NFL Predictions for Week Two

After a great opening week of football, there are several questions going into Week Two.

What is up with Vince Young? Is Joseph Addai going to play? How will San Diego's defense fair without their star Shawne Merriman? Of course, I can't answer these questions, but I know at least one has been on your mind at some point.

Philadelphia at Dallas is the headline game of the week, and how ironic, it's on...Monday Night Football. Romo vs. McNabb. Barber vs. Westbrook. Terrell Owens vs. DeSean Jackson...That's right everyone, DeSean is the No. 1 receiver in the city of brotherly love.

Games

Carolina Panthers (1-0) vs. Chicago Bears (1-0)

Carolina showed up last week and proved that when healthy, they can play with the big dogs. They defeated San Diego on a last-second touchdown pass to tight end Dante Rosario. They did all of this without star receiver Steve Smith.

As for the Bears, they also pulled off an upset, beating the hobbled Indianapolis Colts, who looked shaky and at times confused. Kyle Orton proved he is the starter for the Bears, completing 13 of 21 passes for 150 yards.

Rookie running back Matt Forte looked very impressive, running the ball 23 times for 123 yards and one touchdown.

I can see this game going down to the last second, but I give the slight nod to Chicago on the road.

Prediction: Carolina 21 Chicago 24

Tennessee Titans (1-0) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)

Tennessee was very impressive last week, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-10. Vince Young was lost for the game in the fourth quarter due to a leg injury. After an MRI, there have been reports that Young sprained his MCL and could miss from two to four weeks.

Rookie running back Chris Johnson ran the ball 15 times for a total of 93 yards. Cincinnati did not do so well against the Ravens. They were defeated 17-10 and looked less than good.

Turnovers were a key. Carson Palmer was of no good, only throwing for 99 yards. Yes, they only lost by seven, but it was a much bigger defeat than it seems. Cincinnati's defense must step it up if they even want to contend to be a top-three team in their own division.

This game, on paper, shouldn't be close, but who knows, Cincinnati could play well at home.

Prediction: Tennessee 20 Cincinnati 13

Green Bay Packers (1-0) vs. Detroit Lions (0-1)

The Green Bay Packers were better than good on Monday night, when they defeated the Vikings, 24-19. Aaron Rodgers showed he can replace Favre with success by completing 18 of 22 passes for 178 yards and uno touchdown.

Ryan Grant also added some yards, wracking up 92 of them for the night. On the defensive side of the ball, A.J. Hawk piled up 10 tackles. Unfortunately, the Lions didn't play nearly as well, losing to the Falcons...Yes, I said it...The Falcons, 34-21.

Detroit, on the offensive side, was fairly decent but couldn't come as close on defense. Giving up over 300 yards to Jerious Norwood and Michael Turner combined. Jon Kitna was impressive, throwing for 262 yards and two scores.

If what I said means anything, the Packers should dominate.

Prediction: Green Bay 31 Detroit 16

Buffalo Bills (1-0) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)

The Buffalo Bills played the best ball they have in several years by defeating the Seahawks 34-10. Sophomore QB Trent Edwards completed 19 of 30 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown. Marshawn Lynch piled up 76 yards and rushed for a score.

CB Ashton Youboty had eight tackles, looking like a star corner. Jacksonville came up short to Tennessee, 17-10. They lost this game when they were heavily favored by most. David Garrard completed 23 of 35 passes for 215 yards and one TD. The Jags could get nothing going on the ground, with Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor only rushing for 31 yards.

Buffalo is a good team but, in my opinion, are overrated, and Jacksonville isn't that bad.

Prediction: Buffalo 17 Jacksonville 26

Oakland Raiders (0-1) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)

Oakland was absolutely obliterated on Monday night, getting crushed by the Denver Broncos. JaMarcus Russell completed 17 of 26 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Darren McFadden didn't wrack up that good of numbers, only rushing for 46 yards. Justin Fargas out-shined him, going for 97 yards.

Broncos receiver Eddie Royal shredded up the secondary of Oakland that was supposed to be greatly improve. Kansas City managed to eliminate Tom Brady but couldn't manage to win, but they came close, losing 17-10. They did show improvement.

Brodie Croyle went down to injury and was replaced by Damon Huard, who threw for 118 yards and one touchdown. That one touchdown went to star receiver Dwayne Bowe.

Both of these teams struggled in Week One, but they could provide a good game.

Prediction: Oakland 14 Kansas City 10

Indianapolis Colts (0-1) vs. Minnesota Vikings (0-1)

Indianapolis didn't live up to expectations on Sunday night, losing to the Chicago Bears. Peyton Manning—returning from injury—completed 30 of 49 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown.

Joseph Addai left the game with a head injury, which, as of right now, is not known which kind it was or if he'll miss any time. Minnesota also lost, losing to the Packers by five.

