NFL Studs & Duds for Week 2

Don't get caught up in all the hype.

Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season was certainly exciting and brought us some interesting surprises, but uncertainty is one thing you can count on in pro football.

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Russell Wilson is a prime example, after shredding teams in the preseason. Although he still performed decently against the Arizona Cardinals, it was not an impressive performance.

Does he bounce back in Week 2? Well, Wilson isn't the only one looking to find a rhythm, and there are others attempting to build off their studly Week 1.

So aside from the extremely obvious players, let's check out some studs and duds for this week.

Stud: Jay Cutler, QB (Bears) at Packers

Sure, he dominated against the Indianapolis Colts for 333 yards, two touchdowns and only one pick.

However, Jay Cutler faced a stronger defense than given credit for.

The Colts possess a solid pass rush in the front seven and the secondary is vehemently improved from 2011. Fortunately, Cutler has more talent around him than ever before.

Getting reunited with Brandon Marshall was huge and rookie Alshon Jeffery is another great weapon out wide. In addition, Chicago's running game presents arguably the best two-back tandem in Matt Forte and Michael Bush.

This week, the Bears play against the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field.

Last week, the Packers were diced up by Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers. Green Bay didn't look much improved from the 2011 season defensively, and it's not like the 49ers did anything out of the ordinary.

Chicago fields a more explosive offense than San Francisco, which strongly suggests Cutler will have a dominant showing.

Projected Stats: 29-of-41 for 305 yards, three touchdowns, sacked once

Stud: Reggie Wayne, WR (Colts) vs. Vikings

The aging veteran on a young Indianapolis Colts team, Reggie Wayne is still Andrew Luck's best receiver.

Although he didn't score, Wayne caught nine passes for 135 yards in Week 1 and faces a weaker pass defense in Week 2. The Minnesota Vikings have just one legit pass-rusher in Jared Allen and the secondary gave up 260 yards and two touchdowns to Blaine Gabbert.

Gabbert is definitely improved, but Luck possesses more natural talent.

The Colts' receiving corps all together is better than Jacksonville's. Also, the Bears' defense is better than Minnesota's. So this week, expect another impressive outing for Wayne.

The Vikings can't afford to double cover him because doing so leaves Donnie Avery and rookie tight end Coby Fleener against man-to-man. Both are quite capable of beating single coverage consistently, and Indy's passing game does bode well for Donald Brown on the ground.

So in facing more mismatches, Luck will target Wayne quite often and keep the production rolling.

Projected Stats: Eight receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown

Dud: Eagles' Receivers vs. Ravens

Despite Michael Vick failing miserably against the Cleveland Browns, his receivers' contributions went rather unnoticed.

Vick attempted 56 passes and completed just 29, mainly because of horrible decision making, plenty of overthrows and the Browns having a solid pass rush.

Still, Eagles' receivers like DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin had nice numbers. The duo combined for 173 yards on 11 catches. Unfortunately, Philly hosts the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.

On Monday night, the Ravens defense suffocated the Cincinnati Bengals and restricted A.J. Green to just 70 yards on five catches. Andy Dalton was under duress for much of the night and Baltimore won in convincing fashion.

Well, the Eagles' pass protection is worse than Cincy's and the Ravens' coverage is better than Cleveland's. In short, don't expect much out of Philly's receiving corps, even with Vick's mobility.

The Ravens are just too good and Ed Reed will keep Jackson and Co. from getting open downfield.

Projected Stats (Jackson and Maclin combined): Six receptions for 85 yards, no touchdowns

Dud: Russell Wilson, QB (Seahakws) vs. Cowboys

We have to give the Arizona Cardinals defense a lot of credit.

After a preseason where the Cardinals didn't look like a complete team, the defense really stepped up against Russell Wilson.

The rookie was entering with a lot of confidence after an amazing round of exhibition games, but the Cards limited him to 153 yards on 34 attempts and added seven quarterback hits (three sacks).

Arizona also forced two turnovers of Wilson and kept Marshawn Lynch under 90 rushing yards. As for Wilson's Week 2 matchup, it doesn't get any easier.

Coming into Seattle are the Dallas Cowboys who upended the Super Bowl champion New York Giants in the Big Apple. The Cowboys present a significantly improved defense and DeMarcus Ware is virtually unblockable.

