Inside Scoop: Get ready for an exciting night in the NFL as we delve into Tom Brady’s evolving role at FOX, spotlight two critical matchups in the Bills-Dolphins game, provide a film review of the Packers' elite defense, and explore why the Vikings are optimistic about Carson Wentz. This article is brought to you by Scoop City, The Athletic’s premier NFL newsletter. Sign up now to receive it directly in your inbox!
Tonight’s game between the Dolphins and Bills is set to be a thrilling encounter. If Buffalo secures a victory, quarterback Josh Allen will have more wins against Miami than any other quarterback against a single team since his draft in 2018. Currently, Allen's 12 regular-season victories against the Dolphins tie him with Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott for the most wins against a specific team. With the Bills holding a 2-0 record and a significant point spread of -11.5 at BetMGM, they are heavily favored to win tonight’s match, which kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video.
In a strategic twist, Allen will wear a visor for the first time in his NFL career as he recovers from an incidental injury sustained last Sunday. However, it is expected that the visor will hinder him as little as the Dolphins' defense. This matchup prominently features Allen versus the Dolphins' secondary. The Bills' offense has been nearly unstoppable this season, averaging the second-most points per game at 35.5 and leading the league with 450 yards per game. Miami’s secondary is vulnerable, allowing the highest completion percentage at 78.8 and the seventh-most yards per reception at 12.2. With a low pressure rate of just 23.8 percent on dropbacks, Allen is poised to capitalize on these defensive weaknesses.
Another critical individual battle to watch is De’Von Achane versus the Bills’ defense. Historically, Achane has performed well against Buffalo, averaging 6.1 yards per carry in four games, contributing to a third of Miami's scrimmage yards and scoring an impressive 25.4 fantasy points. For the Dolphins to have a chance at an upset, Achane must take advantage of Buffalo's injuries, particularly with key linebacker Matt Milano and defensive tackle Ed Oliver sidelined. As Miami is likely to trail early in the game, expect Tua Tagovailoa to target Achane frequently, opening up opportunities for deep passes to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Turning our attention to the Minnesota Vikings, Coach Kevin O’Connell, the reigning Coach of the Year, has shown confidence in veteran quarterback Carson Wentz. As the Vikings considered signing Wentz, O’Connell consulted with Super Bowl-winning coaches Sean McVay and Andy Reid, both of whom provided positive feedback about Wentz's potential to contribute. During a recent practice session, Wentz filled in for the injured J.J. McCarthy and demonstrated remarkable command, completing nearly all his passes despite facing a challenging blitz-heavy practice.
While Minnesota does not need Wentz to be a game-changing quarterback, they require him to perform steadily and confidently as a fill-in starter. The Vikings are optimistic that Wentz can rise to the occasion and lead the team effectively in the coming weeks.
In the world of NFL broadcasting, Tom Brady’s dual role as a FOX announcer and partial owner of the Las Vegas Raiders has sparked significant discussion. A recent poll conducted in yesterday's newsletter revealed that nearly 90 percent of respondents believe this situation provides the Raiders with a unique competitive edge. Many fans expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest, emphasizing that broadcasters often have access to critical pregame information that could influence game outcomes.
As opinions vary, some argue that if opposing teams share sensitive information with Brady, the responsibility lies with those teams. The debate will continue as the Raiders prepare to face the Commanders, with Brady expected to be in the booth for Washington’s matchup.
The Green Bay Packers defense has been nothing short of spectacular in the first two weeks of the season, showcasing one of the best performances in the last 20 years. Allowing just 3.7 yards per play, they rank eighth among all teams over two weeks in the past two decades. This achievement is even more impressive considering they faced formidable offenses like the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders.
Green Bay’s strength lies in their combination of an elite pass rush and a talented secondary, reminiscent of Vic Fangio’s successful Eagles defense in the Super Bowl. Leading the league in sacks, the Packers pressure opposing quarterbacks on 43.6 percent of snaps, utilizing a five-defensive back formation effectively. The addition of Micah Parsons has invigorated their defensive line, enhancing the performance of players like defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt and cornerback Keisean Nixon, both of whom are having standout seasons.
As we explore the broader NFL landscape, intriguing matchups like the one between the Rams and Eagles highlight the contrasting styles of coaching and strategy. The chess match between 67-year-old Vic Fangio and 39-year-old Sean McVay is just one example of the age-related dynamics at play among title contenders.
For those tracking trends in the NFL, Saad Yousuf’s weekly column identifies five potential Super Bowl contenders, notably omitting the Kansas City Chiefs from the list. As we head into Week 3, Vic Tafur offers his insights on betting against the spread, naming the Broncos as his upset special against the Chargers.
Lastly, if you’re participating in a survival pool or looking for fantasy insights, be sure to check out Jake Ciely’s rankings and projections for the week. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a fantasy football enthusiast, stay tuned for all the latest updates and analyses.
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