BROOKLYNWORM’S NFL PICKS AND PREDICTION FOR WEEK #2.
DENVER (42.0) @ KANSAS CITY (+3) what we learned from week number one? Denver, definitely has changed their offensive approach. No longer are they a Peyton Manning , pass, pass, first team. Instead their offensive attack, will feature running the football more, and passing less. Their offense will be supported by their tough, physical defense. Denver’s defense is positively one of the best, or the best in the NFL. Denver played against a tough Baltimore defense, and grinded out a 19-13 victory. Expect Manning to face another good defense in KC that can control the line of scrimmage with their pass rush. The Chiefs weakness on defense, that Denver will attempt to exploit, is stopping the run. So expect Denver to run the ball often, and take the pressure off Manning. Keep in mind, Kansas City’s front seven, wasn’t challenged by Houston’s inept running attack. On top of that. KC will be facing Peyton Manning at QB this week, opposed to the inept Bryan Hoyer. KC will have issues trying to attack Denver’s defense. Their front seven is stout versus the run, and they know how to pass rush, and pressure quarterbacks (just ask Joe Flacco last week). KC Starting QB Alex Smith is no great threat, and he needs to challenge the Denver secondary, if he wants to win this game. However, the Denver defense will be relentless, and will exert huge amounts of pressure on him when he drops back into the pocket. In this Matchup, although Denver is on the road, I give the Broncos the slight edge. My reasons, Peyton Manning, Their physical defense, and a running attack. This should be a low scoring game PREDICTED SCORE DENVER 20 KANSAS CITY 17. PLAY UNDER THE TOTAL 42.0.
HOUSTON (40.5) @ CAROLINA (-3) Carolina played a terrible Jacksonville team in week #1, and only score a total of 20 points, and one of the TD’s was scored by their defense on a turnover. Carolina’s weak offensive line, will now face JJ Watt , and Clowney. The Houston pass rush, should spell trouble for the Panthers passing game. In addition, the Panther’s wide receiver corps is depleted, and their TE Greg Olsen, may be their best receiver. Too make matters even worse, Carolina will have trouble trying to run the football bye Vince Wilfork, since there will not be many vacant holes. Carolina’s strength is their defense, and their defense carries this team. Houston’s offense without Foster, has an anemic running game. On top of that, QB Brian Hoyer was awful in week #1 against KC. So I expect that Ryan Mallet will start at QB, and give the Texans a better chance. Basically, this will be a defensive battle, and a low scoring game. PREDICTED SCORE: Houston 20 Carolina 17. Play UNDER the total 40.5, and take the +3 Points with Houston.
TAMPA BAY (47.0) @ NEW ORLEANS (-10) Week one, exposed Jameis Winston’s inability to be a starting QB in the NFL. He committed a ton of turnovers at the college level, and that trend looks like it will continue into his pro career. These QB mistakes, will not be tolerated in the NFL. The real test for Winston, will be this upcoming game against the Saints. The Saints have one of the worst defenses in the league. The Saints secondary, as well as their front seven, are an inept unit. Winston, has two playmakers at flanker position, that can catch the football. It will be interesting to see if Winston overcomes adversity, and shows us why he is a top NFL draft pick. Tampa Bay, also has Doug Martin at running back. Thus far, he has had an excellent preseason camp, and played well in week #1. I expect Martin to gain at least 100 yards rushing. To show you how bad the New Orleans defense really is, let’s look at last week’s game against Arizona. Arizona’s has a mediocre offense, which managed to score 31 points on the Saints. So by comparison, Tampa’s offense is about the same, or even a little better than Arizona, and they should score more than the 14 points that they did against Tennessee. New Orleans offense, should be able to also light up the scoreboard against an inept Buc defense. Picture this. If the Rookie Marcus Mariota, in his first NFL game, was able to execute at will via the pass, or rush, imagine what Drew Brees can do. This will be a high scoring game. PREDICTED SCORE: NEW ORLEANS 31 TAMPA BAY 23. TAKE THE DOG TAMPA BAY +10 POINTS.
