Oakland 12 at Kansas City 10

A nice win for Oakland, though they didn't look very good doing it, but a horrible loss for Kansas City.  At home against one of the worst defenses in the league the Chiefs offense was shut completely down.  Time for Chiefs fans to start worrying about this season.

Oakland
Ken Stabler 11/34 160yds
Derrick Jensen 13car/61yds
Cliff Branch 13tt/5rec/82yds
Monte Johnson 2 tackles 2 sacks 2 knockdowns
Errol Mann 4 of 4 long of 40yds

Kansas City
Greg Hendrickson 12/26 141yds
Ted Brown 19car/95yds 1Fumble
Armand Jackson 11tt/5rec/80yds
Bob Gregolunas 8 tackles 2 sacks
Gerald Jackson 5 tackles 5 knockdowns

Oakland (1-2) at Kansas City (1-2)

   Oak offense  23rd   106.3 rush - [11th] / 128.3 pass - [27th]
       defense  28th   121.3 rush - [27th] / 270.3 pass - [27th]
       scoring         17.3 for - [18th] / 40.7 against - [28th]

  K.C. offense  15th   102.3 rush - [12th] / 181.0 pass - [18th]
       defense  23rd   102.0 rush - [22nd] / 227.3 pass - [23rd]
       scoring         18.7 for - [13th] / 18.7 against - [11th]


   key matchups:
       HB Ted Brown (205 yds/3 TDs) vs. Oakland run D (3.9 rush avg)
       HB Derrick Jensen (279 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Kim Bokamper (20 Tackles)

   prediction:
       Oakland 18, Kansas City 33

Buffalo 9 at Detroit 24

An easy home win for the Lions who seem to be getting on track after a shaky start.

Detroit
Greg Landry 19/28 232yds 2TDs 1Int
Curtis Dickey 9car/54yds
Ottis Anderson 20car/53yds
Mel Jacobs 10tt/8rec/97yds 1TD
Bill Bowerman 4 tackles 1 knockdown 1 int

Buffalo
Joe Ferguson 19/34 214yds 1TD 2Ints
Jewerl Thomas 6car/15yds
Bob Chandler 9tt/6rec/92yds 1TD
Tony Greene 11 tackles
Glenn Lott 5 tackles 1 int

Buffalo (1-2) at Detroit (1-2)

  Buff offense  26th   54.0 rush - [24th] / 146.7 pass - [25th]
       defense  19th   93.0 rush - [17th] / 200.7 pass - [15th]
       scoring         11.3 for - [27th] / 19.0 against - [13th]

   Det offense  1st    110.0 rush - [9th] / 274.7 pass - [2nd]
       defense  18th   83.0 rush - [13th] / 210.3 pass - [19th]
       scoring         27.7 for - [5th] / 23.0 against - [22nd]


   key matchups:
       QB Greg Landry (5 TDs/882 yds) vs. Buffalo pass D
       WR Mel Jacobs (22 rec/441 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Jackie Williams
       DT Rod Horn (4 sacks) vs. G Lynn Boden

   prediction:
       Buffalo 17, Detroit 26

Los Angeles 13 at Denver 3

An easy win for the Rams though the score doesn't show it.

Los Angeles
James Harris 26/34 241yds 1TD 1Int
William Andrews 13car/41yds 1TD
Dwight Scales 5tt/5rec/47yds
Monte Jackson 4 tackles 2 knockdowns

Denver
Danny White 18/33 193yds
Greg Hawthorne 6car/10yds
John Schultz 8tt/5rec/67yds
Donald Dykes 9 tackles 1 knockdown
Randy Gradishar 10 tackles

Los Angeles (2-1) at Denver (0-3)

  L.A. offense  8th    77.0 rush - [18th] / 250.3 pass - [3rd]
       defense  17th   109.7 rush - [24th] / 181.3 pass - [10th]
       scoring         31.0 for - [2nd] / 21.3 against - [21st]

   Den offense  28th   65.7 rush - [21st] / 120.7 pass - [28th]
       defense  14th   84.0 rush - [14th] / 202.3 pass - [17th]
       scoring          9.3 for - [28th] / 20.7 against - [20th]


   key matchups:
       WR Terrence Yunker (12 rec/102 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Monte Jackson (2 INTs/2 TDs)
       QB James Harris (8 TDs/803 yds) vs. Denver pass D
       WR George Lantz (8 rec/234 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Steve Foley

   prediction:
       Los Angeles 26, Denver 18

New York Jets 6 at Green Bay 3

A battle of two very good defenses.  The difference here is that the Jets have a better offense. 

New York
Vince Evans 11/22 160yds
Horace Ivory 20car/42yds
Ronnie Moore 10tt/6rec/109yds
Ken Schroy 8 tackles 1 knockdown

Green Bay
Lynn Dickey 16/40 165yds 1Int
David Overstreet 17car/16yds
Ken Payne 18tt/8rec/70yds
Dan Hampton 3 tackles 2 sacks 1 knockdown
Gary Spani 11 tackles
Gary Jeter 3 tackles 3 sacks

New YorkAFC (3-0) at Green Bay (2-1)

   NYJ offense  2nd    118.7 rush - [4th] / 247.3 pass - [4th]
       defense  12th   58.3 rush - [1st] / 213.0 pass - [21st]
       scoring         30.7 for - [3rd] / 15.7 against - [8th]

  G.B. offense  27th   61.0 rush - [23rd] / 137.3 pass - [26th]
       defense  3rd    73.3 rush - [8th] / 137.7 pass - [2nd]
       scoring         17.7 for - [14th] / 20.0 against - [19th]


   key matchups:
       DE Mark Gastineau (6 sacks) vs. T Anthony Munoz
       DT Dan Hampton (10 sacks) vs. G Joe Fields
       QB Vince Evans (9 TDs/808 yds) vs. S Johnnie Johnson (1 INTs)
       WR Ronnie Moore (21 rec/303 yds/3 TDs) vs. CB Henry Monroe (1 INT)

   prediction:
       New YorkAFC 25, Green Bay  20

San Francisco 27 at Seattle 18

The 49ers made it look easy on the road.  The Seahawks offense is continuing to struggle after being so good last season.

San Francisco
Jim Plunkett 19/28 269yds 1TD 1Int
Delvin Williams 21car/79yds 2TD
Jim Lash 6tt/5rec/89yds
Kim Anderson 7 tackles

Seattle
Brian Sipe 17/27 206yds 1TD 1Int
Sterling Rolfe 12car/58yds
Steve Largent 6tt/3rec/81yds 1TD
Dave Brown 5 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int
Otis Wilson 6 tackles 1 sack

San Francisco (3-0) at Seattle (2-1)

  S.F. offense  10th   84.0 rush - [17th] / 220.3 pass - [10th]
       defense  10th   89.3 rush - [16th] / 169.7 pass - [9th]
       scoring         29.7 for - [4th] / 15.0 against - [7th]

   Sea offense  18th   111.7 rush - [8th] / 163.7 pass - [20th]
       defense  13th   113.7 rush - [25th] / 159.3 pass - [8th]
       scoring         18.7 for - [12th] / 14.0 against - [4th]


   key matchups:
       DT John Harty (5 sacks) vs. G John Watson
       WR Steve Largent (17 rec/251 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Eric Harris
       QB Jim Plunkett (6 TDs/712 yds) vs. Seattle pass D

   prediction:
       San Francisco 22, Seattle 20

New York Giants 28 at Tampa Bay 27

A great road win for the Giants.  They got a good game from their team all around.

New York
Joe Reed 15/20 213yds 1Int
Chuck Muncie 21car/90yds 2TDs
John Jefferson 7tt/7rec/129yds
Don Smith 4 tackles 3 sacks

Tampa Bay
Rich Campbell 8/26 79yds
Charles Alexander 11car/84yds 1TD
Lawrence Sampleton 4tt/3rec/33yds
Mike Washington 6 tackles 1 knockdown 1 int

New YorkNFC (1-2) at Tampa Bay (1-2)

   NYG offense  7th    43.0 rush - [26th] / 288.3 pass - [1st]
       defense  5th    93.3 rush - [18th] / 147.0 pass - [3rd]
       scoring         16.3 for - [20th] / 19.7 against - [16th]

  T.B. offense  6th    106.7 rush - [10th] / 226.0 pass - [8th]
       defense  25th   85.3 rush - [15th] / 250.0 pass - [26th]
       scoring         23.3 for - [10th] / 25.0 against - [24th]


   key matchups:
       QB Joe Reed (2 TDs/922 yds) vs. S Mark Cotney (1 INTs)
       DT Don Smith (4 sacks) vs. G Everett Little
       WR Jim Robinson (19 rec/402 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Curtis Jordan (1 INT)

   prediction:
       New YorkNFC 21, Tampa Bay 25

Miami 19 at San Diego 13 (OT)

Statistically Miami dominated this game, but turnovers and sloppy play kept the Chargers alive.  In the end though Miami proved to be too much for San Diego. 

Miami
Bob Griese 19/36 292yds 2Ints
Rolf Mequita 9car/79yds
Mike Green 5tt/3rec/71yds
Gary Green 4 tackles 4 knockdowns

San Diego
Dan Fouts 14/29 150yds 1Int
Rickey Young 16car/41yds 1TD
Jesse Wolfram 10tt/5rec/57yds
Steve Stewart 7 tackles 1 sack
Ken Greene 8 tackles 1 knockdown 1 int
Mike Williams 3 tackles 2 knockdowns 1 int
Roland James 9 tackles 1 sack

Miami (2-1) at San Diego (3-0)

   Mia offense  17th   119.7 rush - [3rd] / 158.0 pass - [24th]
       defense  4th    75.7 rush - [9th] / 148.3 pass - [5th]
       scoring         17.3 for - [16th] / 14.0 against - [5th]

  S.D. offense  24th   26.3 rush - [28th] / 198.0 pass - [12th]
       defense  2nd    60.7 rush - [2nd] / 148.0 pass - [4th]
       scoring         23.7 for - [9th] / 20.0 against - [17th]


   key matchups:
       WR Jesse Wolfram (14 rec/245 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Sid Dixon
       HB Benny Malone (296 yds/3 TDs) vs. LB Mark Merrill (17 Tackles)
       DT Larry Bethea (5 sacks) vs. G Doug Wilkerson

   prediction:
       Miami 19, San Diego 22

Minnesota 10 at New Orleans 20

The Saints shut down the Vikings in the second half of this comeback win. 

