NFL Week 2 Picks: Could The Bills Pull a Shocker Against The Packers?
An exciting Week 1 of the 2010 NFL season leaves us only with more questions than answers.
Can the Texans continue to shine? Will the Vikings bounce back? How will the big AFC East showdown between New England and the Jets shake up?
Who will be this week's surprise upset? What about the Manning Bowl? Check out these picks to find out!
Tampa Bay at Carolina
1 of 16
1:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Bank of America Stadium
Why the Bucs could win: Tampa Bay is rebuilding, there is no question about it. And no one expects them to contend for the NFC South title. But they did look impressive in the second half against Cleveland last week.ย
They kept the Browns scoreless for the final 35 minutes, and Josh Freeman tossed a pair of touchdowns. Granted they were playing Cleveland, but a Week 1 win can have a big impact on a young team like the Bucs.
Why the Panthers could lose: Carolina fought the Giants tough last week and Matt Moore had a few moments in the early going, but they never established their running game.
DeAngelo Williams was hardly stellar and Jonathan Stewart barely touched the ball. For Carolina to beat anyone, they need to gain at least 150 yards on the ground.
If Tampaโs front fourโheadlined by Gerald McCoyโholds steady Moore will be throwing the ball far more than the gameplan intended.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Tampa win = 3
Prediction: The Panthers backfield duo will fare much better against Tampa than the Giants: Carolina 27, Tampa 7.
Miami at Minnesota
2 of 16
1:00 p.m.
Metrodome
Why the Dolphins could win: Miami is built on defense and running the ball and that will no doubt be the emphasis against Minnesota. But there is serious talent in the passing game now as well.ย
Everyone knows what Brandon Marshall can do, but Anthony Fasano looks to have re-emerged after disappearing in 2009 and Davone Bess is one of the leagueโs best-kept secrets.
If Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams can keep the chains moving , there will be openings for Chad Henne to hit the big play.
Why the Vikings could lose: Last Thursday they just didnโt resemble the same team we saw last year in the playoffs. Itโs too early to declare them deadโฆfar too early.
But if Favre canโt get in synch with someone other than Visantheย Shiancoe, the Vikings will be in trouble until (if?) Sidney Rice returns.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Dolphins win = 6
Prediction: Back at home, with another week under Favreโs belt, the Vikings get healthy and defeat the young Fins. Minnesota 31, Miami 16.
Pittsburgh at Tennessee
3 of 16
1:00 p.m.
LP Field
Why the Steelers could lose: Overall, Pittsburgh outplayed Atlanta last week and the game should have never gone to overtime: Jeff Reed should have nailed the game-winner in the final minute. But a handful of things went wrong besides Reedโs miss.
Dennis Dixonโs debut last week was not what the Steelers were hoping from their talented second-year quarterback: his stats proved far better than his actual performance.
And although Rashard Mendenhall saved the day with his overtime touchdown, during the first 60 minutes the running game was good, not great.
Troy Polamaluโs trademark athleticism might be the reason the Steelers are 1-0 and not 0-1. They are going to need to play a complete game on the road against Tennessee.
Why the Titans could lose: Although it happens only rarely,ย the Steelers are probably going to surrender 100-plus yards to Chris Johnson.
But a typical 150-200 yard performance is not something the Titans can count on. They are going to need to make plays in the passing game to score enough points to defeat the Steelers.
Vince Young doesnโt have to have his best day as a passer, but he needs to be consistent.ย The Titans must convert a few third and shorts through the air, they canโt rely on Johnson for everything.ย
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): No Shocker either way. ย
Prediction: ย Again the Steelers will struggle to get the ball in the endzone but so will Tennessee.
Chris Johnson will get his yards but the Titans donโt control the clock. Pittsburgh 13, Tennessee 10.
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Arizona at Atlanta
4 of 16
1:00 p.m.
Georgia Dome
Why the Cardinals could win: Derek Anderson didnโt kick off the post-Kurt Warner era with a bang but he did get a win in his debut as the Cardinals quarterback.ย With Larry Fitzgerald in his corner, he will be efficient.ย
But to pull of a decent sized upset, the Cardinals' run defense will be the key. Against St. Louis in Week 1, the unit hemmed in Steven Jackson (less than 4 yards per carry).
