NFL Picks Week 2: Which Games Will Feature Closest Scores?

There are a number of games that feature well-matched teams this week, and this should result in a number of close games.

High scoring, low scoring—it doesn't matter. Below, I detail three matchups that are likely to go down to the wire.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings

The Buccaneers had a close game Week 1, losing to the Detroit Lions, 27-20. This week, I see them embroiled in another close contest when they travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings.

Tampa allowed the Lions to rush for a net of 126 yards and pass for 305 yards while rushing for just 56 yards of their own and earning 259 net yards through the air.

The Vikings had an even more difficult time in Week 1, losing to the San Diego Chargers 24-17 in a game that saw quarterback Donovan McNabb throw for just 39 yards.

The Chargers, however, only rushed for 77 net yards and had most of their success through the air.

When Tampa meets the Vikings on Sunday, I see the teams being well-matched enough to have a close, though not high-scoring, game based on the ground attack more than passing the ball.

Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins

I believe this game will not only be close, but a higher-scoring contest as well.

Both teams are well-matched at quarterback, with the Redskins' Rex Grossman and the Cardinals' Kevin Kolb each throwing two touchdowns for 305 and 309 yards, respectively.

They are evenly matched at running back, with the Cardinals featuring Beanie Wells and the Redskins, Tim Hightower, and they boast rather similar defensive squads.

I would not be surprised if each quarterback throws for three touchdowns each, and I see this game being decided by a field goal or less.

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers

When I think about this game, I cannot determine a clear winner in my mind. That's what has me believing that it will be a close contest.

The Niners had an impressive defensive performance in their Week 1 win against the Seattle Seahawks. While the Cowboys will prove a tougher test, I believe their defense has a shot to make an impact, especially against the running game.

At the same time, the Cowboys are also adept at stopping the run. They held the New York Jets to just 45 yards in Week 1, and have more than a good shot at holding San Francisco running back Frank Gore to far less.

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was inconsistent in his season opener; he should bounce back this week. But the respective defensive performances by both teams should keep this game both close and low scoring.