Week 2 NFL Predictions
Cardinals at Falcons (-7)
Spread: Falcons
Straight: Falcons
The Cardinals showed that they can beat weak teams and that they’re not pushovers without Kurt Warner. Still, you could see the problems with the Cardinals offense. Derek Anderson and Larry Fitzgerald were not always on the same page. Tim Hightower showed he had trouble holding on to the ball. But the Falcons showed they were not an elite team, with an overtime loss to the Steelers, who are without Ben Roethlisberger. The big questions in this game: Can Derek Anderson limit the turnovers while getting the ball to Fitzgerald? And can the Cardinals stop the Falcons’ high-powered offense? One thing is for sure, the Cardinals defense is not on par with the Steelers defense. I think the Falcons go wild in this one.
Ravens (-2) at Bengals
Spread: Bengals*
Straight: Bengals*
The Ravens showed that their defense is still strong, despite the absence of Ed Reed. Either that or the Jets made them look very good. Their offense didn’t look quite so strong though, but that may have been due to a potent Jets defense. Still, Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin was a recurring pattern in that game and their chemistry looks great. Bengals defense is not quite as good, but still quite formidable. They have an easier task this week, instead of going against the monstrous Patriots offense. Still, I don’t think that they’re good enough to go up against a Ravens team that I expect to go very deep in the playoffs this year.
Edit: After further consideration, I’ve decided to change my pick. I think Carson Palmer will be able to shred the Ravens secondary. Mark Sanchez was horrible last week, and I think the Bengals receivers and QB is much better than the Jets.
Chiefs at Browns (-1)
Spread: Chiefs
Straight: Chiefs
Maybe it’s just because I’m high on the Chiefs after their strong performance against the Chargers. The Chiefs defense looked great, with the exception of the quick touchdown drive with ended with Philip Rivers finding Antonio Gates wide open in the end zone. Their offense wasn’t too shabby either – with 2 dangerous special teams weapons and also a pair of great running backs. But one thing has me worried: the rain was definitely affecting Rivers and the passing game last week. The Browns, on the other hand, do not look strong. It looks like they improved their team, but they could not even beat the lowly Buccaneers. Still, both teams aren’t that great and the Browns are at home, but I expect the Chiefs to somehow pull out with a victory.
Bears at Cowboys (-9)
Spread: Cowboys*
Straight: Cowboys
The Cowboys are certainly hungry for a victory, especially after losing a close one to the Eagles after an unfortunate holding penalty. Look for them to take their anger out on the Bears, who looked pretty good last week, but against the wounded Lions. I doubt they could repeat their performance against the Cowboys, but the spread seems quite high. I think the Cowboys will win by a touchdown or less.
Edit: After careful consideration, I think the Boys should win this by more than 9. The line is moving in the other direction, but I think Cutler is very prone to throwing interceptions. The Dallas defense just has to capitolize. Their defense isn’t that great this year, but Cutler throws a lot of picks.
Eagles (-5) at Lions
Spread: Eagles
Straight: Eagles
The Lions are without Matt Stafford and the Eagles are without Kevin Kolb. The Eagles should really concentrate on stopping Jahvid Best because Shaun Hill getting the ball to Calvin Johnson doesn’t really scare me. On the other hand. Michael Vick gets to showcase his talents against the lowly Lions. I don’t think he’ll be much of a quarterback in this, but he’ll certainly run wild. Hey Vick, try passing the ball.
Bills at Packers (-14)
Spread: Packers
Straight: Packers
Well, the Packers should win this game. Not much to debate about that. A 14 point spread is quite impressive though. Even with a team like the Bills, it’s difficult to say that any team will win by 14 points. Still, I like the Packers that much this year and I’d be willing to say that it’ll be a blow out.
Steelers at Titans (-6)
Spread: Steelers
Straight: Titans
The Steelers have one of the top defenses in the league, but the Titans aren’t too bad either. I don’t think Dixon will fare as well against the Titans, as he did against the Falcons. But at the same time, I don’t think Chris Johnson will be able to destroy the Steelers. He’ll do his thing, but I don’t see the Titans winning by a touchdown in this one.
Dolphins at Vikings (-6)
Spread: Dolphins
Straight: Vikings
The Dolphins are a run-first team. The Vikings have a dominant run defense. Which team will come out on top? The Dolphins have a strong defense and the Vikings looked completely out of sync against the Saints last week. Still, Adrian Peterson is the main cog of this engine, and he should be able to bring the Vikings their first win this season.
Buccaneers at Panthers
Straight: Panthers
If you’re ever trying to get someone to enjoy watching football, this is not the type of game you’d want to show them. Boths teams are very sloppy, especially with their quarterback play. The Carolina defense is okay this year, with one of the better cornerback tandems in the league (as they have been for a while) and Jon Beason at linebacker. Other than that, there’s not much to be happy about with their defense. Their running game is made up of 2 quality backs in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. I think the Panthers will run the ball well in this game to beat the Bucs.
Seahawks at Broncos (-4)
Spread: Seahawks
Straight: Broncos
The Seahawks dismantled my 49ers last week, but I think that was more of the 49ers beating themselves than the Seahawks winning the game. I’m not going to give them credit just yet. The Broncos aren’t that strong offensively or defensively this year. But I really hate the Seahawks, so this might not be a good one to follow me on.
Rams at Raiders (-4)
Spread: Raiders
Straight: Raiders
For some reason, I always expect the Raiders to be better than they are. I have no idea why… their defense should be pretty good and their offense should be below average, but not abysmal. Somehow, their offense is always terrible or their defense disappoints. Still, I will give them yet another chance to show what they’re made of.
Patriots (-2) at Jets
Spread: Patriots
Straight: Patriots
Rule #2 – Never bet against Tom Brady. See last week for Rule #1… but we all know how that panned out… But this one should be safer because I still can’t believe that Revis is in 100% football shape yet (especially since Boldin had over 100 receiving yards against him). And I don’t think the Jets offense is good enough right now. They were terrible last week.
Jaguars at Chargers (-8)
Spread: Chargers
Straight: Chargers
The Chargers were stunned last week against the Chiefs. I think that was a product of the weather, some bad luck, and Rivers’ lack of chemistry with his receivers. Look for the Chargers to bounce back this week. In a big way.
Texans (-3) at Redskins
Spread: Texans
Straight: Texans
Texans stunned the Colts and showed that they’re a great team. Their offense is scary and their defense is pretty good. This could be their year.
Giants at Colts (-6)
Spread: Colts
Straight: Colts
The Giants showed Carolina who’s boss despite a few interceptions thrown by Eli Manning. He really has to limit those turnovers if he expects to carry the Giants into the playoffs. The Colts were stunned last week by the Texans on the ground, and they’ve lost Bob Sanders with a bicep tear. Big Brother Manning should be fired up in this game and will take no prisoners. Look for him to come out firing. Little Brother Manning has to limit his turnovers in this one and let the running game keep Big Bro off the field. Tough match-up for the Giants this week, especially on the road.
Saints at 49ers (-6)
Spread: 49ers
Straight: Saints
No comment on the 49ers performance last week. The Saints were good, but the Vikings defense was able to make sure the Saints offense didn’t run wild. Who knows which 49ers team will show up this year. They’re like Jekyll and Hyde – and after last week’s performance they better hide from Mike Singletary.
