Judge v White: The Results

29 Sep

In our second Head to Head of the season Head Coach Will White took on Tight End Jack Judge. Here’s how they got on…

Redskins 21 Giants 32 (Thursday Night Football)

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Jack backed the Giants to turn around their poor start to the season and it looks as though that may be what they’re about to do in a ridiculously bad-looking NFC East. 1-0.
Will WhiteWHITE: Coach couldn’t bring himself to go for the Giants and that stubbornness means he’s off to the worst possible start. 0-1.

Bengals 28 Ravens 24

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: The Ravens have dropped a long way in the last couple of years but Jack couldn’t see him losing this divisional game. He was wrong. 1-1.

Will WhiteWHITE: The HC is back in the game. He said the Bengals and Andy Dalton would prove too much for this Ravens defense, and we’re back to level pegging. 1-1.

Saints 22 Panthers 27

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Following an extremely scientific approach of “I like the Panthers kit so…Panthers win”, Jack moves to 2-1. We’re not sure if he even knows who Drew Brees is, but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for now.

Will WhiteWHITE: He thought the Panthers would win this one by ten, but the Saints pushed them to the wire. In any event, Coach is also up to 2-1.

Raiders 27 Browns 20

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: He picked the Browns in part because he loves seeing Nellie’s team lose (they didn’t) and watching Manziel play (he didn’t). There’s consistency in there somewhere. 2-2.
Will WhiteWHITE: Coach White is one of a very people old enough to remember a Raiders winning streak, so it should be no surprise that he successfully called this one – and that Amari Cooper would shine. 3-1.
Falcons 39 Cowboys 28

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: With the Cowboys missing some big players on offense Atlanta came into this one as favourites, so Jack backed a winner to take himself up to 3-2.

Will WhiteWHITE: Like Mr Judge, Will went with the Falcons saying Julio Jones would be the difference maker. 164 yards and 2 touchdowns later, it’s hard to argue. 4-1.

Buccaneers 9 Texans 19

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Picking your winner in some part based on them having a very cool season of Hard Knocks could be questioned by some, but that Texans D against that Buccaneers O certainly couldn’t. 4-2.
Will WhiteWHITE: Will’s on a roll with his fifth correct pick on the bounce. 5-1.

Chargers 14 Vikings 31

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Following 126 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns it looks like Adrian Peterson is back. Both our guys called it right, and it takes Judge to 5-2.

Will WhiteWHITE: Nobody quite expected this to be as one-sided as it was, but it’s six correct predictions in a row for Coach White although Jack’s hanging in there. 6-1.

Jaguars 17 Patriots 51

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Nobody gets a prize for correctly predicting the Patriots would walk it against the Jags, and it’s no shock that JJ did exactly that. 6-2.

Will WhiteWHITE: Only the most optimistic Jacksonville would have gone for anything other than a Patiots win by a landslide. Will’s a Patriots fan (for shame) so that was never going to happen. The streak continues. 7-1.
Eagles 24 Jets 17

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: He picked the Eagles because they were called the Eagles, and we’re the Eagles. Lot of Eagles in that sentence. Big W for JJ, who is still only one game behind. 7-2.

Will WhiteWHITE: Or is he? The streak is finally over, and we’re all square at 7-2 just inside the second half. Is the tide turning against the man from ‘Bama? 7-2.

Steelers 12 Rams 6

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: It was the lowest scoring game of the weekend in the NFL, and although the Steelers picked up the win (as correctly predicted by Mr Judge) they may have lost the war with Big Ben getting injured. That’ll be for another time though, JJ’s at 8-2 and guaranteed finishing at least 0.500.
Will WhiteWHITE: Coach White also went with Pittsburgh, also moves to 8-2 and also guarantees himself at least a 0.500 finish. Both guys have outscored Week One’s contestants.
Colts 35 Titans 33

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Mariota at home wasn’t enough for the Jack-backed Titans, who lost a close one. He falls to 8-3.

Will WhiteWHITE: He thought it’d be a blow-out, going with the Colts by three scores. It certainly wasn’t that, but the Colts managed to dig out the win. 9-2.