New Orleans
Peil Pennington 15/22 155yds
Tony Dorsett 22car/72yds 1TD
Freddie Solomon 3tt/3rec/49yds
Craig Cassady 5 tackles 3 sacks
Leo Wisniewski 3 sacks
Randy Rhino 5 tackles 1 int

Minnesota
Mike Rieker 14/34 239yds 1TD 1Int
Chuck Foreman 10car/15yds
Leonard Willis 14tt/7rec/173yds 1TD
Ken Fantetti 9 tackles

Minnesota (1-2) at New Orleans (1-2)

  Minn offense  14th   94.3 rush - [15th] / 201.0 pass - [11th]
       defense  6th    95.0 rush - [20th] / 151.0 pass - [6th]
       scoring         15.3 for - [23rd] / 14.0 against - [3rd]

  N.O. offense  22nd   71.3 rush - [20th] / 163.3 pass - [21st]
       defense  7th    63.3 rush - [4th] / 186.7 pass - [12th]
       scoring         13.7 for - [25th] / 18.7 against - [12th]


   key matchups:
       DT Fred Smerlas (4 sacks) vs. G Emanuel Zanders

   prediction:
       Minnesota 17, New Orleans 18

Cleveland 6 at Houston 13

Houston got a great game out of their defense and a solid half out of their offense and that was enough for the win. 

Houston
Dan Pastorini 17/27 200yds
Ronnie Coleman 17car/73yds 1TD
Kellen Winslow 6tt/5rec/58yds
George Andrews 5 tackles 1 fumble recovery
Barry Krauss 4 tackles 2 sacks
Skip Butler 2 of 4 long of 44yds

Cleveland
Bob Sessions 20/30 219yds 1TD 2Fumbles  1car/18yds
Tom Fleming 11tt/7rec/91yds 1TD
Gary Gorrell 8 tackles

Cleveland (2-1) at Houston (1-2)

  Clev offense  12th   64.0 rush - [22nd] / 235.3 pass - [7th]
       defense  1st    72.3 rush - [7th] / 115.3 pass - [1st]
       scoring         15.3 for - [22nd] / 14.7 against - [6th]

   Hou offense  20th   76.3 rush - [19th] / 176.7 pass - [19th]
       defense  11th   67.3 rush - [5th] / 203.3 pass - [18th]
       scoring         15.0 for - [24th] / 19.3 against - [14th]


   key matchups:
       HB Ronnie Coleman (185 yds/3 TDs) vs. Cleveland run D (2.9 rush avg)
       DE Al Burton (5 sacks) vs. T Doug Dieken
       WR Tom Fleming (15 rec/242 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Willie Alexander (2 INTs)

   prediction:
       Cleveland 17, Houston 18

St. Louis (0-3) at Washington (1-2)

   StL offense  5th    94.0 rush - [16th] / 243.3 pass - [5th]
       defense  21st   77.7 rush - [11th] / 238.7 pass - [24th]
       scoring         27.0 for - [6th] / 30.0 against - [26th]

  Wash offense  3rd    121.7 rush - [2nd] / 239.7 pass - [6th]
       defense  24th   107.3 rush - [23rd] / 226.3 pass - [22nd]
       scoring         25.3 for - [7th] / 31.3 against - [27th]


   key matchups:
       QB Joe Theismann (7 TDs/764 yds) vs. S Jeff Griffin (2 INTs)
       HB Mike Thomas (248 yds/1 TDs) vs. St. Louis run D (3.5 rush avg)
       QB Mike Phipps (6 TDs/810 yds) vs. Washington pass D

   prediction:
       St. Louis 29, Washington 31

Dallas 28 at Cincinnati 27

Despite dominating this game in many ways, the Cowboys barely squeaked by with a win scoring the go ahead with under a minute left in the game.  Big plays and turnovers kept the Bengals not only in this game but ahead right up to the end. 

Dallas
Roger Staubach 21/32 206yds 1TD 2Ints
Earl Campbell 24car/123yds 1TD
Doug Dennison 10car/43yds 1TD  4tt/4rec/36yds
Kenny Easley 3 tackles 2 knockdowns

Cincinnati
Ken Anderson 13/32 199yds 2TDs
Archie Griffin 11car/56yds
Dan Ross 9tt/6rec/76yds
Jim LeClair 9 tackles 1 sack 2 ints

Dallas (3-0) at Cincinnati (0-3)

  Dall offense  13th   113.3 rush - [6th] / 185.3 pass - [16th]
       defense  20th   61.0 rush - [3rd] / 240.3 pass - [25th]
       scoring         32.0 for - [1st] / 13.3 against - [2nd]

  Cinn offense  16th   95.7 rush - [13th] / 184.0 pass - [17th]
       defense  22nd   115.3 rush - [26th] / 201.7 pass - [16th]
       scoring         15.7 for - [21st] / 23.7 against - [23rd]


   key matchups:
       HB Archie Griffin (251 yds/2 TDs) vs. Dallas run D (3.2 rush avg)
       WR Isaac Curtis (7 rec/98 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Lester Hayes (2 INTs/1 TDs)
       WR Drew Pearson (12 rec/216 yds/3 TDs) vs. CB Scott Perry (1 INT/1 TDs)

   prediction:
       Dallas 28, Cincinnati 18

1982 Week 4 Preview

St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Houston, and Detroit are all teams that were in the playoffs last season and have started this season with losing records.  In fact the Cardinals and Steelers look to be completely out of the running so far.  Of course things could turn around, but these two teams have shown nothing so far to indicate keeping any hope. 

The Jets, Chargers, Cowboys, and Bears are all showing continued improvement.  These are teams that have been gradually improving each season and so far they are all playing like the best teams in their respective divisions.  Dallas and the Jets look especially good right now. 

The Eagles and the Browns have done like expected and are playing very well right now.  Both sit atop their divisions.  It's hard to imagine the Browns can actually make the playoffs, but their defense is really good.  The Eagles on the other hand, better make the playoffs or there will be some major changes coming in Philadelphia. 

Miami, Baltimore, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are all back for another run at the championship.  The 49ers have looked especially sharp to start the season. 


Statistics
QBs
NYJ Vince Evans 116.0
SF Jim Plunkett 114.0
Bal Bert Jones 100.9

RBs
Bal Billy Sims 305yds
Mia Benny Malone 296yds
Phi Ricky Bell 292yds

Recs
Det Mel Jacobs 441yds
NYG Jim Robinson 402yds
NYJ Ronnie Moore 303yds



Games to Watch
New York Jets 3-0 at Green Bay 2-1
     This should be a hard hitting game.  Two very good defenses.  Even though they are on the road, you have to like the chances of New York here.  Jets are favored by 5. 

Baltimore 2-1 at New England 2-1
     As always these Division games count, so this should be a good one.  The key for Baltimore will be shutting down Steve Grogan, just as the key for New England will be shutting down Bert Jones.  These are two inconstent quarterbacks and I wouldn't be surprised to see this turn into a blowout for one team. New England is a 6 point favorite.

San Francisco 3-0 at Seattle 2-1
     Seattle will have to get some good defense if they hope to win this one. The 49ers are a two point favorite.

Miami 2-1 at San Diego 3-0
     Two of the top defenses in the League.  The Chargers are favored by 3.

1982 Week 3 Standings

American Conference
Eastern Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
New YorkAFC    3  0  0   92   47    W3  2-0-0  1-0-0     1-0-0    2-0-0
New England    2  1  0   50   27    L1  0-0-0  2-1-0     2-0-0    2-1-0
Miami          2  1  0   52   42    W2  2-1-0  0-0-0     0-0-0    1-1-0
Baltimore      2  1  0   58   50    W2  2-1-0  0-0-0     0-1-0    1-1-0
Buffalo        1  2  0   34   57    W1  0-2-0  1-0-0     0-2-0    1-2-0
Central Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
Cleveland      2  1  0   46   44    W1  2-0-0  0-1-0     1-0-0    2-0-0
Houston        1  2  0   45   58    L2  1-0-0  0-2-0     1-0-0    1-1-0
Pittsburgh     0  3  0   52   76    L3  0-2-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-2-0
Cincinnati     0  3  0   47   71    L3  0-2-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-2-0
Western Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
San Diego      3  0  0   71   60    W3  1-0-0  2-0-0     1-0-0    2-0-0
Seattle        2  1  0   56   42    W2  1-0-0  1-1-0     0-1-0    1-1-0
Kansas City    1  2  0   56   56    L2  1-1-0  0-1-0     1-0-0    1-1-0
Oakland        1  2  0   52  122    L2  1-0-0  0-2-0     1-0-0    1-1-0
Denver         0  3  0   28   62    L3  0-1-0  0-2-0     0-2-0    0-2-0



National Conference
Eastern Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
Dallas         3  0  0   96   40    W3  2-0-0  1-0-0     2-0-0    2-0-0
Philadelphia   3  0  0   73   60    W3  1-0-0  2-0-0     2-0-0    2-0-0
New YorkNFC    1  2  0   49    59   L1  1-2-0  0-0-0     0-2-0    0-2-0
Washington     1  2  0   76   94    L1  0-0-0  1-2-0     0-2-0    0-2-0
St. Louis      0  3  0   81   90    L3  0-2-0  0-1-0     0-0-0    0-2-0
Central Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
Chicago        2  1  0   52   50    W1  0-0-0  2-1-0     1-0-0    2-0-0
Green Bay      2  1  0   53   60    L1  2-0-0  0-1-0     1-0-0    2-1-0
Detroit        1  2  0   83   69    W1  1-1-0  0-1-0     1-1-0    1-2-0
Minnesota      1  2  0   46   42    L2  1-1-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    1-1-0
Tampa Bay      1  2  0   70   75    L2  1-0-0  0-2-0     0-1-0    1-1-0
Western Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
San Francisco  3  0  0   89   45    W3  2-0-0  1-0-0     0-0-0    2-0-0
Los Angeles    2  1  0   93   64    W2  1-0-0  1-1-0     0-0-0    1-1-0
Atlanta        1  2  0   36   59    W1  1-0-0  0-2-0     1-0-0    1-1-0
New Orleans    1  2  0   41   56    L1  0-0-0  1-2-0     0-1-0    0-2-0

Houston 17 at Miami 21

Miami dominated the second half and pulled out the win.  Bob Griese completed some big passes and got great running from Benny Malone.

