5 NFL teams that must win in Week 2

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) is forced out of bounds by Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half on September 09, 2018 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Week 1 treated NFL fans to an incredible weekend of football. With Week 2 looming, let’s look at five teams who need a victory.

Last week, the five teams that I chose as ‘must-win’ candidates included the Colts, 49ers, Chargers, Packers and Raiders. Only the Packers emerged victorious from their Week 1 games, let’s see if we can do better in predicting this week. Several teams have tough matchups, and desperately need to get off the mark of 0 wins. The Steelers, Cowboys and Raiders all fall into that category. On the other hand, some teams need to continue their hot start to the season and prove that they are serious contenders, not simply one week flukes. Teams like the Packers and Buccaneers both fall into that category, but are they truly facing must win games in Week 2?

Let’s break it down, starting off with the NFC East contenders.

5. Dallas Cowboys

In Week 1, the Cowboys looked atrocious. They tried to establish the run over and over, even though it wasn’t really working against a stout Panthers defense. On random plays, like second or third and long, rather than attempting to convert, the Cowboys tried to pound the rock. Obviously, they have one of the best running backs in the league, but running the ball to a fault it not a sustainable strategy.

The play calling on Sunday was horrible, there’s no way around it. However, there is some reason for optimism. So what, the Panthers, with one of the best linebackers in the league, were able to shut down the run. That doesn’t mean that it won’t work on other teams. That concept is proven by this weeks match up, the New York Giants.

Last season, the Giants ranked 26th in the NFL in run defense, allowing an average of 120.8 rushing yards per game. That trend continued in Week 1 with the Giants allowing 92 yards to Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon. The Cowboys need a bounce back win, and it will come through running back, Ezekiel Elliot.