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Now that the calamity of Thursday night football is out of the way, I now give you the couch recommendations for the weekend and why.
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns
Marcus Mariota is on a whole-nutha level of rookie. He’s playing like he didn’t realize he made the transition to the NFL from the Ducks. We expected some drop off from this young man but the quiet Heisman winner is still playing loud. In what will be Johnny Manziel’s third start, the overhyped QB will be in for a big challenge at home. That Dick LeBeau defense combined with another perfect performance from Mariota should put the Titans over the top.
Couch Pick: Titans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees is a guy who does not stay down for long. They lost their first two games last year but I doubt there will be a repeat. Especially with the way Jameis Winston and the Bucs are playing. The Bucs have not beaten New Orleans since 2011 and I doubt they get lucky on Sunday.
Couch Pick: Saints
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills
Yes people, I am still on the Tyrod Taylor train and it will still roll this week. Tyrod’s “x” factor is his wheels and with the Pats having so many issues with DeAngelo Williams on the ground last week, they may have those same issues with Shady McCoy and Tyrod as they run wild. Rex is probably losing sleep trying to gameplan Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman but I believe he will find a way to slow them just enough for the W.
Couch Pick: Bills
Arizona Cardinals vs. Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler completed half of his passes against a mediocre defense last week. He is facing a defense that ranked 7th in the league in interceptions (22) in 2014. This Arizona D combined with the John Brown/Carson Palmer duo will wreak havoc all over Chicago
Couch Pick: Cards
San Francisco 49ers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
I love Carlos Hyde, but he is about to face a pissed off Steelers D with proper working headsets. Big Ben will be right at home in his sea of yellow and the best receiver in football will put in work on this 49er secondary. Steelers are too good of a team to start the season 0-2
Couch Pick: Steelers
St. Louis Rams vs. Washington Redskins
Nick Foles just beat the Seahawks in overtime in week one, throwing just shy of 300 yards on the game. I believe the Skins just don’t have what it takes to have great success against such a nasty defense that pushed out 6 sacks and a pick, last week against Seattle. Look for Washington fans to be calling for RGIII by the end of this one.
Couch Pick: Rams
San Diego Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
This AFC battle is one definitely worth watching. Both teams put up the exact same number of points last week against different teams. Phillip Rivers is in mid-season form, which is throwing just as many picks as TDs. The Chargers are facing a tougher defense this week and cannot make that many mistakes or allow so many points or this will be a blow out.
Couch Pick: Bengals
Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers
Houston is on a QB carousel and it is only week 2? Cam Newton may not have prestigious named targets in this matchup but at least he knows the starting QB job is his. This will be a defensive game but due to the Panthers having the better overall offense you’re going to see these Cats claw out victorious.
Couch Pick: Panthers
Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants
If Atlanta actually had a defense, I might roll in their direction, but the G-Men are looking to get that nasty taste out of their mouth from last week. That taste was courtesy of Tony Romo. I believe the Giants will actually try to score this time when in the redzone.
Couch Pick: Giants
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
When you have one of the best players in football on the bench during a two-minute drill, one has to wonder how you got your job. Detroit is hoping Mike Zimmer is coming in with a similar game plan. Vikings just aren’t smart enough to win this game.
Couch Pick: Lions
Baltimore Ravens vs. Oakland Raiders
Some look at this game as a BYE for the Ravens and it will be as long as the team actually shows up in Cali. Baltimore’s defense harassed Peyton Manning all Sunday and look to do the same to Derek Carr or Matt McGloin. The biggest factor in this game is if the Ravens receivers turn up for Joe Flacco. 25 yards was all the leading receiver Marlon Brown was able to bring in. Look for TE Crockett Gillmore to have a career day against a team who gave up the cookies twice to Tyler Eifert last week.
Couch Pick: Ravens
Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
No surprises here. Jacksonville needs a more balanced attack on offense. Blake Bortles should not have to throw the ball 40 times a game. If he does it against this Miami secondary, he will be in for a long day.
Couch Pick: Dolphins
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
I understand this is a passing league but 52 attempts when you have a stable of running backs that are all capable of starting in this league just doesn’t make sense to me. However I believe Chip Kelly’s gameplan as crazy as it will be will still be enough to get pass as Dez Bryant-less Cowboys. Is DEZ the whole team? No but Terrance Williams no matter how much yall talk him up is not a number one. Brice Butler is not up to speed yet after just coming over from Oakland so hang this one up Dallas you’ll be 1-1 by Sunday night.
Couch Pick: Eagles
Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers
There is no 12th man in this game and I still believe that Seattle has too good of a team to go 0-2. Richard Sherman will play pissed off in this one as the game winning catch was made on his side of the field, last week in overtime against the Rams. Aaron Rodgers is missing a right tackle and I believe this will be the difference maker in this game. Pressure in the trenches is what will bring the Hawks a win in enemy territory.
Couch Pick: Seahawks
New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Buffalo Bills torched the Colts last week and now they face a WR Duo that in my opinion is one of the best in football because of their since and big playmaking ability? The Colts had better figure something out, they let Tyrod Taylor work them over in his debut. I believe Ryan Fitzpatrick will have similar success.
Couch Pick: Jets
Well don’t just sit there! Sound off! Let that anger out on the social media feed. Tell me how wrong I am and why. I can take it. Share it if you like it.
Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.
