NFL Predictions Week 2: 4 Teams on Upset Alert

Week 2 of the NFL season is almost upon us.

With an exciting opening slate of football last week, having the best sport in the world back, and in full gear is a great sight to see.

The old belief is that you can't (or shouldn't) judge a team until the end of the fourth week, but where's the fun in that?

Here are four teams in Week 2 that are on upset alert.

Houston Texans vs Miami Dolphins

The Houston Texans are only three-point favorites against the Miami Dolphins, but I’ll put this in upset territory. After the Colts' pitiful performance against these Texans in Week 1, many fans and analysts alike are calling the AFC South the Texans' division to lose.

The Texans' explosive offensive, led by quarterback Matt Schaub, wide receiver Andre Johnson and running backs Ben Tate and Derrick Ward, should put up BIG numbers against a Miami Dolphins’ defense that allowed Tom Brady to pass for 517 yards in Week 1.

With all the praise I’ve given the Texans so far, I still think they need to be careful against the Dolphins.

Chad Henne (412 yards) and Brandon Marshall (139) both had big games for the Dolphins last week, and Houston’s secondary may have their hands full in trying to stop Miami’s passing attack. Texans, you are officially on upset alert.

Score Prediction:

Houston 37

Miami 34

Minnesota Vikings vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

To be honest, I’m shocked that the Vikings are favorites in their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs did lose a disappointing game to the Detroit Lions, but the Lions are no slouch.

This is the year Detroit is back in contention for the playoffs, and losing a semi-close game is nothing to be ashamed of. The Week 1 jitters were showing, and the Buccaneers, with their two turnovers and pitiful 56 rushing yards probably won’t play that terribly on defense again.

The Vikings lost their opening game as well, 24-17 to the San Diego Chargers, and have a lot to prove. Quarterback Donovan McNabb had a poor game, 7-of-15 passing for 39 yards with a touchdown and interception, and never looked completely comfortable throughout the game.

Both of these teams desperately need a win to avoid starting 0-2 and keep their postseason dreams alive.

Score Prediction:

Tampa Bay 24

Minnesota 20

New Orleans Saints vs Chicago Bears

The New Orleans Saints kicked off the 2011-12 season with an opening day loss to the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Green Bay Packers.

The two teams were in a shootout that featured 731 yards through the air.

The Packers were all over the Saints defense, and pulled out a 42-34 victory at Lambeau Field. The Bears started the season a little bit differently than the Saints.

In a “shock the world” fashion, the Bears completely dominated the Atlanta Falcons, offensively and defensively.

These teams couldn’t have had more opposite starts to the season, and both teams will look for a big win over the other.

Score Prediction:

New Orleans 27

Chicago 24

NY Giants vs St Louis Rams

These two teams will battle it out on Monday Night Football with the host, Mike Tirico, the coach Jon Gruden and the “potty mouth”, Ron “Jaws” Jaworski calling the game.

The Giants lost an ugly game on the road in the nation’s capital to the Washington Redskins, while the Rams lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Neither team played well at all in the opening week, and both could really use a win in Week 2.

The Rams in the NFC West will have a much lighter division schedule than the Giants in the NFC East, so the Giants at home probably need this win.

With that being said, this is probably the biggest upset prediction made so far.

Score Prediction:

St Louis 24

NY Giants 21