Jets 37, Bills 31
The New York Jets won a shootout over their NFC East division-rival Buffalo Bills 37-30 on Thursday Night Football. The Jets evened their record to 1-1 by riding Matt Forte for 30 carries for 100 yards and three touchdowns. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 374 yards and a touchdown to Eric Decker, who had six catches for 126 yards and the score. Brandon Marshall added 101 yards on six catches through the air for New York. The Bills dropped to 0-2 despite a strong effort by Tyrod Taylor, who finished 18-30 for 297 yards and three touchdowns. Taylor connected with Marquise Goodwin twice for 112 yards and a touchdown. Buffalo didn’t get enough production from running back LeSean McCoy (15 carries for 59 yards, four catches for 31 yards) and receiver Sammy Watkins (two catches for 20 yards).
Steelers 24, Bengals 16
DeAngelo Williams called this matchup a “two-chinstrap game,” and it lived up to its billing. The Pittsburgh Steelers won a hard-fought battle over AFC North division-rival Cincinnati Bengals 24-16. The Steelers improved to 2-0 despite the Bengals’ solid coverage on star Antonio Brown. Fantasy owners won’t be happy with Brown’s four catch for 39 yards performance on 11 targets, but Steelers fans will take it. Ben Rothlisberger finished 19-37 for 259 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. DeAngelo Williams continued to fill the void of LeVeon Bell as he serves the last of his three-game suspension to open the 2016 NFL season. Williams rushed for 94 yards and caught four passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. Bengals (1-1) quarterback Andy Dalton threw 54 pass attempts, completing 31, for 366 yards and one touchdown but couldn’t find top target A.J. Green despite eight targets. Green had two catches for 38 yards after a monster week one performance. Jeremy Hill was bottled up by the Pittsburgh defense, finishing with 22 rushing yards on 11 carries. Giovani Bernard ran five times for 17 yards but led the team in receiving with nine receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Titans 16, Lions 15
The Tennessee Titans outscored the Detroit Lions 13-0 in the fourth quarter of their 16-15 road victory. Both teams are 1-1 after Marcus Mariota and company rallied late. Mariota finished 25-33 for 238 yards and two touchdowns. DeMarco Murray continued to play well, rushing for 89 yards and catching seven passes for 56 yards. Rookie Derrick Henry carried the ball nine times for 40 yards. Mariota found Andre Johnson with 1:13 remaining in the game to put the Titans up for good. Delanie Walker had the other fourth-quarter touchdown and led the team with six catches for 83 yards. The Lions’ Matthew Stafford completed 22 of his 40 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown pass to Anquan Boldin. Marvin Jones continues to show his fantasy football upside and value to Detroit after his eight reception, 118-yard game.
Ravens 25, Browns 20
The Cleveland Browns jumped to a 20-2 lead after the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens, before allowing 23 unanswered points to give the Ravens a 25-20 win. The Ravens improved to 2-0 and kept pace with the Pittsburgh Steelers atop the NFC North division. Joe Flacco completed 25-45 passes for 302 yards with two touchdowns and interceptions apiece. Mike Wallace caught both of Flacco’s touchdown passes and finished with four catches and 41 yards receiving. Dennis Pitta led the team with nine catches for 102 yards. The Browns (0-2) will start their fifth quarterback in five games in week three after losing Robert Griffin III in the opening game and having Josh McCown injure his shoulder in Sunday’s loss. McCown managed to finish the game despite suffering what is believed to be a serious shoulder injury, and he finished 20-33 for 260 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman continues to impress for Cleveland as he put up a five catch, 104 yard and two touchdown game. Isaiah Crowell rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown.
Cowboys 27, Redskins 23
The Dallas Cowboys took the lead with 4:45 remaining in the fourth quarter and held on for a 27-23 lead over their NFC East rival Washington Redskins. Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott earned his career win, as did rookie Ezekiel Elliott who rushed for 83 yards and another touchdown for the 1-1 Cowboys. Prescott completed 22-30 passes for 292 yards and ran for a touchdown while pleasing fantasy football owners by finally connecting with Dez Bryant seven times for 102 yards. Dallas’ longtime security blanket for quarterbacks, Jason Witten, caught three passes for 51 yards in the win. The Redskins are now 0-2 and had plenty of chances to win this game. Kirk Cousins threw for over 350 yards and a touchdown and even rushed for 20 yards. Top-ranked fantasy football tight end for the week, Jordan Reed, led the team with five catches for 70 yards. Matt Jones carried the ball 13 times for 61 yards and a touchdown.