49ers 7 Cardinals 47

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Oh this is awkward. Did anyone really think the Cardinals wouldn’t win this one? I’m sure if JJ had his time again he wouldn’t pick the 9ers, would you JJ? 8-4.

Will WhiteWHITE: In our “what the hell were you thinking” moment of the week, Coach White said the 49ers would win this one by 14. We’ll leave you with that one for a minute. 9-3.
Bills 41 Dolphins 14

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: “I’m a Buffalo fan so I have to back my Bills in this battle of London-bound teams. Bills win”, said JJ. Bet he didn’t think it’d be this easy though? 9-4.

Will WhiteWHITE: “The Bills will get back on the winning track and I can see QB Taylor having a breakout game. Bills win”, said Coach White. Again, who thought it would be this easy as the Dolphins limp (can Dolphins limp?) to London. 10-3.
Bears 0 Seahawks 26

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: The Bears are doing their best to secure the #1 pick nice and early this year, and with showings like this they might just get it wrapped up. JJ said Seahwawks win, of course it was a Seahawks win. 10-4.

Will WhiteWHITE: “The Seahawks get Chancellor back, the defense steps up another level and the Bears get blown out.” That just about sums it up. Great practice for the Bears punter though. 11-3.
Broncos 24 Lions 12

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: With both guys going with the Packers in Monday Night Football it all came down to this. JJ stuck his neck out and said the Lions would win. Oops. 10-5.

Will WhiteWHITE: The old head knows never to count Peyton Manning out and bags himself the win by backing the Broncos on the road. 12-3. Game over.

Chiefs 28 Packers 38

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Almost seems irrelevant now but JJ went with the Packers and gets it right in a game that was a lot better than probably should have been. He finishes with a respectable 11-5, despite openly admitting that he knows absolutely nothing about American Football.
Will WhiteWHITE: Coach puts the icing on the cake by correctly calling MNF, but was it ever really going to be anything other than a Green Bay win? Victory and 13-3.

So there we have it Coach White takes Week 2 with a score of 13-3 to Jack Judge’s 11-5. The Coaches and Staff lead after two rounds 19-13 to 17-15, and it’s all to play for between the Players and the Staff next week where Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins takes on Vice Chairman Mark Chilton.

Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Head to Head: Judge v White

24 Sep

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

To try and resolve the issue once and for all players take on coaches and backroom staff one on one to try and decide once and for all who really knows their stuff.

The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.

Last week, Wide Receiver Chris Cowley took on Club Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster. It was a close battle throughout the weekend and both eventually finished 6-10, so it’s all to play for this week.

Next up we have Tight End Jack Judge going up against Head Coach Will White. You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on:

Redskins @ Giants (Thursday Night Football – Sky Sports 1 HD, Friday 01:25)

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Giants to turn around a poor start to the season and edge this one out by a score. Giants win.

Will WhiteWHITE: Redskins by two touchdowns as I hate the Giants being a Patiots fan! Redskins win.

Bengals @ Ravens

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Bengals coming off the back of a win and I can’t see it happening again. Ravens win.

Will WhiteWHITE: The Ravens defense is struggling and the Bengals will prove too much and pull one out. Bengals win

Saints @ Panthers (Sky Sports 2 HD, Sunday 17:30)

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: I like the Panthers’ kit so… Panthers win.


Will WhiteWHITE: The Panthers will win this one by ten as the Saints D is hurting. Panthers win.

Raiders @ Browns

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Not only do I love to see Nellie’s team lose I also love to watch Mr Manziel play. Browns win.

Will WhiteWHITE: Toss up but I pick the Raiders by a TD – Amari Cooper a ‘Bama boy to have a great game. Raiders win.

Falcons @ Cowboys

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: I have a small soft spot for the Falcons and with some big players missing for the Cowboys I’ll have to back a win for the visitors. Falcons win.

Will WhiteWHITE: Falcons by a touchdown. Julio Jones is the man and the Cowgirls suck. Falcons win.

Buccaneers @ Texans

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: The Texans provided a great Hard Knocks this season and I think defensively they will be able to pull this one off. Texans win.

Will WhiteWHITE: The Texans defense will finally come alive and the offense will pick up some steam to get their first win. Texans win.

Chargers @ Vikings

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: I’m backing AP to have a blinder this game. Vikings win.