SAN FRANCISCO (45.0) @ PITTSBURGH (-5.5) Pittsburgh’s defense last week against the Patriots, looked like the Keystone Cops. There were many missed assignments, and they were totally unprepared as a unit. In week #1, I thought that Minnesota would be good enough to beat the 49ers, after having a good preseason. However, the regular season is the one that counts, and Minnesota showed their true colors. So that raises the next question in this matchup on Sunday. How good, or how bad are the 49ers, and the Steelers. We know that the Steelers can say they played the Super Bowl champs, and can account for their loss on the road. As for the 49ers, can you really say they were tested against the Vikings? Pittsburgh returns home, and they will make the necessary adjustments, after being humiliated on national TV on opening night. The one thing they can’t do, is make a quick fix to their inept secondary. So expect QB Kaepernick to be able to burn Pittsburgh’s secondary, as well as using his mobility to scramble out of the pocket, to extend plays. Almost the same thing can be said about the Pittsburgh offense. The San Francisco secondary is two men down with their starting cornerbacks. They now face an elite NFL QB, which will not come up short like Bridgewater did last game. Just like Kaepernick, Big Ben, can extend plays once forced out of the pocket. So expect the Steelers to light up the scoreboard against the Niners. Lastly. SF, makes that dreaded East Coast trip, which always becomes a factor for West Coast teams. PREDICTED SCORE: Pittsburgh 38 San Francisco 24. Take the OVER (45.0), and play the Steelers across the board.
DETROIT (43.0) @ MINNESOTA (-3) I expected great things from the Vikings last week against the 49ers. However, the Vikings decided not to show up, and mail in the game. As bad as the Vikings looked on National TV, I still have higher expectations for this team. In this matchup, the Lions are not a good defensive unit, especially since losing their pass rusher Suh to the Dolphins. San Diego, carved the lions up, and so should Bridgewater at home. In addition, Peterson’s lack luster performance running the football will change in week #2. Expect Peterson to break out, and have a good game. PREDICTED SCORE: Minnesota 23 Detroit 20. I like Minnesota to win straight up, but not the rest of the line.
NEW ENGLAND (45.0) @ BUFFALO (+2) New England has a history of struggling on the road, when they visit Buffalo. Buffalo’s defense, compared to the Patriots last opponent, is like night and day. This Buffalo defense, could be possibly the best unit in the NFL. This is a divisional game, and Rex Ryan you better believe will have his team motivated to play. Although the Patriots won last week, I seen many holes in their defense. They allowed the Steelers to matriculate the football on the ground, and in the air. However, when it came to scoring, the Steelers beat themselves. Third String QB Tyrod Taylor (now the starting QB), showed flashes of brilliance on the field in their opener against the Colts. I compare the Colts defense, to the Patriots, so Taylor, and RB McCoy, should have no trouble moving the offense. The Patriots offense will be well covered, and Gronkowski will probably be double teamed. The Patriots have a weak running attack, and will not be able to rush against the Bills stout front seven. PREDICTED SCORE: Buffalo 24 New England 21. Bills +2 points is the play here.
ARIZONA (45) @ CHICAGO (+2) Like I mentioned after the preseason. You can bring in a new Head Coach, new coordinators, and a new system, and it still wouldn’t improve this Bear team. As long as Jay Cutler is their starting QB, it will be the same old results. Chicago’s defense did play pretty well against Green Bay last week, and RB Forte had a good game. Other than that, Chicago has issues besides Jay Cutler. The Bears offensive line stinks, and Arizona likes to bring pressure. Arizona’s QB Carson Palmer has played well since the preseason, and had a decent game against the Saints last week. Arizona’s issues is their questionable secondary, and lacked a pass rush in the opener. In this matchup, Arizona is clearly the better team, especially on defense, PREDICTED SCORE: Arizona 24 Chicago 20. I suggest that you never take the Bears, while Jay Cutler is in control. That’s why I am taking the Cardinals to cover (-2)
TENNESSEE (-1) @ CLEVELAND (41.5) Red alert! Marcus Mariotta in his first NFL game, broke all kind of records as a Rookie QB versus the Bucs last week. Mariotta faced a horrible Tamp Bay defense, and now he contends against a Cleveland defense, that surrendered 31 points to the NY Jets. Cleveland’s front seven is inept, and I expect the Titans to attack rushing the football. Now still, keep in mind, this is a Rookie NFL QB, and will start making rookie mistakes as the season moves on. This looks more like a Las Vegas trap play, wanting you to jump on Tennessee as the slight favorite. As bad as Cleveland may be, consider the fact that Tennessee plays this contest on the road. It will be interesting to see how Mariotta handles the pressure playing his first NFL road game. Cleveland, played well against the Jets, until QB Josh McCown was injured, and Johnny Manziel entered the game. It was announced, that Manziel will be the starting QB this Sunday. I don’t like this game at all. After week #1, we can all say that the Titans are the better team. However, I think Cleveland playing its first game at home, will make the difference. PREDICTED SCORE: Cleveland 21 Tennessee 20.
