Michael Vick Returns to Atlanta: Week 2 NFL Picks

Week 1 saw everything from Tom Brady throw for 517 yards to Cam Newton explode in his NFL debut. Those were just a few of the highlights from the opening weekend of football, and it was a week in which the unexpected happened. 

But would you expect anything less on opening weekend? I wouldn't. 

Now, we move onto Week 2, which is highlighted by Michael Vick returning to Atlanta in his first start in the Georgia Dome since he was a member of the Falcons. Not to mention this game is nationally televised on Sunday Night Football.

Does it get much better than this?

Top Quarterback: Matthew Stafford, 27-36, 373 yards, 3 TDs

Top Running Back: Cedric Benson, 34 carries, 183 yards, TD

Top Wide Receiver: Mike Wallace, 12 catches, 176 yards, TD

Top Kicker: Jason Hanson

Top Defense: Pittsburgh Steelers

Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills

How about that offensive outburst out of the Buffalo Bills on opening weekend? Playing on the road against the reigning AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills were not intimidated, not in the least bit. They came out and played with fire, in a 41-7 beat down at Arrowhead Stadium. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick tore up the Chiefs secondary, going 17-25 for 208 yards, and four touchdowns. Through Week 1, Chan Gailey looks like he made the right move in not drafting a quarterback. Fitzpatrick made his coach look smart, but can he do it again in Week 2? I think so. 

The Bills are facing the Raiders, who are coming off of a win in Denver on Monday Night Football. In that game, Darren McFadden stole the show, rushing for 150 yards and picking up right where he left off in 2010. For the Raiders to win the AFC West, they will rely heavily on McFadden in addition to consistent play from Jason Campbell. 

In this game, I like the Bills to win it and go 2-0. Would I be surprised if they lost this game? No, not in the least bit. After all, we are talking about the Buffalo Bills, a team who hasn't made the playoffs since '99. 

Fearless Forecast: Bills 20, Raiders 16. 

Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers

One of the most intriguing matchups of Week 2 features Cam Newton making his home debut against the Super Bowl champion Packers. Last week, Newton went head to head with Kevin Kolb, and this week the task is tougher. He's got Aaron Rodgers, and that guy is pretty good. 

In his NFL debut at Arizona, Newton was the talk of opening weekend, throwing for 422 yards in a losing effort. Newton will be the first one to tell you that he was not satisfied with the game because of the fact that they lost. Even in a losing effort though, Newton showed poise, and looked like a veteran out there. The 2010 Heisman trophy winner turned heads in Week 1, that's for sure. 

The Packers, in Week 1, opened up the season winning a shootout against the Saints, 42-34. In that game Aaron Rodgers was on fire, throwing for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns in the process. It's just so hard to stop this guy, and the scary part is that he is just going to get better and better. The defense struggled against the high-powered Saints offense, but it will be a different story this Sunday. They will try to get to Cam Newton early, and make sure he does not get into a rhythm.

Things won't be as easy this week for Newton against the Packers as they were in Arizona. You don't always get the luxury of playing against that Cardinals secondary. Not that I'm taking anything away from Newton's debut, but the Cardinals secondary has some problems. 

The Packers will be too much for the Panthers this week, as they head to 2-0.

Fearless Forecast: Packers 27, Panthers 13.

Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions

Could you have asked for a worse performance out of the Chiefs to open up the season? With that 41-7 to the Bills, the Chiefs have now been out-scored 102-24 in their last three games, dating back to last season. Things once looked so promising in Kansas City, and now, if they don't right the ship, Todd Haley may be in trouble. 

Am I saying it's time to give up on the Chiefs? No, not just yet, but if Week 1 was any indication of the 2011 season, than brace yourselves Chiefs fans; it's going to be a long year. 

In Week 2, they draw a dangerous Lions team on a quest to make some noise this season. Matthew Stafford is healthy and looks as good as he's ever looked. In Week 1, Stafford was on point, throwing for 305 yards and three touchdowns in a winning effort at Tampa Bay. Considering all of their problems winning on the road in previous years, things could not have gotten off to a better start for the Lions in 2011. 

In this game, the Lions will have no problems with the Chiefs and improve to 2-0. Their offense will overwhelm the Chiefs, and Stafford will look sharp yet again. The Lions better be prepared, because everybody is going to jump on this bandwagon this season. What's not to like about this team?

Fearless Forecast: Lions 31, Chiefs 13. 

Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts

Playing without Peyton Manning to open the season, things got off to a rocky start for the Colts, losing 34-7 in Houston. Here is the positive out of that: The Colts lost their opener in Houston last season as well, 34-24. Oh yeah, they had Peyton Manning though, and this season, it's all on Kerry Collins.