Will WhiteWHITE: AP has a great game as they eek one out and beat the Chargers. Vikings win.


Jaguars @ Patriots

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: I get compared to Gronk daily and in all honesty I think he needs to put in some work to catch up to me, but I have to back the big TE and the Pats. Patriots win

Will WhiteWHITE: Brady and Gronk keep up their hot streak and burn the Jags. Patriots win.


Eagles @ Jets

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: If I didn’t back the Eagles that would be like backing the Cheetahs. Eagles win.


Will WhiteWHITE: Jets on a roll and the Eagles offense has left the building with Bradford at the helm. Jets win.

Steelers @ Rams

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Steelers coming off the back of a demolition of the 49ers. Steelers win.


Will WhiteWHITE: Steelers stay hot and beat the Rams. Steelers win.


Colts @ Titans

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: The Titans are at home and I think Mariota will be back to what we saw in week one. Titans win.

Will WhiteWHITE: Colts by three touchdowns, Luck will get his mojo back and bury the Titans. Colts win.

49ers @ Cardinals

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: The 49ers have been all over the place so far but I think they’ll bounce back with a win. 49ers win.

Will WhiteWHITE: The 49ers will go to work and beat the Cards by 14. 49ers win.


Bills @ Dolphins (Sky Sports 2 HD, Sunday 21:15)

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: I’m a Buffalo fan so I have to back my Bills in this battle of London-bound teams. Bills win.

Will WhiteWHITE: The Bills will get back on the winning track and I can see QB Taylor having a breakout game. Bills win.

Bears @ Seahawks

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: The Seahawks are having an absolute western this season but I can see them turning the year around. Seahawks win.


Will WhiteWHITE: The Seahawks get Chancellor back, the defense steps up another level and the Bears get blown out. Seahawks win.

Broncos @ Lions (Sky Sports 2 HD, Monday 00:30)

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: This one I think could go either way but I’m going to back the home team. Lions win.


Will WhiteWHITE: I think Manning will get his touch back and smoke the Lions. Broncos win.


Chiefs @ Packers (Sky Sports 1 HD, Tuesday 01:30)

Jack Judge 2JUDGE: Eeny Meeny Miny Mo. Packers win.


Will WhiteWHITE: Rodgers keeps his hot hand and the Packers pull one out on the Chiefs. Packers win.


Summary

Match Judge White
Giants @ Redskins (TNF) Giants Redskins
Bengals @ Ravens Ravens Bengals
Saints @ Panthers Panthers Panthers
Raiders @ Browns Browns Raiders
Falcons @ Cowboys Falcons Falcons
Buccaneers @ Texans Texans Texans
Chargers @ Vikings Vikings Vikings
Jaguars @ Patriots Patriots Patriots
Eagles @ Jets Eagles Jets
Steelers @ Rams Steelers Steelers
Colts @ Titans Titans Colts
49ers @ Cardinals 49ers 49ers
Bills @ Dolphins Bills Bills
Bears @ Seahawks Seahawks Seahawks
Broncos @ Lions (SNF) Broncos Lions
Chiefs @ Packers (MNF) Packers Packers

Cowley v McMaster: The Results

22 Sep

In our first Head to Head of the season Club Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster took on Wide Receiver Chris Cowley. Here’s how they got on…

Broncos 31 Chiefs 24 (Thursday Night Football)

CowleyCOWLEY: Off to a flyer correctly backing the Broncos in this divisional encounter, and although his prediction of four TD passes and 300+ yards passing for Peyton Manning was a little off, we’ll take it. 1-0.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Oh Nellie. He feared the worst for Peyton heading into this game, and whether he’s right or not remains to be seen. All that matter for now is he backed the Chiefs, and he was wrong. 0-1.

Patriots 40 Bills 32

CowleyCOWLEY: Went with his heart and backed the Bills and demonstrated that you should never bet against Tom Brady and the Patriots, who always find a way to win (legally of course). 1-1.

Nellie2MCMASTER: This game had “blow-out” written all over it until the fourth quarter when Buffalo threatened to stage an incredible comeback but you know, the Bills. Nellie said the Pats would win a close one, and he was right. 1-1.

