NFL: Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Bucs catch fire, Green Bay Packers are back

There were some thrilling games last weekend in the NFL, including the Arizona Cardinals’ 34-33 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In this week’s preview, we will fix our sights on three games — Los Angeles Rams v Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers v Green Bay Packers, and the Las Vegas Raiders v Miami Dolphins. We will also provide you with the latest match odds.

Aaron Rodgers puts opening day woes behind him as Green Bay Packers find their feet

On the opening day of the season, the Green Bay Packers were a pale shadow of themselves as they slumped to a 38-3 defeat against the New Orleans Saints. However, they put that insipid performance behind them with a superb 35-17 victory over the Detroit Lions last weekend. Aaron Rodgers — who was largely anonymous against the Saints — was back to his imperious best.

Rodgers was superb from start to finish against the Lions as he finished 22 from 27 passing for 255 yards (0.23 km). In doing so, he overtook John Elway to move into 10th spot on the list for passing yards (51,633 yards (ca. 47 km)). Aaron Jones caught fire too, as he made four touchdowns, three of which had come via the hands of Rodgers.

San Francisco 49ers maintain unbeaten start with victory over the Philadelphia Eagles

The Packers know they will be in for a game when they face the 49ers on Sunday. Although the NFC West table may seem misleading, with the 49ers in the third spot after two straight wins. The 49ers recovered from a slow start against the Philadelphia Eagles to claim a 17-11 win. They will be there, or thereabouts, come the end of the season.

San Francisco 49ers make a swoop for RB Jacques

Off the pitch, the 49ers have been busy. Earlier this week, they clinched a deal for RB Jacques to take him from the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal. Meanwhile, cornerback Dee Virgin was released from the franchise’s practice squad, and he is now a free agent.

Tom Brady is rampant once again for in-form Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs have become the hunted this year as they are the reigning Super Bowl champions. And they have hit the ground running with some electrifying performances, most notably the 48-25 blowout victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Tom Brady, who is widely considered the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), threw five touchdowns against the Falcons.

Tampa Bay Bucs carry out roster reshuffle after Atlanta Falcons victory

When everything seems to be clicking, there seems little reason to shake up a winning formula. However, the Bucs, who produced a mesmerizing performance against the Falcons, have decided to shuffle their roster around a bit. Indeed, they have replenished their practice squad by clinching deals for wide receiver John Hurst and cornerback Rashard Robinson.

But the Bucs will collide with an in-form Rams this weekend. The Rams have won both their opening fixtures and although they didn’t have things all their own way against the Indianapolis Colts last weekend, they still managed to clinch a 27-24 victory. That was despite Carson Wentz shining for the Colts with 20-for-32 passing for 247 yards.

Meanwhile, Darrell Henderson could sit out the Rams’ clash with the Bucs. The Rams were left reeling when running back Cam Akers tore his Achilles, and backup option Henderson suffered a rib injury last weekend. Henderson is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.

Las Vegas Raiders excel in classy win over Pittsburgh Steelers

The Raiders have enjoyed a superb start to the campaign, and they excelled in all three key phases of the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In offence, they managed a total of 425 yards (0.39 km) against the Steelers’ defence. Brandon Parker also covered brilliantly for rookie right tackle Alex Leatherwood as he made 53% of snaps on the offensive line.

On Sunday, the Raiders will come up against the Miami Dolphins, who will no doubt be licking their wounds after they were mauled 35-0 by the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins, however, have to regroup quickly and dust themselves off as the Raiders are already looking rather ominous.

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