NFL Week 2 Predictions: Picking All the Winners of the Best Sunday Matchups

The 2011 NFL season kicked off with some great games and some surprising upsets. Some veterans shined bright through the crowd, while others failed to deliver, and new faces emerged as future NFL hopefuls. 

In this slideshow, we will take a look at some teams' performances from Week 1, analyze whether Week 1 was a fluke, if they will play much better during the remainder of the season and decide the victors for some of Week 2's best games. 

Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions (1-0) have vastly improved since a year ago.

Although they have improved so much, they came to close to a loss against Tampa Bay.

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz had nothing positive to say about Sunday's game. He is pushing the point that they need to play better, specifically on offense.

The Lions lacked consistency on third downs and while they were in the red zone, and gave up an interception too easily. With such a determined head coach, the Lions are going to have to start making improvements soon or else.

The Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) suffered one of the worst upsets of Week 1, losing to the Buffalo Bills 41-7. The Chiefs were the heavy favorites going into the game, but were ripped apart during it.

From the very first minute, they were off to a bad start. Dexter McCluster's fumble on the kickoff that eventually led to a Bills touchdown started the game off on a bad note, and they were never able to recover from such an embarrassing opening play and conceded 41 points.

Many of the players looked at the game as a humbling loss that gave them a bit of a wake up call.

If the Lions Want to Win: Find their offensive rhythm before the Chiefs.

If the Chiefs Want to Win: Find their offensive rhythm before the Lions.  

Projected Score: Detroit Lions 34, Kansas City Chiefs 10

Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills

The Oakland Raiders (1-0) came off a spectacular showing against the favorite Denver Broncos, mainly due to the amazing performance of RB Darren McFadden, who rushed for 150 yards and averaged 6.8 yards per carry.

Yet, there are several things the Raiders must improve if they want a shot at defeating the red-hot Buffalo Bills.

The Raiders committed 15 penalties, which adds up to a 131-yard advantage to the Broncos, during Sunday's game and managed only 105 passing yards. While they do have an amazing RB who can move the team upfield, the Raiders need to use their WRs and TEs more.

They also need to stop getting so many penalties so they don't let the opposing team move up the field so easily.

The Buffalo Bills came off what looked like an amazing game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but under closer inspection, isn't all that impressive. The Chiefs were off all night after the opening fumble and played sloppily throughout the remainder of the game.

I am not saying the players on the Buffalo Bills did not play extremely well. Ryan Fitzpatrick tied a career-high four touchdown passes, and their special teams forced three turnovers. This team is on fire, but not hot enough to stop the Oakland Raiders.

If the Raiders Want to Win: Achieve more passing yards through the WRs and the TEs and play better in terms of penalties.

If the Bills Want to Win: Play like they played against the Chiefs, without having to wait for slip-ups by the other team.      

Projected Score: Oakland Raiders 21, Buffalo Bills 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) lost their first game, but will win their second game against the Vikings easily.

The rushing yards for the Buccaneers was less than impressive for their first game; in total, the team rushed for only 56 yards.

Compared to teams like the Raiders (with McFadden), the Vikings (with Peterson) and the Texans (with Foster), 56 total rushing yards is pathetic. Since the Bucs are playing the Vikings, who have Peterson, they need to improve their rushing yards if they don't want to be crushed in that category.

The Minnesota Vikings (0-1) also lost their first game and aren't having much luck with their new veteran quarterback, Donovan McNabb; McNabb threw for just 39 yards.

The Vikings could have done much better that game, they might have even had a chance to win, if McNabb had thrown an average number of passing yards like 200-300 yards. It would allow many more touchdowns and more field goals.

Aside from this enormous factor, the Vikings played decently in the other parts of the game.

If the Buccaneers Want to Win: The Buccaneers need to be able to rush the ball more often. They need to get more rushing yards while maintaining a balance with the passing yards.

If the Vikings Want to win: Get many more passing yards; use the WRs and the TEs to run the ball upfield and obtain more first downs.

Projected Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28, Minnesota Vikings 10

Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints (0-1) proved they are still a team to be reckoned with in last Thursday's match against the Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Drew Brees had an amazing night and a last-minute drive for a total of 419 yards.

Two of the largest factors the Saints lacked in Week 1 that they need to fix going into Week 2 are their defense and their rushing. 

The Saints rushed for a team total of only 81 yards. While that is not the best score for a team total, it is not laughable.

They shouldn't not pass because that is their game; they win games by fast passes and quick field movement.

I am only saying they should use their RBs more as another weapon to move up the field. 

Their defense wasn't the best. The Saints allowed 42 points, which has got to improve before they face Chicago, whose defense is stacked. Only two sacks and no interceptions is not a good outcome, especially for a team that won the Super Bowl just two years ago.

The Chicago Bears (1-0) not only won their game against the Atlanta Falcons, but they also held them to a minimal 12 points.

