Addison, Hall and the other X-factors that could shape the NFL in Week 2

Most NFL games end up with a final margin of victory under one score, which means that many players can have an enormous impact on the outcome. As we head into the second week of the NFL season, we’ll take a look at one player in each contest whose performance may tilt the result in their team’s favor.

This contest is a rematch of an early-season matchup in the 2022 campaign. Minnesota did not fare well in that tilt, as the Eagles secondary loaded up on superstar receiver Justin Jefferson. In order to give Philadelphia something else to think about, Addison will need to be able to separate from defenders. The first round pick scored a touchdown in his NFL debut last week.

The NFL league is a league of adjustments, and it seems like the Packers are a good bet to stack the box against Atlanta’s formidable running attack. Green Bay is in good shape guarding receivers downfield with the presence of Jaire Alexander, so Pitts will need to have an impact in the intermediate part of the field for the Falcons.

There were a lot of disappointing performances for Buffalo in their loss to the Jets on Monday night, but perhaps the most concerning was their lack of ability to stop the run. Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook gashed the Bills all night, and Josh Jacobs is certainly good enough to do the same for Las Vegas. Oliver will need to generate push up front to solidify Buffalo’s resistance at the line of scrimmage.

Cincinnati got nothing going through the air in Week 1, but it stands to reason that their elite passing attack will be much better in Week 2. That puts the onus on Darby, who will have his hands full lining up against Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Fellow Baltimore corner Marlon Humphrey is banged up, which puts even more pressure on Darby.

This is going to be a fascinating game in the trenches. Despite their unexpected loss last week, Seattle did a pretty good job of bottling up the Rams’ running game. Detroit is a team that prides itself on moving defenders up front, so this game features strength against strength. Ragnow will have a lot to say about who wins that battle, and the Lions hope he can play well.

Indianapolis is walking wounded in their backfield, as rookie runner Evan Hull was placed on injured reserve after Week 1. The Colts did not receive much production from Deon Jackson against Jacksonville, so they’ll have to hope Moss is ready to go after missing the first game with an arm injury.

The biggest storyline in this game centers around the health of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. It’ll be important to monitor if he plays, and how he looks if he hits the field. He’s one of the biggest matchup nightmares in the NFL, but the Jaguars would likely use a defensive back like Cisco to try and limit one of the greatest tight ends of all time.

Tampa Bay is probably going to have a pretty simple formula for success in 2023. Their defense is feisty enough to keep them in games, so as long as Mayfield can avoid turnovers and crucial blunders, the Bucs should have a chance to compete. He did a great job of that against Minnesota, and will look to do the same against Chicago.

Los Angeles is thankful that Tyreek Hill has left town, but they’ll need to deal with DeAndre Hopkins in Week 2. The Chargers were eviscerated by Miami’s passing attack, but will need to stymie a sputtering Tennessee offense. If Jackson can limit Hopkins’ impact, the Titans will have a tough time moving the ball.

Nothing went right for the Giants in Week 1, but they’ll look to turn the page against one of the worst teams in the NFL. New York will look to settle things down against Arizona, and getting their running game going with Barkley is a perfect way to do that. He posted 51 yards on 12 carries in Week 1, but couldn’t be featured because the game got out of hand so quickly.

Los Angeles was projected to have one of the most questionable defenses heading into the season, but did a solid job limiting Seattle’s talented receivers. They’ll face a similar staunch test against San Francisco. Kendrick will be tasked with keeping tabs on Brandon Aiyuk, who had a monster game against the Steelers in Week 1.

If you haven’t heard, the Jets will be without quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the rest of the 2023 season. Jokes aside, New York will need to lean on their ground game in order to be successful. Hall had a sensational performance in Week 1, and proved that he could still be the player he was before he tore his ACL last season.

The Broncos are desperately looking to kickstart their offense, and may have to do so with a limited or unavailable Jerry Jeudy in Week 2. Denver will need to manufacture production through the air, which means Sutton’s name will be called early and often. Sutton caught a touchdown pass in Week 1 against the Raiders.

Gonzalez was exposed to a very talented wide receiver duo in his first NFL game against the Eagles, and it won’t get any easier in his second contest. Miami is coming off of a scintillating performance that saw Tyreek Hill post 215 yards and two touchdowns. The Dolphins may try to test Gonzalez early and often on Sunday night.

Carolina received a pleasant contribution from tight end Hayden Hurst last week, but will need more from its receiving corps this week against New Orleans. The Panthers signed Theilen to act as a veteran stabilizer for rookie quarterback Bryce Young, and he’ll need to be effective moving the chains.

Cleveland’s pass rush was on full display against the Bengals in Week 1, which could spell trouble for a Steelers offense that had trouble dealing with the 49ers front a week ago. Moore will have to fend off some extremely talented Browns edge rushers if quarterback Kenny Pickett is going to have time to throw the ball downfield.