NFL Picks Week 2: Teams in Early Must-Win Situations

The first week of the NFL season has just finished, and several teams are already in a must win situation.  It may be to early to hit the panic button but playoff spots are very competitive. Typically, the last playoff spots come down to the difference of one or two games.

Sometimes situations are more about psyche, rather than about record. Several teams suffered tough losses and need to quickly rebound, early season troubles have a tendency to spiral. Below is my list of teams in a must-win situation.

Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Matchup: Kansas City at Detroit Lions

Thoughts: Last season, the Chiefs made a surprise playoff run raising expectations. This team is largely comprised of young players. The lack of a true veteran presence means an early losing streak could be hard to overcome.

Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matchup: Tampa Bay at Minnesota Vikings

Thoughts: The Buccaneers entered this season looking to make a hard push at the playoffs.  They have a ton of young talent, and appear ready to make the next step. The emergence of Josh Freeman and LeGarrette Blount gives this team a pair of budding stars. However, Tampa is one of the youngest teams in the league which could limit their ability to overcome adversity. Starting 0-2 would make it difficult to earn a playoff berth in the highly competitive NFC.

Team: Atlanta Falcons

Matchup: Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta

Thoughts: Last season, Atlanta was the top seed in the playoffs. However, they were embarrassed by the Packers, painfully ending their season. This team was looking to erase that painful memory but began the season with another embarrassing loss. Atlanta was dominated by the Chicago Bears, leaving the lingering taste of defeat. If Atlanta wants to be considered among the elite they need to win this game against the Eagles.

Jon Dove is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report, covering the NFL and NFL draft. Check him out on twitter @Jon_Dove42