NFL Week 2 Picks

Kansas City @ Buffalo

The Bills are licking their wounds after suffering a thrashing at the hands of the Jets. Ryan Fitzpatrick didn’t look good when the game mattered, prized free agent acquisitions Mario Williams and Mark Anderson didn’t show up, and star running back Fred Jackson will miss the next month with a knee injury.

Luckily for Buffalo, the Chiefs are in no better shape after allowing Matt Ryan to pick them apart in Kansas City. I think the Bills bounce back at home, and show some of the reasons why many analysts like them to be one of the league’s surprise teams this year.

Pick: Buffalo

New Orleans @ Carolina

Both of these teams are trying to avoid an 0-2 start after letting down to inferior opponents in Week 1. Carolina’s approach in Tampa Bay was baffling, as the Panthers’ coaching staff put the weight of the game on Cam Newton’s shoulders even though the second-year quarterback was struggling. Even though they were behind by only one score for most of the game, Ron Rivera completely abandoned his running game, and it cost his team.

Even more surprising how the Saints allowed rookie Robert Griffin III and the Redskins light them up for 40 points in New Orleans. While Drew Brees and the offense was still able to put up 32 points, it was a bit of an alarming performance for a team that many hold to higher standards.

I see this game unfolding in a similar fashion to Thursday’s Green Bay-Chicago game in the sense that I can’t see a superpower like the Saints starting out 0-2.

Pick: New Orleans

Cleveland @ Cincinnati

The Bengals were completely overwhelmed by the Ravens last Monday, but now they’ll have a good chance to bounce back and get into the win column against one of the league’s worst teams. Brandon Weeden will be a sight for sore eyes after watching Joe Flacco light them up.

Pick: Cincinnati

Minnesota @ Indianapolis

The Vikings were pretty impressive in Week 1, as an efficient Christian Ponder managed the game effectively and was complimented by an effective Adrian Peterson, and the young Minnesota team took down the Jaguars in overtime to start the season. Now they’ll face a similar challenge in Week 2 as they go on the road to take on the Colts. Andrew Luck struggled in his debut, turning the ball over three times. I think this is a close game, but I believe the Vikings are the more established team, and they’ll start the season a surprising 2-0.

Pick: Minnesota

Houston @ Jacksonville

The Jaguars showed in Week 1 that they have a chance to be a competitive team this year, but they won’t be able to hold off the Texans. Houston’s defense will give Blaine Gabbert fits, and the offense will do enough to move Gary Kubiak’s group to 2-0.

Pick: Houston

Oakland @ Miami

As long as Oakland has a competent long snapper, they shouldn’t have any trouble taking down the young Dolphins on the road. Ryan Tannehill showed last week that he’s going to need some time to adjust to the NFL game.

Pick: Oakland

Arizona @ New England

Kevin Kolb is back in the saddle after taking over for the injured John Skelton, but he’ll be faced with overwhelming odds as the Cardinals travel to Foxboro. Tom Brady and the Patriots shouldn’t have any more trouble disposing of the Cardinals than they did the Titans last week.

Pick: New England

Tampa Bay @ New York Giants

The Bucs pulled off a surprising win over Carolina in Week 1, but it was hardly a thing of beauty. The Giants have had a week and a half to pull themselves together after falling to Dallas on opening night, and there isn’t any way Tom Coughlin will allow his team to start the season 0-2.

Pick: New York

Baltimore @ Philadelphia

Michael Vick has to play better in this game simply because he couldn’t play much worse than he did in Cleveland, but his top receivers are banged up and they’ll face what is still a great defense. Joe Flacco and Baltimore’s up-tempo offense will be a challenge for the improved Eagles defense.

Pick: Baltimore

Dallas @ Seattle

It’s a challenge to go on the road and defeat the Seahawks, but rookie quarterback Russell Wilson won’t be able to generate enough offense to outduel Tony Romo and the Cowboys.

Pick: Dallas

Washington @ St. Louis

Was Robert Griffin’s great performance just a flash in the pan or is he for real? Redskins fans are high on the rookie right now, but I love what the St. Louis defense accomplished against the Lions in Week 1. This is a tougher St. Louis team under Jeff Fisher, and I think they knock Washington’s enthusiasm down a notch.

Pick: St. Louis

New York Jets @ Pittsburgh

The Jets surprised some people with a 48-point outburst in Week 1. They have a chance to keep this game close and win an ugly game, but they’ll be without star cornerback Darrelle Revis. The Steelers are another one of these veteran teams that I’ve got too much confidence in to believe that they’ll start the season 0-2.

Pick: Pittsburgh

Tennessee @ San Diego

The Chargers had some help on their way to a victory against the Raiders (due to Oakland’s numerous special teams issues), but they didn’t look too bad in Week 1. The Titans are going through growing pains with Jake Locker, and aren’t ready to go out west and win a game like this.

Pick: San Diego

Detroit @ San Francisco

The 49ers did an excellent job shutting down the Green Bay offense in Week 1, and they’ll face a similar challenge with the Lions in Week 2. Detroit had their issues against an improving Rams team, but was able to pull out a victory at the last second. This week I don’t think they’re going to be as fortunate.

Pick: San Francisco

Denver @ Atlanta

Peyton Manning didn’t look rusty at all in his return to the field for the Broncos in Week 1. Matt Ryan had a fantastic week of his own against the Chiefs. In a game that promises to be a shootout, I favor Manning and the Broncos, who will be up against a Falcon team that just lost their star cornerback Brent Grimes for the season.

Pick: Denver