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How did your picks do week one? There were plenty of surprises and week two will likely be the same with some huge division match ups.
Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers -3
Cam Newton and the Panther host the Texans in the Carolina’s home opener this Sunday at 1:00 PM EST. Carolina is favored by three. It could be an easy night for Greg Olsen. When the Texans played Kansas City in week one, they let TE Travis Kelce score two TDs. The Texans have made a quarterback change, deciding to continue to go with Ryan Mallett, who replaced Brian Hoyer last week in the fourth quarter. The Panthers probably won’t be a very hospitable host. Panthers go up 2-0 on the season, while the Texans fall 0-2.
San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers -6
The Steelers are looking for a win in their home season opener after falling to the Patriots in week 1 during “HeadsetGate“. The 49ers opened the season with a win against the Vikings and is playing on a short week, while traveling across the country. The 49ers D is a lot better than we thought it would be. San Francisco’s defense may find a way to cover the spread, but the Steelers pull out a win at home. Steelers straight up; take the Niners and the points if you’re feeling lucky.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints -10
Someone has to come out with a win. Jameis Winston takes his show on the road into the Big Easy this Sunday. Tampa Bay will continue playing like the Tampa Bay yucks of old. The Saints may not be in Super Bowl form, but they will not look like the New Orleans Ain’ts again this week. The Saints almost never lose in the dome and there is absolutely nothing that suggests things will be different this Sunday against the Bucs. But 10 points? I don’t know about that one. The Saints aren’t that good and the Bucs aren’t that bad. Are they? Take the Bucs and the points and pray Drew Brees does just enough to win but not enough to cover.
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings – 3
Everyone thinks old man Peterson also known as AP is going to return to the days of old. Don’t believe the hype. The Lions’ defense is better than the 49ers and the Vikings had all they could stand Monday night against the 49ers. The Vikings are playing a division game on a short week. The home cooking might be the take out variety. Take the Lions and the +3.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Chicago Bears -2.5
Sigh, my Bears and Jay Cutler are exactly who we thought they are. Can I recuse myself from all their games this year? I don’t know flip a coin. I’m just going to pray and maybe cry.
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills +1
The Bills made short work of Andrew Luck and the Colts last week. Rex Ryan despises the Patriots. Bill Belichik loves to take bulletin board material and turn it into a lesson. This game could go either way. Run don’t walk and stay far far away from this game. Should be entertaining to watch though.
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns -1
This could easily be a repeat of last week’s game against the Bucs. Mariota continues to Heisman trophy tour visiting another hyped Heisman winner, you may have heard of him. Who knows what you’ll get. I wouldn’t bet against Mariotta though. Not after last week. This game is basically a pick’em so go ahead pick.
Atlanta Falcons at NY Giants -2
The Falcons aren’t a very good road team. The Giants, well the Giants are a misconstrued misunderstood group. After last weeks meltdown in Dallas in prime time the Giants will be looking to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd. Take the 2 and the GMen. They can cover two right?
St. Louis Rams vs. Washington Redskins +3.5
You all don’t really care do you? But just in case the Rams are favored in DC by 3.5. St. Louis did beat Seattle last week, I’m sure they can handle Kirk Cousins without DeSean Jackson.
Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars -6
The AFC battle for Florida kicks off tomorrow. The Dolphins are the Jags big brothers and I doubt there is much the Jags can do to keep up with that pass rush. Ndamukong Suh was not suspended after his extracurriculars last week. Take the Dolphins and suck up the 6 points. They’ll cover.
Baltimore Ravens at Oakland Raiders – 6
Ravens’ Terrell Suggs is out for the season with a torn Achilles. The Ravens defense will suffer from the loss. This game just makes me sad. The Raiders should be able to protect home field, but they haven’t been that skilled at it in recent years. The Ravens should be able to beat the lowly Raiders but I’m not convinced. Take the points and wish upon a star.
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles -5
The Cowboys managed to steal one at home from the Giants last week. Unfortunately they lost Dez Bryant in the process. This week Jerry Jones and Dem Boyz roll into Philly to face another division rival. Former Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray will also be in Philly. This time Murray will be on the other side of the field with an ax to grind. Look for Chip Kelly to have Murray run all over the Cowboys while singing the theme from Rocky. Take the Eagles and give up the five points. You won’t need them.
NY Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts – 7
The Jets managed to put up quite a few points last week. However they were only playing the Browns. Indy needs a big win after an embarrassing loss to Rex Ryan and the Bills. The Colts cover and win at home.
