Defensive end J. J. Watt had a sack, blocked an extra-point attempt, recovered a fumble and swatted down a pass in his first game for the Texans since signing a six-year, $100 million contract on Monday. Watt blocked the extra-point attempt after the Redskins' first touchdown and pounced on a fumble in the third quarter for the seventh recovery of his career.
Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer threw for 230 yards and a score and played brilliantly at times in the second half against the Steelers in a performance that should strengthen his grip on the starting job over the rookie Johnny Manziel. Hoyer held off Manziel, a Heisman Trophy winner, during an uninspired training-camp battle, and Coach Mike Pettine promised the well-traveled Hoyer he would not have to look over his shoulder.
Titans kicker Ryan Succop was perfect on four field-goal attempts against the Chiefs, who released him last weekend. His performance included a field goal just before halftime that put the Titans up by 10-3, and the fourth-quarter kick that capped the 26-10 victory. INJURY REPORT
The Texans' Jadeveon Clowney, the top overall pick in this year's draft, injured a knee in the second quarter against the Redskins. ... Rams quarterback Shaun Hill left the game against the Vikings with a thigh injury. Austin Davis replaced him to start the second half, making his N.F.L. debut. ... Two Chiefs, the Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Johnson and the starting defensive tackle Mike DeVito, sustained Achilles' tendon injuries against the Titans. ... The Eagles' All-Pro left guard Evan Mathis left the game against the Jaguars in the second quarter with an injured left knee. ... Browns running back Ben Tate injured a knee in the second quarter against the Steelers after making six carries for 45 yards. MONDAY'S MATCHUP
10:20 p.m., ESPN
Line: Cardinals by 3
Each of these teams experienced a renaissance last season, with the Chargers returning to the playoffs and the Cardinals winning 10 games for only the second time since relocating to Arizona. Both teams like to use an aerial offense, but Philip Rivers of the Chargers is a far more efficient quarterback than Carson Palmer. San Diego's stable of running backs also provides enough balance that the Cardinals' defense, which performed well last season, should struggle to keep up. Losing Karlos Dansby to free agency and Darnell Dockett to injury will not help Arizona in that regard.
Pick: Chargers
Post By http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/08/sports/football/the-best-of-week-1-in-the-nfl.html
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