SAN DIEGO (46.5) @ CINCINNATI (-3) this game is one of my plays of the week. San Diego travels from their West Coast, to Cincinnati. I always consider long travel road games a factor, especially when playing in a different time zone. Cincinnati, plays their first home game of the 2015 season. The Cincinnati faithful, will emotionally charge up their beloved Bengal team. So expect the Bengals to come out swinging. San Diego’s defense is suspect, and that was clearly exposed last week versus Detroit in the first half. The Bengals have the horses on offense, to do the same against the Chargers. The difference, Cincinnati is better than Detroit. In addition, the Bengal offensive line could be one of the best in the NFL. Keep in mind, that Dalton didn’t get sacked the entire game against Oakland. San Diego, is 100% healthy, and their offense led by Rivers showed it. However, I question the Chargers offensive line, on whether or not they can protect him from the Bengal pass rush. Lastly, Cincinnati’s only weakness may be stopping the run, and I don’t think that will play as a factor in this game. I like Cincinnati all the way, and the OVER 46.5 in this game. PREDICTED SCORE Cincinnati 30 San Diego 23.
ST LOUIS (41) @ WASHINGTON (3.5) Washington has a poor offensive line, and St. Louis has an excellent defense that can pass rush. De Shawn Jackson is out for the Skins, which means that their only true playmaker on offense is RB Alfred Morris. With that said, you can expect St. Louis to play 8 in the box, since Washington’s wide receiver Corp is depleted. Washington played a good defense against the Dolphins last week. They have a decent pass rush, and may be able to pressure on QB Nick Foles, and force him into mistakes. If Miami’s offense last week could only score 17 points, by comparison, St. Louis’s offense is not much better. I expect a low scoring game .PREDICTED SCORE: St. Louis 17 Washington 6. Play UNDER the total 41.0, and lay the 3.5 points and take the Rams.
ATLANTA (51) @ NY GIANTS -2.5 in week one, Atlanta faced a tough Philadelphia pass rush. The Falcons managed to hang on with a narrow victory 26-24. The NY Giants don’t have an effective pass rush like the Eagles. The Giants last week, couldn’t muster up a pass rush against Romo, however, Dallas has one of the elite offensive lines in the NFL. Atlanta’s offensive line is less talented then the Cowboys, and the Giants may have more success getting to QB Matt Ryan. I expect both teams to put up points against each other. Atlanta will establish Julio Jones on offense, and the Giants will open up their passing game, by running the football on first downs, and going to Odell Beckham. PREDICTED SCORE: Atlanta 30 NY Giants 27. Take Atlanta getting +2.5 points.
BALTIMORE (43.5) @ OAKLAND (+6) Baltimore in their opener, was beaten by a Denver team, with a superior defense. The 14 points the Ravens managed to score was no surprise. Now in week #2, the Ravens play a Raider defense, far less superior to the Broncos. The Raiders surrendered 33 points to Cincinnati, and I expect the Ravens to come close to that number. Oakland’s defense cannot stop the run, and I can see RB Justin Forsett having a big day. The run will establish the pass for Flacco, and will take the edge off the Raider pass rush. The other item to consider, is the health of Raider QB Derek Carr? At this time, I have no idea if he plays. If Carr is sidelined for this game, the Raider offense, and there offensive line, will be no match against a stout Baltimore defense. In conclusion, Baltimore spent 2 weeks on the West Coast preparing for Denver, and Oakland. They want to return home with a victory, and not to start the season at 0-2. This is one of my best plays for week #2. PREDICTED SCORE: Baltimore 27 Oakland 13. Lay the -6, and take the Ravens across the board.
