NFL Week Two Predictions

Buffalo Bills @ Green Bay Packers

Do you really have to ask?  Two down, fourteen to go.
Prediction: Packers

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals

I'm tempted to pick the Bengals for a comeback at home, but their stock really dropped in my eyes and the Ravens are just too good.
Prediction: Ravens

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers

The Panthers put up a decent fight against the Giants.  Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams are still weapons, and Tampa barely held the Browns back from winning.  No way the cats lose at home to a beatable division rival.
Prediction: Panthers

Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns

No one expects much from either of these teams this year, and they might not make the playoffs but they can still put on a good show.  This game is going down to the wire and it's my sleeper of the week, and I think the Browns can pull this one out.
Prediction: Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans

This is a tough call, the Steelers have a tough run defense and have played well against Chris Johnson in the past, but then again betting against him and at home is never a smart move.  I'll go with the Titans in what could turn out to be a battle of the backs.
Prediction: Titans

Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys

I know everyone still expects a lot from the Cowboys, and that the reverse holds true for the Bears.  I know Dallas has a tremendous run game, and that their receiving corps is solid.  I still think the Bears have a chance to win this game, call it wishful thinking if you like.  Their line looked horrible against the Redskins, and though Marc Colombo replaces Alex Barron, I don't know if he and Doug Free can hold their own against Julius Peppers.  Chicago's run defense looked amazing against the Lions and I expect the Cowboys to have problems running, and they put up a ton of yards on offense which is another performance I expect to be repeated.  If anything can save the Cowboys it's Romo and his receivers, but I have a sneaking suspicion the Bears are able to pull off my upset of the week.
Prediction: Bears

Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons

The Cardinals struggled to put away one of the worst teams in the NFL and a rookie passer last week.  Matt Ryan passed for a nice chunk of yards against a top flight defense.  The Falcons pull this one out.
Prediction: Falcons

Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions

A couple of weeks ago I might have given this one to the Lions, I really don't trust Kevin Kolb.  However, the Eagles rushed and passed over the Green Bay Packers when Vick was in last week, I think they can do the same to the Lions.
Prediction: Eagles

Miami Dolphins @ Minnesota Vikings

Chad Henne was less than convincing in the Dolphins' win against the Bills.  Their rushing attack doesn't seem as potent either, though their defense looks sharp.  Still, they don't seem to be working totally in sync as a team and the Vikings are looking to avenge a loss to the Saints, and they'll be tough for the Dolphins to beat at home.
Prediction: Vikings

Seattle Seahawks @ Denver Broncos

More surprising than the 49ers losing last week was the Seahawks losing, perhaps they won't be desperate for Housh after all.  I think they were pretty convincing and showed up as a team to keep an eye on this year.  With injuries still haunting the Broncos on defense, I think the birds pull this one out.
Prediction: Seahawks

St. Louis Rams @ Oakland Raiders

Intriguing matchup.  Both teams played well last week in losses, but I think Oakland has the edge despite facing Steven Jackson.  Expect their passing attack to beat a weak Rams' secondary and the Raiders to pull this one out.
Prediction: Raiders

Houston Texans @ Washington Redskins

There have been a lot of bright spots for the Texans in just one game.  One of those bright spots is defense, another a rejuvenated running game, and finally their perennially successful passing attack.  Dallas had none of those things in their loss to the Redskins, and I don't see Washington squeaking past Houston the way they did past Dallas.
Prediction: Texans

New England Patriots @ New York Jets

I was thinking of just choosing the Patriots hands down, but I don't think the Jets defense can be counted out just yet.  Darrelle Revis is still back there and he knows how to shut down receivers.  New England's line did play very well against the Bengals, but they face a stiffer challenge this week.  They might end up splitting the season series, but at home I'll take the Jets.
Prediction: Jets

Jacksonville Jaguars @ San Diego Chargers

I said San Diego would have problems against the run this season, so far it's holding true.  If they could get beat by Matt Cassel and Jamaal Charles then they can get beat by Maurice Jones-Drew and David Garrard.
Prediction: Jaguars

New York Giants @ Indianapolis Colts

It's the Manning Bowl!  I'm very tempted to go with the younger Manning after an impressive showing against Carolina, but then again it is only Carolina.  The Giants will be a top-tier offense this year, but they rely on interceptions and Peyton doesn't throw a lot of those against anyone.  Eli will also have more problems against the Colts' offense, and the big weakness for the Giants will continue to be the running game.  Still, it should be an amazing game and my game of the week.
Prediction: Colts

New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers

The Niners simply looked bad during their last outing.  The run game and defense were especially suspect, and though Alex Smith had a lot of yards he had trouble getting in the end zone.  None of that should improve against New Orleans.  They're good against the run, they generate sacks and interceptions, and they have an explosive offense.  I see no way the Niners can pull this one off.
Prediction: Saints