NFL Predictions Week 2: Which Defensive Players Will Have Greatest Impact?

We saw a lot of offense last week, especially for the first week of the season, when offenses tend to be a bit behind the defenses in terms of timing and rhythm. Which defenders will step up to reverse the trend?

Kyle Williams, the nose tackle for the Buffalo Bills, is going to have to have a huge game if the Bills are going to keep the Raiders rushing attack in check. The Bills have struggled greatly against strong running teams, but the drafting of Marcel Dareus should make William's job that much easier. If the Bills can shut down McFadden and Bush, Buffalo can get themselves a huge win. 

The Jets are going to look to shut down Maurice Jones-Drew and the Jacksonville rushing attack, forcing Luke McCown to throw into a secondary that features the league's top defensive back Darrelle Revis. However, in order to execute this plan, the underrated Mike DeVito is going to have to come up huge against the run. DeVito has emerged as one of the AFC's better run defenders, and he is one a few men on the Jets squad that is capable of bringing down the powerful and quick MJD by himself. 

Look for Ray Edwards to have a huge game against the weak Eagles offensive line. The Eagles line is especially weak on the right side, where they have rotated right tackles all preseason long. Todd Herramans is set to start at tackle for the Eagles. If the Falcons can get Edwards' motor going early, it could be a long day for Michael Vick. Remember, since Vick is left-handed, Edwards will be rushing from the blind side. 

Finally, Chargers safety Eric Weddle is going to have to come up big going up against the New England Patriots and their two tight end sets. The combination of Gronkowski and Hernandez has given nearly every opponent they have faced fits. However, Weddle is a versatile player who is very physical and has solid cover skills. If Weddle can help keep these two tight ends in check, Tom Brady's options will be much more limited, making their offense seem stoppable after all.