Browns (+7) at Ravens: I was hoping to get more value with this play, but I'll take what I can get. Both of these teams struggled in their first game. Baldimore should be fired up for their first home game but I think it'll be a weird feeling without Reed, Lewis, and Boldin. They clearly missed those guys in the season opener. Baldimore should be fine, eventually. That probably won't happen early this season. Cleveland is a young team on the rise and should be able to run the ball on Baldimore with a big offensive line and a stud RB in Richardson. I'm calling for the upset with Baldimore possibly looking ahead to Houston next week.
Browns 28 Ravens 20
Rams (+7) at Falcons: In Steven Jackson's first game vs St. Louis, Atlanta is almost in must-win mode. The Rams had a big win last week and look to build on it. The Rams defense puts lots of pressure on the QB and I expect them to do that this week. Matt Ryan rarely loses at home (25-3 in meaningful games) but this team could have a hangover from last year. They only managed 17 points vs a poor Saints defense. They ran for 6.3 a carry but they only ran the ball 14 times. The Falcons have not had much balance on offense over the past few years and I expect them to continue that here. I'm calling for another upset. Bradford has a big day and the Rams shock Atlanta.
Rams 27 Falcons 20
Bengals (-7) is a possible play also. I'm still mulling over my options.
The Rest of Week 2
Jets (+11.5) at Patriots: I will start this by saying that the Jets will be lucky to win 5 games this year. Tampa Bay basically handed the Jets the game last week and New York squeaked out a 1 point win. Normally, I'd say that they don't have the fire power to hang with New England, but Tom Brady is missing 80% of the team's receptions from last year and now they are without Amendola, who had 10 catches last week. I wouldn't be surprised to see this game come down to the last possession.
Patriots 24 Jets 17
Chargers (+8) at Eagles: San Diego blew it on Mondee. Butthole Rivers threw a costly INT and they blew a big lead. I have them towards the bottom of my power rankings for good reason. The Eagles went nuts in their first game. It will take a few weeks for teams to figure out the Eagles offense, but San Diego is not the team to figure it out. Chargers play an early game on the east coast after playing Mondee Night. Not good for Butthole.
Eagles 31 Chargers 20
Titans (+9.5) at Texans: Both of these teams had big road wins to start the year. Tennessee's D was dominant and Houston had a huge come from behind victory. I would like to take Tennessee, but that offense is weak. Playing a top 5 defense won't help matters. Houston won't run away with it, but Tennessee doesn't have much of a chance of pulling this one off.
Texans 30 Titans 14
Dolphins (+3) at Colts: Both of these teams have playoff aspirations. In a weak AFC, both should be able to compete. That makes this game even more important because this game could be the tie-breaker for a Wild Card spot. I like the improvements that South Beach has made. They added some players on defense and an explosive WR. That didn't show in Week 1, but they should be able to move the ball against an Indy D that gave up 378 yards to Oakland last week. Indy had good balance and I expect the same this week. Both teams should be able to score points, but I have to take Luck at home only giving a FG.
Colts 31 Dolphins 27
Panthers (-3) at Bills: Both of these teams lost to teams that are supposed to be Super Bowl contenders last week, but both played them tough. Carolina looks like a team on the rise, while Buffalo just lost their "Super Bowl". If the Sex Panthers are going to make a playoff push, they can't afford to start 0-2. Newton will lead them to a victory here.
Panthers 24 Bills 20
Redskins (+7.5) at Packers: The loser of this game goes from 2012 division champ to 0-2. The Redskins looked lost on Mondee and I'm thinking it will continue at Lambeau. They have a shot to keep it close with Alfred Morris's ability of having a big day, but that defense will struggle to stop the Packers explosive offense. After seeing the 49ers' physical defense, the Redskins defense will look like a high school team. Packers should score lots of points.
Packers 41 Redskins 20
Cowboys (+3) at Chiefs: I think both of these teams could be sleeper teams. However, while KC can be a playoff sleeper, Dallas can be a Super Bowl contender. I'm driving the Romo bandwagon this year. KC didn't do much vs a poor Jags defense last week and I don't think they'll score enough to win this game.
Cowboys 20 Chiefs 14
Vikings (+6.5) at Bears: I was very impressed with the Bears last week. I consider Cincinnati a legit Super Bowl contender and the Bears beat them with 2 rookie offensive linemen. But I'm still not sold on the Bears this year. I'm expecting Adrian Peterson to have a normal Adrian Peterson game. I'm picking the Bears, but only by a FG:
Bears 23 Vikings 20
Saints (-4) at Buccaneers: I had the Saints extremely high in my preseason power rankings. I think they can compete for a championship if everything goes right. Tampa is coming off an awful loss to the Jets and I expect them to respond here. I think Tampa will be able move the ball and score. The Saints could also be in for a letdown.
Buccaneers 26 Saints 23
Lions (-2.5) at Cardinals: It has finally happened. All of those 1st round picks that Detroit has taken are playing extremely well. The difference is that this year, it appears that they are finally going to be able to play together and make Detroit a contender. Arizona is a team with limited upside. I'm guessing that Detroit starts out extremely hot this year and they beat Arizona convincingly.
Lions 34 Cardinals 16
Jaguars (+6) at Raiders: PILLOW FIGHT!!!
Raiders 23 Jaguars 13
Broncos (-4) at Giants: Dinver was #2 on my preseason power rankings. The Giants were #24. Who do you think I'm going with?
Broncos 35 Giants 24
49ers (+2.5) at Seahawks: This should be a fun game to watch. I think the 49ers are the much better team, but I have a difficult time picking against Seattle at home. I'm not a big fan of Russell Wilson or the Seattle offense, but I'm going with them at home.
Seahawks 20 49ers 17
Steelers (+7) at Bengals: This game is the definition of two teams heading in opposite directions. Pittsburgh looks old and injured. The bottom is going to fall out very shortly. The Bengals are young and on the verge of contending for a Super Bowl. Cincy can't lose this game, especially at home on Mondee night. I'm going with the Bengals in a convincing win.
Bengals 24 Steelers 6
No comments:
Post a Comment