The Bears had good numbers in passing and rushing, but really excelled in defense. Holding the heavily-favored Atlanta Falcons to such a low score with such a monstrous defensive line is something to be very proud of.

There was one thing on offense that will stop Chicago from scoring against the Saints, and that is turnovers.

The Bears had four turnovers against Atlanta. If they hadn't made those turnovers, the score of the game would have been really different.

If they lose the ball that many times during their game against the Saints, there really isn't much hope for many touchdown dances occurring.

If the Saints Want to Win: The Saints must have a more aggressive defense that gets more sacks and tackles faster.

If the Bears Want to Win: The Bears must keep a hold of the ball and keep doing what they are doing on defense.  

Projected Score: New Orleans Saints 14, Chicago Bears 10

Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans

The Baltimore Ravens (1-0) looked really dominant in their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially on defense. Their defensive line forced seven turnovers, four being fumbles and three interceptions.

I do not think the Titans will do as badly as the Steelers, but they are not going to be turnover-free by the end of the night. 

The Ravens looked dominant in almost every aspect of the game, yet lacked the proper passing yards for such a good team.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco threw for just 224 yards. This is not as bad as a certain performance by a certain Vikings quarterback, but still not as good as it could be.

Flacco needs to be able to look and find players like Pitta and Dickson, because giving the ball to Ray Rice to rush the ball isn't always going to work. Flacco is going to need more options. 

The Tennessee Titans (0-1) couldn't hang for the win in their match against the Jacksonville Jaguars and ended up losing 16-14. This may not seem like an awful loss, but they were the favorites, and it stings to be beaten by their division rivals.

Rushing is a problem for this team, as they only managed 43 total rushing yards. 

With many teams, one can see if they rely heavier on either passing the ball or rushing the ball. If one team could find the perfect middle ground with an equal amount of usage for the both methods, that team is going to excel on offense. 

Unfortunately, the I don't see the Titans making the change in one week and will suffer an excruciating loss to the Ravens.

If the Ravens Want to Win: Use Pitta and Dickson to run the ball upfield. They both averaged more than 10 yards per reception during Sunday's match.

If the Titans Want Win: Rush the ball more, make no turnovers and force turnovers on a powerful Baltimore offense. 

Projected Score: Baltimore Ravens 42, Tennessee Titans 10

Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts

The Cleveland Browns (0-1) were upset by the Bengals on Sunday, but are ready for a major comeback.

The Browns will defeat the Colts because of their superior passing ability, the absence of Peyton Manning, and they can force turnovers on an already very weak Colts team.

There are ways to stop the Colts dead in their tracks. 

The Browns need to play better by not getting so many penalties. Five or 10 yards here and there may not seem like a lot when it happens, but it adds up to an extraordinary amount that could decide the fate of the game.

After getting 11 penalties called on them, which added up to a 72-yard advantage toward the opposing team, they wondered why they lost. The Browns need to cut that number in half so the Colts don't have an excuse to be in FG range or score a touchdown.

The Indianapolis Colts (0-1) played an embarrassing first game against division rival Houston.

It almost seemed that without Peyton Manning, the team almost collapsed on itself.

Kerry Collins had three fumbles, two of which were in the first half and ended in TDs for Houston. The pass protection on both fumbles was menial to say the least, and Collins was brought down very fast.

Improve pass protection and throw the ball away when under a large amount of defensive pressure—those are two of the keys to winning.

The other key is rushing. 

If the Colts don't take advantage of RB Joseph Addai, who only had 39 yards in Sunday's match, it will be one of the factors that will stop them from having one of those amazing seasons they usually do.

Addai is not a bad RB. Collins didn't hand him the ball enough and felt the consequences.

If the Browns Want to Win: Get less penalties and force turnovers on a weakened Colts offense.

If the Colts Want to Win: Commit less fumbles by improving pass protection and use Addai more to gain yards.  

Projected Score: Cleveland Brown 17, Indianapolis Colts 10

Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets

The New York Jets (1-0) had an amazing last-minute run against the Cowboys to pull off the victory in Week 1. It was a passing game for the Jets, who had a total of 335 yards. It was almost ridiculous to see Mark Sanchez target receivers almost all the time instead of the RBs.

The Jets are another team that has yet to find that perfect balance of rushing and passing. While passing does work for them, Sanchez should rush the ball. 

RB Shonn Greene had 10 of the Jets' 16 carries for 26 yards. That means that Greene only averaged 2.6 yards per carry. The Jets are going to have games like this and must turn the game around to have a spectacular showing in the rushing game. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) also won their game at the last minute, making the final score 16-14.

The Jaguars are going to have to play one of the best games of their lives if they want to beat the Jets.

First, the Jags need to not get so many penalties; they conceded 60 yards through seven penalties called against them.

