Week 1 is in the books. Things happened that probably won’t matter long term in the NFC North. Time to preview Week 2
Commanders (1-0) at Packers (1-0) on Thursday Nigh Fooball
Washington Offense vs Packers Defense
Packers had their Super Bowl in Week 1 and now must prepare for Jayden Daniels. Daniels is very mobile and a good passer but will be tested on the road by Green Bay’s healthy defense. Parsons and Gary against Tunsil and the rookie Josh Connerly will be interesting. Washington’s interior with Bradon Coleman, Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti is solid but Wooden and Wyatt had success in Week 1. Terry McClaurin and Deebo Samuel will need to make plays because the Packers should bottle up Austin Ekeler and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Cooper and Walker played really well Week 1. The Packer fans will be rabid again to help the defense too. In the secondary though, Hobbs is questionable but Nixon, Valentine and Bullard can handle the task. Jayden scrambles will be the key to keep drives alive as well and open things up.
Packers Offense vs Washington Defense
Jordan Love did well with 22 attempts and converting long 3rd downs in Week 1 facing little pass rush. Washington has Dorance Armstrong, Von Miller, Deatrich Wise (injured), Darron Payne and Javon Kinlaw to rush the passer. Packers should have another good game in pass protection.
Packers run game struggled in Week 1 and should have a tough test in Week 2 with a solid Washington Dline and good LBs in Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner. The scoring will have to be led by Love. Washington has a good CB group with Marshon Lattimore, Trey Amos (rookie) and Mike Sainistril. Safety is vulnerable with Will Harris and Quin Martin.
Final prediction: Packers 27 Washington 17
Bears (0-1) at Lions (0-1) 1 ET FOX
Another big division game for the Bears and Lions. Ben Johnson returns to Detroit early after losing a comeback to the Vikings. The Lions just wake up in Week 2 in their home opener.
Bears Offense vs Lions Defense
Caleb Williams was good in the pocket in Week 1 and had some early success. He can scramble but he will need to be much more accurate to beat Detroit’s defense. The Lions pass rush has to show up. Aidan Huthchinson and Marcus Davenport need to feast and bring some smart blitzes and watch for trick plays. Run D should be good in Week 2 again and Swift will be shut down. Lions need to make Caleb’s day really tough with 3rd and longs and pressure. DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold (groin but full practice) and Amik Robertson match up well with DJ Moore, Burden and Odunze. Lions Mike LB Jack Campbell is hurt (ankle) but could play. Anzalone and Derrick Barnes can still have success against Kmet and Loveland.
Bears interior really struggled so the Lions can have success with DTs and blitzes.
Turnovers and pressure always key.
Lions Offense versus Bears Defense
The Lions offense had communication issues in Week 1 and couldn’t run the ball or protect Goff. Lions must run the ball very well and open things up. Gibbs and Montgomery need monster games.
Jaylon Johnson, TJ Edwards could both return giving the Bears defense a boost. Montez Sweat and Odenigbo should be a good pass but Decker (shoulder) and Sewell need to dominate. The Lions interior must improve greatly after a rough Week 1. Grady Jarrett (knee) is banged up but Gervin Dexter and Andrew Billings would be a solid duo.
Amon Ra should feast on a backup nickel with Kyler Gordon hurt. Sam La Porta had a good Week 1 but a challenge against Edmunds and Edwards. Jameson Williams needs some explosive plays with Goff having time. TesLaa had an incredible catch and will be used more.
Goff was accurate Week 1 but must avoid turnovers and can’t help Caleb with short fields
Ford Field will be louder than Lambeau. Lions are fired up and 1-1 is looking good. Lions 34 Bears 20.
Falcons (0-1) at Vikings (1-0) on Sunday Night Football NBC
Vikings had a great comeback Week 1 with Mason and McCarthy going off in the 4th Quarter. McCarthy will need to avoid another pick 6 and Vikings run game should get going on the Falcons. Darrisaw is still hurt so the Vikings are susceptible with Skule at LT. Run game and explosive plays to Jefferson are big.
On defense, the Vikings got good pressure but Penix doesn’t scramble like Caleb. Look for lots of Vikings blitzing and pass rush with Greenard, Van Ginkel, Turner and the new DTS in Hargrave and Allen.
McCarthy stays hot, Drake London makes some plays but the Vikings stay strong at home.
Vikings 27 Falcons 17