NFL Week 2 Predictions

Week 1 Record - 9-6

Biggest Week One Surprise - The only really surprising result from week one was the Los Angeles Rams taking it to the Indianapolis Colts. Yes, Indianapolis was down their franchise quarterback, but I didn't see Los Angeles winning by 22 against last year's top defense.

The only other outcomes that I did not see coming were the near upsets the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears pulled against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons, respectively. The Rams and Bears are teams in rebuilding stages while the Steelers and Falcons are among the Super Bowl contenders.

Let's now turn out attention to the second week of the NFL season, starting with the Thursday night game.

Thursday Games

Houston Texans (0-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)

While the Thursday night game features two winless teams after a week of play, this game has some pretty big significance for both teams. Houston, who entered the season in the running for the AFC South title can not afford to start the season 0-2. Cincinnati, on the other hand, is a young team and could gain some confidence by earning a win. I think Houston rights the ship and its defense shuts down the young Bengals.

Final Prediction - Houston 24, Cincinnati 13

Sunday Games

Cleveland Browns (0-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-0) The Browns nearly pulled an upset against the Steelers in week one while the Ravens routed the Bengals. If this game was in Cleveland, I’d give the Browns the advantage. With such a young Browns’ team facing its first road test of the year, I think the experienced Ravens’ squad finds a way to get the W. Final Prediction - Baltimore 24, Cleveland 14

Buffalo Bills (1-0) at Carolina Panthers (1-0) The Bills took care of the Jets in week one while the Panthers handled the 49ers. I think this matchup will show what Panthers’ squad we are going to see this year. If they want to make it back to the postseason, they need to win home games against inferior opponents. Carolina pulls away in the second half. Final Prediction - Carolina 30, Buffalo 17

Arizona Cardinals (0-1) at Indianapolis Colts (0-1) The Colts looked… well, awful in their week one loss to the Rams. They return home to take on the David Johnson-less Cardinals, who suffered a loss to the Lions last week. This game could be really, really, really ugly, but I think the Cardinals can replace a running back better than the Colts can replace a quarterback. Arizona moves to .500 while Indianapolis falls to 0-2. Final Prediction - Arizona 13, Indianapolis 6

Tennessee Titans (0-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) The Jaguars torched the Texans in week one while the Titans suffered a loss to the Raiders. If it hopes to have a shot at winning the division, Tennessee needs to pull out a road win this week. If Jacksonville can force four turnovers again, that may be their only shot of winning. I think the Titans roll in this one. Final Prediction - Tennessee 34, Jacksonville 14

Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)

The Chiefs made an early season statement with a road win over the Patriots. The Eagles could make a statement of their own with a W over the Chiefs this weekend. I just can't pick against KC after their impressive win, especially after some extra off days.

Final Prediction - Kansas City 28, Philadelphia 17

New England Patriots (0-1) at New Orleans Saints (0-1) Who saw the Patriots losing by two touchdowns on their home field to start the season? Anyone see the Saints’ offense struggling to get the ball in the end zone? Both teams have plenty to prove in a really intriguing week two matchup. Teams often have trouble winning at New Orleans, but I think New England find a way in a shootout. Final Prediction - New England 38, New Orleans 31

Minnesota Vikings (1-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) The Vikings’ defense that shut down the Saints looked pretty darn good. Can they do it a second straight week against a Steelers’ offense that underperformed (other than Antonio Brown) against the Browns? Because this game is at Pittsburgh, I give the hosts the advantage. Final Prediction - Pittsburgh 24, Minnesota 20

Chicago Bears (0-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) The Bears nearly pulled off a major upset at home against the Falcons last week. The Buccaneers’ game against the Dolphins was postponed until week 11 because of the hurricane. I’d think the Bears have a slight advantage with already having a game under their belt. Still, I think the Bucs open their season with a W, but in a tight game. Final Prediction - Tampa Bay 28, Chicago 24

Miami Dolphins (0-0) at Los Angeles Chargers (0-1) The Chargers had a last second field goal blocked in a week one loss to at Denver. With a game under their belts, LA has an advantage over the Dolphins, who are playing their season-opener. The game is at Los Angeles, although that’s really not home field advantage when you are playing at a soccer stadium. The Chargers pick up a thrilling win of their own this week. Final Prediction - Los Angeles 23, Miami 20

New York Jets (0-1) at Oakland Raiders (1-0) I’ll make this one short and sweet. Under no circumstances should the Raiders lose at home to the Jets. This game will be close… for about the first quarter. Raiders win in a blowout to move to 2-0. Final Prediction - Oakland 42, New York 10

Dallas Cowboys (1-0) at Denver Broncos (1-0) This Cowboys-Broncos matchup is one of the better ones of week two’s schedule. I think a lot of people are sleeping on Denver and giving Dallas way too much credit for a sloppy win over an OBJ-less Giants’ squad. Denver allowed just 64 rushing yards last week and will need a similar performance to move to 2-0. Denver forces a couple turnovers and picks up a second straight home win. Final Prediction - Denver 21, Dallas 20

​​Washington Redskins (0-1) at Los Angeles Rams (1-0) ​

The Redskins totaled just 264 yards in a week one loss to the Eagles while the Rams racked up 373 yards in their blowout win over the Colts. I don’t see the Redskins turning the ball over three times like Indy did, which will allow them to earn a tight road win. Final Prediction - Washington 17, Los Angeles 16

San Francisco 49ers (0-1) at Seattle Seahawks (0-1) As the 49ers and Seahawks prepare for a division showdown, both teams are looking for their first touchdowns. San Fran had just 217 total yards in a week one loss to the Panthers while Seattle posted 225 yards against the Packers in a 17-9 loss. I think the Seahawks show some life on offense and stroll to a home win for their first W. Final Prediction - Seattle 24, San Francisco 13

Green Bay Packers (1-0) at Atlanta Falcons (1-0) A rematch of the most recent NFC Championship headlines the week two NFL schedule. Neither team looked all that impressive in week one wins, but I think both teams give fans a show in week two. This game could have serious playoff implications down the road and could very well be the NFC Championship matchup again. Can the Packers’ defense shut down the high-flying Falcons’ offense led by MVP Matt Ryan and stud wide receiver Julio Jones? Yes, at least better than their last matchup. Still, the Falcons are too much to overcome in the opening of the brand-new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Final Prediction - Atlanta 31, Green Bay 27

Monday Games

Detroit Lions (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1) The Lions erupted for 20 fourth quarter points to take down the visiting Cardinals a week ago while the Giants finished with just 233 yards against the Cowboys. It looks unlikely that Odell Beckham Jr. will play this week, meaning Sterling Shepard and Brandon Marshall are going to have to post more than 54 receiving yards if the Giants want to win. Detroit went just 3-5 on the road last year while New York was 7-1 at home. Give me the Giants, regardless of the status of OBJ. Final Prediction - New York 24, Detroit 17

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