NFL Picks Week 2: Predicting Scores for Every Prime-Time Game

There's a clear headliner among the NFL's Week 2 late games. Here's a hint: It's not Cincinnati at Denver—especially with Brandon Stokley no longer a Bronco.

Michael Vick returns to Atlanta tonight. This time, as a starter—a near-MVP starter in 2010 who put up 284 total yards and two touchdowns in a win over St. Louis last week. And he'll be facing a team in dire need of a win after falling flat in Chicago.

That should make for an exciting Week 2 nightcap, but there's some intrigue spreading across the league with San Diego taking on New England, Miami trying to get back on track against Houston and Dallas trying to rebound in San Francisco.

With so many storylines, it's tough to predict which themes will play the largest roles. Unless, of course, you're in to slideshows.

5. Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers

That was tough to swallow, Dallas.

Tony Romo finally took that step, playing a nearly flawless game through three quarters. Then, the fourth quarter struck and Romo traded taking the next step for taking another beating. A fumble and an interception cost the Cowboys a chance at a 1-0 start—and may eventually cost Romo his job.

Fortunately, Dallas found the right rebound team. At least, on paper.

The 49ers struggled to put the Seahawks away in Week 1, allowing one of the league's worst teams to hang around into the fourth quarter.

Even with Dez Bryant likely out with a quad injury, the Cowboys have enough on offense to outscore the Alex-Smith-led 'Niners.

Pick: Cowboys 35, 49ers 20

4. Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos

The Broncos found a way to lose against the Oakland Raiders last week, while the Bengals somehow found a way to beat the Cleveland Browns despite losing their starting quarterback.

With Andy Dalton likely to be back on the field starting for the Bengals and Knowshon Moreno out for Denver, the tables have turned. The results should, too.

Denver has enough through the air with Kyle Orton to take advantage of a weak Cincinnati secondary. Expect Brandon Lloyd to have a big day with Willis McGahee providing just enough on the ground to keep the Bengals honest.

Pick: Broncos 21, Bengals 13

3. Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins

The Texans once again trounced the Indianapolis Colts to open the season, though, with Peyton Manning out indefinitely, the win might actually lead to a division crown this year.

The Dolphins helped Tom Brady set a personal record.

Chad Henne actually played better than the final score would indicate, but it didn't matter with the 'Fins defense avoiding contact and coverage all night. And even if he plays well against an improved Houston secondary, it'll likely be in vain again if the secondary fails to show up against Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson.

Worst case, the Texans can just lean on the ground game with Arian Foster returning and Ben Tate emerging.

Pick: Texans 30, Dolphins 19

2. San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots

It's becoming apparent that even if Philip Rivers throws for 300 yards and the Chargers defense holds the opposition under 40 passing yards of their own, San Diego's special teams can keep it close.

Whether that plays a role in tonight's game remains to be seen, but it's certainly an added advantage for New England—especially when you consider the Patriots' weaknesses in the secondary.

Still, you can't give a team like the Patriots any room to beat you, and with San Diego still struggling to finish bad teams, they'll likely give New England ample opportunities to take this one. Brady and this offense are in midseason form, which is still long before the Chargers usually wake up.

Pick: Patriots 28, Chargers 21

1. Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons

Here it is, the biggest game of the NFL's second week, at least where storylines are concerned.

Michael Vick is heading back to Atlanta, this time as the Eagles' starter, and he's bringing a high-priced, big-name list of teammates with him. The Falcons have a few new names of their own, with Julio Jones and Ray Edwards both expected to play vital complementary roles this season.

The difference in this one should come down to defensive play, with both offensive lines underwhelming in their openers. That's an advantage for the Eagles, who might have the NFL's best secondary. Even at home, that should be too much for Matt Ryan to overcome.

Pick: Eagles 28, Falcons 24