Miami
Bob Griese 13/25 277yds 2TDs 1Int
Benny Malone 25car/124yds 1TD 1fumble
Willis Adams 12tt/5rec/111yds 1TD
Duriel Harris 6tt/4rec/89yds 1TD
Rick Sanford 8 tackles

Houston
Dan Pastorini 12/28 160yds 1TD
Ronnie Coleman 23car/65yds
Rob Smith 3tt/2rec/45yds 1TD
Willie Alexander 3 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns 1 int
George Andrews 8 tackles 1 fumble recovery 1TD

Houston (1-1) at Miami (1-1) (MNF)

   Hou offense  18th   80.0 rush - [20th] / 201.0 pass - [14th]
       defense  2nd    29.0 rush - [1st] / 177.5 pass - [10th]
       scoring         14.0 for - [25th] / 18.5 against - [15th]

   Mia offense  24th   107.5 rush - [9th] / 109.5 pass - [27th]
       defense  6th    79.0 rush - [10th] / 158.5 pass - [6th]
       scoring         15.5 for - [23rd] / 12.5 against - [3rd]


   key matchups:
       HB Benny Malone (172 yds/2 TDs) vs. Houston run D (1.3 rush avg)
       DT Larry Bethea (4 sacks) vs. G Ed Fisher
       HB Ronnie Coleman (120 yds/3 TDs) vs. Miami run D (3.0 rush avg)
       DE Al Burton (3 sacks) vs. T Darryl Carlton

   prediction:
       Houston 13, Miami  20

Tampa Bay 17 at Detroit 42

A great first win of the season for Detroit, who got great play out of  their offense racking up 467 net yards.

Detroit
Greg Landry 17/30 363yds 2TDs
Ottis Anderson 11car/78yds 2TDs
Charlie Thomas 10tt/5rec/110yds 1TD
Mel Jacobs 8tt/6rec/168yds 1TD
Gary Shugrue 12 tackles 1 fumble recovery
Bill Bowerman 7 tackles 1 knockdown 1 fumble recovery

Tampa Bay
Rich Campbell 21/40 273yds 1TD 2Fumbles
Steve Atkins 5car/36yds 1TD
John McKay 7tt/4rec/67yds 1TD
Tom Cousineau 6 tackles

Tampa Bay (1-1) at Detroit (0-2)

  T.B. offense  8th    121.5 rush - [5th] / 207.0 pass - [12th]
       defense  12th   69.5 rush - [4th] / 200.0 pass - [17th]
       scoring         26.5 for - [4th] / 16.5 against - [9th]

   Det offense  2nd    106.5 rush - [10th] / 237.0 pass - [6th]
       defense  13th   86.0 rush - [14th] / 183.5 pass - [13th]
       scoring         20.5 for - [14th] / 26.0 against - [24th]


   key matchups:
       QB Greg Landry (3 TDs/519 yds) vs. S Mark Cotney (1 INTs)
       WR Mel Jacobs (16 rec/273 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Curtis Jordan (1 INT)
       DE Eddie Edwards (3 sacks) vs. T Al Simpson

   prediction:
       Tampa Bay 26, Detroit 22

Kansas City 14 at Baltimore 26

An easy win for the Colts.  They got a great game out of Bert Jones and Billy Sims.  So far the Chiefs offense is struggling this season, and without their high scoring offense this team doesn't have a lot going for it.

Baltimore
Bert Jones 14/23 262yds 2TDs
Billy Sims 32car/159yds 1TD
Bill Malouf 3tt/2rec/73yds 1TD
Kirby Criswell 3 tackles 1 sack 2 knockdowns

Kansas City
Greg Hendrickson 18/31 239yds 2TDs
Ted Brown 14car/38yds
Carl Roaches 5tt/4rec/76yds 1TD
Kim Bokamper 9 tackles

Kansas City (1-1) at Baltimore (1-1)

  K.C. offense  15th   124.0 rush - [4th] / 165.0 pass - [22nd]
       defense  15th   74.0 rush - [6th] / 212.5 pass - [19th]
       scoring         21.0 for - [13th] / 15.0 against - [8th]

   Bal offense  14th   96.0 rush - [13th] / 210.0 pass - [11th]
       defense  17th   86.5 rush - [16th] / 212.0 pass - [18th]
       scoring         16.0 for - [22nd] / 18.0 against - [12th]


   key matchups:
       HB Billy Sims (146 yds/1 TDs) vs. Kansas City run D (3.1 rush avg)
       HB Ted Brown (167 yds/3 TDs) vs. LB Kirby Criswell (15 Tackles)

   prediction:
       Kansas City 20, Baltimore 19

Chicago 16 at Minnesota 6

A good road win for the Bears in their Division. 

Chicago
Bob Avellini 11/23 147yds 1Int
Walter Payton 22car/60yds 1TD
Brian Baschnagel 6tt/2rec/54yds
Al Harris 8 tackles
Bob Thomas 3 of 4 long of  51yds

Minnesota
Mike Rieker 18/37 165yds 1Int  3car/22yds
Terry Egerdahl 8tt/4rec/73yds
Tom Pridemore 11 tackles 1 knockdown
Matt Blair 7 tackles 1 int

Chicago (1-1) at Minnesota (1-1)

   Chi offense  6th    118.0 rush - [6th] / 220.0 pass - [10th]
       defense  14th   111.5 rush - [22nd] / 162.0 pass - [8th]
       scoring         18.0 for - [18th] / 22.0 against - [20th]

  Minn offense  7th    103.5 rush - [11th] / 228.5 pass - [7th]
       defense  9th    92.0 rush - [18th] / 161.0 pass - [7th]
       scoring         20.0 for - [15th] / 13.0 against - [4th]


   key matchups:
       HB Chuck Foreman (177 yds/1 TDs) vs. Chicago run D (4.1 rush avg)
       DT Fred Smerlas (4 sacks) vs. G Noah Jackson
       HB Walter Payton (148 yds/0 TDs) vs. Minnesota run D (3.1 rush avg)
       DT Myron Lapka (4 sacks) vs. G Ed White
       WR James Scott (9 rec/150 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Walt Williams  (1 INT)

   prediction:
       Chicago 16, Minnesota 24

Oakland 17 at New York Jets 49

An impressive win for the Jets who move to 3-0 and look very good so far this season. 

New York
Vince Evans 24/40 302yds 4TDs
Horace Ivory 18car/63yds 2TDs
Howard Satterwhite 11tt/9rec/114yds
Ronnie Moore 13tt/7rec/132yds
Dennis Thurman 4 tackles 1 knockdown

Oakland
Ken Stabler 16/36 261yds 2TDs 1Int
Derrick Jensen 8car/26yds
Cliff Branch 12tt/4rec/57yds
Glenn Starks 5tt/2rec/84yds 1TD
Monte Johnson 4 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown
Mike Spivey 9 tackles 1 knockdown

Oakland (1-1) at New YorkAFC (2-0)

   Oak offense  26th   143.0 rush - [2nd] / 67.5 pass - [28th]
       defense  25th   99.5 rush - [20th] / 261.0 pass - [27th]
       scoring         17.5 for - [20th] / 36.5 against - [28th]

   NYJ offense  10th   95.5 rush - [14th] / 226.5 pass - [8th]
       defense  11th   71.0 rush - [5th] / 194.5 pass - [15th]
       scoring         21.5 for - [10th] / 15.0 against - [7th]


   key matchups:
       QB Vince Evans (5 TDs/505 yds) vs. Oakland pass D
       WR Ronnie Moore (14 rec/171 yds/3 TDs) vs. CB Mike Spivey
       HB Derrick Jensen (253 yds/1 TDs) vs. New YorkAFC run D (2.8 rush avg)

   prediction:
       Oakland 16, New YorkAFC 32

Green Bay 10 at San Francisco 37

An impressive win for the 49ers.  Delvin Williams is not quite the runner he's been and Jim Plunkett is getting a bit old, but this team can still score points.  Turnovers killed the Packers who could do nothing offensively.

San Francisco
Jim Plunkett 17/28 224yds 2TDs
Delvin Williams 18car/50yds 1TD
Ken MacAfee 5tt/3rec/59yds
Aaron Mitchell 6 tackles 1 sack 3 knockdowns

Green Bay
Lynn Dickey 13/35 135yds 1Int 1Fumble
Charles White 10car/33yds 1TD
Ken Payne 15tt/5rec/52yds
Mark Gastineau 3 tackles 4 sacks

Green Bay (2-0) at San Francisco (2-0)

  G.B. offense  25th   69.5 rush - [22nd] / 147.5 pass - [25th]
       defense  1st    86.0 rush - [15th] / 113.0 pass - [2nd]
       scoring         21.5 for - [12th] / 11.5 against - [2nd]

  S.F. offense  4th    102.0 rush - [12th] / 237.0 pass - [5th]
       defense  20th   112.0 rush - [23rd] / 196.0 pass - [16th]
       scoring         26.0 for - [6th] / 17.5 against - [11th]


   key matchups:
       QB Jim Plunkett (4 TDs/488 yds) vs. S Johnnie Johnson (1 INTs)
       WR Jim Lash (10 rec/155 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Henry Monroe (1 INT)
       HB David Overstreet (99 yds/2 TDs) vs. San Francisco run D (3.4 rush avg)
       DT Dan Hampton (9 sacks) vs. G John Watson

   prediction:
        Green Bay 20, San Francisco 22

San Diego 20 at Denver 15

The Chargers defense paves the way for another win to move them to 3-0 and drop the Broncos to 0-3.

San Diego
Dan Fouts 19/33 236yds 1TD 2Ints
Reggie Brown 8car/9yds
Dwight McDonald 8tt/5rec/91yds
Marty Lyons 4 sacks
Mark Merrill 4 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown 1Int
Manu Tuiasosopo 3 sacks

Denver
Danny White 23/39 198yds 1TD 2Ints 1Fumble
Rickey Anderson 3car/12yds 1TD
Riley Odoms 12tt/8rec/59yds
Terrence Yunker 10tt/8rec/65yds 1TD
Matt Millen 10 tackles 1 int 1 fumble recovery
Randy Gradishar 9 tackles 1 knockdown

San Diego (2-0) at Denver (0-2)

  S.D. offense  22nd   42.5 rush - [26th] / 180.5 pass - [20th]
       defense  5th    79.0 rush - [9th] / 151.0 pass - [4th]
       scoring         25.5 for - [7th] / 22.5 against - [21st]

   Den offense  28th   86.5 rush - [17th] / 110.0 pass - [26th]
       defense  21st   129.0 rush - [25th] / 187.0 pass - [14th]
       scoring          6.5 for - [28th] / 21.0 against - [18th]


   key matchups:
       WR Jesse Wolfram (9 rec/175 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Steve Foley

   prediction:
       San Diego 23, Denver 18

New Orleans 7 at Atlanta 13

All it took was one big offensive play and the Falcons got their first win of the season.  The Saints offense has struggled for the past two seasons and seems to be going down that same path in 1982.  If things don't get turned around they will be looking for a new coach next season. 

