Before I delve into my picks for Week 2, I thought I'd first give some quick observations from the Week 1 action.
The Football Gods Hate Detroit
No really, they do. Rather than allow the Lions and their fans to have some hope for respectability this season, the football gods decided to crush their spirits early when a Julius Peppers sack knocked Matthew Stafford out of the game. As if to add insult to injury, a Calvin Johnson late touchdown was negated when he pounded the ball on the ground rather than come down with it with both hands. "You're the Detroit Lions," said linebacker Julian Peterson. "You never get breaks." No you don't Julian, no you don't.
Dallas Held Back
I'm Alex Barron, the most penalized player in the NFL. My team is at the Washington 13-yard line, trailing by six, with three seconds remaining. Should I block Brian Orakpo legally? No, I think I'll actually hit him with a WWE style clothesline and cost my team the game. That sounds like a better option.
Houston, We Have A Problem Playoff Team?
The Houston Texans were 1-15 against Indianapolis entering last Sunday's game, somehow finding new and different ways to lose in all 15 of those contests. Now if I were to tell you Houston would win with Matt Schaub throwing for just over 100 yards, you'd most likely question my sanity. Enter Arian Foster. Foster had 231 yards and scored three touchdowns, pleasing fantasy owners across the country as he tries to prevent the Texans from their obligatory eight win season
Without further ado, the Week 2 Picks:
Last Week: 8-5-3 Overall: 8-5-3
Buffalo at Green Bay (-13)
It's not often you see a 13-point spread in Week 2 of the NFL season. It's also not often you see a team in the NFL led by Trent Edwards and Chan Gailey.
Tampa Bay at Carolina (-3)
A definite candidate for the worst game on the Week 2 slate. But as if one wasn't enough, we'll see these two teams square off again, in Week 10. All Matt Moore needs to do Sunday is exist in the two seconds between taking the snap and handing the ball off to Stewart/Williams. That, and throw the ball to Steve Smith continuously.
Baltimore (-3) at Cincinnati
Only Week 2, but an important game here for the Bengals. They swept Baltimore last season, so you can bet the Ravens have revenge on their mind. And how did Cincy wide receiver Chad Ochocinco spend the day after his team's loss to New England? By appearing on WWE Monday Night Raw, of course.
Arizona at Atlanta (-6.5)
There are a lot of things I plan on doing in my lifetime. Taking a Derek Anderson led team, against a competent opponent, on the road, is not one of them.
Miami (+5.5) at Minnesota
I'd like to thank Miami for winning the inaugural Cover of the Week Award. With the Dolphins favored by 3.5, the Bills scored a TD with five minutes remaining to cut the Miami lead to 13-10. Buffalo regained possession, but later called for an intentional safety on 4th down, giving Miami the 15-10 victory and, most importantly, the cover! Wait a minute, why am I thanking Miami? Shouldn't I be thanking Chan Gailey's coaching?
Pittsburgh at Tennessee (-5.5)
Tough one here. I could see Vince Young being forced into bad situations by an aggressive Pittsburgh D and Chris Johnson being limited a bit. But I just can't see the Steelers being able to bring 110% for a second straight game, which is what you need if you're gonna be competitive with Dennis Dixon at quarterback.
Kansas City at Cleveland (-3)
The Browns held a 14-3 lead over Tampa Bay late in the 2nd quarter. Now if I'm Eric Mangini, I'm immediately heading over to my quarterback with the following statement, "Hey Jake, you've given us an 11-point lead, I think we're just gonna hand off for the rest of the game. Oh, and one more thing, no audibles!" Instead of choosing this option, Mangini allowed Delhomme to throw, and we know how this story ends. I'm hoping Seneca Wallace didn't learn too much from Jake.
Chicago at Dallas (-7)
I want to pick the Bears in this game. I really, really do. But for some reason, I get a computer error every time I try to type the following words in a full, complete sentence: "Jay Cutler" "covers" "spread" "away from home."
Philadelphia (-6.5) at Detroit
I'm gonna pump the brakes a little bit on this whole Mike Vick is back movement. He came into the Green Bay game with his team down by 2+ touchdowns, so he had the chance to put up stats. Plus, will he ever again be as good as virtual Vick from Madden 2004- the most dominating video game player of my generation? Meanwhile, the Shaun Hill era starts in Detroit (Searching for something positive to say).
Houston at Washington (+3)
As soon as Week 1 concluded, these were two teams I was planning on picking against. Both teams were coming off huge first victories over division rivals, and I was assured a letdown would be in store for both teams. Unfortunately, they play each other! I'm picking Washington just so Houston stays on track for 8-8.
St. Louis (+3.5) at Oakland
My god. I immediately retract my earlier statement about the Carolina-Tampa Bay game. This one is not only the worst game in Week 2, but could be the matchup I'm least looking forward to in years. If you're not a die-hard fan of Oakland or St. Louis, who's watching this game?
New England (-3) at New York
Big-time game. Like I said last week, this whole offseason has been about the Jets, their offseason moves, Hard Knocks, etc. Even to a lesser extent, the Dolphins garnered some buzz for their acquisition of Brandon Marshall. And all along, Brady and Belichick have been seeing this, primed for an F U season. A statement was made last week against Cincy, and it will be made again against the Jets. I really like the Pats as a Super Bowl team.
Jacksonville at San Diego (-7)
David Garrard threw three touchdown passes in Week 1. San Diego lost to the Chiefs. The Jaguars had no turnovers against Denver. Philip Rivers has calmed towards his receivers. Surprisingly, every statement is true but the last one. I think David Garrard remembers he's David Garrard and San Diego smacks Jacksonville at home.
Seattle at Denver (-3.5)
I wish I was joking, but one of my friends told me Seattle will be playing in the Super Bowl this year. What does this mean? I need to find some new friends! Denver's a tough place to play, and I think they do enough here to cover the spread.
New York at Indianapolis (-5.5)
Very nice game here- looking forward to this one. I'm also looking forward to my first look at Colts head coach Jim Caldwell this season- perhaps the most stoic coach in NFL history! I think Indy narrowly covers the game here in Manning Bowl II.
New Orleans at San Francisco (+6)
I could probably think of a million places I'd rather be than the San Fran locker room after their blowout loss to Seattle. And I could probably think of a million more places I'd rather be than at a team meeting later that night. Anyway, I feel the 49ers keep it close Monday night- or all hell might break loose in the Bay Area.
As always, enjoy the games!
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