Week One of the NFL season was a wild one. We saw a last-second catch (Stokley), seven turnovers in one game (Panthers), season-ending injuries (Urlacher) and so many other things.

Week One rarely tells us anything about a team for the season, but we usually know the top teams and the bottom teams. Week Two has a lot of close matchups on paper, so we will see if they stay close.

I can see a lot of upsets happening this week, so if you're in a survivor pool you might not be able to sit down. Now, on to the predictions.

 

CAR @ ATL

The Panthers will struggle as long as Jake Delhomme is their starting QB. He simply looks lost out there, and the meltdown started last January against the Cardinals. The Falcons are a much more balanced team and should control the clock with their powerful running attack of Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. I'm seeing a blowout.

Prediction: CAR 10, ATL 24

Studs: All Falcons, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams

Duds: Jake Delhomme, Jonathan Stewart, John Kasey, Mushin Muhammad

 

MIN @ DET

Think the Lions are gonna get stomped on by the Vikes? Not so fast. Last year, the Lions kept it close all game but couldn't shut the door, and the Vikes escaped with a victory. I don't see the Lions pulling it off this year, either, but they will stand toe-to-toe with them. Start all your regulars in this one.

Prediction: MIN 27, DET 24

Studs: All Vikings, Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith

Duds: Matt Stafford (but you probably weren't starting him anyway)

 

CIN@GB

The Pack won on a huge 80-yard touchdown by Jennings last week to squeak by the Bears, but they won't need any late magic against the Bengals. I'd hesitate starting any Bengal this week outside of Chad Ochocinco, because the Packers defense looks much improved and ferocious. Use all your regular Packers and watch them roll.

Prediction: CIN 10, GB 21

Studs: All Packers, Chad Ochocinco

Duds: Carson Palmer, Laveranues Coles, Cedric Benson

 

AZ @ JAX

The Cardinals are coming off a tough loss to the 49ers, but they should win here. The Jaguars don't have the firepower to beat the Cardinals or the defense to stop them. I'd start all your regular Cardinals and Maurice Jones-Drew, but I'd stay away from any other Jaguar until they show more.

Prediction: AZ 27, JAX 21

Studs: All Cardinals, Maurice Jones-Drew

Duds: David Garrard, Torry Holt

 

OAK @ KC

This one should be a high-scoring affair, and the Raiders looked like a better team last week. The Chiefs got lucky on a few turnovers by the Ravens, but the Raiders stood toe-to-toe with the Chargers until the final seconds. If Larry Johnson can't get going this week, I'd give up on him. I'm going with the Raiders here.

Prediction: OAK 31, KC 27

Studs: Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, Louis Murphy, Zach Miller, Larry Johnson, Dwayne Bowe

Duds: Jermarcus Russell, Both defenses

 

NE @ NYJ

The Patriots are hurting on defense and it doesn't get any easier this week against an improved Jets team. I can see Rex Ryan throwing a lot of trickery against them, and Mark Sanchez looks like a legit starting quarterback.

Tom Brady looked rusty and rattled at times until the final touchdown drives. Wes Welker is also out for the game, which does not bode well for the Pats. If the Jets want to make a statement, they will win this game.

I can see Darrelle Revis shadowing Randy Moss and shutting him down like he did last week against Andre Johnson. You can't bench him, but don't expect a spectacular game out of Moss. I'm smelling an upset.

Prediction: NE 17, NYJ 20

Studs: Tom Brady, Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Jets defense, Chansi Stuckey

Duds: Randy Moss (see above), Jerricho Cotchery (Shawn Springs is a solid cover corner), Patriots defense, Ben Watson, Fred Taylor, and Lawrence Maroney

 

NO @ PHI

The Eagles are without Donovan McNabb and I can't see them keeping up with the Saints. The Saints have too much offense and an improved defense, so I'd expect them to win. I'd still start all your usual starters in this one, because the defenses aren't elite.

Prediction: NO 27, PHI 21

Start: Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey, DeSean Jackson, Brian Westbrook

Duds: Both defenses, Mike Bell, Reggie Bush

 

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