Dallas will pressure Wilson early and often while locking down in coverage with Brandon Carr and rookie Morris Claiborne. Seattle's receiving corps may be deep, however, Big D has much more talent on its defense by comparison.

Projected Stats: 20-of-38 for 140 yards and no touchdowns, two interceptions, sacked four times

Stud: Doug Martin, RB (Buccaneers) at Giants

Doug Martin has legitimate potential to be the best first-round selection of the 2012 NFL draft.

In his first game versus a much improved Carolina Panthers defense, Martin accounted for 118 total yards, much of which came after first contact.

Unsurprisingly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won in Week 1 and get a susceptible New York Giants defense in Week 2. Now yes, the Giants will be a much tougher challenge than Carolina.

That said, Big Blue just allowed the Cowboys to compile 143 rushing yards and running back DeMarco Murray averaged 6.6 yards per carry. Just like 2011, the Giants are struggling to stop the run early on and it's proving costly.

Well, Tampa Bay's forte is to slam the rock and Martin is the beneficiary.

He's a stronger backfield presence to draw up that extra defender for play action, so expect the Giants to anticipate the Bucs taking some shots downfield. Regardless, Tampa has a strong offensive line to control the game tempo and its defense will provide additional possessions for Martin to produce.

Projected Stats: 27 carries for 115 yards including one touchdown, three receptions for 25 yards

Dud: Jaguars Defense vs. Texans

The Jacksonville Jaguars are solid on defense, but the Houston Texans are just that much better offensively.

Last week, the Jags lost in overtime to the Minnesota Vikings, 26-23, and gave up 389 total yards.

Obviously, the development of Christian Ponder played a factor, as did the presence of Adrian Peterson in the backfield. Comparing Minnesota's entire offense to Houston, though, isn't nearly the same.

The Texans are clicking emphatically well right now and they're only getting better.

Andre Johnson, Arian Foster and Owen Daniels are among the elite at their respective positions. Include an offensive line capable of bowling over any defensive front and Matt Schaub will be protected all day.

Fortunately for the Jags, they are much better than the Miami Dolphins. Nevertheless, Houston has a complete offense and will put Jacksonville on its heels early.

Projected Stats: 31 points allowed, 375 total yards, one sack, no forced turnovers

Stud: Tracy Porter, CB (Broncos) at Falcons

Tracy Porter is known for making big plays in big moments.

And he did just that for the Denver Broncos in Week 1 by picking off Ben Roethlisberger to seal the victory.

Thing is, Porter was getting challenged all game long, but never gave up a big play. In turn, he kept up his dependability and capitalized on the opportunity. Facing the Atlanta Falcons this week, Porter knows his opponent rather well after having played for the New Orleans Saints.

It's a competitive advantage for Porter and the Broncos defense. Plus, Denver has a stronger and more consistent pass rush to disrupt Matt Ryan. This is a tougher challenge for Porter, though, because Atlanta's receiving corps is better than Pittsburgh's.

Julio Jones, Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez combine to form a more potent attack, and Porter will have to lock it down in single coverage.

Still, Denver fields a better defense than Kansas City, and with Peyton Manning under center, the Broncos will push the pace. In short, Porter will have plenty of opportunities to make plays once again.

Projected Stats: Thrown at 12 times, six defended, five tackles and one interception

Dud: Chris Long, DE (Rams) vs. Redskins

Chris Long is the St. Louis Rams' best defensive player.

He's an elite pass-rusher and knows how to consistently wreak havoc in an opponent's backfield.

Unfortunately, Long will get isolated by the Washington Redskins in Week 2, courtesy of their reliable pass protection and Robert Griffin III's mobility. The Detroit Lions also held Long in check last week, so Washington must do the same to keep the offense moving.

Firing off the edge, Long has the talent to make a quick move inside or out and immediately create pressure.

We'll then see RG3 in numerous shotgun formations, and his fast release will keep him upright. Just as we saw against the Saints, Griffin's can take advantage of anything open underneath with his strong arm and accuracy, allowing his receivers to the rest. 

Those quick developing plays will limit Long's chances at sacks, so unless the Redskins go with a run-heavy game plan, he won't produce or see much action.

Projected Stats: No sacks or defended passes, three tackles

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