Judging from Week 1, it may be a long season in Indianapolis. It wasn't just Collins who looked bad, but the Colts entire team looked deflated. I've been saying it, and I'm going to repeat myself; the Colts should take a serious look at David Garrard. Or, better yet, Brett Favre. Yes, I'm going there. I'm half serious and half kidding. 

We move onto Week 2 of life without Peyton Manning, where the Colts host the Browns. The Browns are supposed to be a team making strides in the right direction this season. They had to win that home opener against the Bengals. Now, they have to win on the road against a Colts team who is going to play significantly better than Week 1. I can assure you they will play inspired football on Sunday, and the Browns better be ready for it.

I'm riding with the Colts in this one, as they win their first game without Manning. The Browns will start the season 0-2. 

Fearless Forecast: Colts 20, Browns 17. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings

7-15, 39 yards, one touchdown and one interception.  

Those were Donovan McNabb's stats in his debut as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

Gulp.

Look, I love Donovan McNabb, and have always tried to defend him. Ever since his Eagles days, I have been supporting him and believing in him. It's getting harder and harder to do that though. After what happened last year in Washington, McNabb has something to prove, and it's that he can still play. Week 1 was not a good starting point for the former Pro Bowl quarterback. 

Can he right the ship against the Buccaneers? The Bucs came into 2011 with playoff aspirations, after missing it a season ago at 10-6. Now, after losing their home opener to the Lions, they are in danger of going 0-2. This is an important game for this young team. It's not going to be easy winning in Minnesota, though. LeGarrette Blount is going to have to get more than five carries for them to win this game.  

I'm taking the Vikings in this game. Maybe I'm doing it because I have a soft spot for Donovan McNabb, or maybe I'm just not sold on the Buccaneers quite yet. Either way, I expect McNabb to play better, and for the Buccaneers to get a big dose of Adrian Peterson.

Fearless Forecast: Vikings 24, Buccaneers 17. 

Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints

One of the best games of Week 2 is in "The Big Easy," where the Saints and Bears clash in an NFC battle. 

The Bears come into this game 1-0, and opened their season with a 30-12 thumping of the Falcons. In that game, the Bears overwhelmed the Falcons with their defense. It was a perfect way to open the season for the them and specifically Jay Cutler, who ended last season on such a sour note. Now, the Bears turn their attention to another NFC South team, the 2009 Super Bowl Champion Saints.

In a thriller to open the season on Thursday Night, the Saints came up just short in Green Bay, losing 42-34. Don't blame Drew Brees, who finished with 419 yards, and three touchdowns, if your going to blame anybody, that loss is on the defense. In addition to losing the game, the Saints also lost Marques Colston for four weeks with a broken collarbone. Now guys like Robert Meachem, and Devery Henderson will need to step up, and I get the sense that Drew Brees will make both of those guys look good. The Saints will be just fine without Colston.

With the sad news of the passing of Brian Urlacher's mother passing on Monday, I wouldn't want to be trying to block the hall of fame linebacker on Sunday. He is going to come out and play the most inspired football of his career, and you can count on it.

Will it be enough though?

I don't think so. The Saints will get this game at home and pick up their first win of the season. Mark Ingram will show why he was taken in the first round. 

Fearless Forecast: Saints 27, Bears 20. 

Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets

Last week, in their season opener against the Cowboys, the Jets trailed 24-10 in the fourth quarter. After a Plaxico Burress touchdown, suddenly things were 24-17, and a one possession game. The Jets aren't going to win this game, right? The next Cowboys possession: Third-and-goal, on a scramble to the end zone, Tony Romo fumbles and gives the Jets life.

The Jets pulled out the victory 27-24, in typical Jets fashion. It's a new season, but the Jets still found a way to win, something they have been doing ever since Rex Ryan took over as head coach in 2009. You can hate the Jets all you want, and I am one of those haters, but you cannot deny the fact that they know how to win football games. You can never count them out of a game, they always find a way. 

I think the Jaguars may be in for a rough one on Sunday. The Jags come into this game having won their first game of the season, barely, over the Titans. Luke McCown, taking over for David Garrard played smart football, and didn't make any mistakes. He got the job done against the Titans, but he will have a rude awakening against this Jets defense. 

The Jets will come out and play all four quarters this time, and win an easy one over Jacksonville. Would you be surprised though if the Jets made it interesting? They always do. 

Fearless Forecast: Jets 23, Jaguars 7. 

Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers

Can you imagine what it must have been like in that Steelers locker room following that 35-7 beat down by the Ravens? I can tell you one thing, I would not have wanted to be in Mike Tomlin's way after that game.The Steelers had seven turnovers, and were not ready to play. Now they return home, and are ready to feast on the Seahawks.

