The NFC South looks to be an intriguing division this year with the Falcons and Saints expected to have good seasons. There were some surprises in Week 1, but these four teams will either look to rebound or build off a big first week of the 2014 campaign. Here’s look at how they’ll matchup this week.
Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers, Sunday 1:05 ET
Overview
Last week the Panthers beat rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a close 20-14 game to start the year 1-0. This week they will take on a very good Lions team who is also coming off a win. The Panthers were able to get the win despite being without Cam Newton, but this week they will have a tougher opponent in the Lions.
Key Matchups
Panthers Secondary vs Calvin Johnson: Megatron is an explosive player on the field and a favorite target of Matthew Stafford. The Panthers will have to keep the ball out of Johnson’s hands, but that will be difficult for this Panthers secondary, especially Antoine Cason.
Panthers defensive line vs Lions run game: Reggie Bush will receive a lot of handoffs in this game. The Lions passing game was impressive last year, but they will attempt to run the clock and move the ball on the ground. It’s up to the defensive line to stop the run.
Cam Newton and Offensive Line vs Lions Defensive Line: This will be Newton’s first game back and he’s going to need some confidence. The pressure is on the O-line to give him time to throw the ball and stay calm under pressure. The Panthers need a good performance from Newton in what is expected to be a close division race.
Final Prediction (Lions 24 Panthers 21)
This will be a close game, but the Lions offense will lead them to another victory to start the season 2-0.
New Orleans Saints at Cleveland Browns, Sunday 1:05 ET
Overview
The Saints came up short last week against the Falcons as they lost in overtime 37-34. This week, they will travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns who are coming off a 30-27 loss in Week 1. There are high expectations for Drew Brees and the Saints this year, and while this game should highly be in the Saints favor, they struggled against the Falcons last week.
Both teams will seek their first win of the 2014 season.
Key matchups
Donte Whitner vs Jimmy Graham: Graham is an important key to the Saints offense, and a popular target for Brees. He is able to set up as a wide receiver or a tight end, which adds pressure to the defense. This will be an interesting matchup to keep an eye on during the game.
Saints Defensive Line vs Browns Offensive Line: Last week the Saints defense allowed almost 600 yards of total offense to the Falcons. This week they will have to execute the pass rush and pressure the quarterback in order to get off the field and hand the ball to their offense.
Final Prediction (Saints 24 Browns 14)
This should be an easy win for the Saints, and give them some momentum after a tough Week 1 loss.
Atlanta Falcons at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday 1:05 ET
Overview
The Falcons are coming off an impressive overtime win, but it won’t be an easy ride to 2-0 as they will face the Bengals who beat the Ravens 23-16 last week. Matt Ryan and company were impressive against the Saints, and the Bengals will be another good test for them while being in this tough division.
Key Matchups
A.J. Green vs Falcons Secondary: Green is a top wide receiver in the NFL, and the Falcons corners, Desmond Trufant in particular, will have to contain him and get Andy Dalton to throw elsewhere.
Falcons Defensive Line vs Bengals Offensive Line: Atlanta has a solid offense around Ryan, so a lot of pressure will be on the defense to stop the Bengals offense. The Falcons front seven will have to put the pressure on Dalton to get him off his game and gain momentum throughout the game.
Final Prediction (Falcons 24 Bengals 27)
This will be a close game between two talented teams, but the Bengals will benefit from playing at home and outplay the Falcons in the fourth quarter for the win.
St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday 4:05 ET
Overview
Both the Bucs and Rams will seek their first win on Sunday. Tampa lost a close game last week to the Panthers 20-14 while the Rams lost 34-6 to the Minnesota Vikings. The St. Louis offense couldn’t get anything done last week, which is an advantage for the Buccaneers, as Tampa Bay clearly has the better offense in this matchup.
The Rams defense has been expected to be much improved, but after last week’s loss they looked sloppy giving up 34 points. The team struggled as a whole and will look to rebound this week.
Key Matchups
Buccaneers offensive line vs Rams defensive line: The Rams defense is their strength as a team, and although they allowed the Vikings to score often, they have a lot of talent on that defense. They will put the pressure on Josh McCown, and the offensive line will be a key in this game to allow their quarterback to scan the field for Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans. The O-line will also have to create holes to establish a run game early.
Final Prediction (Rams 16 Buccaneers 24)
The Bucs will get their first win of the season as the Rams defense will struggle a bit on the road.