Giants 16, Saints 13
When the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints met in 2015, they combined for 101 points (Saints 52, Giants 49). This year’s matchup was the total opposite, with the Giants winning at home over the Saints 16-13. Eli Manning completed 32-41 passes for 368 yards, and the Giants benefitted from a second quarter blocked field goal return for a touchdown to improve to 2-0. That was the Giants only touchdown, and Josh Brown’s three field goals pleased fantasy football owners. Star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was targeted 11 times and caught eight passes for 86 yards. Rookie Sterling Shephard continued to impress with eight receptions for 117 yards and the return of Victor Cruz carries on after a four catch, 91-yard performance. New Orleans’ Drew Brees had another strong game, finishing 29-44 for 263 yards and a touchdown. Willie Snead followed his huge week one performance with five catches for 54 yards and a score. Brandin Cooks led the team with seven receptions for 68 yards and rookie Michael Thomas added four catches for 56 yards. Mark Ingram was stuffed by the Giants defense and finished with just 47 total yards for the now 0-2 Saints.
Panthers 46, 49ers 27
The Carolina Panthers exploded for a 46-27 victory of the San Francisco 49ers to improve to 1-1. Cam Newton put together an ‘MVP’ performance by throwing for 353 yards and four touchdowns and adding 37 yards on the ground. Fozzy Whittaker filled in for the injured Jonathan Stewart and rushed for 100 yards with 31 yards receiving. The return of Kelvin Benjamin continues after he caught seven passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Greg Olsen led the team with 122 receiving yards and a touchdown. Devin Funchess caught the Panthers other touchdown and linebacker Luke Kuechly (11 tackles, 1 INT) held off any realistic comeback attempt by the 49ers. San Francisco fell to 1-1 in the loss, and struggled to move the football. Carlos Hyde carried the ball 14 times for 34 yards and Blaine Gabbert (17-36, 243 yards, two touchdowns) turned the ball over twice. Torrey Smith caught three passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Vance McDonald caught a 75-yard touchdown from Gabbert and led the team in receiving.
Patriots 31, Dolphins 24
The New England Patriots keep rolling while Tom Brady serves his 4-game suspension, but they may have lost quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to injury in the 31-24 win over the Miami Dolphins. Garoppolo was having another outstanding game with three first-half touchdown passes before suffering a shoulder injury. That forced rookie Jacoby Brissett (6-9 for 92 yards) into the lineup, and he may be the guy for the next two weeks until Brady returns. New England (2-0) can keep riding LeGarrette Blount, who finished with 123 rushing yards and a touchdown Sunday. Danny Amendola caught two touchdown passes and Martellus Bennett did his best ‘Gronk’ impression, catching five passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins (0-2) turned the ball over four times and quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw two interceptions. Tannehill did throw for 389 yards with two touchdowns and his top target Jarvis Landry pleased fantasy football owners with a 10-catch, 137-yard performance. Rookie Davante Parker had another promising game with eight catches for 106 yards. The Dolphins may need to give Kenyan Drake more opportunities to run the football if Arian Foster will miss extended time. Drake had just two carries for 12 yards, but did score a touchdown. Tannehill led Miami in rushing with 35 yards.
Texans 19, Chiefs 12
The Houston Texans (2-0) defense looks as tough as any after their 19-12 home win over the Kansas City Chiefs. J.J. Watt finished with 1.5 sacks and the team finished with four sacks on Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, who was held to just 186 yards passing. Brock Osweiler finished 19-33 for 268 yards and a touchdown and he continues to find top receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. Hopkins is rewarding fantasy football owners who selected him in the early rounds with seven catches for 113 yards and a touchdown. Rookie Will Fuller continues to display his big-play ability and finished with 104 yards on four receptions. Lamar Miller was steady and rushed for 83 yards and had two catches for 14 yards. The Chiefs (1-1) turned the ball over three times and managed just 14 first downs.
Rams 9, Seahawks 3
The Los Angeles Rams won their home opener and continue to dominate the Seattle Seahawks, whether it be in St. Louis or LA. There wasn’t much offense for either team, now both 1-1, in a 9-3 Rams win. Case Keenum finished 18-30 for 239 yards and no turnovers, and Todd Gurley finished with 51 rushing yards and 19 yards receiving. Kenny Britt led the Rams with six catches for 94 yards, and Tavon Austin caught five passes for 50 yards. The Rams defense didn’t allow hobbled quarterback Russell Wilson to do much of anything, as he finished 22-35 for 254 yards with 14 yards rushing. Christine Michael carried the ball 10 times for 60 yards and Thomas Rawls was stuffed for -7 yards on seven carries. A bright spot was second-year receiver Tyler Lockett catching four passes for 99 yards in the loss.
