2 Weeks down, 15 to go, before the playoffs. What did we learn in Week 2? The Eagles might not be as good as we thought. The Jags and Raiders have shown signs of improvement. The Jets defense is legit, and the Pats and Packers are still the class of the NFL. With the Giants finally getting a win on Thursday night against the Redskins, NY looks like they might be able to compete in what all of a sudden is a very shaky NFC East. Let's take a look at the rest of the league and see how the other games should play out.
Atlanta -1
at Dallas
Atlanta has surprised a lot of people this year. Matty Ice has been lighting it up with his passes to Julio Jones, but the real eye-opener has been the Falcons defense. Dan Quinn has got this Falcons defense playing with some swagger. If Dallas had all their weapons, Tony Romo, Dez, a fully healthy Jason Witten, I'd go with the Cowboys, but I think in this game the Falcons just have too much firepower. The Falcons go to Arlington and get a win to move to 3-0.
Indianapolis -3
at Tennessee
The Colts and Andrew Luck have looked almost as bad as Luck's neck beard during the first two weeks of the season. I can't see Indy starting off 0-3. I know Pagano and the Colts look to be on the outs after this season, and that's terrible for team chemistry, but they should still beat Tennessee. Andrew Luck gets the Colts back on track this week and the Colts get a win and cover in Nashville.
Oakland
at Cleveland -3.5
Upset special. I'm going with the Raiders this week. I think they've got a better QB, better WRs, and they go to Cleveland and get a win. While it's an unspoken rule that you don't lose your job to injury, the Browns looked like a competent football team with Johnny Manziel under center. I think McCown fails to deliver this week, and the Browns fans call for Johnny.
Cincinnati
at Baltimore -2.5
The Ravens have to right the ship this week. Cincinnati is the better team, but the Ravens are desperate because if they don't win this week, they are effectively done in terms of making the playoffs. Cincy has looked impressive in the first two weeks, but I don't think they get it done in Baltimore and the Ravens win a close game by a field goal.
Jacksonville
at New England -13.5
America's Team, in America's City! I'm talking of course about the Actionville Jaguars. The Jags are riding high after beating the Dolphins in Week 2, while the Pats put up video game like numbers against Rex Ryan and moved to 2-0. 13 1/2 is a lot of points in the NFL. I think the Pats win comfortably, but I'd stay away from this line.
New Orleans
at Carolina -9.5
I guess we're going to find out how good those backups really can be. McCown will get the start this week in Carolina. The Saints have struggled the first two games, and Carolina has looked lackluster in their 2 wins against the Jags and Texans. I think this game is closer than it should be as the Panthers and Saints usually match up well against each other. The Panthers get the win but the Saints cover the spread 20-13.
Philadelphia
at NY Jets -1.5
Will the Eagles really start the season 0-3? Will the Jets really start the season 3-0? Philly can't be this bad, and the Jets can't be this good. This is a hard fought game from start to finish and I originally thought Philly would get a late score to win this one against the Jets. The Eagles are desperate for a win, and Chip Kelly will empty his playbook to get Philly back on track, but with breaking news that Demarco Murray is out and Ryan Matthews is starting as the lead RB against that stingy Jets defense, I'm going with the Jets to get a close win at home.
Tampa Bay
at Houston -6
Houston looked better against Carolina last week, and the Bucs looked good against the Saints defense in New Orleans. Mallett gets better in Week 3. Deandre Hopkins is set to go after going through a concussion protocol, which is good news for Houston. The Texans defense will give Jameis problems all game, and Watt gets at least 2 sacks against that weak offensive line. If this game was in Tampa, I'd go with the Bucs, but I think the Texans get it done at home, but fail to cover.
San Diego
at Minnesota -1.5
Before we get to this game, the news out of Minnesota this week had nothing to do with the Vikings game plan against the Chargers, and everything to do with Ragnar the Viking. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, Ragnar is the official mascot of the Minnesota Vikings, and he's basically a local private contractor who gets paid $1500 per game to dress like a viking and ride a motorcycle around the stadium during game. The man playing Ragnar apparently thought this would be a good time for a contract negotiation, and he wants the Vikings to pay him $20,000 per game for the next 10 years. Good luck with that.
As for the game, the Vikings finally decided that running the football with AP was a good idea in their win over the Lions last week. Being that this game is in Minnesota I'm going with the Vikings to win and cover against Rivers and the Chargers.
Pittsburgh
at St. Louis -1
Le'veon Bell is back this week, and the Steelers will need someone to help alleviate the touches Deangelo Williams has been getting in the first two weeks. Look for both RBs to share the load in this one, with Bell getting most of the carries. Everyone in Rams Nation is looking to see how Todd Gurley will fair today, as he is listed as active for today's game. Give me the Steelers to get a win on the road.
San Francisco
at Arizona -6.5
Being that this is a divisional game, I think this one is closer than it should be. Arizona should win this one by at least a TD, but the 49ers keep it close on the road and this game isn't decided until the 4th quarter. Carson Palmer hits Larry Fitzgerald for the game winning score, and the Cards defense stops Kaep and the 49ers as they turn the ball over on downs to end the game.
Buffalo
at Miami -1.5
The Dolphins laid an egg last week in Jacksonville. Joe Philbin and Ryan Tannehill will have their work cut out for them this week against Rex and the Bills front 7. If this game was in Buffalo, I'd go with the Bills, but I think Miami does just enough to get a victory at home. Dolphins by 4.
Chicago
at Seattle -14.5
Seattle gets Kam Chancellor back this week, as Kam ends his holdout. Even without Kam they'd have beaten Chicago this week, but this is a game where the Seahawks are looking to make a statement. They have to win if they hope to have any chance at contending for the NFC West. The Hawks can't fall 3 games behind Arizona. Seattle beats the Bears handily and cover the huge spread, as Jimmy Clausen throws 2 INTs and fumbles the football for a 3rd turnover in a route.
Denver -3
at Detroit
I'm calling this one as an upset. The Broncos have won their first 2 games on last second miracle plays. Detroit has their backs against the wall, and playing at home in the dome, Stafford has an impressive day throwing for 300 yards and 2 TDs. Calvin Johnson goes off against Aqib Talib and has a huge day for the Lions.
Kansas City
at Green Bay -6.5
Green Bay isn't losing at home. I know that writing this I may be jinxing them, but they don't lose at home. Alex Smith and Jamal Charles will keep it close in the first half, but they don't have the weapons Green Bay does. Give me the Packers to win and cover.
Here's to Week 3 of the NFL. Cheers!
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