Good luck, Seattle, you will need it. After coming back from down 16-0 in Week 1 to cut it to 16-14, the Seahawks then allowed Ted Ginn Jr to return both a kick and a punt for a touchdown; ending their chances at a win on the road. This week, it doesn't get any easier in Pittsburgh. As I mentioned above, this Steelers team is going to come out angry and they will be more than happy to take it out on the Seahawks. 

Have fun, Tavaris Jackson. 

Fearless Forecast: Steelers 30, Seahawks 10. 

Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans

If Week 1 is any indication of the 2011 Baltimore Ravens, then watch out because this team is going to be scary. After losing in the playoffs to the Steelers a season ago, the Ravens sent a message to their bitter rivals, winning 35-7, and forcing seven turnovers in the process. Joe Flacco looked like a changed quarterback, and a guy on a mission to prove the doubters wrong. Thus far, he has been the weak link in the Ravens playoff runs. Will it change this year?

The Titans, on the other hand, got their season off to a rough start, losing 16-14 to the Jaguars. Chris Johnson was invisible, rushing for just 24 yards. After finally getting his big contract, Johnson didn't show up on opening weekend, and that was against the Jaguars. I've got news for you: The Jaguars defense does not compare to the Ravens. Matt Hasselbeck is going to have to have a huge game for the Titans to win this one.

The Ravens roll to victory here.

Fearless Forecast: Ravens 23, Titans 13.  

Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins

I'll be the first to admit that I underestimated the Redskins this year, most notably Rex Grossman. "Sexy Rexy," as some would call him, came into the 2011 season confident that the Redskins would win the NFC East crown. In Week 1, things got off to a good start, as Grossman threw for 305 yards, and two touchdowns in a 28-14 win over the Giants. He should have similar luck this week against a Cardinals defense that gave up 422 yards passing to Cam Newton. 

Thanks to Patrick Peterson's punt return in Week 1, the Cardinals were able to break a 21 all tie, and secure a win over Carolina. Kevin Kolb was impressive in his first start as a Cardinal, and it's amazing what a difference having a quarterback does after the Cardinals had a combination of Derek Anderson, Max Hall, and John Skelton last season.

In this game, I'm going with the Redskins moving to 2-0. Grossman will play well and outshine Kevin Kolb. I'm so confident in Rex this week that I'm thinking about starting him on my fantasy team over Matt Schaub. Decisions, decisions. 

Fearless Forecast: Redskins 26, Cardinals 17. 

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers

After a week one collapse in New York, the pressure just got greater on Tony Romo. After leading 24-17 in the fourth quarter, Romo committed two key turnovers, costing the Cowboys the game. This is why it is so hard to trust him. He fails to deliver in late-game situations. 

Now the Cowboys will try to bounce back on the road in San Francisco. 

The Jim Harbaugh era got off to a nice start, as the Niners took down the Seahawks 33-17. Alex Smith played care-free football, but only threw for 124 yards. This is his final year to prove that he can be the 49ers quarterback of the future. He's had all his chances, and somehow he has one more shot. In the NFC West, it's not that tall of an order to ask of him to win that division. 

The Cowboys will bounce back in this game, and win in San Francisco. One more thing: Dez Bryant is going to be a monster this season. Good luck trying to stop him every week. Hey Tony, just throw him the ball. 

Fearless Forecast: Cowboys 23, 49ers 16. 

Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos

First-round pick A.J Green's first career NFL catch could not have come at a better time in Cleveland on Sunday. With the Bengals trailing 17-13 in the fourth quarter, Bruce Gradkowski found A.J. Green for a 41-yard touchdown, and the go ahead score. The Bengals never looked back then, and won it 27-17.

After an offseason where the Bengals lost Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Jonathan Joseph, many expected them to be the worst team in football. In Week 1 they proved the critics wrong, winning on the road against a division foe. Granted, it was the Browns, but the Bengals looked good, and their defense was ready to play. 

To open their season, the Broncos lost at home to the Raiders, 23-20. This was a game that consisted of Kyle Orton getting booed, and the fans chanting for Tim Tebow to come in. I think it's clear what the city of Denver wants, and that is Tebow. Forgive me if I am going to rant on this Tebow situation again, but until they start him, you can expect me to whine about Orton starting.

Remember the last time these teams met? I do. It was opening weekend in '09, and the Broncos won on a Brandon Stokley miracle throw. The Bengals get revenge here.

Fearless Forecast: Bengals 23 Broncos 17. 

Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins

Could this finally be the year for the Houston Texans to take off? Since joining the NFL in '02, the Texans have failed to make the playoffs and have had a winning record just once, which was in 2009. While having a winning record is nice, it means nothing if it doesn't get you to the playoffs, and that's what happened with the Texans. Now, with Peyton Manning injured, this is the Texans division to lose. It's now or never for Gary Kubiak in Houston.

