NFL Week 2 Predictions: Teams That Will Triumph in Marquee Matchups

Week 2 of the NFL season boasts a handful of must-see matchups as teams do their best to establish dominance early in the 2012 campaign.

We know a little more about each team now than we did before, but no franchise is a finished product at this point. With some teams further along than others, now is the time to score a critical early-season victory.

Big wins can propel a team to lofty heights. Expect these three squads to build momentum after this week's slate of NFL games.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers were disappointing in their Week 1 loss against the Denver Broncos, but they will bounce back at home in Week 2. The Jets looked outstanding against the Bills, but this isn't the same thing.

Pittsburgh is a proud team. Todd Haley played his cards relatively close to the vest in their opening matchup, but I expect him to attack the Jets consistently in this one.

Ben Roethlisberger took hit after hit in the opening week. He also had his fair share of passes knocked down at the line of scrimmage. The Jets' defensive line isn't the strength of their team, and Big Ben will make adjustments following a loss.

This is going to be a very close game, but Mark Sanchez won't enjoy the same success that he had against Buffalo. Heinz Field will be rocking, and Pittsburgh will do whatever it takes to avoid an 0-2 start.

Expect this to be a battle, but the Steelers will get it done in the end.

Atlanta Falcons

This week's Monday Night game will be a lot more competitive than either of the Week 1 tilts, but Atlanta will get the job done. If I had to pick one "must-see" game, this is it.

Atlanta's win over Kansas City on Sunday was nearly flawless. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones looked like veterans who have played together for 10 years, and they did it all with very little production from Michael Turner.

The Falcons' defense is better than it was last year. Their pass rush is more equipped to pressure the quarterback, and it's not like they have to shut a team out to win the game.

Peyton Manning made a seamless transition against the Steelers in Week 1, but the Falcons' offense will force them to compete in a shootout. Expect the winner of this one to need 40-plus points.

The Broncos run game could change things. Atlanta is currently 28th against the run, but Manning will do the majority of the work.

Look for Ryan to deliver the game that Roethlisberger couldn't last week. Atlanta's offense only seems to get better, but they will be tested here.

Chicago Bears

One of the NFL's best rivalries will close another chapter in this week's Thursday matchup. Green Bay enters 0-1 after being handled easily by the 49ers in Week 1, but the Bears are 1-0 after beating Andrew Luck and the Colts.

Home-field advantage is going to play a major role here. Lambeau Field is one of the toughest places to play, and Green Bay won't be happy after losing their opening game, but this is Chicago team is better than last year's group.

Jay Cutler already showed his rapport with Brandon Marshall by hooking up with him for a score in Week 1, and rookie Alshon Jeffery contributed a touchdown catch as well. Their hulking size on the outside presents matchup issues for any secondary.

The Bears' run game is also better. Matt Forte is healthy, and Michael Bush is one of the best short-yardage backs in the league. Bush's two touchdowns in Week 1 showed why Chicago added him in the offseason.

Defensively, the Bears aren't the 49ers, but they are still a solid unit. They forced three interceptions from Luck on Sunday, and they will still be fired up by the time this matchup comes around.

Green Bay loses a close one, but not for lack of trying. Aaron Rodgers will have another big game, but the Packers' defense still isn't up to snuff.