They showed improvement on offense. Tarvaris Jackson wasn't too bad, completing 16 of 35 passes for 178 yards and one TD. Adrian Peterson rushed for 103 yards and one touchdown. Jared Allen was shutout, which is unlike what he normally plays like.

This should be a great game filled with offensive stars.

Prediction: Indianapolis 27 Minnesota 31

New York Giants (1-0) vs. St. Louis Rams (0-1)

On Thursday Night Football, the Giants reigned supreme, defeating the Redskins 16-7. The Giants' defense stepped up, even without Osi Umenyiora. Plaxico Burress was the star of the game, catching 10 passes for 133 yards.

Brandon Jacobs also had a good game, rushing for 116 yards. St. Louis was terrible against the Eagles, only managing to get three points on a Josh Brown field goal.

Steven Jackson only rushed for 40 yards and quarterback Marc Bulger only threw for 158. The Rams' defense did not look good and didn't look good last year either. This team could be on the bottom of the NFL come year's end.

A potential blowout in the making.

Prediction: New York 38 St. Louis 13

New Orleans Saints (1-0) vs. Washington Redskins (0-1)

New Orleans played against last year's division winner, the Bucs, and edged out a victory. Drew Brees was an absolute beast through the air, throwing for 343 yards on 23 completions. Eight of those completions went to Reggie Bush, who had 112 yards receiving and 51 yards rushing.

Scott Fujita led the team with nine tackles.

As for Washington, they lost to the New York Giants on opening night by nine points. Jason Campbell completed 15 of 27 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown. London Fletcher was all over the field, recording 17 tackles.

I see this one being a good game that could come down to who has the ball last.

Prediction: New Orleans 20 Washington 17

San Francisco 49ers (0-1) vs. Seattle Seahawks (0-1)

San Francisco lost to fellow division rival Arizona, 23-13 on Sunday afternoon. The 'Niners showed improvement on both sides of the ball though.

J.T. O'Sullivan completed 14 of 20 passes for 195 yards but no TDs. Frank Gore scored the team's only touchdown. Free-agent acquisition Justin Smith record seven tackles and one sack to lead the team.

As far as Seattle goes, they were disappointing, losing to the Buffalo Bills in a blowout. They looked unprepared and flustered. Matt Hasselbeck completed only 17 of his 41 passes. They couldn't get the running game going, either. Julius Jones led the team with 45 yards. They also lost starting receiver Nate Burleson for the season.

This could be a potential upset for the 'Niners, but I see Seattle taking it at home.

Prediction: San Francisco 19 Seattle 28

Atlanta Falcons (1-0) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)

Atlanta came up with a victory last week over the Lions, which, let's be honest, the Lions are pretty bad. Atlanta is not as good as they looked by any means. Yes, Matt Ryan was impressive in his debut, but he will have flaws as a rookie, no doubt.

Michael Turner lived up to expectations, piling up over 200 yards on the ground. John Abraham wracked up three sacks on the defensive side. As for Tampa Bay, they lost in a heart breaker to New Orleans.

Jeff Garcia is now hurt, and they must rely on veteran Brian Griese. Tampa Bay will pick up the tempo and rise back up to supremacy.

A possible close game in the fourth, but it will be torn apart by the Bucs.

Prediction: Atlanta 13 Tampa Bay 27

Miami Dolphins (0-1) vs. Arizona Cardinals (1-0)

Miami was on the brink of winning last week against the Jets, but they fell short. Chad Pennington threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combined for 47 yards on the ground.

Yeremiah Bell was impressive on the D, recording 10 tackles. Miami, overall, looked improved, even with a loss. Arizona beat the 'Niners by 10. Kurt Warner threw for nearly 200 yards and one touchdown. Edgerrin James had exactly 100 yards on the ground.

Anquan Boldin caught eight balls for 82 yards. Overall, Arizona looked improved and ready to go. The first two weeks are easy for the Cardinals and are games that they have and should win.

Arizona will lock down at home to win.

Prediction: Miami 10 Arizona 21

San Diego Chargers (0-1) vs. Denver Broncos (1-0)

San Diego was stunned last week when they lost to Carolina at the last second, but this week, they look to rebound, even with all of the injuries. Shawne Merriman is out for the season, which leaves a big hole in the San Diego defense.

Philip Rivers threw for three touchdowns. One of those went to tight end Antonio Gates. Eric Weddle led the defense with 11 tackles. As for Denver, they dominated the Oakland Raiders. They passed the ball all over the field and ran the ball down their throat.

Eddie Royal was the big target for third year standout Jay Cutler. Brandon Marshall returns this week to Denver to face the big AFC West rivals.