Atlanta
Guy Benjamin 12/28 210yds 1TD 2Ints
Gerald Riggs 4car/32yds
Wes Chandler 3tt/2rec/103yds 1TD
Ralph Ortega 7 tackles

New Orleans
Peil Pennington 15/28 150yds 1TD
Tony Dorsett 14car/42yds
Bruce Hardy 2tt/2rec/36yds
Junior Hardin 10 tackles 1 sack

New Orleans (1-1) at Atlanta (0-2)

  N.O. offense  20th   79.0 rush - [21st] / 174.5 pass - [21st]
       defense  10th   80.5 rush - [11th] / 179.0 pass - [12th]
       scoring         17.0 for - [21st] / 21.5 against - [19th]

   Atl offense  23rd   37.0 rush - [28th] / 181.5 pass - [19th]
       defense  23rd   113.5 rush - [24th] / 222.0 pass - [21st]
       scoring         11.5 for - [26th] / 26.0 against - [23rd]


   key matchups:
       DE Dennis Harrison (3 sacks) vs. T Don Morrison
       DT Steve George (3 sacks) vs. G Emanuel Zanders

   prediction:
       New Orleans 22, Atlanta 20

Seattle 20 at Pittsburgh 8

It's funny but the Steelers key offensive players, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann, and Terry Bradshaw seemed to have aged ten years since the end of last season.  It's going to be a long season for the Steelers if they can't get their offense going.  Meanwhile the Seahawks have to be happy that their defense is playing so much better this season, but now they have to be concerned about their offense.  So dangerous last season, they are struggling so far this season.    

Seattle
Brian Sipe 10/23 127yds 1TD
Sterling Rolfe 14car/61yds
Steve Largent 10tt/3rec/61yds
Keith Butler 6 tackles

Pittsburgh
Terry Bradshaw 11/23 189yds 1TD 1Fumble
Willie McClendon 12car/26yds
John Stallworth 7tt/4rec/64yds
Lawrence Taylor 8 tackles 1 knockdown

Seattle (1-1) at Pittsburgh (0-2)

   Sea offense  19th   87.5 rush - [16th] / 192.0 pass - [18th]
       defense  18th   145.0 rush - [27th] / 154.0 pass - [5th]
       scoring         18.0 for - [19th] / 17.0 against - [10th]

  Pitt offense  21st   48.0 rush - [25th] / 194.5 pass - [16th]
       defense  26th   140.5 rush - [26th] / 238.5 pass - [24th]
       scoring         22.0 for - [9th] / 28.0 against - [25th]


   key matchups:
       QB Terry Bradshaw (4 TDs/422 yds) vs. Seattle pass D
       QB Brian Sipe (4 TDs/436 yds) vs. Pittsburgh pass D
       DT John Harty (4 sacks) vs. G Gerry Mullins
       WR Steve Largent (14 rec/190 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Wentford Gaines (1 INT)

   prediction:
       Seattle 23, Pittsburgh  24

Los Angeles 28 at St. Louis 23

James Harris struggled in this game, but in the last four minutes he helped the Rams run off 14 points to take this road win.  The Cardinals got a great game out of Mike Phipps, but it wasn't enough.

Los Angeles
James Harris 13/29 240yds 2TDs 2Ints
William Andrews 14car/42yds 1TD
George Lantz 10tt/4rec/77yds
Freeman Johnson 4tt/4rec/115yds 1TD
Rod Perry 8 tackles 2 sacks
Jim Youngblood 9 tackles 1 sack

St. Louis
Mike Phipps 22/40 359yds 3TDs
Mike Strachan 18car/63yds
Jim Jensen 4tt/3rec/107yds 2TDs
Steve Henry 4 tackles 2 ints

Los Angeles (1-1) at St. Louis (0-2)

  L.A. offense  3rd    80.5 rush - [19th] / 259.5 pass - [2nd]
       defense  4th    106.5 rush - [21st] / 110.5 pass - [1st]
       scoring         32.5 for - [2nd] / 20.5 against - [17th]

   StL offense  16th   83.0 rush - [18th] / 203.5 pass - [13th]
       defense  22nd   81.5 rush - [12th] / 242.0 pass - [25th]
       scoring         29.0 for - [3rd] / 31.0 against - [26th]


   key matchups:
       WR Ike Harris (6 rec/69 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Monte Jackson (2 INTs/2 TDs)
       QB James Harris (6 TDs/563 yds) vs. S Jeff Griffin (2 INTs)
       WR George Lantz (4 rec/157 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Mike Sensibaugh

   prediction:
       Los Angeles 32, St. Louis 28

Buffalo 21 at Cincinnati 17

With just over two minutes left in the game Buffalo connected on a 50yd touchdown on a fake punt, then scored the two point conversion to go ahead 18-17.  The Bengals had no answer for that.

Buffalo
Joe Ferguson 12/26 112yds 1TD 1Int
OJ Simpson 20car/18yds
Randy Burke 2tt/2rec/58yds 1TD
Bob Nelson 11 tackles

Cincinnati
Ken Anderson 15/29 177yds 2TDs 2Ints
Archie Griffin 26car/105yds
Cleveland Rocker 7tt/5rec/74yds 2TDs
Bo Harris 7 tackles 1 sack

Buffalo (0-2) at Cincinnati (0-2)

  Buff offense  27th   57.0 rush - [23rd] / 148.0 pass - [24th]
       defense  19th   87.0 rush - [17th] / 220.5 pass - [20th]
       scoring          6.5 for - [27th] / 20.0 against - [16th]

  Cinn offense  17th   91.0 rush - [15th] / 195.5 pass - [15th]
       defense  27th   149.0 rush - [28th] / 230.5 pass - [23rd]
       scoring         15.0 for - [24th] / 25.0 against - [22nd]


   key matchups:
       HB Archie Griffin (146 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB John Anderson (17 Tackles)
       DT Rod Horn (3 sacks) vs. G Dave Lapham
       WR Bob Chandler (12 rec/167 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Scott Perry (1 INT/1 TDs)

   prediction:
       Buffalo 16, Cincinnati 21

Dallas 31 at New York Giants 13

Another win for the Cowboys though they struggled a bit offensively against the tough Giants defense.  Still they found ways to score.  The Giants meanwhile continue to struggle with scoring points.  Joe Reed is putting up some big numbers so far this season, but with few points to show for it all. 

Dallas
Roger  Staubach 15/23 124yds 1TD 1Fumble
Earl Campbell 11car/38yds 1TD
Drew Pearson 4tt/3rec/30yds 1TD
Johnny Lam Jones 1punt return/58yds   3kick returns/134yds 1TD
Lawrence Johnson 8 tackles 1 knockdown

New York
Joe Reed 31/52 284yds
Stump Mitchell 4car/30yds
John Jefferson 14tt/8rec/81yds 1Fumble
Bob Tucker 12tt/8rec/82yds
Brad Van Pelt 7 tackles

Dallas (2-0) at New YorkNFC (1-1)

  Dall offense  9th    108.0 rush - [8th] / 220.0 pass - [9th]
       defense  16th   66.5 rush - [3rd] / 227.0 pass - [22nd]
       scoring         32.5 for - [1st] / 13.5 against - [5th]

   NYG offense  5th    39.5 rush - [27th] / 299.0 pass - [1st]
       defense  7th    78.0 rush - [8th] / 162.5 pass - [9th]
       scoring         18.0 for - [17th] / 14.0 against - [6th]


   key matchups:
       QB Joe Reed (2 TDs/638 yds) vs. Dallas pass D
       DT Don Smith (3 sacks) vs. G Burton Lawless
       WR Jim Robinson (15 rec/355 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Lester Hayes (2 INTs/1 TDs)
       TE David Hill (11 rec/89 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Thomas Henderson
       QB Roger Staubach (4 TDs/446 yds) vs. S Zac Henderson (1  INTs)
       WR Drew Pearson (9 rec/186 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Bill Bryant

   prediction:
       Dallas 23, New YorkNFC 19

New England 7 at Cleveland 9

A lot of people had their eye on Cleveland coming into this season expecting them to be an much improved team.  Their defense was impressive last season and with Dave Mays improving everyone expected this team to get better.  This is a good win for the Browns at home against a tough opponent, a team that had easily won their first two games.  The Browns defense gets the credit for this win.

Cleveland
Dave Mays 12/17 110yds 1Int
Tony Reed 19car/77yds
Tom Fleming 11tt/8rec/105yds
Bill Craven 5 tackles 2 knockdowns

New England
Steve Grogan 9/24 118yds
Don Calhoun 13car/33yds 1TD
Elijah Marshall 1tt/1rec/60yds
Mike Haynes 8 tackles 1 int

New England (2-0) at Cleveland (1-1)

  N.E. offense  13th   115.5 rush - [7th] / 193.0 pass - [17th]
       defense  8th    66.5 rush - [2nd] / 178.0 pass - [11th]
       scoring         21.5 for - [11th] /  9.0 against - [1st]

  Clev offense  11th   55.0 rush - [24th] / 258.5 pass - [3rd]
       defense  3rd    82.0 rush - [13th] / 128.5 pass - [3rd]
       scoring         18.5 for - [16th] / 18.5 against - [14th]


   key matchups:
       QB Dave Mays (3 TDs/533 yds) vs. New England pass D
       QB Steve Grogan (4 TDs/412 yds) vs. Cleveland pass D

   prediction:
       New England 20, Cleveland 17

Washington 24 at Philadelphia 29

The NFC East is expected to be a tight race so all of these Divisional games are big games.  The Eagles got another solid performance from their defense and they get their third win of the season.  The defense isn't dominating the game, but they are doing enough to make a difference, something they have simply not done the past few seasons.

