NFL Picks Week 2: Which Teams Will Emerge as AFC Favorites?

The AFC has one Super Bowl win in the last four years.  However, they still feature several teams with a legitimate shot of winning the title.  We are only in week two, but several teams appear in mid-season form. 

The New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, and San Diego Chargers all started their season off with good victories.  Each will be looking to add to their win total and claim the early lead in the AFC.  The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to rebound from last week and get back in the discussion.

The Patriots and Chargers matchup will be the biggest chance for a team to make a statement.  Both teams are considered at the top of the AFC.  This early matchup could be a momentum swing for a team like the Chargers.  San Diego is a traditionally slow starter, so a 2-0 record with a victory over the Patriots would be a breath of fresh air.  New England looked dominant against the Dolphins, even having a few predicting another undefeated season.

Baltimore, New York, and Pittsburgh all have relatively easy matchups.  However, an unexpected loss would hurt their stock.  The Jets are the only team in this group to face a Week 1 winner.  However, it is tough to respect a team that features Luke McCown as their starting quarterback.  This should be an easy victory for the New York Jets.

Baltimore was able to shut down Rashard Mendenhall last week and is rewarded with the challenge of Titans running back Chris Johnson.  Johnson had a tough opening weekend, only rushing for 24 yards.  I expect to see Johnson produce, but it won't be enough to stop the Ravens.

The Steelers face an underwhelming Seattle team that appears to be making a move for Andrew Luck.  Pittsburgh will get back on track this weekend, likely with a dominating performance.

I feel that the Chargers will pull off the upset, giving them the top seat in the AFC.  However, Baltimore will also continue to look good.  Ultimately, this weekend won't have much say in the AFC standings, outside the Chargers vs Patriots matchup.

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