A competitive, hard-hitting game that will be fun to watch.

Prediction: San Diego 24 Denver 28

Baltimore Ravens (1-0) vs. Houston Texans (0-1)

Baltimore stepped up last Sunday against the Bengals to win by a touchdown. Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco completed half of his passes for 129 yards and also ran in a touchdown. Le'Ron McClain led the team in rushing with 86 yards.

Baltimore stepped it up on the defensive side of the ball, completely shutting down the pass and run game of Cincinnati. Houston was whipped by 21 points in their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Matt Schaub threw for 202 yards and one touchdown. Andre Johnson had 10 receptions for 112 yards. On defense, Zac Diles recorder 13 tackles. Houston is better than what they played like last week, and I expect them to show that.

A tough game for both teams that should show defense stepping up.

Prediction: Baltimore 13 Houston 20

New England Patriots (1-0) vs. New York Jets (1-0)

How will the Patriots do without Tom Brady? Well, the way it looks, probably not too good. Matt Cassel is an unproven quarterback that hasn't started a game since 1999, when he was at high school.

Brady was injured in the first quarter from a hit by Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard. Even without him, they managed to beat the Chiefs by seven points. Randy Moss caught a touchdown and over 100 yards.

The Jets were impressive with Brett Favre, beating the Dolphins. Jerricho Cotchery had three grabs for 80 yards and one touchdown. Eric Barton led the team in tackles with six.

All in all, it should be a good game with a lot of running the ball.

Prediction: New England 26 New York Jets 17

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) vs. Cleveland Browns (0-1)

The Pittsburgh Steelers were victorious over the Texans last weekend. They showed great defense and offense. Roethlisberger completed 13 of 14 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Hines Ward caught both of those touchdowns.

James Harrison led the defense with nine tackles and three sacks. He's beginning to become one of the better linebackers in the whole league. The Browns were defeated by the Cowboys, 38-10 Sunday afternoon.

Derek Anderson didn't even complete half of his passes. Star receiver Braylon Edwards only caught two passes, which is not enough for somebody of his caliber. On defense, D'Qwell Jackson had 11 tackles.

This will be a close game throughout and should be full of pass plays.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 30 Cleveland 21

Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) vs. Dallas Cowboys (1-0)

The most anticipated matchup of the week. Both teams looked very impressive last week with dominating victories. Donovan McNabb threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie receiver DeSean Jackson led them in receiving yards with 106.

On the defensive side of the ball, Quintin Mikell had nine tackles and a sack. As for Dallas, they beat Cleveland 28-10 in an impressive victory. Tony Romo passed for 320 yards and one touchdown that went to Terrell Owens.

Marion Barber ran in the end zone for two TDs. Veteran Zack Thomas had five tackles, tied with Ken Hamlin and DeMarcus Ware.

A Monday Night Football showdown that will be action packed.

Prediction: Philadelphia 27 Dallas 31


Fantasy Start/Sim em' predictions

Start

1. Peyton Manning, QB vs. Vikings
2. Drew Brees, QB vs. Redskins
3. Ben Roethlisberger, QB vs. Browns
4. Larry Johnson, RB vs. Raiders
5. Earnest Graham, RB vs. Falcons
6. Chris Johnson/Lendale White, RB's vs. Bengals
7. Randy Moss, WR vs. Jets
8. Reggie Wayne/Marvin Harrison, WR vs. Vikings
9. Dwayne Bowe, WR vs. Raiders
10. Jason Witten, TE vs. Eagles
11. Dallas Clark, TE vs. Vikings
12. Tony Gonzalez, TE vs. Raiders
13. Rob Bironas, K vs. Bengals
14. Adam Vinatieri, K vs. Vikings
15. Mason Crosby, K vs. Lions
16. Packers DST vs. Lions
17. Buccaneers DST vs. Falcons
18. Seahawks DST vs. 49ers

Sit

1. Derek Anderson, QB vs. Steelers
2. Brett Favre, QB vs. Patriots
3. Marc Bulger, QB vs. Giants
4. Joseph Addai, RB vs. Vikings
5. Kevin Smith/Rudi Johnson, RB vs. Packers
6. Deangelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart, RB vs. Bears
7. Lavanues Coles/Jerricho Cotchery, WR vs. Patriots
8. Calvin Johnson, WR vs. Packers
9. Roddy White, WR vs. Buccaneers
10. Dustin Keller, TE vs. Patriots
11. L.J. Smith, TE vs. Cowboys
12. Owen Daniels, TE vs. Ravens
13. Brian Hanson, K vs. Packers
14. Jason Elam, K vs. Buccaneers
15. Josh Brown, K vs. Giants
16. Vikings DST vs. Colts
17. Chargers DST vs. Broncos
18. Jets DST vs. Patriots