Theyโll need to be even better against Atlanta: the Falcons and Michael Turner can beat you on the ground, on the edges with Roddy White or over the middle with Tony Gonzalez.
Why the Falcons could lose: Roddy White had a huge game, statistically, against Pittsburgh but he never got free downfield: of all his 13 catches, the longest was just 18 yards.
The Falcons need to be able to stretch the field more in order to open up the running game.ย Arizona is talented in the secondary and they will be able to limit the catches and the yards after the catch.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): An Arizona win = 4
Prediction: Atlanta is a different and better team at home. They will handle Arizona with moderate ease.ย Atlanta 24, Arizona 13.
Baltimore at Cincinnati
5 of 16
1:00 p.m.
Paul Brown Stadium
Why the Bengals could win: Unlike last week, they arenโt likely to fall behind by multiple touchdowns at home against Ravens offense. And against New England last week, Marvin Lewisโ group displayed uncharacteristic patience.
Although they fell behind 31-10, they didnโt give up. Similarly, they will need to avoid panic this week: Baltimore will force three-and-outs and/or create turnovers and sacks.
But they wonโt get blown out. The second half will determine the winner: not the first half.ย
Why the Ravens could lose: The road win over the Jets hardly establishes Baltimore as a favorite in the AFC North, let alone the entire conference. The win was huge for sure, but the Jets are not the world beaters the media would have us believe.
Ray Rice will again be called upon for 20-plus carries so he needs to do better than 43 yards rushing for the Ravens to keep drives alive: Joe Flacco is not going to win a shootout with Carson Palmer.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Cincinnati win = 3
Prediction: Baltimoreโs defense is again one of the premier units in the NFL. Baltimore 19, Cincinnati 17.
Kansas City at Cleveland
6 of 16
Kansas City at Cleveland
1:00 p.m.
Cleveland Browns Stadium
Why the Browns could win: Of course Carolina Panthers fans said this for the better part of 2 years, but when Jake Delhomme protects the football he is a fairly good quarterback.
Case in point, last week against Tampa:ย the Browns grabbed a 14-3 lead before a pair of interceptionsโalong with a fumbleโcursed Cleveland.ย
Despite very wet conditions, the Chiefs werenโt able to pick off Philip Rivers in their Monday Night over San Diego; if the Delhomme escapes Week Two without a pick, the Browns can contend with Kansas City.
Why the Chiefs could lose: Just a week into the season, the Chiefs are the โsurpriseโ team of the NFL. But donโt crown them division champs just yet.
The many questions about this teamโs passing game were not answered at all by the win over San Diego: Cassel complete 10 of 22 passes for just 68 yards.
As good as Jamaal Charles COULD be, they are going to need much more production from their quarterback and receivers. Special teams alone wonโt be enough for the Chiefs to win this week.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Cleveland win = 5
Prediction: The Chiefs will continue to impress and remain the darlings of the NFL for another week. Kansas City 23, Cleveland 14
Chicago at Dallas
7 of 16
1:00 p.m.
Cowboys Stadium
Why the Bears could win: The marriage of Jay Cutlerโs arm and Mike Martz brain yielded promising results in the season opener. But it was how Martz used Matt Forte that will make the Bears a viable candidate for a wild card spot.
Yes, more than half of Forteโs 151 yards receiving came on one play, but he caught six more passes for 62 yards.
That type of Marshall Faulk-like production, coupled with Cutlerโs love for the deep ball, could have the Bears finish the season as one of the top yardage gainers.
Now they just need to translate the yards into more points: 19 might be enough to beat the Lions, not the rest of the NFC North.ย
Why the Cowboys could lose: If any Head Coach would fret over starting out the season 0-1, it would be one who has been the hot seat for three years.
Wade Phillips' team cannot afford to lose their first two games and considering all the great expectations on the Cowboys,ย the pressure is already on Dallas, much earlier than we all expected.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Chicago win = 4
Prediction: Dallas settles in and finds a way to contain the Bears burgeoning offense: One great week doesnโt make the Bears a Chicago version of the โGreatest Show on Turf.โ Dallas 31, Chicago 13.
Philadelphia at Detroit
8 of 16
1:00 p.m.
Ford Field
Why the Lions could win: They have Calvin Johnson. Yes he only caught 4 passes last week, but he is the best player Detroit has.
