NFL Week 2 early games: Open thread

With the Baltimore Ravens not playing until the afternoon, what else is there to do than watch other football games and enjoy the early-morning madness?

If you’re stuck without Redzone and living in Maryland, you’re scheduled to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers play host to the Denver Broncos on CBS. My suggestion? Deal with it and root for Drew Lock and the Broncos young squad to upset the highly-touted AFC North rival. If you’re not in Maryland, or if you are, check out our TV maps article to find which game on your broadcast.

AFC North Standings (before kickoff)

1. Baltimore Ravens (1-0)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
3. Cleveland Browns (1-1)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)

Rooting guide Week 2

Jaguars over Titans: as the Titans are more likely to return to the playoffs and them splitting their season series would benefit playoff seeding.

Dolphins over Bills: The Bills are one of the best in the AFC, arguably third or fourth in the conference. A loss to Miami would also likely benefit the Ravens’ playoff seeding.

Broncos over Steelers: An upset by Denver would benefit greatly for Baltimore. Not only in the same conference, but in the same division. Baltimore’s facing a tough schedule and an early loss could haunt Pittsburgh down the road.

Vikings over Colts: If it’s an NFC vs. AFC matchup, it’s almost guaranteed that you should root for the NFC squad, therefore, go fellow purple team.

49ers over Jets: Not that it matters much with the Jets chances of finding the postseason are abysmal, but all AFC losses add up and this one is no different.

Chargers over Chiefs: It’s likely the Chiefs and Ravens will vie for the No. 1 seed. In similar fashion to all these AFC contests, rooting for their division rival to split the series with them benefits Baltimore.

Saints over Raiders: Root for the NFC squad.

Seahawks over Patriots: Pray that Pete Carroll allows Russ to continue cooking, as the Patriots can still be a problem with former league MVP Cam Newton at the helm.