The NFL BluePrint: Week Two

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

At the beginning of pre-season, I went through the NFL schedule to determine how well I thought teams would do this season. I went through every game of every week picking the winners for each game and had a conclusion on how I thought the season would end up.

One week has now gone by in the league. The comparison between how teams played in week one and my view on teams before the season started has allowed me to see the hits and flaws of my perspective.

Consider this free-style writing, just thoughts that go through my mind when I see the matchup on paper. This is my view on the league in week two.

Week One: (12-4)

Carolina Panthers (0-1) @ Atlanta Falcons (1-0) - 1:00/FOX

Atlanta usually comes out on top when Carolina visits the ATL. What impressed me about Atlanta last week was their front seven. Atlanta's defensive line penetrated a pretty good Miami offensive line last week.

Carolina usually has success rushing the ball when playing inside the Dome, so look for the Panthers to rely on the rushing game early. Delhomme has the skill to torch the Falcons secondary, but the Falcons' defensive gameplan will be to pressure Delhomme constantly. 

Ultimately the Carolina offensive line will determine their fate in week two. If the offensive line has success on the ground and gives Delhomme time, then Carolina should keep up with Atlanta's offense. That's the best case scenario I see for Carolina though.

I would be surprised to see Carolina hold a lead for a majority of the game. They are more than capable of keeping this game close, but Atlanta is just as capable as running away with it.

Pick: ATL

Minnesota Vikings (1-0) @ Detroit Lions (0-1) - 1:00/FOX

Who is not expecting a big day from Peterson? If you saw what this guy did to the Cleveland Browns defense, wait until you see what he is going to do against one of the league's worst defenses.

Even if Detroit somehow holds Peterson to minimum gains, the receivers Minnesota have are more than capable of torching the entire Lion secondary.

The only player worth paying in the Lions secondary is Louis Delmas (and maybe McCauley), but Minnesota's offense is just too complete for Detroit to handle.

Let's not forget how good Minnesota's defense is. If Stafford and Smith struggled against the Saints' defense, there is no way they will be ready to handle what Minnesota has.

Don't be surprised to see another thrashing received by the Lions because they are too young, get burnt in the secondary, and can't block up front. 

Pick: MIN

Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) @ Green Bay Packers (1-0) - 1:00/CBS

Green Bay's defense is one of the best when it comes to putting points on the board. The Packer defense is not what worries me, in fact, nothing about Green Bay really worries me in this game.

Green Bay's biggest weakness is their offensive line, and Sunday night did not convince me otherwise.

Will their offensive line cost them this game? Probably not, but it will be the factor of whether or not Cincinnati will be able to keep this game close. Cincinnati is going to have to rely on their defense in order to keep the offense in realistic range to win this game.

If the Bengals find a way to control Rodgers with pressure and bad decision making, then maybe they will keep this game interesting. I would be surprised to see Cincinnati win this game, but don't be surprised if it is closer than the 10-point spread.

Offensively... Palmer, Ocho and Henry will have to play at full potential to keep this game close, which I don't see the Packer defense allowing (especially at home).

Green Bay is finally healthy on both sides of the ball, so really the only thing that can beat the Packers on Sunday is themselves.

Pick: GNB

Houston Texans (0-1) @ Tennessee Titans (1-0) - 1:00/CBS

I have not found one thing I don't like about the Tennessee Titans. They are tough, physical, fundamental, executionists, mentally focused, and ready to fight any day of the week.

All of those characteristics go on both sides of the football, which is why I still believe the Titans are a top-three team in the AFC.

I wish I could say the same for Houston, though. I never expected a big season from Slaton, and this week I expect no different.

The loss of Albert Haynesworth WILL NOT effect the Titans defense at all. Jason Jones is more than capable of filling into the tackle spot without the other 10 players missing a beat in their assignments.

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