The Eagles will blitz backup Shaun Hill early and oftenโof course, they blitz everyone early and oftenโbut Johnson is the type of playmaker who can take advantage of one-on-one coverage.
A few lucky heaves to C.J. might set up enough scores to keep the game tight.
Why the Eagles could lose: (Assuming Kevin Kolb remains out) Michael Vick looked like the old No. 7 last week against Green Bay, scrambling, running and chucking darts to receivers.
But he still has yet to play a full game since December 2006. Letโs see how his legs hold up after four quarters.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Detroit win = 7
Prediction: There arenโt many better teams against which to launch the Michael Vick Experiment.
At least Detroit fans will get to see the leagueโs most exciting player, despite seeing another home loss. Philadelphia 28, Detroit 17.ย
Houston at Washington
9 of 16
4:15 p.m.
FedEx Field
Why the Texans could win: There hasnโt been a buzz in Houston over their pro football team like this since the early 1990s. Last week in defeating the AFC Champion Colts pretty handily, the Texans seemed to do everything right.
Only the presence of Peyton Manning kept the game from being a true blowout. Houstonโs offense is capable of posting 30 points each week so itโs up to the defense to keep pace.
Even with Donovan McNabb, Washington is not nearly the passing juggernaut the Colts are.
And the Texans two excellent defensive ends (Mario Williams and Antonio Smith) will force McNabb into quick decisions that might yield a turnover.
Why the Redskins could win: The Texans defense was superb last week against the league MVP but the Colts abandoned the run practically before the coin toss.
Mike Shanahan will stick to his cut-back, zone scheme for all 60 minutes. Clinton Portis, and occasionally Larry Johnson can sneak through the creases and force Houston to defend a much more balanced offense.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Redskins win = 2
Prediction: Thereโs no way Arian Foster can have another enormous game, right? ย Houston 21, Washington 20.
St. Louis at Oakland
10 of 16
4:15 p.m.
Oakland Coliseum
Why the Rams could win: Sam Bradford was impressive in his debut. No one expects much from the Rams this year, so Steve Spagnuolo can afford to let it all hang out with his rookie: 55 pass attempts in Bradfordโs debut proves as much.
They will rely on Steven Jackson for certain, but because they want to see Bradford throw the ballโas do Rams fansโtouchdown passes will naturally result. Itโs just a matter of how many and how few interceptions Bradford tosses.ย
Why the Raiders could win: They were pretty pathetic last week against Tennessee but the Raiders remain a talented team. Oaklandโs defense is built to force turnovers and against a rookie quarterback, they are in great position to do so.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Rams win = 1
Prediction: This is hardly a showcase of the leagueโs two BEST teams but that doesnโt mean the game canโt be exciting. This will be one of the best contest in Week 2: Rams 35, Raiders 32 (OT).
New England At New York Jets
11 of 16
4:15 p.m.
New Meadowlands Stadium
Why the Patriots could win: In every aspect of the game, the Patriots looked in mid-season form last week: scoring on special teams and on defense and running the ball efficiently with Fred Taylor to aid Tom Brady.
Andโassuming everything is straightened out with Randy Mossโthe Patriots duo of receivers is the best in the AFC.
Why the Jets could win: If Rex Ryanโs swagger has taught his team anything itโs that one loss, especially in early September, will not keep you from reaching the playoffs.
The Jets did virtually nothing on offense last week against Baltimore and still remained in the game.
In short order, Brian Shchottenheimer will concoct the right formula of running backs and wide receivers to put Mark Sanchez in position to succeed.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Jets win = 2
Prediction: Sunday will be a real lesson in Hard Knocks for the Jets when they come up short again in a terribly close game. Patriots 21, Jets 18. ย
Jacksonville at San Diego
12 of 16
4:15 p.m.
Qualcomm Stadium
Why the Chargers could win: Despite all his frustration and the antics that accompanied them, Philip Rivers played great in the rain last week at Arrowhead.
He may be down a Hall of Fame running back and a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver, but he still has Antonio Gates. And should Legedu Naanee emerge as a legitimate No. 1 receiver, the Chargers will once again be among the conferenceโs top offenses.
Why the Jaguars could win: A little confidence goes a long way in the NFL; especially when there are thousands of no-shows at your season opener.
Jack Del Rio will continue to instill in his players an โus against the world mentalityโ and thatโs the best attitude a road underdog can have.
