NFL Week 2 Predictions
CHI@ GB: Jay
Cutler looked good last week and that is exactly what the Bears have been
missing for the past twenty years. If he can keep the turnovers down, Chicago
is a legitimate super bowl contender this year. The Packers biggest problem
right now is getting their defense off the field. Their offense still have the
explosiveness that took them to the super bowl two years ago it is just up to
Charles Woodson and Clay Mathews to make something happen and spark this
defense for the rest of the year. I think Green Bay
will bounce back from last week and win in a shootout, 41-34.
TB @NYG: Eli
Manning has to prove that he can get the job done even when the defense is
struggling. Last year the only reason he had all those comebacks was because
the defense kept it close till the 4th quarter. It’s not a bad thing to play
great in the last quarter of a game, but I’d like to see him be more consistent
throughout the game and show that he deserved that super bowl MVP last season.
This could be a great launch pad for the Giants since they are starting in the
hole at the bottom of their division. The Bucs are young and talented, but the
pass rush might just be a bit too much for Josh Freeman. If they pass this test
you can look for them to be competitive in the NFC South. Tampa Bay 24-21(OT).
OAK @ MIA:
Two teams that don’t have much going for them right now. At least the Dolphins
future looks bright. For a rookie Tannehill played a solid game. That being
said, there are many improvements he has to make if he wants to be a starter in
this league for long. This will be a sloppy game that will either end with ten
field goals being kicked, or just a defensive stalemate. The only thing the
Raiders have going for them is a great running game. If they can shorten the
game and keep their defense off the field than they will win. If not Miami has
the upper hand. Raiders 17-13.
HOU@ JAX:
People are talking about Houston being the second best team in the league. The
great teams beat bad teams soundly. I want to see them take over the game and
prove they deserve this recognition. Let’s see how they do in this game against
the Jaguars. Texans 31-12.
CLE @ CIN:
After a disappointing loss at Baltimore, can the Bengals regain the confidence
they had last year entering the playoffs? The Brown’s defense stepped up
against Philadelphia last week and their hoping to do the same this week. The
Browns need to develop a running game to help poor rookie Brandon Weedon out as
he gets adjusted to the NFL. Bengals 24-16.
KC @ BUF:
Buffalo looked pitiful in their opening performance against the Jets. With all
the money they spent on defense you would hope that is not the outcome for the
rest of the season. Both of these teams haven’t lived up to their expectations
this year and it is only week two. December doesn’t come fast enough if you are
not winning. This game is a draw I really don’t know who I think will win. But
since I have to choose, CJ Spiller cranks out another
100+ yard game and the Bills ride him to victory 22-14.
BAL @ PHI: I
loved the way the Ravens played on Monday night. It looked like they finally
trusted Flacco not to make mistakes with the offense. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are
getting and need help so this could not have come at a better time. Michael
Vick needs to stop being a pocket passer and get back to what he is good at;
scaring defenses around the league with his running capabilities. Baltimore’s
defense is too good for Vick to beat them with his arm. Baltimore 27-20.
NO @ CAR: The
Saints defense proved what they were worth last week against Robert Griffin
III, Pierre Garcon and Roy Halu Jr., do you really think they have a better
chance against Cam Newton, Steve Smith, and DeAngelo Williams? I think the
Saints offense will do better than they did last week, but they still need to
get that defense off the field for them to produce anything. This is a tough
game, but I think No Orleans can pull it out. Saints
38-24.
ARI @ NE:
This is just another sad game you can almost put in the books before it even
happens. Arizona is struggling too much and the Patriots have too much going
for them. New England 31-14.
MIN @ IND:
If Minnesota wins this game they are sitting on top of the NFC North which is
considered the toughest conference right now in my mind. Whether this be by
flukes playing weak opponents that doesn’t matter one bit. Andrew Luck could
have his way with this defense though. They are not as tough as the Bears that
he was introduced to last week. The Colts get the first
win of the season 24-19.
WAS @ STL:
Robert Griffin was extremely impressive in his first win as a rookie last week.
I like the way Mike Shanahan limited his decision making by throwing a lot of
quick passes early on in the game, and once he comfortable opened up the
offense a little bit. I think he will have another outstanding performance. Redskins 31- 13.
DAL @ SEA: I
was a believer of Russell Wilson to begin with, and I still am, but not against
a good opponent like this. Tony Romo looks to be in full control of his
offense, and for the first time in a few years, he looks like he is
comfortable. He is not rushing his throws or getting down on himself when he
makes a mistake like he used to. I don’t want to say Dallas is back, but they
are certainly making their case better. Cowboys 24- 17.
NYJ @ PIT: Game of the week #2. Big Ben had a
rough time in Denver last week. With Ryan Clark and James Harrison back in the
lineup at home, that will sure up Pittsburg’s defense. The Steelers play solid
ball week in and week out you always know what to expect when you play them.
Unlike them are the Jets. Last week they put up over 40 points on the Bills,
yet they were supposed to be at the bottom of the division this year. Maybe
this is what happens when Rex Ryan finally shuts up? I wouldn’t count on it
though. Steelers 27-20.
TEN @ SD:
The Chargers looked average in their home opener against the Raiders last week.
I want to see them play a good opponent for a full game. The Titans are still
looking for someone to step up and make some plays. That is supposed to be
Chris Johnson, but I’m looking for someone else. Someone whose name we don’t
know yet. Someone to come out of nowhere and play their heart out almost like
Arian Foster did a few years ago. I still think it is San Diego’s game to lose
though. Chargers 24-17.
DET @ SF: #3 Game of the week. Rematch from
last years heated battle which ended in words from both head coaches. San Francisco
looks good. Maybe best team in the NFL good. Lions need to actually show up to
this game and play like they are capable of. Even if they do that, I still have the 49ers winning. San Francisco 31-28.
DEN @ ATL: Game of the week #1. Another good
game between teams that are coming off wins this last week. I’m expecting lots
of fireworks between these two teams’ offenses. If Peyton Manning still has his
smarts from earlier in his career the Broncos will be 2-0 to start this new
season. Monday night in Prime time will set the stage for this one. Broncos 34-31.