NFL Picks Week 2: Stuck On Repeat

The New Orleans Saints host the New England Patriots in a battle of two futre first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterbacks. The Saints are coming off a demoralizing 29-19 loss in Minnesota, while the Pats are coming off a surprising home loss to Kansas City. Both teams enter this game in a position where they can ill-afford a loss, but one of these teams will leave the Superdome back in contention, while the other will be left desperately searching for answers.

The Saints are already showing the signs that have lead to three consecutive 7-9 seasons, but a win here against the Pats con do so much to turn that around. Another failure here, and the Saints may just be stuck on repeat, doomed to another miserable season, but a win over the defending Super Bowl Champions could go a long way in changing all perceptions of the team as well as how the Saints perceive themselves.

Last week I went 7-8

I told you so: Eagles over Redskins!

What do I know: Saints over Vikings?

WEEK 2

Thursday, September 14th - Thursday Night Football

Texans(0-1) at Bengals(0-1)

Neither team has much of anything to offer on offense, so it will be their defenses that will carry the night in Cincy. There won’t be much excitement in this one. Houston wins 13-12.

Pick: Texans

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Sunday, September 17th - Early Games

Browns(0-1) at Ravens(1-0)

Led by a dominant defensive effort, Baltimore will continue to beat Cleveland, as they so often do. Baltimore wins 27-13.

Pick: Ravens

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Bears(0-1) at Buccaneers(0-0)

Chicago couldn't help but stumble all over themselves with four chances at the end zone with the game on the line last week. They’ll find a way to botch a chance at victory in Tampa’s season opener as well. Tampa wins 24-20.

Pick: Buccaneers

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Vikings(1-0) at Steelers(1-0)

Ben Roethlisberger and this high-octane offense will run the Minnesota defense ragged in this one. Pittsburgh’s offensive weapons will overwhelm a very good Vikings defense, while the Steelers defense effectively shuts down Sam Bradford and the anemic Minnesota passing game.

When Joe Haden is out here picking off Bradford like its 2014, you’ll know the Vikings are cooked. This game will get too far out of hand for rookie running back Dalvin Cook to be much of a factor. Pittsburgh will cruise to an easy victory here. Pittsburgh wins 38-6.

Pick: Steelers

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Eagles(1-0) at Chiefs(1-0) - Game of the Week

Kansas City is riding high after a statement win over the Patriots, while Philly established themselves as contenders for the NFC East title this season. Philly is young and talented, but Kansas City has homefield advantage and the coaching edge. KC will ride those advantages to victory here. Kansas City wins 30-28.

Pick: Chiefs

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Titans(0-1) at Jaguars(1-0)

Jacksonville is coming off a huge win in Houston, thanks to a dominant defensive effort. Tennessee will need to have a much better game on offense this week than they did in Week 1. Considering the Jags’ effort last week, that may be a tall order, but the Titans will be up to the challenge and will rebound in an entertaining game. Tennessee wins 30-27.

Pick: Titans

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Cardinals(0-1) at Colts(0-1)

Indianapolis lived up to every expectation of them last week and will continue to be just as dreadful this week at home against Arizona. Carson Palmer will bask in this rare instance he is not the worst quarterback on the field this week. Arizona wins 23-9.

Pick: Cardinals

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Bills(1-0) at Panthers(1-0)

Defense will rule the day in this one. Carolina will secure a close victory at home by besting Buffalo in the turnover category. Carolina wins 23-21.

Pick: Panthers

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Patriots(0-1) at Saints(0-1)

What a difference a week makes. New England surprisingly loses at home on opening night, then four days later, New Orleans disappointingly gets embarrassed in primetime at Minnesota. Now, Bill Belichick has an extended week to prepare his defending champions to face the defensively challenged Saints on their short week.

Despite such an unbelievably bad performance on Monday Night, the Saints will pull out a much better performance here at home. They’ll keep this game close throughout, but their defense will strain from great performances by Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and former Saint, Brandin Cooks, who will likely have his best game of the season in this one. Drew Brees and the Saints offense will have to rise to the occasion to keep the pace in this one. Thankfully, New England’s defense is nowhere near as good as Minnesota’s was.

We know how great New England is, following a loss, and we unfortunately are far too aware how terrible the Saints are, following an opening week loss. The margin for error will be razor-thin here. Some poor mistake will cost the Saints the one touchdown difference that will be New England’s margin of victory. This one will hurt in a way much different from the Monday Night debacle. New England wins 31-24.

Pick: Patriots

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Sunday, September 17th - Late Games

Jets(0-1) at Raiders(1-0)

Oakland will have their way against the Jets at home. The sooner this one is over for the Jets, the better. Oakland wins 27-13.

Pick: Raiders

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Dolphins(0-0) at Chargers(0-1)

This will be a close game throughout, but Miami will win their delayed season opener in Los Angeles, where the Chargers will play their first home game in their new home town. Miami wins 24-17.

Pick: Dolphins

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49ers(0-1) at Seahawks(0-1)

It’ll take time for San Francisco to turn their franchise around. For now, they will continue to get owned by Seattle, especially in the Emerald City. Seattle wins 34-14.

Pick: Seahawks

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Redskins(0-1) at Rams(1-0)

After dominating in a laugher of an opener in Week 1, Los Angeles will get to face an actual NFL caliber franchise this week. The Rams’ good luck will continue against their new head coach’s former franchise. Washington will not be able to muster enough offense to beat Wade Phillips’ tough unit in this one. Los Angeles wins 21-17.

Pick: Rams

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Cowboys(1-0) at Broncos(1-0)

Denver got just the right breaks to win their at home last week, but this week Dallas will hand the Broncos a tough loss at Mile High. Dallas wins 20-13.

Pick: Cowboys

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Sunday Night Football

Packers(1-0) at Falcons(1-0)

Atlanta opens Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a shootout win over Green Bay in this one. Atlanta wins 38-27.

Pick: Falcons

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Monday, September 18th - Monday Night Football

Lions(1-0) at Giants(0-1)

The Giants will see their offensive woes continue against Detroit, who will ride Matthew Stafford’s arm as far as it can take them. Detroit wins 21-17.

Pick: Lions

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That's how I see it, tell us how you see Week 2 playing out. Leave your comments and insight below. Who Dat!