Broncos Take Care of Business over Jacksonville, Start Season 2-0

 The Broncos defeated the Jaguars in Jacksonville on Sunday 23-13 and are 2-0 to start the 2021 season. Denver is 2-0 for the first time since 2018. It is a great start for the Broncos, and it was a game that many people thought they would win and they did. Here are my thoughts on the game....

1) After a slow start in which they gave up a TD on the first drive of the game, the defense really clamped down and played well. They intercepted Trevor Lawrence twice, sacked him once, pressured him a ton, and just didn't allow many big plays. The defense has done their job the first two games of the year.

2) Give credit to Teddy Bridgewater, who played another outstanding game. He finished 26-34 for 328 yards and 2 TDs and no INT. He pushed the ball down the field at times and consistently found the open receiver. You have to be happy as a Broncos fan with what you have seen out of Teddy.

3) Courtland Sutton had a big day and looked like he might be back to normal after last year's ACL injury. He had 9 receptions for 159 yards and made some big time catches down the field.

4) The Broncos special teams continue to be a disaster. They gave up am 102 yard kick return with 5:26 left in the game when they were up 23-7. It gave Jax life when it looked like the game was over. Thankfully, Denver's defense bailed them out with a big two-point conversion stop to keep it a two score game at 23-13. Denver's offense then put the game away for good with a solid time-consuming drive to finish off the game, but the special teams has to improve.

5) Von Miller had a sack and continues to look great out there. It is so nice to see him back playing at a high level again.

6) The injuries keep piling up for the Broncos. ILB Josey Jewell looks to be done for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Bradley Chubb played but it looks like he reagrevated his ankle injury. These injuries that the Broncos keep getting every week are going to be an issue as the season goes on.

7) Great job by the Broncos in taking care of business and getting another road win to start the year. It feels great to be 2-0 and with the Jets coming up next week, that is another winnable game and a chance to get to 3-0. Plus, it is the Broncos home opener, so the fans will be back at Mile High and ready to go. Should be a fun scene on Sunday.

Broncos-Jaguars and Week 2 Picks

The Broncos are feeling good after starting 1-0 with a dominating win over the Giants on Sunday in Week 1. Now, they head to Jacksonville for another road game and they take on Urban Meyer, Trevor Lawrence and the 0-1 Jaguars, who got blown out by the Texans in Week 1. This is definitely winnable game for the Broncos, and they have the realistic possibility of starting 2-0. This is a game that Broncos fans circled as a "Win" on the schedule. I am worried about some of the injuries after Week 1. Jerry Jeudy is out 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain. Ronald Darby is out 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury, and RG Graham Glasgow is out with an irregular heartbeat. I have to think the Jags will look better than their opening game loss last week. I don't know. This is a tricky one in my opinion.

Prediction: JACKSONVILLE (+6) over Denver

Final Score: Jaguars-24 Broncos-20

Now, onto the picks for Week 2......

Last Week's Record: 5-10-1

Overall Record: 5-10-1

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

PITTSBURGH (-5) over Las Vegas: Both teams are 1-0 after wins last week. The Raiders won in overtime over the Ravens, and the Steelers outlasted the Bills. I like the Steelers defense in this matchup, and the Raiders are always notoriously bad in early games back East. 

CHICAGO (-3) over Cincinnati: How much longer are the Bears going to go with Andy Dalton over Justin Fields. I think the Bengals will have the lead in this game and Matt Nagy will turn it over to Fields, who will rally the Bears late to win the game. 

Houston (+13) over CLEVELAND: The Browns will win the game, but I'm not ready to have them lay 13 points-even to the Texans. Houston can be feisty enough to keep it under the number.

LA Rams (-3) over INDIANAPOLIS: I love the Rams in this spot. Sean McVay will have them dialed in as they head to Indy for this early window game. I didn't like anything I saw out of the Colts last week in their loss to Seattle.

Buffalo (-5) over MIAMI: I feel like everyone is going to pick the Bills in this game-especially after they are 0-1 after losing last week to Pittsburgh. The Dolphins are 1-0 after beating the Patriots last week, but the Bills dismantled the Dolphins last year, so I'll take them to continue their winning ways over the Fish.

New England (-5) over NY JETS: Both teams are 0-1. The Pats lost a tough game to Miami at home, and the Jets lost on the road at Carolina. I don't see the Pats starting 0-2 at the hands of the Jets.

San Francisco (-3) over PHILADELPHIA: I know Philly looked awesome in their blowout win over the Falcons last week, but I'm not buying them yet. I think the 49ers, 1-0 after defeating the Lions last week, will take care of business in Philly this week. 