MIAMI (41.5) @ JACKSONVILLE (+6) Tannehill looked like a Rookie QB this past Sunday, and the Dolphin team on a whole contributed a lackluster effort. They were lucky to have salvaged a win, against a bad Washington team. You better believe that this Sunday, Tannehill, and his teammates will show up and make an assertive effort. Jacksonville is a bad football team. They have no offensive line, a suspect secondary, and no pass rush. This formula will allow Miami to go 2-0. Jacksonville QB Bortles, has no pass protection. And the Dolphins will take advantage of this situation with their defensive front seven. I don’t really like this games, but if you must play, take Miami. PREDICTED SCORE: Miami 25 Jacksonville 14.
DALLAS (54.5) @ PHILADELPHIA (-5.5) The Cowboys were hit with the injury bug after week #1. They lost Dez Bryant, McClain, and Greg Hardy, a big playmakers. So Philadelphia in this contest, should be able to move the football against the Cowboy defense. In addition, I expect DeMarco Murray to become more involved with the offense versus his old team. Murray’s motivation should be hoovering above 100%. Dallas, has one of the best Offensive lines in the NFL. Philadelphia’s defense is not that good, and can be beaten. I expect Romo will have time in the pocket, to locate his receivers, even without Dez Bryant. I still like Philadelphia to win, and cover for these reasons. 1. This is Philadelphia’s home opener, 2. Dallas has key injuries, 3. Demarco Murray will look to revenge his old team, and lastly, the Eagles don’t want to start there season at 0-2. PREDICTED SCORE: Philadelphia 30 Dallas 27. I like Philly to win, Dallas to cover the spread, and play OVER the total 54.5.
SEATTLE (49.0) @ GREEN BAY (+4) Last week, Seattle played horrible on defense, versus a weak St. Louis Ram offense. St. Louis in the preseason, struggled with their offensive line, Foles isn’t and elite NFL QB, and their running backs, and wide receivers aren’t top playmakers. Yet the Seahawks, allowed the Rams to score 34 points, against their top rated NFL defense? Now in week #2, the Seattle travels to GB to face a top NFL offense, with an elite NFL QB. So if Green Bay is that much better than St. Louis on offense, how will Seattle be able to defend once again? Seattle’s offensive line is horrid, and were exposed by the Rams, by sacking QB Wilson six times. You can expect GB, to find ways to pressure Wilson the entire game. Seattle’s only hope, is to run the football. The Packers front seven had trouble stopping the run in Chicago last week. So Marshawn Lynch may be their only answer to run the clock and stay in this game. In conclusion, I have to lean on GB in this game for the following reasons. Seattle traveled on the road to St. Louis to start the season, and in week#2, have to travel once again half way across the country to play GB. GB, and Lambeau Field, is a tough place to play in if you are the visiting team. I think Seattle’s defense is overrated, and shown they can be scored upon. Seattle’s offensive line is in disarray, and this can only spell trouble for Seattle’s passing game. PREDICTED SCORE: Green Bay 27 Seattle 24. I don’t really like this play, because I think GB will win, but not cover the line.
NEW YORK JETS (47) @ INDIANAPOLIS (-7) Colts come off with an opening day loss, to a tough, top defensive unit in Buffalo. Buffalo constantly pressured QB Andrew Luck the entire game, and the Bills secondary bottled up his wide receivers. On top of that, there was no running room for RB Frank Gore. The Jets by comparison to the Bills defense, is okay, and overrated. So although they may want to duplicate Buffalo’s game plan to stop the Colts, think again. Revis is not the same Pro Bowl corner, and the other corner Cromartie is out. This should allow Andrew Luck to find open receivers, and move the football. The Jets on offense, will struggle with QB Fitzpatrick as the season moves along. Fitzpatrick isn’t any good, and he isn’t matching up against Johnny Manziel this week. The Jet vs. Cleveland game was actually close most of the way, until Manziel entered the picture. I love the Colts in this spot. They are at home, playing Monday Night football to a national audience, Andrew Luck has an outstanding record at home, and the Colts don’t want to fall to 0-2 to start the season. PREDICTED SCORE: Indianapolis 30 New York Jets 20. Take the Colts across the board.