Philadelphia
John Walton 18/28 181yds 3TDs 1Int
Ricky Bell 19car/55yds 1Fumble
James Lofton 5tt/4rec/51yds
Dennis Smith 7 tackles 2 sacks 1 safety

Washington
Joe Theismann 11/23 244yds 2TDs 1Fumble
Mike Thomas 19car/54yds 1TD
Dennis Law 4tt/2rec/80yds 1TD
Walter Tullis 10 tackles 1 int

Washington (1-1) at Philadelphia (2-0)

  Wash offense  1st    141.5 rush - [3rd] / 247.5 pass - [4th]
       defense  24th   98.5 rush - [19th] / 253.5 pass - [26th]
       scoring         26.0 for - [5th] / 32.5 against - [27th]

  Phil offense  12th   157.5 rush - [1st] / 151.5 pass - [23rd]
       defense  28th   77.0 rush - [7th] / 349.5 pass - [28th]
       scoring         22.0 for - [8th] / 18.0 against - [13th]


   key matchups:
       HB Ricky Bell (237 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Joe Norman (14 Tackles)
       QB Joe Theismann (5 TDs/520 yds) vs. S Dennis Smith (1 INTs)
       HB Mike Thomas (194 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB John Bunting (15 Tackles)

   prediction:
       Washington 22, Philadelphia 30

NFL 1982 Week 3 Preview

Last season everyone was expecting big things from the Packers and they started off hot.  By week 12 it was obvious to everyone they were done.  Their offense was struggling, their defense was struggling and you could feel the team had lost itself.  This team had been eyed by everyone for years thinking that 1981 would be their season to move to the front of the NFC, but instead they took a fall back.  Going into 1982 no one is expecting much of anything from the Packers, but so far they look very good.  Their defense has been playing very well and they've easily won their two games, this past week easily handling the defending champion Detroit Lions.  No one is thinking the Packers are a major player at this point, but people will be watching them closely to see if they can keep playing this well. 

This season the team that everyone is buzzing about is the Philadelphia Eagles.  They had a very dangerous offense for the past two seasons with a defense that has shown slight improvement.  They have the best running back in the league and a very steady passing game.  The thought is if their defense can improve a bit more this season they could rise to the top and maybe win the NFC.  So far their offense has struggled a bit, but their defense has played well and helped get them to 2-0.  They have four very tough games coming up, but three of them are at home.  It's a good time for the Eagles to jump atop the NFC East. 


Trades
NYJ 7th year FB Terry Kunz for NE 2nd year WR Ken Margerum
Dal Rookie DE John Cannon for SF 8th year WR Marshall Johnson


Statistics
QBs
SF Jim Plunkett 116.0
NYJ Vince Evans 115.3
NE Steve Grogan 104.9

RBs
Oak Derrick Jensen 253yds
Phi Ricky Bell 237yds
Was Mike Thomas 194yds

Recs
NYG Jim Robinson 355yds
Det Mel Jacobs 273yds
Sea Steve Largent 190yds


Week 3 Games to Watch
Washington 1-1 at Philadelphia 2-0
    A win at home here would not only make the Eagles 3-0 but also 2-0 in the Division.

Dallas 2-0 at New York Giants 1-1
    Same for Dallas.  This should be a good game to see how good the Giants are.  Their pass offense is looking pretty good and they may score quite a few points against the Dallas defense.

Green Bay 2-0 at San Francisco 2-0
     The Packers defense is the key to their team and they struggled last season.  This will be an early season test to see if they've bounced back. 

Kansas City 1-1 at Baltimore 1-1
     The Chiefs don't look quite as explosive on offense this year and could easily slide to 1-2 against a Colts team which is trying to find a way to win with Billy Sims.

Oakland 1-1 at New York Jets 2-0
     The Jets and the Patriots both look very good here at the start of the season.  This should be an easy win for the Jets.  For the Raiders they need to at least show that they can compete with a higher quality team if they hope to have a playoff shot.

Houston 1-1 at Miami 1-1
     A tough early season game for two teams that are struggling a bit.  Home field should give the Dolphins the edge here.

New England 2-0 at Cleveland 1-1
     The Patriots have looked great in their two openers.  This will be a tough road game for them as the Browns have put together a very tough defense. 

1982 Week 2 Standings

American Conference
Eastern Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
New England    2  0  0   43   18    W2  0-0-0  2-0-0     2-0-0    2-0-0
New YorkAFC    2  0  0   43   30    W2  1-0-0  1-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Miami          1  1  0   31   25    W1  1-1-0  0-0-0     0-0-0    0-1-0
Baltimore      1  1  0   32   36    W1  1-1-0  0-0-0     0-1-0    0-1-0
Buffalo        0  2  0   13   40    L2  0-2-0  0-0-0     0-2-0    0-2-0

Central Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
Cleveland      1  1  0   37   37    L1  1-0-0  0-1-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Houston        1  1  0   28   37    L1  1-0-0  0-1-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Pittsburgh     0  2  0   44   56    L2  0-1-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-1-0
Cincinnati     0  2  0   30   50    L2  0-1-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-1-0

Western Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
San Diego      2  0  0   51   45    W2  1-0-0  1-0-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
Kansas City    1  1  0   42   30    L1  1-1-0  0-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Oakland        1  1  0   35   73    L1  1-0-0  0-1-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Seattle        1  1  0   36   34    W1  1-0-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-1-0
Denver         0  2  0   13   42    L2  0-0-0  0-2-0     0-1-0    0-1-0



National Conference
Eastern Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
Dallas         2  0  0   65   27    W2  2-0-0  0-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Philadelphia   2  0  0   44   36    W2  0-0-0  2-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
New  YorkNFC   1  1  0   36   28    W1  1-1-0  0-0-0     0-1-0    0-1-0
Washington     1  1  0   52   65    W1  0-0-0  1-1-0     0-1-0    0-1-0
St. Louis      0  2  0   58   62    L2  0-1-0  0-1-0     0-0-0    0-1-0

Central Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
Green Bay      2  0  0   43   23    W2  2-0-0  0-0-0     1-0-0    2-0-0
Tampa Bay      1  1  0   53   33    L1  1-0-0  0-1-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
Minnesota      1  1  0   40   26    L1  1-0-0  0-1-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
Chicago        1  1  0   36   44    L1  0-0-0  1-1-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
Detroit        0  2  0   41   52    L2  0-1-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-2-0

Western Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
San Francisco  2  0  0   52   35    W2  1-0-0  1-0-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
Los Angeles    1  1  0   65   41    W1  1-0-0  0-1-0     0-0-0    0-1-0
New Orleans    1  1  0   34   43    W1  0-0-0  1-1-0     0-0-0    0-1-0
Atlanta        0  2  0   23   52    L2  0-0-0  0-2-0     0-0-0    0-1-0

New Orleans 24 at Kansas City 21

This is the best game the Saints have played since their 1979 season.  A great game for their defense, for Peil Pennington, and for backup running back Tony Dorsett.  Greg Hendrickson really struggled to get anything going for the Chiefs.

New Orleans
Peil Pennington 21/36 303yds 2TDs
Tony Dorsett 19car/78yds 1TD
Jimmy Childs 5tt/3rec/85yds
Junior Hardin 3 tackles 1 sack 1 knockdown 1 int
Greg Capone 5 tackles 1 sack

Kansas City
Greg Hendrickson 8/23 198yds 2TDs 1Int
Ted Brown 16car/73yds 1TD
Armand Jackson 7tt/2rec/79yds 1TD
Steve Bograkos 11 tackles

New Orleans (0-1) at Kansas City (1-0) [MNF]

  N.O. offense  28th   58.0 rush - [20th] / 52.0 pass - [28th]
       defense  11th   50.0 rush - [6th] / 190.0 pass - [14th]
       scoring         10.0 for - [25th] / 22.0 against - [20th]

  K.C. offense  16th   137.0 rush - [4th] / 162.0 pass - [18th]
       defense  3rd    48.0 rush - [5th] / 128.0 pass - [6th]
       scoring         21.0 for - [10th] /  6.0 against - [1st]


   key matchups:
       HB Ted Brown (94 yds/2 TDs) vs. LB Junior Hardin (7 Tackles)
       LB Kim Bokamper (2 sacks) vs. T Don Morrison

   prediction:
       New Orleans 8, Kansas City 25

Tampa Bay (1-0) at New YorkAFC (1-0)

  T.B. offense  8th    134.0 rush - [7th] / 221.0 pass - [9th]
       defense  8th    25.0 rush - [1st] / 187.0 pass - [13th]
       scoring         33.0 for - [2nd] / 10.0 against - [6th]

   NYJ offense  13th   77.0 rush - [18th] / 240.0 pass - [8th]
       defense  9th    33.0 rush - [2nd] / 196.0 pass - [15th]
       scoring         20.0 for - [15th] / 10.0 against - [4th]


   key matchups:
       QB Vince Evans (2 TDs/265 yds) vs. S Mark Cotney (1 INTs)
       QB Rich Campbell (3 TDs/253 yds) vs. New YorkAFC pass D
       TE Lawrence Sampleton (5 rec/35 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Greg Buttle

   prediction:
       Tampa Bay 22, New YorkAFC 18

Minnesota 13 at Baltimore 17

The Colts got a great game out of Bert Jones and their run defense. 

Baltimore
Bert Jones 15/23 194yds 1TD 1Int
Billy Sims 27car/97yds 1TD
Roger Carr 4tt/3rec/50yds
Mike Bell 4 tackles 1 sack

Minnesota
Mike Rieker 18/29 258yds 1TD
Chuck Foreman 11car/32yds
Leonard Willis 6tt/6rec/104yds
Matt Blair 11 tackles

Minnesota (1-0) at Baltimore (0-1)

  Minn offense  4th    168.0 rush - [2nd] / 218.0 pass - [11th]
       defense  6th    44.0 rush - [4th] / 158.0 pass - [9th]
       scoring         27.0 for - [6th] /  9.0 against - [3rd]

   Bal offense  15th   52.0 rush - [22nd] / 256.0 pass - [6th]
       defense  17th   134.0 rush - [22nd] / 185.0 pass - [12th]
       scoring         15.0 for - [20th] / 23.0 against - [22nd]


   key matchups:
       QB Bert Jones (2 TDs/221 yds) vs. Minnesota pass D
       WR Roger Carr (5 rec/89 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Walt Williams (1 INT)
       QB Mike Rieker (2 TDs/234 yds) vs. Baltimore pass D
       HB Chuck Foreman (145 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Kirby Criswell (12 Tackles)
       DT Fred Smerlas (2 sacks) vs. G Bob Van  Duyne

   prediction:
       Minnesota 25, Baltimore 15

New England 20 at Buffalo 3

An easy win for the Patriots gets them to 2-0. 