Fortunately, Maurice Jones-Drew is on Del Rioโs sideline and he is just itching to run all over the mediocre Charger front seven.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Jaguar win = 3
Prediction: On the strength of two long Jones-Drew TDs, Jacksonville will jump out to a double-digit lead only to see Philip Rivers produce a heart-stopping fourth quarter comeback. San Diego 31, Jacksonville 27.
New Orleans at San Francisco
13 of 16
8:30 p.m. (Monday)
Candlestick Park
Why the 49ers could win: Last weekโs woeful performance was an aberration. ย And even if it wasnโt, Mike Singletary will not let his team put forth another abysmal effort.
Everyone plays better against the World Champs, and the crowd by the Bay will be rocking with every play. The young 49er defense will feed off that and rattle Drew Brees every so often.
Why the Saints could lose: After such an emotional charged, hotly contested home opener at the Dome, the Saints are rife for a letdown. You canโt play playoff-caliber teams and hall of fame quarterbacks each week.
While the Saints are eager to get started on their NFC South schedule (next week at home against Atlanta) theyโd better not overlook the 49ers.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A San Francisco win = 7
Prediction: Itโs too early for the Saints to suffer the Super Bowl curse. If that happens, it will come by October at the earliest. New Orleans 29, San Francisco 14. ย
New York Giants at Indianapolis
14 of 16
8:30 p.m.
Lucas Oil Stadium
Why the Giants could win: Because they can practically ignore the run, the Giants defense can focus most of their attention on stopping Peyton Manning.
While the revamped Giants secondary faces a tall order in limiting Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark to single-digit catches apiece, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora can go after Peyton Manning with minimal concern for the ground game.
Why the Colts could win: The Colts running game has declined every season since they lost Edgerrin James to Free Agency in 2006 but Manning remains the leagueโs most prolific passer.
Manning always finds a way to get his receivers the ball and Sunday Night will be no exception.
On the opposite side of the ball, the Colts run-defenseโonce so praiseworthyโwas embarrassed last week. They will set out to prove that a fluke. And becauseย the Giants donโt have a break-away back like Arian Foster, they will.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Giants win = 3
Prediction: In Manning Bowl II (unless you count those Oreo commercials) Big Bro will have the edge at home. Father Archie should enjoy this one, either way, however: lots of Manning TD passes. Colts 45, Giants 42.
Seattle at Denver
15 of 16
4:15 p.m.
Invesco Field
Why the Seahwaks could win: San Franciscoโs offense might be overrated, but Pete Carroll still did a masterful job last week by limiting the 49ers to just two early field goals.
If the defense plays half that well against Denver, they will be leading in the fourth quarter.ย
And no matter how much the Seahawks struggle this season with the running back carousel, Matt Hasselbeck will be consistent.
Why the Broncos could lose: Kyle Orton was not the problem for Denver last week: David Garrard was.
Garrard completed 16 of 21 passes last week against the Denver secondary.ย Denver must vastly improve how they pressure the quarterback in order to compete each week.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Seahawks win = 5
Prediction: From a 6-0 start last season to an 0-2 this season, Josh McDaniels will not want to listen to his radio come next Monday: everyone will be calling for Tim Tebow to be the Broncos savior. Seattle 17, Denver 10.
Buffalo at Green Bay
16 of 16
1:00 p.m.
Lambeau Field
Why the Bills could win: It was certainly lost during a very busy and exciting Week One but the Bills put up a very good fight against Miami during their 15-10 loss.
Trent Edwards did not play well, and the running game produced virtually nothing.
Still, Buffalo reached the final minute with a chance to win the game. There are several future stars on the Bills defense (Paul Posluszny, Donte Whitner, Aaron Maybin) and it showed against Miami: neither Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams or Brandon Marshall gained more than 65 yards last week.
Why the Packers could lose: The loss of Ryan Grant will limit Aaron Rodgers options. Rodgers made some great throws in the opener against Philadelphia but was also picked off twice and didnโt push the ball downfield as much as youโd expect.
Shocker Factor (10=HUGE SHOCKER, 1=No surprise): A Buffalo win = 9
Prediction: The stunner in Week 2 will be the Bills. At Lambeau, Chan Gailey will make thousands of Western New Yorkers believe. Buffalo 24, Packers 21.
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