DENVER (42.0) @ KANSAS CITY (+3) what we learned from week number one? Denver, definitely has changed their offensive approach. No longer are they a Peyton Manning , pass, pass, first team. Instead their offensive attack, will feature running the football more, and passing less. Their offense will be supported by their tough, physical defense. Denver’s defense is positively one of the best, or the best in the NFL. Denver played against a tough Baltimore defense, and grinded out a 19-13 victory. Expect Manning to face another good defense in KC that can control the line of scrimmage with their pass rush. The Chiefs weakness on defense, that Denver will attempt to exploit, is stopping the run. So expect Denver to run the ball often, and take the pressure off Manning. Keep in mind, Kansas City’s front seven, wasn’t challenged by Houston’s inept running attack. On top of that. KC will be facing Peyton Manning at QB this week, opposed to the inept Bryan Hoyer. KC will have issues trying to attack Denver’s defense. Their front seven is stout versus the run, and they know how to pass rush, and pressure quarterbacks (just ask Joe Flacco last week). KC Starting QB Alex Smith is no great threat, and he needs to challenge the Denver secondary, if he wants to win this game. However, the Denver defense will be relentless, and will exert huge amounts of pressure on him when he drops back into the pocket. In this Matchup, although Denver is on the road, I give the Broncos the slight edge. My reasons, Peyton Manning, Their physical defense, and a running attack. This should be a low scoring game PREDICTED SCORE DENVER 20 KANSAS CITY 17. PLAY UNDER THE TOTAL 42.0.
HOUSTON (40.5) @ CAROLINA (-3) Carolina played a terrible Jacksonville team in week #1, and only score a total of 20 points, and one of the TD’s was scored by their defense on a turnover. Carolina’s weak offensive line, will now face JJ Watt , and Clowney. The Houston pass rush, should spell trouble for the Panthers passing game. In addition, the Panther’s wide receiver corps is depleted, and their TE Greg Olsen, may be their best receiver. Too make matters even worse, Carolina will have trouble trying to run the football bye Vince Wilfork, since there will not be many vacant holes. Carolina’s strength is their defense, and their defense carries this team. Houston’s offense without Foster, has an anemic running game. On top of that, QB Brian Hoyer was awful in week #1 against KC. So I expect that Ryan Mallet will start at QB, and give the Texans a better chance. Basically, this will be a defensive battle, and a low scoring game. PREDICTED SCORE: Houston 20 Carolina 17. Play UNDER the total 40.5, and take the +3 Points with Houston.
TAMPA BAY (47.0) @ NEW ORLEANS (-10) Week one, exposed Jameis Winston’s inability to be a starting QB in the NFL. He committed a ton of turnovers at the college level, and that trend looks like it will continue into his pro career. These QB mistakes, will not be tolerated in the NFL. The real test for Winston, will be this upcoming game against the Saints. The Saints have one of the worst defenses in the league. The Saints secondary, as well as their front seven, are an inept unit. Winston, has two playmakers at flanker position, that can catch the football. It will be interesting to see if Winston overcomes adversity, and shows us why he is a top NFL draft pick. Tampa Bay, also has Doug Martin at running back. Thus far, he has had an excellent preseason camp, and played well in week #1. I expect Martin to gain at least 100 yards rushing. To show you how bad the New Orleans defense really is, let’s look at last week’s game against Arizona. Arizona’s has a mediocre offense, which managed to score 31 points on the Saints. So by comparison, Tampa’s offense is about the same, or even a little better than Arizona, and they should score more than the 14 points that they did against Tennessee. New Orleans offense, should be able to also light up the scoreboard against an inept Buc defense. Picture this. If the Rookie Marcus Mariota, in his first NFL game, was able to execute at will via the pass, or rush, imagine what Drew Brees can do. This will be a high scoring game. PREDICTED SCORE: NEW ORLEANS 31 TAMPA BAY 23. TAKE THE DOG TAMPA BAY +10 POINTS.
