Bold NFL Predictions
New week, new predictions. Last week, several NFL offenses got off to rocky starts, and my predictions didn't even get to "Luke-warm" status. Maybe it was a bit presumptuous to hope that Caleb Williams would throw for over 270 yards against the Tennessee Titans, for example. It was his first game after all. But the slate is clean for Week 2 so it's time to get cooking!
Marvin Harrison Jr scores first NFL touchdown on six receptions.
This week could be themed "over correction" week. Marvin Harrison Jr. was targeted just three times against the Buffalo Bills (for four yards) and QB Kyler Murray missed the rookie wide receiver on what could have been a game-changing touchdown. Despite Murray's comments about not targeting MHJ and letting the OC do his job, I fully expect the Cardinals' offense to correct course. You don't spend a high draft pick to not get him the ball. MHJ needs to be present in the RZ, and in a division game against the LAR, you can't afford to not put up points.
Justin Herbert throws for over 200 yards vs. CAR
The Chargers offense didn't look great passing the ball against the Raiders. Herbert averaged 5.5 yards per attempt through the air and finished 19th in Intended Air Yards. The Chargers did well running the ball as J.K. Dobbins shined as he rushed for 135 yards on just 10 attempts. However, facing off against the Carolina Panthers' poor defense that got abused by Derek Carr (200 yards, three touchdowns) should present an opportunity for the Chargers' passing attack to get going. The Chargers need to see what they have at receiver because as much as Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh like running the ball, you're going to have to pass sooner or later.
Malik Nabers scores 20+ fantasy points vs. WAS
To be frank, Daniel Jones sucked against the Vikings. My misplaced trust in the matchup came back to bite me. Jones does have a chance to redeem himself against the Commanders 28th ranked pass defense. The Commanders' secondary made Bucs QB Baker Mayfield look like Tom Brady as he passed for nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns. Daniel Jones HAS to get the ball to Nabers this week. Targeting Wan'dale Robinson 12 times isn't the move anyway. Nabers did lead the Giants wide receivers with seven targets (five for 66 yards) but didn't add a touchdown to the mix. The Commander present a chance for Daniel Jones to save his spot and Malik Nabers to cook a vulnerable defense for a big fantasy day.
Russell Wilson plays vs. DEN, passes for two touchdowns
Wilson has been dealing with a calf injury that's hampered him during the offseason and now heading into Week 2. While reports are encouraging that Wilson is getting better, the Steelers are still operating as if Justin Fields will be the QB1 for another week. Don't be surprised if Wilson gets a "revenge game" against the Broncos in Week 2. With the way things ended there, Wilson certainly has a bone to pick with Sean Payton and the Broncos brass. Wilson would be in prime position to reassert himself as the top option for the Steelers this season and provide a passing attack that's been lacking for the black and yellow the last few seasons. Fields had a solid performance against the Falcons, passing for 156 yards and rushing for another 57 yards. Fields didn't turn the ball over either but failed to score a touchdown.
Rams Tyler Johnson outproduces Demarcus Robinson for the second week in a row
Puka Nacua landed on IR after going down against the Detroit Lions. That leaves a huge void of targets in the Rams offense until Nacua's return. Demarcus Robinson is expected to slide in as the WR and Tyler Johnson will see the field as the WR3. But while both should see an uptick in work, Johnson was the more productive WR as both receivers saw seven targets a piece. Johnson totaled 79 receiving yards to Robinson's 42 yards against the Lions. Johnson also averaged 15.8 y/r to Robinson's 10.5. With Nacua expected to miss four weeks (and possibly more according to Sean McVay), the target share for the Rams outside of Cooper Kupp will be interesting to watch.
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