Around the AFC
Harbaugh off and running. Literally. The Los Angeles Chargers are already playing in Jim Harbaugh’s preferred style. The era of “Chargering” already looks like the distant past. Running back J.K. Dobbins leads the NFL through two weeks at 266 rushing yards and L.A. Is leaning on its big, rugged offensive line. It’s beautiful. And scary for an AFC West that already has to deal with Patrick Mahomes and company.
Cleared for takeoff. The New York Jets stumbled in Week 1, but boy have they found their stride. Aaron Rodgers played terrific football, the defense dominated and the Jets thumped New England on Thursday night. Rodgers will have to prove he can hold this form at 40 years old, but if he does, Robert Saleh’s team is going to be in the mix in the AFC. Now the team gets a long break after the Thursday night game before hosting the Broncos on Sept. 29.
Tua turmoil. The fallout in Miami from QB Tua Tagovailoa’s most recent concussion is difficult to quantify. There’s the actual time he’ll miss — several weeks at least — but also the conundrum of where to go from here. NFL Network reported he’s not planning on retiring, but who will feel good about the next time he trots back onto the field? It’s his decision and his alone and it’s a brutal situation all around.
Around the NFC
McCarthy-ism. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is coaching 2024 as a lame duck, with no contract beyond the end of the season. Which is no big deal … if Dallas finally wins in the playoffs. Except it becomes much more prevalent when McCarthy’s team does things like get blown out, 44-19, at home against New Orleans in Week 2. This team’s got the talent to beat anybody, so season-wise they might be fine. But, man, it’s going to get interesting fast if Dallas struggles for any multi-week period.
Kuuuuuubs. Speaking of the Saints, hello Klint Kubiak. Welcome to the Hot Coaching Candidate Names List. You’re officially on it after a blistering start to the season in the Bayou. Broncos fans know the name and the face well, since he was an assistant under his dad, Gary, and then was the QBs coach in 2022. Derek Carr’s playing great, the Saints are humming and Kubiak’s on the verge of taking the rocket ship ride.
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Uh, Rams? Sean McVay’s team has been decimated by injuries — WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, several offensive linemen, etc. — and it’s not going to get easier from here. Already 0-2, the Rams now have to deal with San Francisco this weekend. They looked like a dangerous team in the NFC before the season started, but if they can’t get healthier and do so quickly, 2024 could get long on Matthew Stafford and company quickly.
Game of the Week
Houston at Minnesota
The Texans are off to a good start in Year 2 with coach DeMeco Ryans and QB C.J. Stroud. Nico Collins is a star at receiver and the entire offense is loaded for battle. The Vikings are off to a great start, too, with QB Sam Darnold already looking like a steal at $10 million for the year. A pair of explosive offenses and a pair of defenses that can really get after the quarterback. That’s got the makings of a terrific early-season matchup.
Texans 34, Vikings 30
Lock of the Week
Jacksonville at Buffalo
This was supposed to be something of a transition year for the Bills. Maybe it’ll still turn into that, but Josh Allen and company are off to a 2-0 start. They’ll need to take care of business at home against the Jags because then they go on the road for three straight against Baltimore, Houston and the Jets. Getting to 3-0, though, should be manageable given their status as 5-point favorites against Trevor Lawrence’s team. Jacksonville, meanwhile, is 0-2 and visits Houston after Buffalo. Tough sledding.
Bills 28, Jaguars 17
Upset of the Week
Detroit at Arizona
How about the Cardinals? They let an early lead against the Bills slip in Week 1 but hammered the Rams, 41-10, last week. Kyler Murray looks terrific. Rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had four catches for 130 yards and two TDs last week and the team has a ton of young, talented players. It’s a big leap to go from back-to-back 4-13 seasons to bona fide contenders, but the Cardinals should at least be feeling like they have a chance to do it. Beating the Lions on their home field as three-point dogs would be a good step in that direction.
Cardinals 24, Lions 23
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