Thursday 22 September 2016 15:05, UK
It was an important win for Sky Sports News HQ reporter Richard Graves last week, who overcame a tough loss in week one to beat the Cincinnati Bengals UK fanbase 10-7 and get his first victory of the 2016 season.
This week Richard takes on Washington Redskins fan @Nigel_Griggs, part of the #RedskinsTweetTeam in the UK, looking to build some early season momentum and move to 2-1.
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots (Friday, 1:30am Sky Sports 1)
Richard: This new look Texans offense has been getting the job done but this is the first time Houston have played away from NRG Stadium this year and it'll be interesting to see if they can take that offence on the road. There can be few tougher places to play than Gillette Stadium.
The problem for New England is they are starting their third string quarterback - rookie Jacoby Brissett. It's a tough assignment for the third round draft pick, going up against one of the NFL's best defensive fronts.
Never write off a Bill Belichick coached team but I'd expect to see lots of short passes and LeGarrette Blount could have an increased role in the run game as well. Even so, against this Houston defense, it's hard to see how that game plan gets the job done. Texans
Nigel: Both teams have started 2-0 but the Patriots are struggling in the quarterback position and questions remain over the fitness of tight end Rob Gronkowski. Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins have hit it off and will cause problems for the New England secondary, while JJ Watt is returning to his dominant self. Texans
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants (Sunday, 5:30pm Sky Sports 2)
Washington have played two games at home...and lost both! So maybe a road trip to NFC East rival, New York Giants will bring about a change in fortune. The Redskins were thwarted by the poor play of quarterback Kirk Cousins against Dallas at the weekend and that's already prompted murmurings in the dressing room, and talk of replacing him with backup Colt McCoy.
On Sunday the Giants held New Orleans' high powered offence to just 13 points. Of concern though must be the offence, who scored only one touchdown against the Saints.
Star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jnr. is still to score a touchdown this season, but that could change this Sunday against a Redskins team which has already given up 65 points over the first two weeks. Giants
Nigel: It's a big NFC East showdown and with a potent Giants wide receiver corp, can Josh Norman and company shutdown Beckham, Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard? Equally the Redskins have quality in abundance with DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garçon and Jamison Crowder.
History doesn't favour Washington, as the Redskins are 2-9 in the last 11 years at MetLife, but Redskins will prevail if Cousins can get hot again. Redskins
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, 9:00pm Sky Sports 2)
Richard: Prior to the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers were a popular pick for the Super Bowl and their form to start the season has done nothing to deter those supporters. Sunday's win amidst tough conditions over AFC North rivals, Cincinnati Bengals was impressive and means they have a 100 per cent record through two games.
The Eagles also have a 100 per cent record and the performances of rookie Carson Wentz have without doubt surprised a few people. That being said, this opposition is a step up in class over the Browns and Bears. Pittsburgh's defence is quick around the field and will likely give Wentz a few looks he hasn't seen before.
On the other side of the ball, Philadelphia need to find a way to stop the Ben Roethlisberger - Antonio Brown connection and if they can do that, they must also shut down DeAngelo Williams in the run game.
It would be one of the shocks of the week if the Eagles can pull this one off. Equally, hopes in Philly will go through the roof if their rookie makes it three wins from three. Steelers
Nigel: The Eagles and Wentz have started hot and after two wins will be confident, but this is their biggest test with the 2-0 Steelers coming to town.
Big Ben is looking good and with Brown the Steelers boast the league's best receiver. I think the Steelers will edge this one. Steelers
Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys (Monday, 1:30am Sky Sports 2)
Richard: If Dallas thought they had problems then they just need to look at Chicago. With injuries on both sides of the ball, the Bears have scored only 14 points in each of their opening games, losing both.
That being said, the Cowboys' defence has looked less than impressive so far and if the Bears are to kick start their season against anyone, it could be the Cowboys who are 1-8 at home through their previous nine games.
However, there's hope in big D and that comes in the form of rookie quarterback Dak Prescott. His 75 passing attempts in the first two games with no interceptions is an NFL rookie record. Now Dallas have to dominate the time of possession and score touchdowns rather than field goals as their defence just isn't good enough to rely on. That game plan should work in this matchup. Cowboys
Nigel: The Cowboys are coming off the back of their victory against the Redskins and will carry the momentum gained into this tie. I can see a long evening for the struggling Bears in this one. Cowboys
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (Tuesday, 1:30am Sky Sports 1)
Richard: This is a huge NFC South match up for the New Orleans Saints. Their defeat in New York means they have an 0-2 record and their season is already in danger of spiralling out of control.
Atlanta confounded their critics with a big win on the road in Oakland last weekend, bouncing back from a humiliating defeat at home to the Buccaneers in week one. If they afford Drew Brees time in the pocket, he will pick the Falcons' defence apart.
That being said the Saints' defence isn't thought to be that good either, so it came as a surprise when they were able to hold the Giants' offence to just a single touchdown last weekend. All of which makes this a tough matchup to call.
Home field advantage will likely play a big part. This weekend marks the 10 year anniversary of hurricane Katrina and a partisan, emotional crowd will make it deafening for the Falcons in possession, while urging the Saints onto victory. Saints
Nigel: The Saints will look to bounce back to winning ways in this NFC south match up. Matt Ryan led the Falcons to their first victory over the Raiders last week and I can see this being close, but home field advantage will tell and Brees will have a big game. Saints
Keep track of all the picks below as Richard looks to pull ahead. Sky Sports is your home of the NFL with five games this week including Monday and Thursday nights, then settle in for a triple header every Sunday from 5:30pm.
