Adrian Peterson suffered a torn meniscus, Danny Woodhead is out for the season with a torn ACL, and the Patriots and Browns are both going to be rolling out third string quarterbacks this week. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing matchups of the week and how they’re likely to turn out.
Lock of the Week – Packers (-8) cover vs Lions
Green Bay is coming off of a tough Sunday Night loss. While the Vikings have arguably the best defense in the league. They have kept Aaron Rodgers largely in check since Mike Zimmer became Minnesota’s head coach. Now, the Packers get to go home to face a Lions team that Aaron Rodgers has averaged over 275 and almost three touchdowns per game against in his career. Only eight teams have allowed more points than Detroit through two weeks. They’ll struggle to keep pace with the Packers’ potent offense
Upset of the Week – Chargers (+2.5) over Colts
San Diego dominated Jacksonville in Week 2. Due to Jacksonville’s poor offensive line play and ineptitude in the defensive secondary. Furthermore, Indianapolis has two glaring weaknesses: pass protection and pass defense. The Colts were expected to have a weak pass rush coming into the season. But, with an injury to cornerback Vontae Davis’ ankle before Week 1, Indy’s secondary has struggled as well. Andrew Luck is one of the more turnover-prone quarterbacks in the league, and the Chargers showed against the Jags that they have the personnel to take advantage of such a situation.
Player of the Week – Marcus Mariota vs Oakland
Through two weeks, the Raiders supposed beefed up defense has allowed over 800 yards and seven touchdowns via the pass; no team has allowed over 700 yards passing and only four teams have surrendered six or more passing touchdowns. With an emerging rookie wide receiver in Tajae Sharpe, a reliable tight end in Delanie Walker, and the addition of pass-catching running back DeMarco Murray, Tennessee has been surprisingly pass-heavy. When you consider Mariota’s ability to get it done on the ground as well, Oakland is likely to have another tough showing against the quarterback position.
TJ Hernandez is an editor at 4for4.com and the founder of RosterCoach.com. You can follow him on twitter @TJHernandez.
*The blog is for entertainment purposes only and in no way should be used in making wagers of any kind.