Cardinals 40, Buccaneers 7
This blowout was almost too predictable after an NFC Super Bowl-favorite Arizona Cardinals team lost to the Tom Brady-less New England Patriots at home in week one. The Cardinals (1-1) hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their defense forced five turnovers in the 40-7 rout of the Bucs. Jameis Winston was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week in week one, but finished with four interceptions (27-52, 243 yards, one touchdown) in week two. Carson Palmer was 18-31 for 308 yards and three touchdowns to three different receivers. Larry Fitzgerald (six catches for 81 yards), John Brown (two catches for 78 yards), and Michael Floyd (two catches for eight yards) each had a touchdown reception. David Johnson led the team in receiving with 98 yards on three catches and rushed for 45 yards. Chris Johnson had 16 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown for Arizona. Nothing went right for Tampa Bay (1-1), as not only did they lose, but they lost star running back Doug Martin in the process. Martin had 23 yards rushing but injured his hamstring and will now miss the next month. Mike Evans had another strong showing for the Buccaneers and fantasy football owners with six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Chargers 38, Jaguars 14
The San Diego Chargers offense exploded in a 38-14 dominating win over the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chargers (1-1) led 35-0 entering the fourth quarter. Philip Rivers completed 17-24 passes for 220 yards and four touchdowns in the win. Melvin Gordon had another strong game with 102 yards rushing and a touchdown, and will be relied upon more after Danny Woodhead suffered a season-ending injury in the game. Antonio Gates caught a touchdown pass and Travis Benjamin continues to impress after a six catch, 115 yard, two touchdown performance. Blake Bortles finished 31-50 for 329 yards and two late touchdown passes, but also threw two interceptions. Bortles led the team in rushing with 34 yards, but the Jaguars (0-2) might want to use T.J. Yeldon (7-28 yards) more. Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns were expected to play big roles this season but finished with three receptions for 54 yards and five catches for 64 yards, respectively.
Falcons 35, Raiders 28
Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons won a 35-28 shootout on the road over the Oakland Raiders. Ryan finished 26-34 for 396 yards and three touchdowns and found star receiver Julio Jones five times for 106 yards and a touchdown. Fantasy football owners were hoping Devonta Freeman would find the end zone, but his line of 17 carries for 93 yards helped the Falcons improve to 1-1. Derek Carr played well in the loss, throwing for 299 yards and three touchdowns himself. Amari Cooper led the Raiders (1-1) in receiving with five catches for 71 yards but couldn’t connect with Carr for a score. Michael Crabtree had four catches for 31 yards and a touchdown and tight end Clive Walford had six receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown. Latavious Murray and DeAndre Washington each had productive games in limited roles for Oakland. Murray carried the ball eight times for 57 yards and touchdown and Washington had seven carries for 46 yards.
Broncos 34, Colts 20
The Denver Broncos improved to 2-0 and dropped the Indianapolis Colts to 0-2 after a 34-20 home win. The Denver defense produced two fourth quarter touchdowns to seal the victory. C.J. Anderson led the way with 74 yards rushing and a touchdown. Quarterback Trevor Siemian is 2-0 as a starter and finished 22-33 for 266 yards and an interception. His top targets Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders combined for 129 yards receiving. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck completed 21-40 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown, but threw a costly pick-six to Aqib Talib late. Fantasy football owners are hoping for more from receivers T.Y. Hilton (4-41) and Donte Moncrief (1-9) and running back Frank Gore, who had just 44 yards rushing.
Vikings 17, Packers 14
The Minnesota Vikings had a couple of firsts on Sunday Night Football: inaugural game at the highly anticipated U.S. Bank Stadium and Sam Bradford’s first start at quarterback following the Teddy Bridgewater injury and trade for the former top overall pick. The Vikings defense stymied the Green Bay Packers, forcing three turnovers in the 17-14 win over their NFC North division rivals. Sam Bradford (22-31, 286 yards, two touchdowns) had an excellent debut and appears to have a top target in Stefon Diggs. The two connected nine times for 182 yards and a touchdown. Kyle Rudolph had three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown and the passing game may be featured more if Adrian Peterson misses extended time with the torn knee ligament he suffered in the game. Peterson had just 19 yards on 12 carries before having to be assisted off the field. The Vikings (2-0) defense sacked quarterback Aaron Rodgers five times and intercepted him late to seal the victory. Rodgers had an uncharacteristically sluggish game, completing 20-36 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown. The good news for Green Bay (1-1) is that Jordy Nelson appears to be healthy as he had five receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. Still, Nelson and the rest of the Packers receivers seem to be out of sync with the two-time MVP quarterback as drives continue to stall for the offense. Maybe feeding Eddie Lacy (12-50 yards) more will help.
Eagles 29, Bears 14
Second-overall pick Carson Wentz continues to turn heads in his 2-0 start to the 2016 NFL season. Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Chicago Bears 29-14 at Soldier Field in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football. Wentz was 21-34 for 190 yards and a touchdown. His top target Jordan Matthews led the team in receiving with six catches for 71 yards. Eagles kicker Caleb Sturgis made three first half field goals before the offense started to complete their drives. Ryan Matthews had two rushing touchdowns while rushing for just 32 yards. The Bears are now 0-2 and may be without quarterback Jay Cutler for the next few weeks after he suffered a thumb injury in the loss. Jeremy Langford scored the Bears only offensive touchdown and finished with just 28 yards rushing. Alshon Jeffery led the team with five catches for 96 receiving yards and the Bears are hoping for more from Kevin White, who finished with four catches for 36 yards.