Minnesota (+3) over ARIZONA: The Vikings lost to the Bengals in overtime last week and at 0-1, they need to win this game. The Cardinals came out and blew the doors off the Titans last week. I think Arizona continues their winning ways with a home win over the Vikes, but I can see Minnesota winning.

Atlanta (+12) over TAMPA BAY: The Falcons got blasted by the Eagles at home last week. Now, they head to Tampa to take on the 1-0 Bucs, who won a shootout over the Cowboys in Week 1. I think the Bucs will win, but I'm giving Atlanta a chance to cover.

Dallas (+3) over LA CHARGERS: Normally, the Cowboys would follow up their inspiring performance against the Bucs by shitting the bed the following week. Dallas needs a win to avoid an 0-2 start. The Chargers are 1-0 but benefitted by getting a late turnover to defeat Washington. I think Sofi Stadium will be packed with Cowboys fans, and I'm taking the Cowboys to win the game.

SEATTLE (-5) over Tennessee: I hated what I saw out of the Titans in their Week 1 loss to Arizona. On the flip side, I loved what I saw out of the Seahawks in their blowout win over the Colts. I think Seattle keeps the ball rolling here.

Kansas City (-3) over BALTIMORE: The Chiefs have owned the Ravens as of late, and I think it continues again this week on Sunday Night Football. I think the Ravens will have a tough time regrouping after a tough overtime loss in Vegas on Monday Night to the Raiders. 

Detroit (+11) over GREEN BAY: I think the Packers will win the game but I was disappointed in how they looked in their blowout loss to the Saints in Week 1. I can see the Lions keeping it close and GB pulling it out late. 

TNF Week 2 Pick

 NY Giants (+3) over WASHINGTON

Broncos Dominate Giants in Week 1 Season Opening Win

 The Broncos got off to a solid start to the 2021 season with a 27-13 road win over the Giants in Metlife Stadium on Sunday. It was the first September win for the Broncos since 2018 and it was the first win in September for Vic Fangio. The Broncos pretty much dominated the game throughout and got a great game from QB Teddy Bridgewater, and the Broncos defense snuffed out the Giants all day long. Here are my thoughts on the win....

1) Perfect start and perfect scenario for Denver in all facets. They won the game going away, Bridgewater played great, the coaching staff did a nice job, the defense played great, and outside of a fumble by Albert O and a drop by KJ Hamler, they didn't make many mistakes.

2) Give Vic Fangio credit for going for it three times on 4th down and converting all three. Those were each huge plays in the game and it was kind of surprising, but the Broncos converted all three and it almost kind of took the wind out of the sails for the Giants.

3) The end of the first half and beginning of the second half were huge. Denver scored two touchdowns on both of those possessions. The Giants were up 7-3 and just recovered a fumble deep in their own territory, but the Broncos defense forced the punt, and Bridgewater hit Tim Patrick on a short TD right before the half to make it 10-7. Denver got the ball to start the second half and went down the field and Bridgewater hit Albert O for a touchdown on a 4th and 1. The game went from 7-3 Giants to 17-7 Broncos in just two possessions

4) It was great to see Von Miller back and playing well.  Von had two sacks and was a dominating force all game long. He got pressure many times and overwhelmed Nate Solder on many snaps.

5) I love how Melvin Gordon took one 70 yards to make it 27-7 and put the game officially away in the 4th quarter. He had the same type of run last year when they beat the Jets in Metlife Stadium.

5) It was huge for the Broncos to get off to a good start. Starting 0-1 would have been a disaster. Now, they are 1-0 and have two straight winnable games at Jacksonville and home to the Jets to get to 3-0. 

Broncos-Giants and NFL Week 1 Picks

The Broncos open the 2021 campaign with a road trip to Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. The Broncos have not won a September game under Vic Fangio, so there is a pressing need to get off to a good start. The Broncos can definitely win this game, but I just can't trust them right now until they prove me wrong. I'm hoping that they will get this win on the road, but I'm ready to pick them yet.

Prediction: NY GIANTS (+3) over Denver

Final Score- Giants-23 Broncos 20

Now, onto the picks for Week 1..... 

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

ATLANTA (-3) over Philly: I like Atlanta more than most people do this year, and I think they get off a good start with a home win over the Eagles.

Pittsburgh (+7) over BUFFALO: For some reason, I think the Steelers will play well in this game. I think the Bills win, but I think it will be a close game.

Minnesota (-3) over CINCY: I think the Vikings will pounce on the Bengals early in this game and cruise to an easy opening win.

