NFL Predictions Week 2: Tom Brady and Four Players Due for Huge Games

After Tom Brady rewrote his own record book by throwing for 517 yards against the Dolphins in Week 1, fantasy owners everywhere had their eyes light up with visions of 2007.

That's the standard Brady has set for himself, and while it's ludicrous to expect 500 or more passing yards every week from the same guy, it's likely that at least one guy at each position will go off every week and lead someone's fantasy team to overwhelming victory.

We're backing Brady again in Week 2, but we're also offering up four other players who should blow up in the late games.

5. Tom Brady, New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers

Brady headlined this whole piece, so why not start with him. He torched Miami last week for over 500 yards, adding four touchdowns (including a 99 yarder to Wes Welker) along the way, making him the envy of every real and fantasy team in the league.

Of course, he'll face a much stiffer test against the Chargers, even though he does get them at home. Still, it's safe to assume Brady can improve on the 39 yards Donovan McNabb posted against San Diego last Sunday. He won't break 500 again, but expecting multiple touchdown passes has become a weekly routing in New England, and Brady should make up for the lack of yards with a few scores, especially if the San Diego offense shows up and turns this one into a shootout.

Projection: 290 yards, 3 TDs

4. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans vs. Miami Dolphins

Since we just talked about the plight of the Miami Dolphins' secondary, why not transition into the bright projection for Matt Schaub this week?

Schaub was rusty and a little hesitant against the Indianapolis Colts, but that's somewhat excusable considering the excitement surrounding finally being the flagship team in the AFC South. Against the Dolphins, Schaub won't feel any of that added pressure, and he'll get his ground game back in full with Arian Foster returning to action. With so many weapons around him and a porous secondary on the other side, he should be in for a monster day.

Projection: 320 yards, 2 TD

3. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots

If Chad Henne can throw for 416 yards and a couple of touchdowns against the Patriots, imagine what Philip Rivers can do. That's excellent news for Jackson after watching Brandon Marshall catch seven balls for 139 yards in Week 1's loss to New England.

With Rivers shaking off some rust of his own in the opening win over the Vikings, he should be in prime position to attack the Pats' secondary in a huge early-season road test.  New England should put up enough offense of their own to keep the Chargers in position to throw the ball late into the fourth quarter, and that'll spell big numbers for Rivers and his No. 1 target, Jackson.

Projection: 6 catches, 120 yards, TD

2. Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers

With Dez Bryant (quad) doubtful for Sunday's game, the Cowboys will be down to just one high-priced receiver on the field. Miles Austin should benefit in a major way.

After falling apart and dropping the opener to the Jets, the Cowboys are desperate for a win. After contributing a late interception and fumble to the loss, Tony Romo is desperate to prove he can be an elite quarterback. With his back against a small wall, expect Romo to look for his most familiar deep target even more often than usual. Jason Witten will get some extra attention, too, but Austin has the best chance to break a long play or two.

Projection: 8 catches, 105 yards, TD

1. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons

For all the reasons you've already heard about. Because he's coming back to Atlanta to face the team that used to be his. Because he's bringing an offense that's as explosive as any in the NFL when it's clicking. Because his defense added every available big name this offseason. Because Atlanta's secondary is in no position to cover DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy, Jason Avant and Steve Smith.

And because he's Michael Vick. 

Projection: 215 passing yards, 3 passing TD, 75 rushing yards, 1 TD