Texans 17 Panthers 24

CowleyCOWLEY: Chris couldn’t see the Texans going 0-2 and backed Houston over Cam and co, but he should have known better as Houston are not firing on all cylinders to say the least. 1-2.

Nellie2MCMASTER: He said he’d rather hike up a hill than watch this one, and backed the Texans. No word on how the hill was yet but we’ll be sure to let you know once we hear. 1-2.

Cardinals 48 Bears 23

CowleyCOWLEY: Our man out wide is predicting big things for Carson Palmer and the Cards this year, and on the evidence of this big road win against the Bears (who lost Jay Cutler to injury) is anything to go by he may not be far off. 2-2.

Nellie2MCMASTER: He expected the Cards to comfortably win the game, and he was right. 2-2.


Chargers 19 Bengals 24

CowleyCOWLEY: He wanted to get behind the Bengals but didn’t. Oops. 2-3.


Nellie2MCMASTER: Coach went with the pragmatic “if in doubt, go for the home team” rule here, and it paid off. 3-2.

Titans 14 Browns 28

CowleyCOWLEY: Very few people predicted the Browns to get the win in this one, including Cowley. 2-4.

Nellie2MCMASTER: He described this one as a “no contest” and said the Titans would win by three scores. No further comment required. 3-3.

Lions 16 Vikings 26

CowleyCOWLEY on Adrian Peterson: “I don’t think he will be back to pre-ban form until at least midway through October”. 134 yards rushing, 192 total yards later, it looks like AP is ahead of schedule. 2-5.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Correctly predicted it would be a two-score game, incorrectly predicted that the Lions would be on the right side of it. 3-4.

Buccaneers 26 Saints 19

CowleyCOWLEY: He’s a Saints fan, of course he predicted a Saints win. The Bucs were awful in Week 1, how could it not be a Saints win? Everyone predicted a Saints win. The Bucs win, and Cowley drops to 2-6.

Nellie2MCMASTER: He said he’d rather go on another hike than sit through this one, described it as an “easy call” and predicted the Saints to win by three scores. The big man’s on a roll. 3-5.

Falcons 24 Giants 20

CowleyCOWLEY: He tried to hedge his bets predicting this one, and said it could go either way in a close game. He wasn’t wrong, but he backed the wrong horse and gets his fifth prediction in a row wrong. 2-7.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Went with QB power and the Falcons in a close one. This one probably wasn’t on Eli, but the Giant’s lack of ability to manage the clock continues to baffle. 4-5.

49ers 18 Steelers 43

CowleyCOWLEY: He thought it would be close but other than that Cowley was bang on. Big Ben just doesn’t take “no” for an answer. 3-7.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Oh boy I think Nellie would love to have this pick again, having predicted a 49ers win “by two scores” on the road in Pittsburgh. 4-6.

Rams 10 Redskins 24

CowleyCOWLEY: “I can see them easily strolling past a recovering Redskins team” said Cowley. In truth, so could most people including I suspect a lot of Washington fans. No matter, he’s down to 3-8 and needs to be 100% from here on in to get to .500.

Nellie2MCMASTER: “The Rams beat the Seahawks last week and the Redskins are easily the most laughable and ridiculous team in the league right now, certainly off-the-field. Enough said. Rams win by three scores.” Enough said indeed. 4-7.

Dolphins 20 Jaguars 23

CowleyCOWLEY: It may have been game Chris “couldn’t care less about of the week”, but that apathy lead to predicting a Dolphins win in this clash of London-bound teams. Cowley’s slide continues. 3-9.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Nellie said that Ryan Tannehill and the Miami offense needed to improve and improve quickly, but still backed them to beat the Jags by two scores. Ouch. 4-8.

Ravens 33 Raiders 37

CowleyCOWLEY: He’s back in the game, and it looks like the Raiders have found someone other than the Browns they can beat. 4-9.

Nellie2MCMASTER: The die hard Raiders fan predicted a Ravens win and didn’t think losing Terrell Suggs would be an issue in the game. Will he live this one down in a hurry? Hopefully not. 4-9.