New England
Steve Grogan 19/29 206yds 1TD 1Int
Don Calhoun 17car/45yds 1Fumble
Darryl Stingley 9tt/5rec/50yds 1TD
Fred Cooper 4 tackles 1 fumble recovery 1TD

Buffalo
Joe Ferguson 14/30 121yds
OJ Simpson 17car/83yds 1Fumble
John Holland 10tt/6rec/49yds
Bob Chandler 13tt/7rec/74yds
Bob Nelson 8 tackles

New England (1-0) at Buffalo (0-1)

  N.E. offense  12th   134.0 rush - [6th] / 185.0 pass - [17th]
       defense  14th   52.0 rush - [7th] / 256.0 pass - [23rd]
       scoring         23.0 for - [8th] / 15.0 against - [9th]

  Buff offense  20th   33.0 rush - [27th] / 196.0 pass - [14th]
       defense  16th   77.0 rush - [11th] / 240.0 pass - [21st]
       scoring         10.0 for - [23rd] / 20.0 against - [15th]


   key matchups:
       DT Rod Horn (2 sacks) vs. G John Hannah
       WR Bob Chandler (5 rec/93 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Mike Haynes
       QB Steve Grogan (3 TDs/206 yds) vs. Buffalo pass D
       HB Don Calhoun (77 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB John Anderson (9 Tackles)

   prediction:
       New England 22, Buffalo  16

Detroit 13 at Green Bay 21

A rough start for the defending champs losing their first two.  Greg Landry struggled a bit but they got great play out of Ottis Anderson and their defense.  In many ways they dominated this game, but just couldn't score points. 

Green Bay
Lynn Dickey 11/32 114yds 2TDs 1Int
David Overstreet 20car/76yds 1TD 1Fumble
Ken Payne 7tt/2rec/57yds 1TD
Dan Bunz 5 tackles 1 sack

Detroit
Greg Landry 18/42 211yds 1Int 1Fumble
Ottis Anderson 10car/63yds
Mel Jacobs 16tt/7rec/100yds
James Hunter 7 tackles 1 knockdown 1 Int

Detroit (0-1) at Green Bay (1-0)

   Det offense  2nd    99.0 rush - [12th] / 300.0 pass - [2nd]
       defense  20th   83.0 rush - [13th] / 262.0 pass - [25th]
       scoring         28.0 for - [4th] / 31.0 against - [26th]

  G.B. offense  18th   50.0 rush - [23rd] / 190.0 pass - [15th]
       defense  1st    58.0 rush - [9th] / 52.0 pass - [1st]
       scoring         22.0 for - [9th] / 10.0 against - [5th]


   key matchups:
       HB David Overstreet (22 yds/1 TDs) vs. Detroit run D (2.6 rush avg)
       DT Dan Hampton (7 sacks) vs. G Lynn Boden
       WR Ken Payne (4 rec/77 yds/0 TDs) vs. CB Jim Meeks
       QB Greg Landry (3 TDs/308 yds) vs. S Johnnie Johnson (1 INTs)
       WR Mel Jacobs (9 rec/173 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Henry  Monroe

   prediction:
       Detroit 19, Green Bay 30

Chicago 13 at Miami 24

A tough game for Miami at home against a good Bears team.  The Bears offense had a very good game on the road against one of the top NFL defenses, but some critical mistakes helped Miami get the win. 

Miami
Bob Griese 13/21 146yds
Benny Malone 23car/101yds 1TD
Willis Adams 7tt/4rec/54yds
Rick Sanford 11 tackles 1 sack
Don Bessillieu 5 tackles 1 int 1TD

Chicago
Bob Avellini 20/39 221yds 1TD 1Int
Walter Payton 17car/81yds
Brian Baschnagel 12tt/8rec/92yds
Myron Lapka 4 sacks

Chicago (1-0) at Miami (0-1)

   Chi offense  5th    140.0 rush - [3rd] / 243.0 pass - [7th]
       defense  18th   105.0 rush - [18th] / 215.0 pass - [17th]
       scoring         23.0 for - [7th] / 20.0 against - [14th]

   Mia offense  22nd   97.0 rush - [13th] / 110.0 pass - [26th]
       defense  5th    62.0 rush - [10th] / 120.0 pass - [4th]
       scoring          7.0 for - [27th] / 12.0 against - [8th]


   key matchups:
       HB Benny Malone (71 yds/1 TDs) vs. Chicago run D (4.4 rush avg)
       DT Larry Bethea (2 sacks) vs. G Noah Jackson
       WR James Scott (4 rec/84 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Sid Dixon

   prediction:
       Chicago 18, Miami 17

Denver 7 at San Francisco 21

As expected an easy win for the 49ers.  Jim Plunkett had a great game as did the 49er defense.  The only positive note for the Broncos came from backup running back Rickey Anderson who had a solid game.  This is his first start since being drafted out of South Carolina State back in 1978 and he had a good showing. 

San Francisco
Jim Plunkett 19/26 226yds 1TD
Delvin Williams 20car/78yds
Jim Lash 8tt/6rec/85yds
Bruce Elia 9 tackles 1 int

Denver
Danny White 12/29 113yds 1Int
Rickey Anderson 19car/103yds
Riley Odoms 10tt/4rec/33yds
Art Monk 8tt/5rec/52yds
Matt Millen 11 tackles

Retirees after NFL81

Atlanta

DE Claude Humphrey after 14 seasons

DT Gary Dunn 6

T Joe Devlin 6

WR Wallace Francis 9

G Larron Jackson 11

 

Baltimore

G Curt Marsh 1

DT Jeff Merrow 7

G Steve Knutson 6

TE Ray Chester 12

TE Rich Caster 12

 

Buffalo

QB Tom Flick 1

TE Paul Seymour 9

DE Sherman White 10

 

Chicago

WR Tim Smith 2

WR Bo Rather 9

DT Jim Osborne 10

LB Ross Brupbacher 11

 

Cincinnati

DE Coy Bacon 14

CB Louis Breeden 5

CB Lemar Parrish 12

DT Ron Carpenter 12

 

Cleveland

LB Gerald Irons 12

WR Steve Holden 9

 

Dallas

T Rayfield Wright 15

DE Bob Simpson 6

DE Ed Jones 8

WR Golden Richards 9

CB Levi Johnson 9

TE Billy Joe DuPree 9

 

Denver

QB Steve Ramsey 12

C Phil Olsen 11

CB Calvin Jones 9

 

Detroit

P Herman Weaver 12

S Tommy Marvaso 6

T Ross Bollinger 6

QB Steve Spurrier 15

DE Ken Sanders 10

CB Dick Jauron 9

 

Green Bay

C Bob Hyland 15

TE Pat Curran 13

T Dick Himes 14

CB Willie Buchanan 10

S Perry Smith 9

WR Don Zimmerman 9

DE Dave Pureifory 10

 

Houston

DE Karl Lorch 6

HB Eric Torkelson 8

 

Kansas City

DE Frank Case 1

 

Los Angeles

LB Isiah Robertson 11

FB Jim Bertelsen 10

DT Pete Lazetich 10

 

Miami

FB Norm Bulaich 12

C Jim Langer 12

DE Vern Den Herder 11

 

Minnesota

DT Greg Meisner 1

DE John Banaszak 7

DE James White 6

T Ron Yary 14

 

New England

CB Lou West 5

CB Joe Blahak 9

 

New Orleans

(none)

 

New York Jets

G Randy Rasmussen 15

WR David Knight 9

S Burgess Owens 9

FB Steve Davis 10

FB Ed Marinaro 10

 

New York Giants

T Doug Van Horn 15

DT John Mendenhall 10

S Jim Stienke 9

LB Floyd Rice 11

 

Oakland

G Gene Upshaw 15

T Art Shell 14

HB Clarence Davis 11

LB Phil Villapiano 11

 

Philadelphia

S Randy Logan 9

HB Tom Sullivan 10

CB Dwayne Crump 9

 

Pittsburgh

FB Rocky Bleier 14

FB Russell Davis 3

DE Walt Patulski 10

DT Larry Faulk 6

S Mike Wagner 11

T Jon Kolb 13

G Jim Clack 11

DT Steve Furness 10

 

San Diego

TE Marvin Harvey 1

 

San Francisco

LB Dave Washington 12

CB Ralph McGill 10

WR Willie McGee 9

G Steve Lawson 11

 

Seattle

P Spike Jones 12

T Dave Simonson 8

LB Ken Geddes 11

CB Eddie McMillan 9

 

St. Louis

QB Jim Hart 16

S Norm Thompson 11

LB Ray White 11

 

Tampa Bay

G Ray Snell 2

DT Keith Simons 6

DT Dewey Selmon 6

WR Ed Marshall 9

 

Washington

QB Matt Cavanaugh 4

LB Harold McLinton 13

DE Bill Brundige 12

S Clarence Duren 9

Denver (0-1) at San Francisco (1-0)

   Den offense  26th   48.0 rush - [24th] / 128.0 pass - [23rd]
       defense  13th   137.0 rush - [25th] / 162.0 pass - [11th]
       scoring          6.0 for - [28th] / 21.0 against - [17th]

  S.F. offense  9th    83.0 rush - [16th] / 262.0 pass - [4th]
       defense  27th   99.0 rush - [17th] / 300.0 pass - [27th]
       scoring         31.0 for - [3rd] / 28.0 against - [25th]


   key matchups:
       QB Jim Plunkett (3 TDs/262 yds) vs. Denver pass D
       HB Delvin Williams (46 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Randy Gradishar (11 Tackles)

   prediction:
       Denver 17, San Francisco 29

Atlanta 13 at Seattle 19

Not a very impressive win for a team that is suppose to be a playoff contender.  They have not looked too good so far this season.  The Seahawks need to find a running game.

Seattle
Brian Sipe 23/40 265yds 2TDs 1Int
Sterling Rolfe 10car/25yds
Steve Largent 14tt/6rec/64yds 1TD
Trey Hann 12tt/7rec/79yds
John Harty 2 tackles 3 sacks

Atlanta
Guy Benjamin 17/33 192yds 1TD
Gerald Riggs 6car/23yds
Wes Chandler 9tt/5rec/68yds
Steve George 2 tackles 2 sacks 1 knockdown

Atlanta (0-1) at Seattle (0-1)

   Atl offense  21st   25.0 rush - [28th] / 187.0 pass - [16th]
       defense  21st   134.0 rush - [23rd] / 221.0 pass - [20th]
       scoring         10.0 for - [22nd] / 33.0 against - [27th]

   Sea offense  17th   82.0 rush - [17th] / 161.0 pass - [19th]
       defense  23rd   241.0 rush - [28th] / 132.0 pass - [7th]
       scoring         17.0 for - [16th] / 21.0 against - [18th]


   key matchups:
       QB Brian Sipe (2 TDs/171 yds) vs. Atlanta pass D
       WR Steve Largent (8 rec/126 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Ron Mabra

   prediction:
       Atlanta 16, Seattle 28

Oakland 14 at Los Angeles 56

After the opening week of the season I declared the Rams to be done.  James Harris was awful in that opener, the defense looked old and slow, as did Lawrence McCutcheon.  On the other hand I declared the Raiders back.  Their defense looked good and Derrick Jensen seemed poised to be one of the top running backs in the league.  I'm not sure this game changes those thoughts, but it does display the erratic nature of both these teams. 

