’ secondary has been greatly weakened with the losses of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver is also out for today’s game. Tua Tagovailoa has a great opportunity to take advantage of a weakened Bills defense. The game is at Hard Rock Stadium, which makes me take the Dolphins.
Tune into Bills at Dolphins at 1 PM ET on CBS.
Detroit Lions (1-1) at Minnesota Vikings (1-1) (-6.5)
I am expecting a complete shootout between these two strong offenses. Jared Goff is the better quarterback, especially with star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. D’Andre Swift can also produce on the ground. The Vikings are at home, with many weapons including Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. I think this game will be close and worth watching, but I’ll take the Vikings since the Lions need to prove they can win more games.
Tune into Lions at Vikings at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) (-6.5) at New York Jets (1-1)
The Jets miraculously winning against the Browns last week was hilarious, but I think it’s a fluke. The Bengals are 0-2, hungry for their first win of the season. I think they are coming into East Rutherford with a chip on their shoulder. The Bengals outmatch the Jets in nearly every position. I’ll confidently take Cincinnati today.
Tune into Bengals at Jets at 1 PM ET on CBS.
Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) (-6) at Washington Commanders (1-1)
Carson Wentz faces the Eagles for the first time since Jalen Hurts took over as starting quarterback. I have been impressed by Jalen Hurts so far this season, and with A.J. Brown as his top receiver, I think their offense will be too much for the Commanders. The Commanders are hard to predict, which makes me feel more confident taking the Eagles.
Tune into Eagles at Commanders at 1 PM ET on FOX.
New Orleans Saints (1-1) (-2) at Carolina Panthers (0-2)
Despite the Panthers searching for their first win and being at home, I like the Saints in this game. Their defense is solid on paper, but they need to prove they can be one of the best defensive teams in the league.
Tune into Saints at Panthers at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) at Los Angeles Chargers (1-1) (-3.5)
The Chargers have Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen questionable, so this is a risky pick. I’m assuming that Herbert is playing, which would give me confidence that the Chargers win. The Jags could produce well, especially with top cornerback J.C. Jackson expected not to play. The Chargers need to get Austin Ekeler more involved, and there’s not a better opportunity than today against Jacksonville. If Justin Herbert plays, the Chargers win.
Tune into Jaguars at Chargers at 4:05 PM ET on CBS.
Los Angeles Rams (1-1) (-3.5) at Arizona Cardinals (1-1)
The Rams visit the site of Super Bowl LVII as they face the Cardinals for the fourth time in 2022. I think the Rams will be strong on defense, despite safety Jordan Fuller being questionable. James Conner is questionable, along with Rondale Moore out. I think Kyler Murray doesn’t have enough to produce on offense, but they had an incredible win over the Raiders last week. I’m liking linebacker Isaiah Simmons a lot, but I’ll take the Rams as a safe pick.
Tune into Rams at Cardinals at 4:25 PM ET on FOX.
Atlanta Falcons (0-2) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1) (-1)
This was a coin flip, especially considering the banged-up Seahawks’ defense. I’ll take the Seahawks at home with Geno Smith, D.K. Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett.
Tune into Falcons at Seahawks at 4:25 PM ET on FOX.
Green Bay Packers (1-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) (-1.5)
Aaron Rodgers looks weaker with the loss of Davante Adams to the Raiders. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Aaron Jones, but the Buccaneers have had one of the best run defenses in the NFL the past few years. The game is at home, and it’s Tom Brady. Give me Tampa Bay.
Tune into Packers at Buccaneers at 4:25 PM ET on FOX.
San Francisco 49ers (1-1) (-1.5) at Denver Broncos (1-1)
With Trey Lance out, I’m not sure how the 49ers will look today against the Broncos tonight. The defense looks strong, but I think the Broncos are being doubted too much. They’re not good, but Russell Wilson has faced the 49ers for most of his career as he was in the same division. If Jerry Jeudy plays, it could be beneficial for the Broncos. It’s a toss-up, but I’ll pick Denver.
Tune into 49ers at Broncos at 8:20 PM ET on NBC.
Dallas Cowboys (1-1) at New York Giants (2-0) (-1)
The Giants are a team I cannot trust, as they scraped up two wins against the Titans and Panthers to begin the season. The Cowboys are banged up with Michael Gallup, Micah Parsons, and Dalton Schultz all questionable. Not to mention that Dak Prescott remains out and Cooper Rush will start. As I said, the Giants cannot be trusted despite starting 2-0. I’ll take the Cowboys on Monday night.
Tune into Cowboys at Giants on Monday at 8:15 PM ET on ESPN/ABC/ESPN+.
Calhoun's Corner 