NFL Picks Week 2: Breaking Down the Best Games on This Week's Slate

After a terrific start to the new season, Week 2 provides a worthy follow-up. There are plenty of terrific games lined up on the slate, and there should be some great football.

We'll break down and pick some of the best games on the schedule.

Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles

The Ravens looked incredible last week, with a 44-13 drubbing of the Cincinnati Bengals. Joe Flacco could be in his breakout year, and the defense didn't look to suffer too badly with the loss of Terell Suggs.

The Eagles, on the other hand, struggled in an ugly win over the woeful Cleveland Browns. Michael Vick threw four interceptions and did not look like the player he normally is.

While playing in Philadelphia is always tough, the Ravens look too good to let the Eagles deter them. Look  for the Ravens to come out on top, winning 24-20. 

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

The Saints and Panthers both had high expectations coming into the season. Both lost to supposedly inferior teams in the Redskins and Buccaneers, respectively.

Not the best start, and they'll both be looking to rebound. This is a good rivalry, and the all-time series is tied at 17.

This battle will come down to who can make the most stops. Both teams have top offenses but somewhat shaky defenses.

In the offensive shootout, look for the Saints to come out on top. Their offense is simply better than Carolina's. 

It will be a high-scoring game, but the Saints will come out on top, winning 42-35.

New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Jets looked absolutely incredible last week, as they beat up on the Bills by a score of 48-28. It was an all-around dominant performance.

The Steelers, conversely, had a tougher game against the new-look Broncos, losing 31-19. The running game was pitiful, and the offensive line struggled to keep Ben Rothlisberger protected.

We're not yet sure if the Jets' dominant win was an aberration, but right now, we think the hot team wins. Look for the Jets to win by a score of 21-17, in a close-fought game.

Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers

This is the Sunday night game and it features two top teams. The Lions are one of the better offensive teams in the league, while the 49ers are one of the top defenses.

The 49ers beat the Packers in Green Bay in impressive fashion, establishing themselves as one of the favorites for the NFC crown. The Lions had a tough go of it against St. Louis, pulling out a 27-23 win where Matthew Stafford threw three interceptions.

Unless Calvin Johnson has a huge game, look for the 49ers to continue their dominance over the NFC, winning 24-14.

Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons

It looks like Peyton Manning hasn't missed a beat. He was very impressive in Week 1, throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns in their win against Pittsburgh. He may very well be the missing piece.

But let's not forget about Matt Ryan, who put up huge numbers in a win against Kansas City. Ryan threw for 299 yards and four touchdowns.

This is shaping up to be a Monday night shootout, and it could be a close one. The difference might come down to the fact that the Falcons best corner, Brent Grimes, is out for the season.

Denver pulls this one out, winning 35-30.