NFL Week 2 Picks: Teams That Will Prove Their Week 1 Victories Were Legit

The Baltimore Ravens looked like world beaters on Monday night as they dismantled the Cincinnati Bengals 44-13. They will follow that dominant performance with another victory in Week 2.

They face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

The Eagles will be eager to perform better than they did in Week 1. They came away with the 17-16 win over the Cleveland Browns, but they turned the ball over five times. That includes four interceptions from Mike Vick.

The Eagles will play better, but the Ravens' defense and the Joe Flacco-led offense looked stellar against the Bengals. Flacco threw for 299 yards two touchdowns, and Ray Rice ran for 68 yards and two touchdowns.

They won't blow the Eagles out by 31 points, but a 27-17 victory will be just as impressive on the road.

Everyone knows the Ravens are a solid team, what about the teams that are still proving themselves?

Chicago Bears over the Green Bay Packers

The Bears took it to Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. Jay Cutler shook off a slow start and threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Bears to a 41-21 win.

The Bears' offense looks pretty solid right now, and they will send the Green Bay Packers to an 0-2 start on Thursday night. The complement of weapons Cutler has at his disposal is perhaps the best in the team's history.

You think that is a bold statement?

Consider these facts: Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton is the team's all-time leader in receptions with 492, Johnny Morris is the all-time leader in receiving yards with 5,059 and Ken Kavanaugh is the top man in receiving touchdowns with 50.

The Bears have the most non-distinguished history at wide receiver of any long-time NFL franchise. It is obvious Payton is a legend, and I'm in no way calling a Matt Forte-Payton comparison a wash, but No. 22 is an outstanding back.

Combine Cutler, who is already one of the Bears' greatest quarterbacks (oh, it's true), with Forte, Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester and Alshon Jeffery, and this group stands out in the team's modest offensive history.

The Packers may be without Greg Jennings per Kevin Seifert of ESPN, which will hurt their ability to stretch the field. In addition to that, this Bears team can actually put points on the board. 

Watch for the mild upset: Bears 28, Packers 20.

Washington Redskins over St. Louis Rams

Robert Griffin III outshined Andrew Luck in their respective debuts. Luck is going to be a fine player barring injury, but you can't ignore how well RG3 played.

He didn't turn the ball over, he showed great poise and matched against Drew Brees, he didn't appear overwhelmed at all.

He did all this on the road in one of the most raucous buildings in the NFL. It is only one week, but he looks like the real deal.

The Redskins defense deserves a massive pat on the back as well. They held an explosive New Orleans Saints offense in check most of the game.

The 32 points they surrendered was partly a product of a pass-happy attack once the Saints were down. They induced two interceptions from Brees, though one of them came on the game's final play.

The Skins sacked Brees twice and pressured him consistently.

They played well overall, and now they will take on a St. Louis Rams team that narrowly missed knocking off the Detroit Lions. 

The edge goes to RG3 and the Skins in this one. Washington is a more complete team with more weapons in the passing game. Defensively, they will get after Sam Bradford as they did Brees, and you'll hear the talk of the Skins being the early surprise of the NFL.

Washington starts the season 2-0, with two road victories. The Skins will win 33-24.

Follow Brian Mazique and Franchiseplay on YouTube and Twitter for reactions, analysis and news from the world of sports and sports video games

Subscribe on YouTube

Follow @BrianMazique

Follow @franchiseplay