Cowboys 20 Eagles 10

CowleyCOWLEY: Oh Chris, it was all going so well and then you predicted DeMarco Murray would be the difference maker. Two rushing yards from thirteen carries later America’s Team is 2-0 and you’re at 4-10.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Correctly backed the Cowboys in “another close game, and definitely one to watch”. It was one to watch alright, but not one for the purists. Nellie moves to 5-9.

Seahawks 17 Packers 27 (Sunday Night Football)

CowleyCOWLEY: Are the Seahawks on the decline? Cowley thinks the Legion of Boom may well be, and on the evidence of this performance it’s difficult to argue. 5-10.

Nellie2MCMASTER: You’d have got very good money on the Hawks starting the season 0-2 but that’s exactly where they sit after tough losses to the Rams and now Green Bay. Nellie called this one, and it’s all down to Monday Night Football. 6-9.

Colts 7 Jets 20 (Monday Night Football)

CowleyCOWLEY: Ahead of Monday Night Football Mr Cowley said this is a different Jets this year. He’s not wrong, they’re 2-0 and Cowley’s 6-10 for the week.

Nellie2MCMASTER: “I can’t ever pick the Jets to win, I just can’t. Andrew Luck won’t be that bad again”, said McMaster ahead of this one. Think again. 6-10.

So there we have it. Both guys finish the week 6 and 10, and it’s all to play for between the Players and the Staff next week where TE/DE Jack Judge takes on Head Coach Will White.

Did any of Week 2’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Head to Head: Cowley v McMaster

17 Sep

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

We’ve decided to try and resolve the issue once and for by having the players take on coaches and backroom staff to try and decide once and for all who really knows their stuff.

The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.

In week one, it’s Wide Receiver Chris Cowley taking Club Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster.

Let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on:

Broncos @ Chiefs (Thursday Night Football – Sky Sports 1 HD, Friday 01:25)

CowleyCOWLEY: It’s GD Peyton Manning! He has a bad game and they still win? Peyton will bounce back, throw four TDs and 300+ yards and Alex Smith won’t be able to keep up with that, especially with the Broncos D on him. Broncos win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: I already fear the worst for Peyton Manning. This extra season may be too much for him, and he struggled last week albeit against a terrific Ravens defense. The Chiefs on the other hand had a big win against JJ Watt and the Texans last week, and I expect that will continue against another very stout defense. Chiefs win by a score.

Patriots @ Bills (Sky Sports 2 HD, Sunday 17:30)

CowleyCOWLEY: This may be the match which costs me the Head to Head and it’s totally me going with my heart. They say never bet against the Patriots but I hate the Pats, I hate Tom Brady and, well, I always have a soft spot for the Bills – four Super Bowl games and no trophies? One day Buffalo, one day. Bills win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Both teams are coming off a victory, but I see Tom Brady’s experience seeing him through. The Bills got a shock win against the Colts last week and really got in Andrew Lucks’ face throughout the first half, but Tyrod Taylor surely can’t keep up performances like last week. It will be a much, much tighter game than many would expect. Patriots win by a field goal.

Texans @ Panthers

CowleyCOWLEY: Yes both teams have good defences, the Panthers have the better QB and a game changer in Cam Newton but I don’t think I can see Houston going 0-2. Texans win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: I’d rather go for a hike up a hill than watch this game. The Panthers got the win last week, but were underwhelming on offense to say the least, and their defensive star Luke Kuechly is possibly out with a concussion. The Texans on the other hand have zero identity on offense, but a tremendous defensive line. I’m picking one of the Texans DL to get a score this week, hopefully big Vince! Texans win by two scores.

Cardinals @ Bears

CowleyCOWLEY: The Cards have been an up and coming force last year and I believe would have been a Super Bowl contender if they had Carson Palmer all year instead of losing him for a few games due to injury. Good O, Great D and awesome Special Teams – Super Bowl bound this year is my guess. Cardinals win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: The Bears looked competitive for a few quarters last week against the Packers, then Jay Cutler threw an interception (shock horror!) and it unravelled from there. The Cardinals look impressive with Carson Palmer looking like he did with the Bengals years ago. The running back isn’t a huge loss for this team, and I expect them to comfortably win this game. Cardinals win by two scores.