SAN FRANCISCO (45.0) @ PITTSBURGH (-5.5) Pittsburgh’s defense last week against the Patriots, looked like the Keystone Cops. There were many missed assignments, and they were totally unprepared as a unit. In week #1, I thought that Minnesota would be good enough to beat the 49ers, after having a good preseason. However, the regular season is the one that counts, and Minnesota showed their true colors. So that raises the next question in this matchup on Sunday. How good, or how bad are the 49ers, and the Steelers. We know that the Steelers can say they played the Super Bowl champs, and can account for their loss on the road. As for the 49ers, can you really say they were tested against the Vikings? Pittsburgh returns home, and they will make the necessary adjustments, after being humiliated on national TV on opening night. The one thing they can’t do, is make a quick fix to their inept secondary. So expect QB Kaepernick to be able to burn Pittsburgh’s secondary, as well as using his mobility to scramble out of the pocket, to extend plays. Almost the same thing can be said about the Pittsburgh offense. The San Francisco secondary is two men down with their starting cornerbacks. They now face an elite NFL QB, which will not come up short like Bridgewater did last game. Just like Kaepernick, Big Ben, can extend plays once forced out of the pocket. So expect the Steelers to light up the scoreboard against the Niners. Lastly. SF, makes that dreaded East Coast trip, which always becomes a factor for West Coast teams. PREDICTED SCORE: Pittsburgh 38 San Francisco 24. Take the OVER (45.0), and play the Steelers across the board.
DETROIT (43.0) @ MINNESOTA (-3) I expected great things from the Vikings last week against the 49ers. However, the Vikings decided not to show up, and mail in the game. As bad as the Vikings looked on National TV, I still have higher expectations for this team. In this matchup, the Lions are not a good defensive unit, especially since losing their pass rusher Suh to the Dolphins. San Diego, carved the lions up, and so should Bridgewater at home. In addition, Peterson’s lack luster performance running the football will change in week #2. Expect Peterson to break out, and have a good game. PREDICTED SCORE: Minnesota 23 Detroit 20. I like Minnesota to win straight up, but not the rest of the line.
NEW ENGLAND (45.0) @ BUFFALO (+2) New England has a history of struggling on the road, when they visit Buffalo. Buffalo’s defense, compared to the Patriots last opponent, is like night and day. This Buffalo defense, could be possibly the best unit in the NFL. This is a divisional game, and Rex Ryan you better believe will have his team motivated to play. Although the Patriots won last week, I seen many holes in their defense. They allowed the Steelers to matriculate the football on the ground, and in the air. However, when it came to scoring, the Steelers beat themselves. Third String QB Tyrod Taylor (now the starting QB), showed flashes of brilliance on the field in their opener against the Colts. I compare the Colts defense, to the Patriots, so Taylor, and RB McCoy, should have no trouble moving the offense. The Patriots offense will be well covered, and Gronkowski will probably be double teamed. The Patriots have a weak running attack, and will not be able to rush against the Bills stout front seven. PREDICTED SCORE: Buffalo 24 New England 21. Bills +2 points is the play here.
ARIZONA (45) @ CHICAGO (+2) Like I mentioned after the preseason. You can bring in a new Head Coach, new coordinators, and a new system, and it still wouldn’t improve this Bear team. As long as Jay Cutler is their starting QB, it will be the same old results. Chicago’s defense did play pretty well against Green Bay last week, and RB Forte had a good game. Other than that, Chicago has issues besides Jay Cutler. The Bears offensive line stinks, and Arizona likes to bring pressure. Arizona’s QB Carson Palmer has played well since the preseason, and had a decent game against the Saints last week. Arizona’s issues is their questionable secondary, and lacked a pass rush in the opener. In this matchup, Arizona is clearly the better team, especially on defense, PREDICTED SCORE: Arizona 24 Chicago 20. I suggest that you never take the Bears, while Jay Cutler is in control. That’s why I am taking the Cardinals to cover (-2)
TENNESSEE (-1) @ CLEVELAND (41.5) Red alert! Marcus Mariotta in his first NFL game, broke all kind of records as a Rookie QB versus the Bucs last week. Mariotta faced a horrible Tamp Bay defense, and now he contends against a Cleveland defense, that surrendered 31 points to the NY Jets. Cleveland’s front seven is inept, and I expect the Titans to attack rushing the football. Now still, keep in mind, this is a Rookie NFL QB, and will start making rookie mistakes as the season moves on. This looks more like a Las Vegas trap play, wanting you to jump on Tennessee as the slight favorite. As bad as Cleveland may be, consider the fact that Tennessee plays this contest on the road. It will be interesting to see how Mariotta handles the pressure playing his first NFL road game. Cleveland, played well against the Jets, until QB Josh McCown was injured, and Johnny Manziel entered the game. It was announced, that Manziel will be the starting QB this Sunday. I don’t like this game at all. After week #1, we can all say that the Titans are the better team. However, I think Cleveland playing its first game at home, will make the difference. PREDICTED SCORE: Cleveland 21 Tennessee 20.