Los Angeles
James Harris 22/34 379yds 5TDs 1Int
Lawrence McCutcheon 9car/61yds 1TD
George Lantz 7tt/3rec/145yds 2TDs
Monte Jackson 3 tackles 1 knockdown 2 Ints 2TDs

Oakland
Ken Stabler 8/27 54yds 1TD 3Ints
Derrick Jensen 5car/30yds
Cliff Branch 10tt/1rec/7yds
Dave Caspter 5tt/2rec/28yds
Mike Spivey 10 tackles 1 sack
Tommy Campbell 6 tackles 1 int 1TD

Oakland (1-0) at Los Angeles (0-1)

   Oak offense  7th    241.0 rush - [1st] / 132.0 pass - [22nd]
       defense  12th   82.0 rush - [12th] / 161.0 pass - [10th]
       scoring         21.0 for - [12th] / 17.0 against - [11th]

  L.A. offense  23rd   44.0 rush - [25th] / 158.0 pass - [20th]
       defense  25th   168.0 rush - [27th] / 218.0 pass - [19th]
       scoring          9.0 for - [26th] / 27.0 against - [23rd]


   key matchups:
       QB Ken Stabler (2 TDs/168 yds) vs. Los Angeles pass D

   prediction:
       Oakland 24, Los Angeles 16

St. Louis 38 at San Diego 39

In one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history the Chargers down 38-7 with just over a minute left in the 3rd quarter ran off 32 points in 16 minutes to steal the victory from the Cardinals.  Turnovers killed the Cardinals in the fourth quarter and Mike Phipps fell apart down the stretch.  A great win for San Diego despite getting a horrible game out of Dan Fouts and Rickey Young.

San Diego
Dan Fouts 15/44 267yds 3TDs 2Ints
Rickey Young 17car/19yds
Jesse Wolfram 8tt/5rec/122yds 1TD
Larry Dorsey 9tt/4rec/75yds 2TDs
Roland James 4 tackles 4 knockdowns 1 fumble recovery
Ken Greene 9 tackles 1 knockdown 1 int 1TD

St. Louis
Mike Phipps 16/33 208yds 2TDs 1Int 1Fumble
Mike Strachan 10car/44yds 1TD
Jim C Jensen 3tt/1rec/49yds
Mike Renfro 2tt/1rec/11yds 1TD  7punt returns/249yds 1TD
Jeff Griffin 2 tackles 5 knockdowns 1Int

Greatest NFL comebacks before today

Before today, five teams shared the record for greatest comeback in NFL history by each recovering from 24 down to win, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

• The Dolphins beat the Patriots 34-27, at Miami on Dec. 15, 1974,
• The Broncos beat the Boston Patriots, 34-27, at Denver on Oct. 23, 1960.
• The Chicago Cardinals beat the Eagles, 28-24, on Oct. 25, 1959, in Minneapolis.
• The Lions beat the Colts, 31-27, at Detroit on Oct. 20, 1957.
• The Eagles beat the Redskins, 28-24, at Washington on Oct. 27, 1946.

St. Louis (0-1) at San Diego (1-0)

   StL offense  11th   105.0 rush - [11th] / 215.0 pass - [12th]
       defense  24th   140.0 rush - [26th] / 243.0 pass - [22nd]
       scoring         20.0 for - [14th] / 23.0 against - [21st]

  S.D. offense  24th   62.0 rush - [19th] / 120.0 pass - [25th]
       defense  7th    97.0 rush - [16th] / 110.0 pass - [3rd]
       scoring         12.0 for - [21st] /  7.0 against - [2nd]


   key matchups:

   prediction:
       St. Louis 14, San Diego 21

Top 10 finishers and ties in offseason NFLPA golf tournament

Free-agent FB Tim Wilson -3 (winner in playoff)
Raiders HB1 Derrick Jensen -3
Falcons QB2 Marc Wilson -2
Free-agent S Vernon Perry -2
Redskins FB2 Kenny King -2
Browns FB2 Mike Pruitt -2
Oilers WR1 Ken Burrough -2
Raiders P1 Ray Guy -1
Former Oiler DE1 Elvin Bethea -1
Lions P1 Steve Cox -1
Bills WR1 Bob Chandler -1
Former Brown CB Clarence Scott -1

Houston 7 at New York Giants 20

The Giants defense and passing game pull out a big win at home for new head coach Mike Ditka.

New York
Joe Reed 18/24 240yds 1TD
Chuck Muncie 13car/20yds 1TD 1Fumble
Jim Robinson 7tt/5rec/111yds 1TD
Jerry Mullane 5 tackles 2 sacks

Houston
Dan Pastorini 17/34 241yds 2Ints 1Fumble
Ronnie Coleman 12car/23yds 1TD
Robert Weathers 3tt/3rec/47yds
Tom Hannon 7 tackles

Houston (1-0) at New YorkNFC (0-1)

   Hou offense  14th   113.0 rush - [9th] / 200.0 pass - [13th]
       defense  4th    35.0 rush - [3rd] / 143.0 pass - [8th]
       scoring         21.0 for - [11th] / 17.0 against - [13th]

   NYG offense  1st    56.0 rush - [21st] / 386.0 pass - [1st]
       defense  10th   109.0 rush - [19th] / 123.0 pass - [5th]
       scoring         16.0 for - [19th] / 21.0 against - [16th]


   key matchups:
       QB Joe Reed (1 TDs/398 yds) vs. S Dwight Hicks (1 INTs)
       WR Jim Robinson (10 rec/244 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Willie Alexander (1 INT)
       TE David Hill (7 rec/45 yds/0 TDs) vs. LB Barry Krauss
       HB Ronnie Coleman (97 yds/2 TDs) vs. New YorkNFC run D (4.7 rush avg)
       WR Ken Burrough (4 rec/93  yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Bill Bryant

   prediction:
       Houston 21, New YorkNFC 20

Washington 35 at Pittsburgh 27

Despite throwing four interceptions Joe Theismann was able to rally his team in the 2nd half to outscore the Steelers 21-3.  Pittsburgh is now 0-2 and seem to be without a running game and a spotty defense.  They have a long way to go to get back to where they were last season.  After a rough start this is a good win for the Redskins, Mike Thomas had a great game.

Washington
Joe Theismann 18/37 290yds 4TDs 4Ints
Mike Thomas 13car/108yds
Frank Grant 10tt/4rec/43yds
Dennis Law 9tt/5rec/89yds 2TDs
Bubba Garcie 2tt/2rec/85yds 1TD
Steve McMichael 5 tackles 1 sack

Pittsburgh
Terry Bradshaw 20/38 254yds 3TDs
Willie McClendon 17car/46yds
Lynn Swann 9tt/6rec/74yds
JT Thomas 9 tackles 1 int
Jack Lambert 5 tackles 1 int

Washington (0-1) at Pittsburgh (0-1)

  Wash offense  10th   115.0 rush - [8th] / 218.0 pass - [10th]
       defense  26th   136.0 rush - [24th] / 261.0 pass - [24th]
       scoring         17.0 for - [18th] / 38.0 against - [28th]

  Pitt offense  25th   35.0 rush - [26th] / 143.0 pass - [21st]
       defense  15th   113.0 rush - [20th] / 200.0 pass - [16th]
       scoring         17.0 for - [17th] / 21.0 against - [19th]


   key matchups:
       HB Willie McClendon (4 yds/1 TDs) vs. LB Joe Norman (7 Tackles)
       HB Mike Thomas (86 yds/0 TDs) vs. Pittsburgh run D (4.2 rush avg)
       WR Frank Grant (6 rec/89 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Wentford Gaines

   prediction:
       Washington 19, Pittsburgh 31

Cleveland 10 at Dallas 27

Turnovers killed the Browns in this one.  They may be on their way to being a contender, but they still have a ways to go. The Cowboys on the other hand are there.  They played a solid game and got a pretty easy win.

Dallas
Roger Staubach 15/27 184yds 1TD 1Fumble
Earl Campbell 21car/30yds
Darrin Nelson 4tt/4rec/49yds 1Fumble
Lester Hayes 3 tackles 3 knockdowns 1 Int
Lawrence Johnson 10 tackles
Calvin Favron 6 tackles 1 fumble recovery 1TD

Cleveland
Dave Mays 22/46 246yds 1TD 2Ints 1Fumble
Tony Reed 13car/21yds 1Fumble
Aundra Thompson 11tt/6rec/111yds
Tom Fleming 10tt/2rec/23yds
Dave Graf 13 tackles 1 sack 1 fumble recovery

Cleveland (1-0) at Dallas (1-0)

  Clev offense  6th    92.0 rush - [14th] / 281.0 pass - [3rd]
       defense  2nd    84.0 rush - [14th] / 78.0 pass - [2nd]
       scoring         27.0 for - [5th] / 10.0 against - [7th]

  Dall offense  3rd    136.0 rush - [5th] / 261.0 pass - [5th]
       defense  19th   115.0 rush - [21st] / 218.0 pass - [18th]
       scoring         38.0 for - [1st] / 17.0 against - [12th]


   key matchups:
       QB Roger Staubach (3 TDs/262 yds) vs. Cleveland pass D
       HB Earl Campbell (93 yds/1 TDs) vs. Cleveland run D (3.1 rush avg)
       WR Drew Pearson (7 rec/153 yds/2 TDs) vs. CB Luther Philyaw (1 INT)
       QB Dave Mays (2 TDs/287 yds) vs. Dallas pass D
       DE Art Still (2 sacks) vs. T Pat Donovan
        WR Tom Fleming (5 rec/114 yds/1 TDs) vs. CB Lester Hayes (1 INT/1 TDs)

   prediction:
       Cleveland 22, Dallas 27

Philadelphia 23 at Cincinnati 20 (OT)

It wasn't a pretty win for the Eagles, but a win.  They played a sloppy game and very poor defense.  The Bengals really should have won this game.

