The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

THAT injuries are always the most important plot point of an NFL season is a certainty and this year is no different.

With key losses to teams like Minnesota (Adrian Peterson) and New England (Jimmy Garoppolo), this infant season has taken another major swing.

With Peterson done for most of the year, the Vikings, off to a 2-0 start, may just be done while the Pats are hoping rookie third string quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, can do enough to hold the team over for the next two games until the return of Tom Brady.

Now the drama begins as the plot thickens for Week 3.

Tonight’s Game

Houston Texans (2-0)

@ New England Patriots

(2-0)

Rumours has it there is a dark horse chance that Jimmy G could go tonight. Of course, he would have to play through a tremendous amount of pain, but that is what football is all about.

The Texans have arguably the best front seven in the league and are relentless in pass rushing situation. It may make more sense for the Pats to keep Jimmy G out of this one, and not risk any further injury to the future starting quarterback.

I am beholden to my team so this one is easy.

PATRIOTS

Arizona Cardinals (1-1)

@ Buffalo Bills (0-2)

I have been saying from day one, Rex Ryan is the problem in Dallas. His ego clouds his judgment and, most times, he get lost in himself.

Last week, coaching against his former team, Rex allowed his want to get even with the Jets get in the way of a potential win. He moved away from the run game and got into an arms war.

His quarterback was somewhat concussed, and couldn’t aid the team down the stretch.

Rex will continue to doom his team.

CARDINALS

Cleveland Browns (0-2)

@ Miami Dolphins (0-2)

Cleveland have a lot of growing to do.

They play the Dolphins close like they did the Ravens last week, but fall short in the second half in this one.

DOLPHINS

Baltimore Ravens (2-0)

@ Jacksonville Jaguars

(0-2)

The Jaguars are, in my opinion, the best 0-2 team in the league. Well, it’s close between them and the Saints. They shock the Ravens this weekend.

JAGUARS

Oakland Raiders (1-1) @

Tennessee Titans (1-1)

West coast team travelling east for a 1pm kickoff ... recipe for a disaster for the Raiders. Except, they are the better team.

RAIDERS

Detroit Lions (1-1) @

Green Bay Packers (1-1)

The Lions are shot at defensive back. Aaron Rodgers needs a get right game - here it is.

PACKERS

Denver Broncos (2-0)

@ Cincinnati Bengals

(1-1)

This one is so tough, but defence always wins out.

BRONCOS

Minnesota Vikings (2-0)

@ Carolina Panthers

(1-1)

No AP, Cam all the way.

PANTHERS

Washington Redskins (0-2) @ New York Giants (2-0)

The Giants have a triple threat of quality receivers. Norman can’t cover them all.

GIANTS

Los Angeles Rams (1-1) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1)

All the way out on this limb. All the way with the Rams.

RAMS

San Francisco

49ers (1-1) @

Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

Will the real Seahawks please stand up?

SEAHAWKS

New York Jets (1-1) @

Kansas City Chiefs (1-1)

These teams are virtually the same top to bottom. I think the Jets get it done on the road.

JETS

San Diego Chargers (1-1)

@ Indianpolis Colts (0-2)

The Colts can’t go 0-3, right?

I mean the chances of that is just insane.

COLTS

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)

@ Philadelphia Eagles

(2-0)

The Steelers are really good on both sides of the ball.

STEELERS

Chicago Bears (0-2) @

Dallas Cowboys (1-1)

Chicago are about to begin a freefall of historic proportions.

COWBOYS

Monday

Night’s Game

Atlanta Falcons (1-1) @

New Orleans Saints (0-2)

The other really good 0-2 team I mentioned earlier.

SAINTS