NFL Week 2 Predictions

Last week was not my week. And I'm not just saying that because of the shameful performance at Baltimore by those impostors in black and gold. I'm saying it because I went a pitiful 7-9 with my predictions. Hopefully, I can do better this week. So here goes...

Bills over Raiders

• Even disregarding that record-tying 63-yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland looked pretty good in its 23-20 win over the Broncos on Monday night. The Raiders went undefeated against AFC West opponents last year, but will need major improvement against opponents outside the division if they want to make the playoffs this year. Their first big test comes this Sunday against a Bills team that put up 41 points against Kansas City and held them to a single touchdown.

Packers over Panthers

• Cam Newton looked pretty darn impressive in his NFL debut last week, but I'm not ready to say that he's the real deal just yet, as it was against Arizona. If he can beat the Packers, I just might start to change my mind.

Lions over Chiefs

• Losing safety Eric Berry for the season only makes things worse for Kansas City after their humiliating loss to Buffalo last week. Having to face a suddenly rejuvenated Detroit team is not the salve that Todd Haley was looking for.

Browns over Colts

• Come on, the Colts can't be that bad without Peyton Manning, can they? Well, when you manage only a single touchdown against what was the worst pass defense in the NFL last season, all bets are off.

Buccaneers over Vikings

• A big test for a young Bucs defense against Adrian Peterson. The rest of the Vikings still need to get their act together.

Bears over Saints

• The Bears took care of business against Atlanta last week, and this week they face another tough NFC South opponent in New Orleans. This one was tough to decide, because the Saints have a powerful offense and will have the home crowd on their side, but I'm not entirely sold on their defense after watching them spot Green Bay 42 last week.

Jets over Jaguars

• Luke McCown and the Jags eked out a win over the Titans last week. They won't be so lucky against Darelle Revis and the Gang Green defense.

Steelers over Seahawks

• Seahawks fans are still bitching about the officiating in Superbowl XL, and interestingly, the same ref from that game (Bill Leavy) will be working the second rematch of that game this week. For the Steelers, though, that's the least of their worries after getting completely annihilated by the Ravens last week. To say they looked bad in all aspects of the game would be a hideous understatement. If they can't get things done against Seattle this week, then there's reason to be concerned.

Ravens over Titans

• Kinda hard not to pick Baltimore after what they did to the Steelers last week.

Redskins over Cardinals

• Rex Grossman looked pretty good against the Giants last week. Could this be the start of a major turnaround in Washington?

Cowboys over 49ers

• Dallas put up a good fight against the Jets last week, but once again, Tony Romo cost his team the game. Meanwhile, the Niners came out of nowhere to crush the Seahawks, thanks to two touchdowns on special teams by Ted Ginn, Jr. Neither side looks too good on defense, but the Cowboys at least have some playmakers on offense, while San Francisco's offense still needs to find its groove.

Broncos over Bengals

• Quite a few experts have been raving about Cincy's defense. They'll get challenged this week as they face last year's leader in receiving yardage, Brandon Lloyd. The Bengals haven't won at Mile High since 1975.

Texans over Dolphins

• Even if Arian Foster doesn't play, the Texans' offense should have no trouble with Miami, especially with the Dolphins' home-field disadvantage as of late. Not to mention Miami's defense got absolutely manhandled by the Patriots on Monday night.

Chargers over Patriots

• A possible preview of the AFC Championship Game, with two of the league's best offenses. I'm going with San Diego on the strength of their defense. And who knows, hopefully Nick Novak will be a major improvement over Nate Kaeding in the kicking game.

Eagles over Falcons

• The big story on Sunday night will be Michael Vick's return to Atlanta. It'll be interesting to see how the Falcons fans receive their former quarterback. This should be a very good matchup both offensively and defensively, but after the Falcons' abysmal performance in Chicago last week, I'm leaning a little more towards Philly for this one.

Rams over Giants

• The Giants are battling injuries on defense, and the Rams are battling injuries to several of their key offensive players. Given Eli Manning's penchant for miscues, St. Louis will get the win, but it's not gonna be pretty.

Stay frosty, y'all! B-)