NFL Week 2 picks

It was an interesting week last week, as several favorites lost.  Chicago benefitted from a bad call, San Francisco's vaulted defense disintegrated, and the Jets' offense evaporated.  For the Jets, that's a continuation of preseason difficulties.  Things don't look good for Mark Sanchez; even Joe Namath had to come onscreen during HBO's Hard Knocks to show the second year QB how to take quick snaps.

EAR:LY GAMES:
Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons:  Atlanta played well against the Steelers' stingy defense last week.  The Cards defense is good, but not on the same level.  On the other side of the ball, the Cards' offense wasn't impressive against a weak Rams defense.  The Falcons defense is slightly better, and the offense is much better than what the Cards' defense saw last week.  FALCONS, 24-16

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals:  While TO and Ochocinco are still getting along, their play is less than impressive.  The Ravens pestered Sanchez and the Jets incessantly last week.  They should do that again this week; both TO and Ochocinco play with lots of emotion.  If the Ravens can upset them, they'll make mistakes.  RAVENS, 16-13

Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers:  Aaron Rodgers continued the huge numbers he produced during the preseason.  With Favre looking gimpy and Kurt Warner retired, only Drew Brees stands in his way to be the top NFC quarterback.  He'll continue to chase that title in this game.  PACK, 28-13

Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys:  Could the Bears go 2-0?  Tony Romo and the Cowboys offense was still terrible; they haven't improved from their awkward preseason performances.  With the Bears defense mostly healthy right now (which likely won't last), I like the chance of a shutout.  I won't pick that, but the Bears will effectively shut down the 'Boys.  With no stress to come from behind, Cutler should have enough calm to concentrate on what he's doing and have a decent game.  BEARS, 17-6

Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns:  Could the Chiefs be the best AFC West team?  I don't think it'll remain that way all season, as their bench is thin, but they certainly looked better than any other AFC West team last week.  Given the Browns' woes, that image should continue.  CHIEFS, 20-10

Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings:  Miami had to settle for field goals last week.  I think that's all they'll get this week, too, but the result will be quite different.  The Vikings offense is too fast for the Dolphins' D, so the Vikes will take an early lead, and build upon that.  VIKINGS, 27-9

Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions:  The Lions should have won last week's game.  That'll give them some incentive, but the Eagles have something to prove, too, or at least Michael Vick does.  With Kolb out with injury, it's Vick's time to start.  He'll turn that into a victory.  EAGLES, 24-13

Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans:  That stifling Steelers defense will be on display this week, and they'll shut down Steve Young and the Titans.  No concerns about an absent Ben Roethlisberger in this game.  STEELERS, 17-10

Tampa Bay Bucs at Carolina Panthers:  Whoa, this game could go either way!  I have to pick the home team in these close combats, especially since the Bucs still have a problem with turnovers - a costly late one will kill them.  PANTHERS, 23-20

LATE GAMES:
Houston Texans at Washington Redskins:  The Redskins had a chance to roll over Dallas as they struggled, but they couldn't.  The Texans, meanwhile, were a dominant force last week.  I think that'll continue this week.  TEXANS, 23-13

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers:  I think last week's Monday Night game was a fluke.  The Chargers are still a strong team, and they'll show that this week.  CHARGERS, 20-13

New England Patriots at New York Jets:  The Jets will get booed as their offense continues to struggle, while the Pats drill them with their slow and precise offense.  PATS, 23-10

Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos:  Seattle's offense impressed me greatly last week.  As much as I dislike Pete Carroll, he's got something going with this team.  SEAHAWKS, 30-20

St Louis Rams at Oakland Raiders:  Sam Bradford hurt his shoulder again, although he'll be playing.  The Raiders defense may make him regret that decision, though.  RAIDERS, 13-10

SUNDAY NIGHT:
New York Giants at Indianapolis Colts:  You know, they could have scheduled this as a double-header in Giants Stadium.  God knows the New York fans would love a good game after what will undoubtedly be a Jets disaster.  You think the Giants would have the benefit, given their defense and the Colts' struggles last week, but the elder Manning has usually had the upper hand against the younger, and I think Peyton will win this Battle of the Mannings.  COLTS, 24-17

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers:  Mike Singletary has plenty of work to improve his team from last week's debacle, while the Saints are defending their Super Bowl title.  The Saints squeezed out another close call against the Vikings last week, but they should soar against the 49ers if they can't correct last week's problems.  SAINTS, 31-10