SAN DIEGO (46.5) @ CINCINNATI (-3) this game is one of my plays of the week. San Diego travels from their West Coast, to Cincinnati. I always consider long travel road games a factor, especially when playing in a different time zone. Cincinnati, plays their first home game of the 2015 season. The Cincinnati faithful, will emotionally charge up their beloved Bengal team. So expect the Bengals to come out swinging. San Diego’s defense is suspect, and that was clearly exposed last week versus Detroit in the first half. The Bengals have the horses on offense, to do the same against the Chargers. The difference, Cincinnati is better than Detroit. In addition, the Bengal offensive line could be one of the best in the NFL. Keep in mind, that Dalton didn’t get sacked the entire game against Oakland. San Diego, is 100% healthy, and their offense led by Rivers showed it. However, I question the Chargers offensive line, on whether or not they can protect him from the Bengal pass rush. Lastly, Cincinnati’s only weakness may be stopping the run, and I don’t think that will play as a factor in this game. I like Cincinnati all the way, and the OVER 46.5 in this game. PREDICTED SCORE Cincinnati 30 San Diego 23.
ST LOUIS (41) @ WASHINGTON (3.5) Washington has a poor offensive line, and St. Louis has an excellent defense that can pass rush. De Shawn Jackson is out for the Skins, which means that their only true playmaker on offense is RB Alfred Morris. With that said, you can expect St. Louis to play 8 in the box, since Washington’s wide receiver Corp is depleted. Washington played a good defense against the Dolphins last week. They have a decent pass rush, and may be able to pressure on QB Nick Foles, and force him into mistakes. If Miami’s offense last week could only score 17 points, by comparison, St. Louis’s offense is not much better. I expect a low scoring game .PREDICTED SCORE: St. Louis 17 Washington 6. Play UNDER the total 41.0, and lay the 3.5 points and take the Rams.
ATLANTA (51) @ NY GIANTS -2.5 in week one, Atlanta faced a tough Philadelphia pass rush. The Falcons managed to hang on with a narrow victory 26-24. The NY Giants don’t have an effective pass rush like the Eagles. The Giants last week, couldn’t muster up a pass rush against Romo, however, Dallas has one of the elite offensive lines in the NFL. Atlanta’s offensive line is less talented then the Cowboys, and the Giants may have more success getting to QB Matt Ryan. I expect both teams to put up points against each other. Atlanta will establish Julio Jones on offense, and the Giants will open up their passing game, by running the football on first downs, and going to Odell Beckham. PREDICTED SCORE: Atlanta 30 NY Giants 27. Take Atlanta getting +2.5 points.
BALTIMORE (43.5) @ OAKLAND (+6) Baltimore in their opener, was beaten by a Denver team, with a superior defense. The 14 points the Ravens managed to score was no surprise. Now in week #2, the Ravens play a Raider defense, far less superior to the Broncos. The Raiders surrendered 33 points to Cincinnati, and I expect the Ravens to come close to that number. Oakland’s defense cannot stop the run, and I can see RB Justin Forsett having a big day. The run will establish the pass for Flacco, and will take the edge off the Raider pass rush. The other item to consider, is the health of Raider QB Derek Carr? At this time, I have no idea if he plays. If Carr is sidelined for this game, the Raider offense, and there offensive line, will be no match against a stout Baltimore defense. In conclusion, Baltimore spent 2 weeks on the West Coast preparing for Denver, and Oakland. They want to return home with a victory, and not to start the season at 0-2. This is one of my best plays for week #2. PREDICTED SCORE: Baltimore 27 Oakland 13. Lay the -6, and take the Ravens across the board.
