NFL Picks Week 2: Can the 49ers Beat the Saints on Monday Night Football

With the 2010 NFL season underway, it's time for predictions!

Here are my Week 2 picks for all 16 games. You'll see some interesting selections, including my thoughts on the much-anticipated Monday Night Football game when the New Orleans Saints travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers.

Note: I will be giving out my game-by-game predictions along with various other articles previewing the week's games. 

Last Week: 9-7

Cumulative Season Record: 9-7

Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Winner: Green Bay Packers

Simply said, the Bills aren't a talented team. Even though they only lost by five points last week, the Dolphins controlled the majority of the game.

That being the case, it should be even worse when they take on a Super Bowl contender such as the Packers. 

Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty

Winner: Minnesota Vikings

Speaking of the Dolphins, I was a bit surprised that they didn't blow out the Bills last week. Chad Henne didn't seem like the developing star many thought he would be.

I think that was a glimpse of how they're not an elite team yet, which is why I think the Vikings will be too much for them to handle. 

Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns

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DETROIT - AUGUST 28: Jake Delhomme #17 of the Cleveland Browns throws a first quarter pass while playing the Detroit Lions during preseason game on August 28, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Winner: Cleveland Browns

After giving up a 14-3 lead in a loss to the Buccaneers last week, I'm sure the Browns are out with redemption on their mind.

On the flip side, the Chiefs looked very impressive in their victory over the Chargers. 

While I think this could go either way, I'll give the slight edge to the Browns if they can get their running game going. 

Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Miles Austin #19 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 19, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty

Winner: Dallas Cowboys

Even though the Cowboys are the clear favorites to win this game, I wouldn't say it'll be as easy as many say it will.

The Bears led the league in passing yards and run defense last week, and the Cowboys looked terrible in their loss to the Redskins.

Sure, it was just the Lions and they were a controversial call away from winning the game. But aside from their weak pass protection, they looked solid on both sides of the ball. 

Even though I do expect the 'Boys to take home the victory, don't sleep on the Bears just yet. 

Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Tony Gonzalez #88 of the Atlanta Falcons prepares to face the Kansas City Chiefs at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Winner: Atlanta Falcons

Heading into the season, I projected the Falcons to elevate their game to the next level and post their third consecutive winning season. 

However, after losing to the Steelers last week, I'm beginning to doubt myself a bit.

Luckily for them, they have a great opportunity to bounce back against the Cardinals, who didn't play too well themselves. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers

Mary Ann Chastain/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 21: Linebacker Jon Beason #52, left, of the Carolina Panthers signals to his team during their preseason game against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mary Ann

Winner: Carolina Panthers

The Buccaneers truly surprised me by scoring 14 unanswered points and posting a comeback victory against the Cleveland Browns last week. 

At the same time, despite losing, the Panthers looked very strong as well. 

As long as Moore can manage the game with care, they should win this game.

Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick looked great against the Packers last week, and I think he'll overwhelm the Lions defense in this game. He's a dynamic dual-threat, and is extremely tough to contain.

If he can continue the type of performance that he had last week, the Kolb injury may not be as impacting as we thought.

That said, I give the Eagles the win here. 

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 10: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the 2010 AFC wild-card playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Winner: Baltimore Ravens

While the Ravens looked fantastic, the Bengals looked downright horrific.

I feel that the Bengals are a boom or bust prospect this season (to clarify, bust would be seven or eight wins), and they're showing signs of the latter now.

But, if they can somehow pull away a win in this game, that might just be the spark they need.

I just don't see it happening. 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

NASHVILLE - SEPTEMBER 12: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans looks on against the Oakland Raiders during the NFL season opener at LP Field on September 12, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Raiders 38-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/G

Winner: Tennessee Titans

While I expected both teams to have good seasons this year, I didn't expect either to play as well as they did last week.

It was extremely tough to pick a winner, but I went with the Titans simply because of their advantage on offense. 

Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks over the defense during the NFL season opener against the San Francisco 49ers at Qwest Field on September 12, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty

Winner: Seattle Seahawks

The Pete Carroll-led Seahawks demonstrated great overall team ability in their upset over the 49ers last week, and I think it could be the start of something special.

I expect that to carry over, and for them to top the Broncos in this game. 

St. Louis Rams at Oakland Raiders

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OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 28: Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders p asses againsthe San Francisco 49ers during an NFL preseason game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 28, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Winner: Oakland Raiders

Yes, the Rairders suffered a pathetic 25-point loss against the Titans last week.

At the same time, I still think they can realistically win eight games and will get the victory against the Rams here.

It's ultimately up to how Jason Campbell plays, though. 

Houston Texans at Washington Redskins

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 21: Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on August 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Winner: Houston Texans

I was skeptical that the Texans had what it took to take down the Colts, but I'll admit that they proved me wrong. This team is for real, and should get over the hump and into the playoffs this year.

Looking at this game, I think the Texans will come away with the victory and I'm especially interested as to whether or not Arian Foster can replicate last week's performance (or at least eclipse 100 yards). 

New England Patriots at New York Jets

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 and Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots take a breather on the bench during the NFL season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachuset

Winner: New England Patriots

Last week, I learned that the Patriots are still the superior team and the ones to beat in the AFC East. 

I think they feel there's something to prove to the football world, and there's no stopping Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and Co. when they're on a mission.

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers walks off the field at halftime in the rain during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 13, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Phot

Winner: San Diego Chargers

David Garrard and the Jaguars looked good in their win over the Broncos last week. Meanwhile, the Chargers got beat by the lowly Chiefs. 

However, I expect them to bounce back and win this one. Phillip Rivers is one of the premier quarterbacks in the league and should have an easy outing against the Jags' porous secondary. 

New York Giants at Indianapolis Colts

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL season opener against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Winner: Indianapolis Colts

Manning vs. Manning will headline this week's Sunday Night football game, and I'm sure the sibling rivalry will make it an intriguing one.

After losing in Week 1 to the Texans, there's no way that the Colts start off the season 0-2.

Or is there?

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers

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ST. LOUIS - JANUARY 3: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers hands off the ball to Frank Gore #21 during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on January 3, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers beat the Rams 28-6.

Winner: San Francisco 49ers

Call me a crazy, biased fan, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the San Francisco 49ers will shock the NFL world and beat the defending champions on Monday Night Football. 

They endured too crushing off a loss to not respond with a bold statement at home. 

Their key, in my opinion, will be generating an effective rushing attack as opposed to having Alex Smith throw the ball 45 times.