Tony Sparano is in a somewhat similar situation in Miami in that this may be his last year if he doesn't deliver. Since making the playoffs in his first season with the Dolphins in '08, the Dolphins have backtracked, going 7-9 the last two years. Last week, it was the defense that let them down, giving up 517 yards passing to Tom Brady. Don't blame Chad Henne, who had 416 yards of his own. That's a great start for Henne to start the season. 

I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a shootout in this game. With Andre Johnson returning home to Miami, expect a big game out of him. I wouldn't want to be the guy guarding him on Sunday. 

Fearless Forecast: Texans 31, Dolphins 27.

San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots

The 2010 MVP Tom Brady took no time off in his attempt to repeat, with his absurd 517 yards in Week 1. Something tells me that Brady isn't concerned about getting another MVP; this year, he wants his fourth Super Bowl ring. 

In Week 1, the Chargers escaped over the Vikings in an ugly win. If there is one thing we have learned about the Chargers, it is that they are impossible to trust. This is a team that can beat anybody or lose to anybody. There are many quarterbacks in the NFL who just need a Super Bowl to really put them over the top, and Phillip Rivers is one of those guys. Since he has been starting for the Chargers, the deepest he has taken the Chargers is to the AFC Championship game, where he played on a torn ACL in a gutty performance. You know who that loss was to? The Patriots.

This is one of the best games of Week 2 and I would love to see a shootout between Tom Brady and Phillip Rivers. The Patriots are going to be looking to get something out of Chad Ochocinco this week, who is still trying to find his way with this Patriot offense. He is as focused as he's ever been, and I think it's only a matter of time before he develops a chemistry with Tom Brady.

I'm going with the Patriots in this game, in a game that will be decided in the fourth quarter. 

Fearless Forecast: Patriots 27, Chargers 24. 

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons

Man, are we in for a thriller on Sunday Night Football when Michael Vick returns to Atlanta. This will be his first game starting in Atlanta since he was the quarterback for the Falcons.

What kind of a response will Vick get? 

If I were to guess, I'd say it's a positive response from the fans in Atlanta. I'll tell you why: After Vick left, the Falcons were in disarray and their future was uncertain. However, thanks to Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, the evolution of Roddy White, and coach Mike Smith, the Falcons are alive, and better built for the future than when Vick was there. If things were bad in Atlanta, Vick would get a negative response, and I am certain of this. 

After getting rocked by the Bears in Week 1, expect the Falcons to come out on Sunday and play with an edge. They are clearly a better team than they displayed to open the season, and Matt Ryan will come to play. With the Eagles giving up 236 yards on the ground in Week 1 to the Rams, expect the Falcons to pound it with Michael Turner.

The Eagles were the most talked about team all offseason, and now need to prove that they were not simply all hype. They need to prove that they are for real, and ready to compete for a Super Bowl this year. It all starts with Michael Vick, who cannot resort back to his Falcons days of being a run-first quarterback. Expect Vick to shine in Atlanta and to play with a chip on his shoulder. Will it be enough though?

It's funny how things work. In '05, Vick was playing against the Eagles with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Now, six years later, he's playing against the Falcons in an emotional game, to say the least. Vick is going to try to play it off like this is just any other game, but we all know it's not. This one is huge for him. He wants this game. 

Unfortunately, I don't think he gets it. The Falcons need this one to avoid starting 0-2, and I think they win it here. Matt Ryan loves playing in Atlanta and has a ridiculous home record to prove it. Falcons win it. 

Fearless Forecast: Falcons 31, Eagles 28.

St. Louis Rams at New York Giants

To close out Week 2, the banged up Rams travel to New York to play the banged up Giants. Both teams have had bad luck with injuries this season. I have a hard time believing the Rams are going to win this game, I just don't see it. 

In their loss in Week 1 to the Eagles, the Rams lost cornerback Ron Bartell for the season, receiver Danny Amendola for an unknown time, and Steven Jackson to a quad injury who will miss at least this week. Not to mention Sam Bradford, who hurt his index finger in the loss, but will be able to play. Yeah, I'd say that's a rough start to the season for the Rams.

You think that's a lot of injuries? Just ask the New York Giants about that. Even before the season started, the G-Men lost Clint Stintim, Marvin Austin, Terrell Thomas, Prince Amukamara, and Jonathan Goff for the season. Could you ask for worse luck? Before the season even began, the Giants had an uphill battle, and started things off on the wrong foot, losing to the Redskins on the road. 

In Monday's game, I expect the Giants to take care of business. How will Sam Bradford play in his first ever Monday Night Football game? Time will tell.

Fearless Forecast: Giants 27, Rams 17.