NFL Picks Week 2: Predicting Outcome of Weekend's Biggest Showdowns

Week 2 of the 2013 NFL season features several key matchups, so here are predictions for the biggest games of the weekend.

A pair of divisional games will be in prime time this weekend, and a pair of brothers will be playing against each other. That makes for a fun weekend of football.

The opening weekend featured many thrilling games and a few surprises. If Week 2 is anything like Week 1, fans will not be disappointed.

Here is a full schedule for Week 2, followed by predictions for the biggest showdowns.

Denver Broncos (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1)

Peyton versus Eli will be the biggest storyline of the game. However, this game shouldn't be close.

The older brother is coming off an incredible performance. He threw for 462 yards and seven touchdowns, which tied for the most in NFL history. Peyton did not throw an interception as the Broncos beat the Baltimore Ravens 49-27.

Eli, on the other hand, had a tough game against the Dallas Cowboys. He threw for 450 yards and four touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions. The Giants lost 36-31 to their division rivals.

Both teams have dynamic passing attacks, but the Broncos have the better offense. Peyton has Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas to throw to. Eli has Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, but that doesn't equal what the Broncos have.

The Broncos have plenty of playmakers to work with on offense. New York doesn't have much of a running game, so Eli is going to have to throw the ball a lot. Denver knows that and will be able to plan accordingly.

This could turn into a shootout, so it will come down to which quarterback takes care of the football. Peyton makes the smart throws, and Eli has a tendency to throw interceptions. 

Denver will win this game comfortably, and they could return to MetLife Stadium in February for the Super Bowl.

Prediction: Denver Broncos 35, New York Giants 21

San Francisco 49ers (1-0) at Seattle Seahawks (1-0)

The matchup everyone is looking forward to this weekend is in Seattle. The 49ers and the Seahawks split their meetings in 2012, and there are even higher expectations this season.

Seattle went 8-0 at home last year, including a 42-13 thrashing of San Francisco at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks held the 49ers to 19 points in two meetings.

However, Seattle struggled against the Carolina Panthers last week. It was down 7-3 at halftime and needed a touchdown pass from Russell Wilson in the fourth quarter to escape with a 12-7 victory.

Marshawn Lynch has the ability to take over a game. Against the Panthers, he managed only 43 yards on 17 carries, but the Seahawks will need a much better performance to stay in this game.

San Francisco led for most of its game against the Green Bay Packers and won 34-28. New 49er Anquan Boldin had 208 yards and a touchdown on 13 catches. He will be tough to stop, and Colin Kaepernick will be able to have a strong game against a great defense in a tough environment.

The 49ers have Kaepernick, Boldin and Vernon Davis, who are all explosive playmakers on offense. Frank Gore can contribute on the ground, so they have many players who can find the end zone.

This game could go either way. The Seahawks are extremely tough to beat at home, but the 49ers may have a little bit more talent on offense. 

Prediction: San Francisco 49ers 21, Seattle Seahawks 17

Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)

This week's Monday Night Football features two teams looking for a big win. The Pittsburgh Steelers looked bad in their opener against the Tennessee Titans, and they suffered a few injuries. The Cincinnati Bengals blew an 11-point lead against the Chicago Bears.

Every team in the AFC North lost in Week 1, and those four teams will have divisional games this week. 

Pittsburgh lost center Maurkice Pouncey, who tore his ACL and MCL, and running back LaRod Stephens-Howling, who tore his ACL. The offensive line is a mess, which is a bad sign heading into this game.

The Bengals have the best defensive line in the league. Geno Atkins is the best interior lineman in the NFL, and Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap are extremely athletic defensive ends.

A.J. Green is the second-best receiver in the league, and Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert give quarterback Andy Dalton a couple of athletic tight ends.

The two rivals split their meetings last season. The road team won each time, including when the Bengals won in December to clinch a playoff spot and eliminate the Steelers. It was Dalton's first win against the Steelers.

Pittsburgh is already banged up and dealing with an inexperienced offensive line. Cincinnati found a way to beat the Steelers with everything on the line last season, and it has only improved its offense since then. The defense will make Ben Roethlisberger's night rough, and the Steelers won't be able to run the ball with consistency.

Both defenses are strong, so it will be about which offense makes the fewest mistakes. Neither team runs the football very well, and all eyes will be on the quarterbacks. Dalton has a few more playmakers to work with, so the Bengals get the slight edge at home.

Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 23, Pittsburgh Steelers 14

*All information is courtesy of NFL.com