NFL Week 2 Predictions: 5 Bold Statements Teams Will Make This Week

It’s difficult for teams to prove anything this early in the season, but these five teams will have a chance to do just that in Week 2. Matchups across the league will feature heavy favorites, but statements will be made on both sides of the pick sheet.

After an abbreviated offseason, teams had their chance to shake off the rust in Week 1. Expect teams to show their true colors in Week 2 as we look toward the rest of the 2011 NFL season.

5. The Steelers Are One of the Best in the AFC

After not showing up against the Ravens in Baltimore for Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers will come out swinging at home against the Seahawks in Week 2. There’s no question that Pittsburgh will be a heavy favorite going in, but expect them to pour it on and exceed expectations against Pete Carroll’s Seahawks.

There’s nothing bold about picking the Steelers in Week 2, but I can see them winning by 30-40 points. They have a chip on their shoulders after getting dominated in Week 1 and will want nothing more than to put an end to the many questions and scrutiny coming in from the media.

Week 2 Prediction: Steelers 41, Seahawks 7

4. The Giants Are Still a Contender

They are ravaged by injuries and looked brutal in Week 1, but the Giants will show up to play in Week 2 against the Rams. The game will be played on Monday Night Football in front of a national audience, so all of America will be watching.

The Rams are without their best player, Steven Jackson. The Giants will be able to focus on Sam Bradford and the Rams passing game, a huge advantage for their undermanned secondary.

Justin Tuck will likely return and the Giants will have an extra day to make necessary adjustments. Many experts consider the Rams a dark horse to make the playoffs in 2011, so a big win for New York could speak volumes to the rest of the league.

Week 2 Prediction: Giants 28, Rams 13

3. The Redskins Are for Real

The Redskins looked excellent against the Giants in Week 1 and will continue to roll this Sunday. Washington will host an Arizona Cardinal team that struggled at times against a lowly Carolina Panthers squad in Week 1. Expect Rex Grossman to pick apart the terrible Cardinals secondary as he leads his team to an unexpected 2-0 start.

The Redskins were predicted by many to be the worst team in the NFC East in 2011. The Cardinals are an early favorite in the NFC West, but Washington will have no trouble showing the superiority of their division.

Expect a shootout in Week 2, with the Redskins pulling away early in the second half as they excite fans in the nation’s capital.

Week 2 Prediction: Redskins 38, Cardinals 21

2. The Lions Are on a Roll

Detroit hung on for the win in a close game against an improving Tampa Bay Buccaneers team in Week 1. They’re at home against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 and will dominate through the air. The Chiefs had a lot of trouble with the Bills in Week 1 and they’ve lost safety Eric Berry for the extent of the 2011 season. The Lions' greatest strength comes through the air.

A blowout seems likely.

The Lions will be a slight favorite against the Chiefs, but they should have no trouble completely dominating. Expect a lot of passing yards for both teams, but a dominant performance by Matt Stafford and an inspiring 2-0 start for Jim Schwartz’s Lions.

Week 2 Prediction: Lions 35, Chiefs 24

1. The Colts Are as Bad as They Look

Kerry Collins and the Indianapolis Colts looked terrible in Week 1 against their division rival, the Houston Texans. The Colts get an easier matchup in Week 2 at home against the Browns, but they’ll find themselves at 0-2 when Sunday is said and done.

Collins expressed after the Week 1 bloodbath that he knows he needs to protect the ball. However, actions speak louder than words and the Browns will come out strong after a tough loss as a favorite to beat a young Cincinnati Bengals team.

This game will be a lot closer than last week, but expect the Browns to upset the Colts at home in Week 2. Collins needs more time to learn the complicated Colts offense.

Week 2 Prediction: Browns 24, Colts 17