Back to the normal format this week. Contributions from the usual suspects, cheers, (once again Martyn has written half the newsletter), for everyone else the address for contributions is:

25 Colman Court

Christchurch Avenue

Finchley

London

N12 0DT

Or email at '[email protected]'.

Week Two Review

The Patriots showed the Jets no mercy, exploiting their weaknesses and pounding them into submission. Miami looked very comfortable against the Bills, early indications are that playoff football may be returning to Miami this season. Cincinnati demolished the Ravens, Baltimore fought hard in the first quarter and held the Bengals to field goals on their four trips into the redzone, but after that the floodgates opened. Tennessee got off to a fast start in Cleveland, quieting the crowd with three first quarter touchdowns. The Browns passing game looked capable of getting the back in the game but the Titans' pass rush came up with a lot of big plays. Kansas City won the turnover battle to make up for losing the yardage battle in Denver. Oakland got three touchdowns for only 25 yards of offense in a wild opening few minutes and, despite their best efforts, the Seahawks were unable to overcome the early deficit.

The Eagles cruised to another victory, Arizona's two fourth quarter touchdowns made the game look a little closer than it perhaps was. The Redskins lost a heartbreaker in Dallas, despite dominating in yardage and first downs they paid for a very poor kicking performance. Green Bay put in a very impressive passing performance but it was their running back's failure to hold onto the ball which let visiting Detroit sneak a win. The Bucs look to be back to their division winning form of two years ago, the offense played well and the defense held the Bears in the redzone. Shock of the week came in San Francisco where the New Orleans defense played a stormer of a game and the offense did just about enough. St Louis gleefully accepted the opportunity to move a game clear in the division, thrashing the Panthers in the battle of the last two NFC champions.

Offensive performance of the week goes to Washington, who need to shoot their kicker. Defensive performance of the week goes to New Orleans for completely shutting down the normally steady 49er offense. Special teams performance of the week goes to Cincinnati, a kick return touchdown, good punt returning and five field goals.

Predictions Standings

Darren Birtchnell

Week Two Top Performances

Martyn Williams

Rushing Offense

Passing Offense

Rushing Defense

Passing Defense

ST. LOUIS POST-DESPATCH

Coach Williams Week Two Press Conference

"Well I have to say that I’m happy so far with the start to the season, the offence did appear to be suffering from a Super Bowl hangover week one but last weeks performance was almost perfect, only the protection of Kurt needed to be improved. And I’m extremely happy with the performance of our defence, I thought they might suffer without the leadership of last years twelve year veteran FS but Kim Herring has moved across from SS and is doing a great job. I’m amazed at the performances this defence, in fact this whole team, gives me given the overall youth we have here in St Louis. It is a long time since I’ve felt this team hasn’t been in full control of a game, the notable exception being the Super Bowl of course!

Looking around the league it is good to see the Dolphins, Chiefs and Buccaneers seemingly returning to their 2000 season form, and I'd like to say welcome to Coach Odgers in Green Bay. Following Coach Baird will not be easy but I'm sure he is man enough for the task."

Stats Corner

Martyn Williams

Rushing Offense

Passing Offense

Rushing Defense

Passing Defense

Week Three Preview

Predictions and commentary from myself, other predictions from Martyn Williams and Darren Birtchnell.

Browns at Patriots – Cleveland were disappointing last week, plenty of yards but they seem to lack the killer touch in the redzone. New England have no such problems, expect them to be dominant at home. Patriots by 14 (Blowout)

Bengals at Dolphins – Miami have looked better this season but, even if they can contain the Bengals' high scoring offense I doubt they can score enough on their equally impressive defense. Bengals by 14 (Lock)

Chiefs at Jets – Kansas City have made a good start, but against poor opposition. New York have played two of the best teams in the league and looked terrible. May be closer than many expect, but the Chiefs should still win. Chiefs by 3

Seahawks at Bills – Buffalo scraped a win in week one and didn't look at all like repeating that last week. Seattle were unlucky to get beaten so comprehensively last week. Seahawks by 7

Broncos at Ravens – Neither team has really made an impression yet, so I'm going with homefield advantage. Ravens by 3 (Slugfest)

Raiders at Titans – Oakland have made a good start without dominating in terms of yardage. They'll hoping the turnovers keep on coming in Tennessee.

Bucs at Eagles – Philly are once again playing like contenders, while Tampa Bay look to be back to winning ways. It wouldn't be a surprise if this matchup is repeated in the playoffs. Bucs improved passing game to steal victory. Bucs by 1 (Shock)

Packers at Cowboys – A new coach in Green Bay, has a lot to live up to if he is to replace his two time champion predecessor in the hearts an minds of the fans. Dallas managed to make the playoffs last year but didn't really beat anyone good to get there. Packers by 3

Saints at Cardinals – New Orleans are coming off the shock of the season so far on the back of great defense, but may find the Arizona defense too hard to beat at home. Cardinals by 3

Panthers at Redskins – Washington deserved to win last week, I think they'll get past sinking Carolina despite their kicker. Redskins by 7 (Shootout)

49ers at Lions – San Francisco were embarressed last week, going nowhere on offense. Detroit are unlikely to repeat the Saints' defensive efforts. 49ers by 10

Rams at Bears – A new coach has brought improvement in Chicago, but I doubt they're good enough yet to challenge the NFC Champions. Rams by 7

MW – Patriots by 21 (Lock, Blowout), Bengals by 14 (Shootout), Chiefs by 10, Seahawks by 3 (Slugfest), Broncos by 6, Radiers by 10, Eagles by 7, Packers by 7, Saints by 6, Redskins by 3, 49ers by 10 (Shock – Lions)

DB – Patriots by 21 (Lock, Blowout), Chiefs by 13 (Slugfest), Seahawks by 3, Broncos by 10, Raiders by 17, Eagles by 10, Cowboys by 3 (Shootout), Saints by 6, Redskins by 3 (Shock), 49ers by 10, Rams by 14