The Jets, who had no penalties called against them, will take advantage of penalties and use them to score.

Like the Jets, the Jaguars lack the rushing game. Rush the ball, as well as pass it for the maximum possibility of yard gain.

If the Jets Want to Win: Improve the rushing game and find its rhythm before the Jaguars find theirs.

If the Jaguars Want to Win: Play cleaner and find the rushing game rhythm faster than the Jets. 

 Projected Score: New York Jets 24, Jacksonville Jaguars 7

Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins (1-0) came off an exciting victory against their division rivals, the New York Giants. The Skins had the most solid defensive line that Washington has seen in several years.

Rex Grossman was the biggest surprise of the game, with a total of 305 yards. While there were many positive points to the their game, the Redskins still have many things that need improvement.

Tim Hightower played amazingly throughout the preseason, but then fell apart during the opening game, with only 72 yards over 25 attempts. They kept handing him the ball, but only to constantly see him taken down by the Giants' defense. Washington either needs to improve the way he runs the ball or not give him the ball nearly as much.

Grossman needs to improve his playing style while under pressure, because he was sacked several when he could have easily thrown the ball away and remained at the line of scrimmage. He needs to throw the ball away when the defense is closing in on him so they don't lose yards.

The Arizona Cardinals (1-0) had a very impressive first game. They were able to hold off Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers and win by seven points.

After trailing 21-14 in the fourth quarter and coming back to win 28-21, it shows that this is a team that does not choke in the end and can come back from a deficit.

Like the Redskins' Ryan Kerrigan, a rookie defensive player who was able to grab a touchdown, Cardinals rookie Patrick Peterson broke a tackle at his 11-yard line and exploded up the middle of the field to score a touchdown.

The Cardinals are going to have to push through an aggressive Redskins defense if they even want a chance at winning the game.

If the Redskins Want to Win: Improve rushing ability and lower the sacks against total.

If the Cardinals Want to Win: Improve the front seven and have excellent pass protection.

Projected Score: Washington Redskins 24, Arizona Cardinals 10

Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers

Winner: Seattle Seahawks

Projected Score: Seattle Seahawks: 17-14 : Pittsburgh Steelers

It may surprise many to see the Seattle Seahawks defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers. The fact of the matter is that the Steelers just aren't that good. While the Seahawks didn't have their best performance against the 49ers, the return of Sydney Rice will aid them against the Steelers. Both teams lacked a decent rushing ability and must improve before Sunday's game.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1) were embarrassed by the Baltimore Ravens, losing 35-7  Roethlisberger had just 280 yards and threw three interceptions. For a team that has been so dominant the past couple seasons, it is very surprising to see them fall like this. One of the biggest factors to their loss was their turnover rate. Overall, the Steelers had 7 turnovers, three interceptions thrown by Roethlisberger and four fumbles. While all defenses will not be like the dominant Ravens defense, that is awful. Improve this, and you will see better game results.

The Seahawks (0-1) also performed particularly poorly against the 49ers, especially towards the end, where they allowed two touchdowns by the same player. They lacked in passing and rushing yards, but only had 4 turnovers. The Seahawks need to keep using WR's Baldwin and Williams to move the ball up the field. Improve passing and rushing, that is the key to victory.

What the Seahawks must do to win: Improve passing and rushing yards.

What the Steelers must do to win: Not turn the ball over as much and improve rushing ability. 

Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers

The Green Bay Packers (1-0) will easily put the Panthers away in this matchup.

Aaron Rodgers distributes passes to all the WRs and TEs so that the defense will always be left guessing as to which player will end up with the ball.

The Packers had no turnovers in Week 1. When a team has no turnovers, it makes it exponentially more difficult for the opposing team to score.

The only aspect that the Packers can improve upon is rushing. While they seem to be doing fine passing the ball the majority of the game, it is essential for any team to use the weapon known as the running back.

If the Packers keep passing the ball all the time, their opponents will never know to cover the running back.

The Carolina Panthers (0-1) have almost no chance at beating the defending Super Bowl champions. While rookie QB Cam Newton had a record-breaking opening night throwing 422 yards, one team can't rely on one player. Newton was so focused on passing the ball to Steve Smith that he rarely used his running backs; the total rushing yards for the Panthers that night was only 74.

If the Panthers are going to rely on Newton so heavily, they need to give him proper protection.

Pass protection was a problem against the Cardinals; Newton was sacked four times and hit seven. When you go up against a team like the Packers hoping your QB can put the team on his back and win, the pass protection, the passing routes and the rushing ability need to be impeccable.

If the Packers Want to Win: Improve rushing ability.

If the Panthers Want to Win: Improve pass protection, rushing ability and passing routes. 

Projected Score: Green Bay Packers 35, Carolina Panthers 10

Conclusion

If you disagree with anything written here, please don't hesitate to comment with your own opinion.