NFL Picks Week 2: 5 Underdogs Who Will Pull off Big Upsets

Much like Week 1, Week 2 has its fair share of underdog opportunities for upsets.

With that in mind, we are slowly beginning to separate the contenders from the pretenders, and this week could be very telling.

So in order to keep the debating rolling and the drama high, here are five underdogs that will pull off some big upsets on September 18.

Check it out.

Panthers over Packers

It's for certain that the Arizona Cardinals pass defense has improved; you just wouldn't know it based on Cam Newton's 422 yards and two TD passes.

Well, this week, the Carolina Panthers play host to the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

And if there's any concern in Green Bay, it's their pass defense, which not only gave up 419 yards and three TDs to Drew Brees and the Saints, but also an injury to starting DB Tramon Williams.

Combine that with the Panthers' high level of confidence, and it's advantage Carolina, especially with the game at home.

Prediction: Carolina 28, Green Bay 27

Jaguars over Jets

The New York Jets showed that they were susceptible in week one despite scoring 17 unanswered to shock the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

The thing is, the Jaguars have a much better defense than given credit for, as evidenced by their shutting down Tennessee RB Chris Johnson (nine carries for 24 yards, six receptions for 25 yards).

And the Jets aren't nearly as threatening on the ground, whereas Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew is more threatening than Dallas' Felix Jones.

Expect another defensive battle, but Jacksonville takes another W against a superior opponent.

Prediction: Jacksonville 17, New York 12

Chargers over Patriots

It's a battle of elite QBs with Tom Brady and Phillip Rivers matching one another blow-for-blow, like two boxers in the ring.

The difference here is the Chargers defense.

In week one, San Diego limited Minnesota's Adrian Peterson to 98 yards on 16 carries, as well as to six yards on two receptions (zero TDs).

And Peterson's arguably the NFL's best player, so they isolated him about as well as you can.

That being said, New England isn't nearly as threatening on the ground, and San Diego won't get off to that same slow start.

Rivers and his targets are too good on offense, and defensive players such as Eric Weddle and Quentin Jammer will shut down Brady's medium passing game.

Prediction: San Diego 28, New England 20

Falcons over Eagles

Let's be honest, the Eagles started off slow and are vulnerable if you get to them early on.

And although the Falcons significantly underperformed in week one, they'll be hungry come time for their home opener.

Also, the Rams had the right idea—pound the rock with Steven Jackson and Philadelphia is beatable.

The only problem was that Philly is way more talented that St. Louis.

Well Atlanta is a step up from the Rams and they have a much more potent offense.

It will be very high scoring, just not in Michael Vick's favor, much to The City of Brotherly Love's dismay.

Prediction: Atlanta 37, Philadelphia 34 (OT)

Titans over Ravens

Yes Titans RB Chris Johnson was held in check against an improved Jaguars defense in week one.

And yes, the Ravens completely dismantled the defending AFC Champion Steelers 35-7 at home.

Well, Tennessee is getting a second shot at redemption this season with a second straight home game to open the year.

Also, a big reason why Baltimore was able to dominate Pittsburgh was because they forced seven turnovers.

That won't happen against Tennessee, as they are very well aware of Baltimore's plans.

So, you have to expect Chris Johnson will not only improve, but he'll be anxious to get going against a big-time defense in front of the home crowd.

As long as the Titans don't turn the ball over, they win this game.

Prediction: Tennessee 21, Baltimore 17