The addition of deep threat rookie Jahan Dotson, and a healthy
Curtis Samuel to go along with “Scary” Terry McLaurin gives Wentz
the weapons he needs to dominate a weak Lions’ secondary. Wentz
threw for 313 yards and four scores last week and could repeat
that performance in Detroit who couldn’t stop A.J. Brown in their
opener even though he was the only guy Jalen Hurts was targeting.
Stafford will rebound from his ugly season opener (29-of-41 for
240 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs) against the Falcons at home. Atlanta
allowed Jameis Winston to throw for 269 yards and two scores and
even top CB A.J. Terrell looked vulnerable getting beat twice
by Michael Thomas. Someone, either Allen Robinson or another receiver
will show up to help Cooper Kupp.
Carr threw too many interceptions in Week 1 to overcome the Chargers
and star Justin Herbert. Davante Adams did his part, but Hunter
Renfrow failed to show and for most of the day Darren Waller was
missing too (his first catch wasn’t until midway in the second
quarter). The Cardinals were toasted by Patrick Mahomes and they
will continue to be burned this weekend as Renfrow and Waller
show up.
Mariota is coming off a 24-point performance, which ranked eighth
last weekend, but faces Aaron Donald and the Rams. Mariota did
it with his legs (12-72-1) not his arm (20-of-33 for 215 yards
and zero touchdowns). Additionally, he and top target Kyle Pitts
weren’t on the same page with the tight end catching just
two of seven targets. Although the Rams defense gave up a lot
of points (31) to Josh Allen and the Bills, they ranked sixth
last season against opposing QBs. Let’s assume Week 1 was
a fluke and expect the real Rams to show up in Week 2.
Ignore his 307-yard performance in Week 1 as it took 62 drop
backs to produce those yards. The Browns gave up just 235 yards
last week and a rushing touchdown to former Browns QB Baker Mayfield.
Flacco will not get help from his old legs in Cleveland and will
be too rushed to produce as he did in Week 1.
In their dominating 19-3 win at Dallas, the Bucs used their running
game and in particular Leonard Fournette to bludgeon and batter
the defense. They threw occasional passes to Mike Evans and Julio
Jones (Chris Godwin was sidelined). I think Tom liked this style
of play. Meanwhile, the Saints allowed most of their fantasy points
due to Mariota’s rushing which Brady can’t duplicate.