San Francisco (-6) over DETROIT: Two teams that look like they are on different paths this season. I like the 49ers to roll over the Lions.

TENNESSEE (-3) over Arizona: I think the Titans will take care of business at home this week and get off to a good start.

Seattle (-2) over INDY: I like the Seahawks in this spot over the Colts on the road.

WASHINGTON (+2) over LA Chargers: The WFT pulls the upset over the Chargers in Week 1. That might be the one real shocker of the day.

NY Jets (+5) over CAROLINA: The Sam Darnold Bowl in Carolina as Darnold faces his old team. I think the Jets will be feisty in this game keep it close until the end.

Jacksonville (-3) over HOUSTON: I think the Urban Meyer and Trevor Lawrence era gets off to a great start with a resounding win over the hapless Texans. 

KANSAS CITY (-6) over Cleveland: This is probably the most premier matchup of the day. The Browns head to KC to take on the Chiefs. I know a lot of people are picking the Browns, but I like the Chiefs to run away with this one.

NEW ENGLAND (-3) over Miami: The Pats unveil rookie QB Mac Jones, and he takes on his old Alabama teammate Tua Tagovailoa. I think Bill Belichick will have the Pats ready to roll and look for them to cruise to a win over the Dolphins.

Green Bay (-3) over NEW ORLEANS: This game got moved to Jacksonville because of the Hurrican Ida. I think Green Bay will take advantage of the netural site and take care of business over the Saints.

LA RAMS (-7) over Chicago: I think the Bears will keep it close on Sunday Night Football for a little while, but the Rams will pull away at the end. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears turn to Justin Fields early in this game.

LAS VEGAS (+4) over Baltimore: The Raiders finally get to host fans in their new Vegas stadium on Monday Night Football. I think the Raiders will pull the upset and take down the Ravens.

Bucs-Cowboys TNF Season Opener Pick

 TAMPA BAY (-7) over Dallas

2021 NFL Predictions

 AFC East

1) Buffalo Bills (11-6)

2) New England Patriots (10-7)*Wild Card

3) Miami Dolphins (7-10)

4) New York Jets (5-12)

AFC North

1) Cleveland Browns (11-6)

2) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) *Wild Card

3) Baltimore Ravens (8-9)

4) Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)

AFC South

1) Tennessee Titans (11-6)

2) Indianapolis Colts (8-9)

3) Jacksonville Jaguars (7-10)

4) Houston Texans (2-15)

AFC West

1) Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)

2) Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) *Wild Card

3) Las Vegas Raiders (8-9) 

4) Denver Broncos (7-10)

NFC East

1) Dallas Cowboys (12-5)

2) New York Giants (10-7)*Wild Card

3) Washington Football Team (5-12)

4) Philadelphia Eagles (4-13)

NFC North

1) Green Bay Packers (11-6)

2) Chicago Bears (9-8)

3) Minnesota Vikings (9-8)

4) Detroit Lions (3-14)

NFC South

1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4)

2) Atlanta Falcons (9-8) 

3) Carolina Panthers (9-8)

4) New Orleans Saints (5-12) 

NFC West

1) Los Angeles Rams (12-5)

2) Seattle Seahawks (11-6)*Wild Card

3) San Francisco 49ers (10-7)*Wild Card

4) Arizona Cardinals (5-12)

2021 Playoff Predictions

AFC

1) Kansas City (14-3)

2) Cleveland (11-6)

3)Tennessee (11-6)

4) Buffalo (11-6)

5) Pittsburgh (10-7)

6) New England (10-7)

7) LA Chargers (10-7)

Wild Card Weekend

2) Cleveland over 7) LA Chargers

3) Tennessee over 6) New England

5) Pittsburgh over 4) Buffalo

Divisional Round

1) Kansas City over 5) Pittburgh

2) Cleveland over 3) Tennessee

AFC Championship

1) Kansas City over 2) Cleveland

NFC Playoff Predictions

1) Tampa Bay (13-4)

2) LA Rams (12-5)

3) Dallas (12-5)

4) Green Bay (11-6)

5) Seatle (11-6)

6) San Francisco (10-7)

7) NY Giants (10-7)

Wild Card Weekend

2) LA Rams over 7) NY Giants

6) San Francisco over 3) Dallas

4) Green Bay over 5) Seattle

Divisional Round

1) Tampa Bay over 6) San Francisco

2) LA Rams over 4) Green Bay

NFC Championship 

2) LA Rams over 1) Tampa Bay

Super Bowl 

Kansas City over LA Rams