Chargers @ Bengals

CowleyCOWLEY: This one was a toss up. I like Andy Dalton as a QB and I think he has what it takes to win games. They have a number of options to throw to including the amazing AJ Green and they have guys who can run the ball, and on the flip side the same could be said about the Chargers with Rivers, Woodhead and numerous good WRs. Even though I’d like to bet Bengals to annoy Jack Rice I think Chargers will seal it. Chargers win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: The second really tough to call game, I’m going with the home team as having the advantage here. It’s going to be an offensive battle, with Phillip Rivers going against Andy Dalton. The deciding factor for me was the RBs: Cincinnati’s are better by a long way, and I think that’ll help the Bengals get the W against a pretty good Chargers side. Bengals win by one score.

Titans @ Browns

CowleyCOWLEY: With a phenomenal performance in his first ever NFL game I do believe the former Ducks QB will work his magic yet again against one of the worst teams in this year’s NFL. Titans win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: I couldn’t get this pick down quick enough, but then again, I’d pick almost every team to beat the Browns. They looked awful last week against New York, whilst the Titans looked so good they could play their backups in the 4th quarter. I think Johnny Football will look better this week, and Mariota will look a bit more human against a much better defense than Tampa, but it’s still a no-contest. Titans win by three scores.

Lions @ Vikings

CowleyCOWLEY: Even though the Vikings have got their formidable AP back I don’t think he will be back to pre-ban form until at least midway through October, and with little other threats in the offence I believe the Lions D will get them the W. Lions win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Both teams are coming off losses, but Detroit looked much better against the Chargers than the Vikings did against the 49ers. The Lions really pushed San Diego, and I fancy will romp away with this one too. The Vikings were in the hunt for the win away in San Fran right up until kickoff, and Adrian Peterson needs to be better than last week. I’m calling Ameer Abdullah to have a BIG week too! Lions win by two scores.

Buccaneers @ Saints

CowleyCOWLEY: As a Saints fan I’ll never expect the Bucs to win, but with the #1 pick of this year’s draft behind the helm of the offence I don’t see them out scoring future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, who’s gunning for his 400th TD of his career. Saints win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Get my boots, I’m off on a hike again. The Buccaneers looked like they are playing for the number 1 pick again, with a dismal outing last week. Jameis’ first pass in the NFL was a Pick 6 ( that’ll be a quiz question in a few years time). He’ll get better, but not soon enough. I literally have no idea who the Saints are anymore except Drew Brees, but I think we’d beat the Bucs at the moment, so it’s an easy call. Saints win by three scores.

Falcons @ Giants

CowleyCOWLEY: Unlucky to lose against the Cowboys, but the Giants should have made more of the chances given to them by those easy picks. If they could do that and their O-line can protect Eli from the Falcons lack of talent in the pass rush I see them sealing this but either way going to be a close game. Giants win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: This is my second most undecided game, and I went with QB power. Matt Ryan isn’t trending upwards anymore, he’s at his peak now, but Eli is heading down. That’s what sealed it for me. Will be a close one though. Falcons win. Just.

49ers @ Steelers

CowleyCOWLEY: The Steelers were unlucky to lose against the Patriots, they seemed strong and back to full force. I see them containing Kaeper”pick” and Vernon Davis but struggling to slow down breakout draft pick Hyde. The game will be close but Big Ben will find a way to win. Steelers win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Jimmy T to get the W again! The 49ers were rolling against the Vikings, and Carlos Hyde looked like a superstar in Week 1. I suspect the passing game will be more the focus this week, but that’s more than enough to see them past the Steelers. Pittsburgh had a notably absent defense on Thursday night (literally, no-one covered the best TE in the league on some snaps). Long season for the yellow and black. 49ers win by two scores.

Rams @ Redskins

CowleyCOWLEY: The Rams have seemed to be building year after year and getting stronger, now with former Eagles QB Foles in the driving seat of a exciting attacking selection I can see them easily strolling past a recovering Redskins Team. Rams win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: The Rams beat the Seahawks last week and the Redskins are easily the most laughable and ridiculous team in the league right now, certainly off-the-field. Enough said. Rams win by three scores.

