After a fantastic Week One, it’s time to fire up the predictions once again for the second time in this NFL season. After a rough first week (my full results are at the bottom), let’s see if I can do better this time.
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
Which Pittsburgh team shows up tonight? Will it be the one that took a 24 point lead over the hapless Browns in the first half, or the one that allowed the same team to come back to tie the game in the second half? The Ravens couldn’t get anything going offensively until the final quarter last week, but I think Flacco guts it out in a tighty at home.
Prediction: Baltimore 20, Pittsburgh 17
Miami Dolphins (1-0) at Buffalo Bills (1-0)
Both of these AFC East rivals won last week against favored opponents. The Dolphins came back in the second half to send the Patriots packing, and the Bills won in upset fashion in overtime in the Windy City. Both teams looked very capable offensively, so I’ll take the home team in this one. In something no one predicted, Buffalo is atop the AFC East after two weeks.
Prediction: Buffalo 24, Miami 17
Detroit Lions (1-0) at Carolina Panthers (1-0)
I didn’t pick either team to make the playoffs, but Stafford to Megatron looks like a deadly combination once again. The return of quarterback Cam Newton to the Carolina line-up will likely prove to be a large upgrade over a second string starter, and I think this game will transform into a second half shootout.
Prediction: Carolina 34, Detroit 24
Atlanta Falcons (1-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)
Matt Ryan was undoubtedly the best quarterback on the field in week one, and he looked like the Matty Ice we grew accustomed to watching. Cincinnati gritted out a tough win in Baltimore, and I think that the defense will respond with a solid game. However, I’m concerned about Cincy’s ability to score. I think Ryan’s offense will score just enough points to sneak out of Ohio with a win.
Prediction: Atlanta 24, Cincinnati 23
New Orleans Saints (0-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-1)
If Cleveland can put up an effort similar to their second half against Pittsburgh last weekend, they can keep this game close. However, the chances of that are pretty slim. I’ll take the over in this game.
Prediction: New Orleans 34, Cleveland 17
New England Patriots (0-1) at Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
After watching Miami running back Knowshon Moreno run over the New England defense last week, I’d be concerned about Adrian Peterson if I rooted for the Pats. However, I think that they’ll get it done in a tighter game than expected.
Prediction: New England 27, Minnesota 20
Arizona Cardinals (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1)
I’ve been pretty optimistic with the Cardinals this year, and not so much with the Giants. The Cardinals defense will make it rough on Eli, and I’m predicting here that Arizona defensive back Patrick Peterson intercepts Manning three times in this game.
Prediction: Arizona 20, New York 13
Dallas Cowboys (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (1-0)
This could be a trap game for the Cowboys, but after getting throttled by the 49ers, this is a good game to rebound with a solid effort. However, Romo really needs to stop forcing the ball like he did last week.
Prediction: Dallas 30, Tennessee 17
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) at Washington (0-1)
If any team needed a rebound game, it would be Washington. A home match-up with the Jaguars should provide that. On Jacksonville’s side, I really liked how Chad Henne played last week. If the defense can force Robert Griffin III to make mistakes, an upset here is possible.
Prediction: Washington 17, Jacksonville 13
Seattle Seahawks (1-0) at San Diego Chargers (0-1)
The NFL’s best team takes on one of the most underrated teams in the sport. This will be a good test to see how the Chargers measure up as a playoff team, but an 0-2 start is highly likely.
Prediction: Seattle 31, San Diego 17
St. Louis Rams (0-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)
If you’re stuck watching this game, I feel sorry for you.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 17, St. Louis 10
Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) at Denver Broncos (1-0)
Besides the fact that the Chiefs aren’t playing back-up quarterbacks on a weekly basis, it’s obvious that this isn’t the same team from last year. It’s also evident that the Broncos are a better team overall than last year.
Prediction: Denver 34, Kansas City 14
New York Jets (1-0) at Green Bay Packers (0-1)
The Jets barely squeaked by Oakland while the Packers were demolished by Seattle. Either way, I can’t fathom any scenario in which the Jets win this game, especially in Lambeau.
Prediction: Green Bay 27, New York 13
Houston Texans (1-0) at Oakland Raiders (0-1)
Derek Carr facing his brother’s old team! Matt Schaub…. sitting on the bench against his old team! Evidently, there are a plethora of storylines circling this contest. However, I think the decisive facet of this game will be Carr meeting J.J. Watt for the first time and quite often after that.
Prediction: Houston 20, Oakland 13
Chicago Bears (0-1) at San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
The Niners showed us last week that the preseason can be highly insignificant, including the constantly over-dramatized Week Three. In rolling over the Cowboys, they clicked on all cylinders. The Bears needed to win last week to avoid an 0-2 start. With the Niners opening their new stadium and looking hungry as ever, the Bears have no chance.
Prediction: San Francisco 27, Chicago 17
Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) at Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
Expect the Eagles to be up three scores within the first 10 minutes! All jokes aside, this game will be shootout, as neither team is particularly skilled on the defensive side of the ball. I’ll take Andrew Luck at home, but it’s not a sure bet, and this game could go either way. It’s a toss-up.
Prediction: Indianapolis 31, Philadelphia 27
Last Week: (8-8)
Season: (8-8)
Best: (8-8)
[Photo Credit: 49ers.com]
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