MIAMI (41.5) @ JACKSONVILLE (+6) Tannehill looked like a Rookie QB this past Sunday, and the Dolphin team on a whole contributed a lackluster effort. They were lucky to have salvaged a win, against a bad Washington team. You better believe that this Sunday, Tannehill, and his teammates will show up and make an assertive effort. Jacksonville is a bad football team. They have no offensive line, a suspect secondary, and no pass rush. This formula will allow Miami to go 2-0. Jacksonville QB Bortles, has no pass protection. And the Dolphins will take advantage of this situation with their defensive front seven. I don’t really like this games, but if you must play, take Miami. PREDICTED SCORE: Miami 25 Jacksonville 14.
DALLAS (54.5) @ PHILADELPHIA (-5.5) The Cowboys were hit with the injury bug after week #1. They lost Dez Bryant, McClain, and Greg Hardy, a big playmakers. So Philadelphia in this contest, should be able to move the football against the Cowboy defense. In addition, I expect DeMarco Murray to become more involved with the offense versus his old team. Murray’s motivation should be hoovering above 100%. Dallas, has one of the best Offensive lines in the NFL. Philadelphia’s defense is not that good, and can be beaten. I expect Romo will have time in the pocket, to locate his receivers, even without Dez Bryant. I still like Philadelphia to win, and cover for these reasons. 1. This is Philadelphia’s home opener, 2. Dallas has key injuries, 3. Demarco Murray will look to revenge his old team, and lastly, the Eagles don’t want to start there season at 0-2. PREDICTED SCORE: Philadelphia 30 Dallas 27. I like Philly to win, Dallas to cover the spread, and play OVER the total 54.5.
SEATTLE (49.0) @ GREEN BAY (+4) Last week, Seattle played horrible on defense, versus a weak St. Louis Ram offense. St. Louis in the preseason, struggled with their offensive line, Foles isn’t and elite NFL QB, and their running backs, and wide receivers aren’t top playmakers. Yet the Seahawks, allowed the Rams to score 34 points, against their top rated NFL defense? Now in week #2, the Seattle travels to GB to face a top NFL offense, with an elite NFL QB. So if Green Bay is that much better than St. Louis on offense, how will Seattle be able to defend once again? Seattle’s offensive line is horrid, and were exposed by the Rams, by sacking QB Wilson six times. You can expect GB, to find ways to pressure Wilson the entire game. Seattle’s only hope, is to run the football. The Packers front seven had trouble stopping the run in Chicago last week. So Marshawn Lynch may be their only answer to run the clock and stay in this game. In conclusion, I have to lean on GB in this game for the following reasons. Seattle traveled on the road to St. Louis to start the season, and in week#2, have to travel once again half way across the country to play GB. GB, and Lambeau Field, is a tough place to play in if you are the visiting team. I think Seattle’s defense is overrated, and shown they can be scored upon. Seattle’s offensive line is in disarray, and this can only spell trouble for Seattle’s passing game. PREDICTED SCORE: Green Bay 27 Seattle 24. I don’t really like this play, because I think GB will win, but not cover the line.
NEW YORK JETS (47) @ INDIANAPOLIS (-7) Colts come off with an opening day loss, to a tough, top defensive unit in Buffalo. Buffalo constantly pressured QB Andrew Luck the entire game, and the Bills secondary bottled up his wide receivers. On top of that, there was no running room for RB Frank Gore. The Jets by comparison to the Bills defense, is okay, and overrated. So although they may want to duplicate Buffalo’s game plan to stop the Colts, think again. Revis is not the same Pro Bowl corner, and the other corner Cromartie is out. This should allow Andrew Luck to find open receivers, and move the football. The Jets on offense, will struggle with QB Fitzpatrick as the season moves along. Fitzpatrick isn’t any good, and he isn’t matching up against Johnny Manziel this week. The Jet vs. Cleveland game was actually close most of the way, until Manziel entered the picture. I love the Colts in this spot. They are at home, playing Monday Night football to a national audience, Andrew Luck has an outstanding record at home, and the Colts don’t want to fall to 0-2 to start the season. PREDICTED SCORE: Indianapolis 30 New York Jets 20. Take the Colts across the board.