Dolphins @ Jaguars

CowleyCOWLEY: The NFL Game I couldn’t care less about of the week. I just pick The Dolphins due to them having the more experienced QB and some defensive talent. Dolphins win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Tannehill was underwhelming at best last week against a worse-than-average Redskins team. I fancy he just had an off-week, but he needs to improve and quickly. Special Teams will not be there every week to bail you out! The Jags lost to a completely uninspiring Panthers organisation. The rebuilding continues in Jacksonville. Dolphins win by two scores.

Ravens @ Raiders

CowleyCOWLEY: Like the Browns these last few years, it has become a question of who can the Raiders actually win against (other then the Browns) but this year they have picked up a bit of talent, the Ravens have come out slow this year, and I don’t see them picking up steam for a few weeks yet. Picking up an injury to T.Suggs is going to have a negative impact to this team. Raiders win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: As a diehard Raiders fan, I’m used to seeing some pretty bad scorelines, but to be down 33-0 in the 3rd quarter, and be talking to Christian Ponder in Week 1 is a bad sign even for us. Yet another long season for us I think. The Ravens on the other hand looked lost on offense, and dominant on defense in the loss to the Broncos. Losing Terrell Suggs wont be an issue in the game. Ravens win.

Cowboys @ Eagles (Sky Sports 2 HD, Sunday 21:15)

CowleyCOWLEY: Dream Team, The Incredeagles etc – this team always has a lot of hype surrounding it, and with good reason as they always play exciting football and have a huge stars in their teams (where do they get the cap room?). Versus “don’t you ever count me out” Romo, not the greatest QB in terms of ability, but he has that certain something that gets his Cowboys the W. Dez out and Demarco coming back with some bad blood (que Taylor Swift) is the deciding factor for me. Eagles win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Big division game that could have play-off consequences already. I’m a massive Chip Kelley fan, but I still don’t think the offense has bedded in yet, and the QB is Sam Bradford. I’ve seen wet newspapers that can stand up longer than him. Romo is clutch, even without Dez Bryant. Another close game, and definitely one to watch. Cowboys win by a score.

Seahawks at Packers (Sky Sports 2 HD, Monday 00:30)

CowleyCOWLEY: Back-to-back Super Bowl appearances is impressive this day and age with the salary cap and players always wanting to be the highest paid in their position, but the scales may have tipped last week with the Legion of Boom looking weak and Marshawn not running at his best. Green Bay are always guaranteed to either push you or trounce you, and seem to be back with a bite with Clay Matthews looking to have a new lease of life in the NFL. Packers win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Two of the last three games Seattle have played have come down to an onside kick, one of them against Green Bay. They aren’t as strong as they once were, and are relying a bit much on no-name guys, BUT, Green Bay has one of the worst run defenses in the league (see Matt Forte last week). I prefer the Pack at home, but by a gnat’s crotchet. Packers win. Just.

Colts @ Jets (Monday Night Football – Sky Sports 2 HD, Tuesday 01:30)

CowleyCOWLEY: The Colts put on a very lacklustre performance last week and their offence looked anything but threatening. Even with the most reliable QB to come out of the draft in recent years they couldn’t seem to get anything going, but they’re playing the Jets right? THE JETS! – would have been the response you’d usually expect but not this year, with Chris Ivory, Brandon Marshall and Ryan Fitzpatrick on the offensive side of a team which has struggled for years to get things going I see the tide turning Green. Jets win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: I can’t ever pick the Jets to win, I just can’t. Andrew Luck won’t be that bad again, and hopefully the rest of the Colts can pick their game up too. Colts to win by two scores.

Summary

Match Cowley McMaster
Broncos @ Chiefs (TNF) Broncos Chiefs
Patriots @ Bills Bills Patriots
Texans @ Panthers Texans Texans
Cardinals @ Bears Cardinals Cardinals
Chargers @ Bengals Chargers Bengals
Titans @ Browns Titans Titans
Lions @ Vikings Lions Lions
Buccaneers @ Saints Saints Saints
Falcons @ Giants Giants Falcons
49ers @ Steelers Steelers 49ers
Rams @ Redskins Rams Rams
Dolphins @ Jaguars Dophins Dolphins
Ravens @ Raiders Raiders Ravens
Cowboys @ Eagles Eagles Cowboys
Seahawks @ Packers (SNF) Packers Packers
Jets @ Colts (MNF) Jets Colts