It's that time of the week again, a list of the teams that could find themselves on the short end of the stick in Week 2 of the 2023 NFL Season. This week, there are certainly a few groups that need to be alert.
Forget the names for just a second, and look at what happens in the game in general. One team comes out with confidence and bravado as an underdog while the other team, the favorite, comes out also with confidence, yet they have the potential to watch it backfire in their face.
After Week 1, only 16 teams stood at 1-0. Following Thursday Night Football, one team sits at 2-0, the Eagles, while another sits at 0-2, the Vikings. History suggests that a 1-1 start or even a 2-0 start leads to better success and a playoff spot. 0-2? Not so much, unless you are the 2007 Giants or the 1993 Cowboys for example.
Enough with the monologues, let's get to the three squads that need to stay alert to avoid getting ridiculed at the game's end for being upset by an underdog.
Cowboys could be covered in green if they don't take the Jets seriously
The Achilles injury to Aaron Rodgers has been talked about nonstop by folks across the country, including analysts on TV like Mike Greenberg and Rich Eisen. The Jets are now trotting out Zach Wilson at QB while Dallas and their shutout defense get the home opener. Sounds like a Cowboys dub, right?
Nope. That's where it can get tricky. Even though Wilson has some question marks, the rest of the Jets roster is fully loaded with talent, including defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Additionally, the Jets' defense has been nothing short of impressive, making Josh Allen look somewhat incompetent on Monday Night during the thriller. Allen threw three interceptions in Week 1.
If Dak Prescott isn't careful and reverts back to his San Francisco playoff form, the Dallas defense will be so tired out that even Wilson and his wide receivers will have a nice day. Again, Dan Quinn's unit will have to be at the top of their A-game to help the offense out and ensure that Stephen A. Smith doesn't post a childish and immature laughing video comes games' end when Dallas loses.
San Francisco should be aware of Hollywood scripts being flipped in the Rams favor
The Seahawks were left stunned after an undermanned Rams team marched into the Pacific Northwest and handled it's business. Meanwhile, the 49ers rode into Pittsburgh and took care of the Steelers. As of right now, it looks like two 1-0 teams, but the 49ers are seen as the vastly superior team compared to the Rams.
That's where it is misleading. The Rams still have a young core of talent and arguably, the game's best defensive player in Aaron Donald. LA was able to pressure the Seahawks' offensive line and control the line of scrimmage while preventing explosive plays. They can certainly do that with the 49ers as the scarlet and gold pride themselves on running the ball.
LA can hold up on the line of scrimmage, but their offense is a bit puzzling. Cooper Kupp is still out, and without him, it's on Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell, neither of whom stand six feet tall or above, to utilize their shiftiness and speed to keep the 49ers off their guard. Don't be surprised if a divisional rival gets the surprise upset, it's happened before.
Even with Chris Jones and Travis Kelce back, Kansas City must be alert with Duval
Nick Wright and his incorrect 20-0 prediction would be the first to tell you that the Chiefs losing to the Jaguars, especially with Travis Kelce and Chris Jones returning, is somewhat unfathomable. That's what would make this all the more interesting if it did happen, and it very well could.
Against Indianapolis, Trevor Lawrence and friends showed the true hallmarks of a Doug Pederson-led team, which is focused on precision and fundamentals. Not to mention, Calvin Ridley showed why he is one the game's most electrifying young receivers. Eight catches for 101 yards and a score. Pretty effective, wouldn't you say?
It may take that kind of effort, along with a strong running game by Travis Etienne, in order to prevent Patrick Mahomes from going off on his birthday, which is dangerous. Additionally, the Jagaurs are intent on coming out of their playoff loss last year to KC looking for redemption. It is quite possible that could happen, and the headlines that could follow would be must-read.