Philadelphia
John Walton 17/25 151yds 1TD 1Int 1Fumble
Ricky Bell 17car/164yds 1TD 1Fumble
Freeman McNeil 2tt/2rec/44yds 1TD
Bill Roe 7 tackles

Cincinnati
Bob Bateman 16/28 327yds
Archie Griffin 24car/91yds 2TDs 1Fumble
Billy Brooks 3tt/3rec/97yds
Bo Harris 10 tackles 1 knockdown 1Fumble recovery
Jim LeClair 7 tackles 1 sack 1 int
Jesse Renfrow 2 of 4 long of 27yds

Philadelphia (1-0) at Cincinnati (0-1)

  Phil offense  19th   109.0 rush - [10th] / 123.0 pass - [24th]
       defense  28th   56.0 rush - [8th] / 386.0 pass - [28th]
       scoring         21.0 for - [13th] / 16.0 against - [10th]

  Cinn offense  27th   84.0 rush - [15th] / 78.0 pass - [27th]
       defense  22nd   92.0 rush - [15th] / 281.0 pass - [26th]
       scoring         10.0 for - [24th] / 27.0 against - [24th]


   key matchups:
       HB Ricky Bell (73 yds/1 TDs) vs. Cincinnati run D (3.1 rush avg)

   prediction:
       Philadelphia 24, Cincinnati 16

NFL 1982 Week 2 Preview

It's hard to tell much after the first week, but still we all like to jump to conclusions.  My conclusions from the first week is that the Rams are done, the Raiders are back, Cleveland may be a threat, the Jets are for real, Dallas will win the NFC East, and the NFC Central will be the toughest Division this year. 

A great win for San Diego and San Francisco in the opening week taking down Miami and Detroit the two defending Conference champs.  The Chargers defense was very impressive in their win over Miami, but there are still major question marks about their offense.  The 49ers showed that they still have the offensive power to score points and are really the only good team in the NFC West at this point.  The Rams have had bad starts in the past only to rally in the second half of the season, but they looked awful in their opener.  Age it would appear has finally caught up to this team. 

Houston took their opener over Pittsburgh in a good game.  These two teams are expected to battle out for the AFC Central title, but Cleveland could be a wild card.  They have a very solid defense and as we've learned a solid defense can get you pretty far. 

Of course the Packers and the Buccaneers can both agree that without any offense you won't get far.  Detroit still has to be the team to beat in the NFC Central, but this Division is stacked.  The only misfit here is the Vikings, but they are good enough to get some upsets and effect the outcome in the Division. 

Dallas and Philadelphia sit atop the NFC East and these should be the two teams fighting for the title.  The Redskins simply don't have the defense or the passing game to win consistently, the Cardinals are without Jim Hart, and the Giants are rebuilding.  If Dick Vermeil is going to win in Philadelphia this is the year to do it.   

The Chiefs may be the star of the AFC this season.  They have everyone back and should have an even better defense.  That being said they are in a tough Division with Seattle, San Diego, and now Oakland all appearing ready to play for the title.  The NFC Central may be the toughest Division, but this is the best Division in the NFL.

This leaves us with the AFC East.  Another tough Division, but it should be a race between two teams, the Dolphins and the Jets.  The Jets have a solid defense and Vince Evans looks like he has improved, a dangerous combination.  Miami should have their tough defense back, but their offense is a year older and may be slowing down enough for the Jets to take them this year. 

Player of the Week
GB Dan Hampton.  He lead the Packers to victory with seven sacks.


Trades
Pit rookie FB Earl Ferrell for NO rookie WR Orlando McDaniel
SF 10th year LB Willie Harper for Chi 7th year T Dennis Lick


Statistics
QBs
Oak Ken Stabler 131.4
NE Steve Grogan 126.4
SF Jim Plunkett 118.9

RBs
Oak Derrick Jensen 223yds
Min Chuck Foreman 145yds
Hou Ronnie Coleman 97yds

Recs
NYG Jim Robinson 244yds
Det Mel Jacobs 173yds
Dal Drew Pearson 153yds


Games to Watch in Week 2
Cleveland 1-0 at Dallas 1-0
     There are a lot of people who expect Cleveland to be a contender for a playoff spot this season because of their tough defense and young offense.  This will be a good test to see just how good they have gotten. 

Tampa Bay 1-0 at New York Jets 1-0
     People have given up expecting much out of Tampa, but they are a fun team to watch.  Rich Campbell impressed everyone last season and looked very good in the opener.  The Jets are thinking Super Bowl this year so they'll want to crush the Buccaneers.  This should be a good game.

New Orleans 0-1 at Kansas City 1-0
     This is the Monday Night Football game.  With Rick Lockwood out with an injury the Saints will have even less offense than usual.  This should be a blowout win for the Chiefs at home.

1982 Week 1 Standings

American Conference
Eastern Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
New YorkAFC    1  0  0   20   10    W1  0-0-0  1-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
New England    1  0  0   23   15    W1  0-0-0  1-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Miami          0  1  0    7   12    L1  0-1-0  0-0-0     0-0-0    0-1-0
Baltimore      0  1  0   15   23    L1  0-1-0  0-0-0     0-1-0    0-1-0
Buffalo        0  1  0   10   20    L1  0-1-0  0-0-0     0-1-0    0-1-0

Central Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
Cleveland      1  0  0   27   10    W1  1-0-0  0-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Houston        1  0  0   21   17    W1  1-0-0  0-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Pittsburgh     0  1  0   17   21    L1  0-0-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-1-0
Cincinnati     0  1  0   10   27    L1  0-0-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-1-0

Western Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
Kansas City    1  0  0   21    6    W1  1-0-0  0-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Oakland        1  0  0   21   17    W1  1-0-0  0-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
San Diego      1  0  0   12    7    W1  0-0-0  1-0-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
Seattle        0  1  0   17   21    L1  0-0-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-1-0
Denver         0  1  0    6   21    L1  0-0-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-1-0



National Conference
Eastern Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
Dallas         1  0  0   38   17    W1  1-0-0  0-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
Philadelphia   1  0  0   21   16    W1  0-0-0  1-0-0     1-0-0    1-0-0
St. Louis      0  1  0   20   23    L1  0-1-0  0-0-0     0-0-0    0-1-0
New YorkNFC    0  1  0   16   21    L1  0-1-0  0-0-0     0-1-0    0-1-0
Washington     0  1  0   17   38    L1  0-0-0  0-1-0     0-1-0    0-1-0

Central Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
Tampa Bay      1  0  0   33   10    W1  1-0-0  0-0-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
Minnesota      1  0  0   27    9    W1  1-0-0  0-0-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
Green Bay      1  0  0   22   10    W1  1-0-0  0-0-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
Chicago        1  0  0   23   20    W1  0-0-0  1-0-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
Detroit        0  1  0   28   31    L1  0-1-0  0-0-0     0-0-0    0-1-0

Western Division
               W  L  T   PF   PA   Stk   Home   Away    vs Div   vs Conf
San Francisco  1  0  0   31   28    W1  0-0-0  1-0-0     0-0-0    1-0-0
New Orleans    0  1  0   10   22    L1  0-0-0  0-1-0     0-0-0    0-1-0
Los Angeles    0  1  0    9   27    L1  0-0-0  0-1-0     0-0-0    0-1-0
Atlanta        0  1  0   10   33    L1  0-0-0  0-1-0     0-0-0    0-1-0

San Francisco 31 at Detroit 28

A great win for the 49ers on the road.  They got an excellent game from Jim Plunkett, but the 49ers have to be worried about the lack of production from Delvin Williams.  The Lions have been one of the top teams of the NFC now for the past six seasons and it is in part due to Greg Landry, but also due to their under appreciated defense.  Well their defense really struggled here and in years where their defense has struggled so to have the Lions. 

San Francisco
Jim Plunkett 24/35 262yds 3TDs
Delvin Williams 20car/45yds 1TD
Jim Lash 8tt/4rec/70yds
Eric Harris 8 tackles 1 knockdown 1 fumble recovery

Detroit
Greg Landry 19/33 308yds 3TDs 1Int 1Fumble
Dexter Bussey 32car/81yds 1TD
Mel Jacobs 11tt/9rec/173yds 1TD
Gary Shugrue 10 tackles

San Francisco at Detroit (Monday Night Football)

Each week this season will close with the Monday Night Football game.  Week one of 1982 starts off with the defending champs Detroit against one of the top teams in the NFC San Francisco and their 1981 MVP quarterback Jim Plunkett.  There is no reason to think the Lions won't be back on top of the NFC, but there is good reason to think the 49ers may be a bit too old to play at the same level.  In fact the NFC West could be the weakest Division in the NFL.  It all depends on how much Plunkett and Delvin Williams have left.  They are certainly the favorites to take the West title, but it's questionable how far they can go in the playoffs.

New England at Baltimore

The past two years the Colts have completely flopped in the second half of the season and missed the playoffs.  They come into 1982 with not as much buzz around them.  In part because their defense struggled last season and so did their quarterback.  They will need to get much better play out of Bert Jones if they hope to put together a consistent season and make the playoffs.  The Patriots are in a bit of a limbo state.  They seem to be on the decline, but showed last year that they are still a dangerous team at times.  If they can get their running game working again, and get their defense shored up they could be in the running come December. 

New York Jets 20 at Buffalo 10

A solid road win against a Division rival to start the season.  The Jets looked good in this game with a good game from Vince Evans.

New York
Vince Evans 22/33 265yds 2TDs 1Int 1Fumble
Horace Ivory 17car/62yds
Howard Satterwhite 9tt/8rec/90yds
Greg Buttle 6 tackles 1 sack

Buffalo
Joe Ferguson 17/38 213yds 2Ints
OJ Simpson 19car/26yds 1Fumble
John Holladn 11tt/7rec/73yds
Bob Chandler 8tt/5rec/93yds
Keith Gary 5 tackles 1 sack

New York Jets at Buffalo

The Jets are coming off a great year.  Everyone was expecting them to struggle after Joe Namath's retirement, but instead they got better.  Their defense is solid and Vince Evans proved himself to be a good quarterback.  They should be ready for another run at the AFC East title this season and maybe even the AFC.  The Bills on the other hand are in the process of rebuilding.  The problem is they haven't found any skill players to replace their aging ones like OJ Simpson.  It will be a long year in Buffalo.