NFL Football picks for week 2 (9/17/06 - 9/18/06)

A record of 9-7 isn't a bad way to start the season, but it's not amazing either. I'll give it another go for week two:


Buffalo at Miami - 6 1/2

Neither team looked too good in week one, but Buffalo did give the Patriots a scare. However, Buffalo's defense may suffer if Spikes doesn't play. Miami wins their home opener after a tough loss to the defending champs.

PICK: Miami - 6 1/2


Carolina at Minnesota + 2

The Panthers bounce back after the Falcons made them look like fools. The Vikings won on Monday, but didn't look that special. The Redskins were just worse. I usually like home dogs, but the Panthers have a history of playing well on the road.

PICK: Carolina -2


Cleveland at Cincinnati - 10 1/2

I'll make this one simple. The Bengals looked good last week and the Browns looked bad. The Bengals have owned this series lately and their defense will shut down a poor Cleveland offense.

PICK: Cincinnati - 10 1/2


Detroit at Chicago - 8 1/2

Lots of big spreads this week. Green Bay made the Bears look better than they are and I was actually impressed with the Lions last week holding the defending NFC champion Seahawks to exactly zero touchdowns. Are the cowardly Lions showing they can play?

PICK: Detroit + 8 1/2


Houston at Indianapolis - 13

I don't enjoy laying this many points, but this is just a mismatch. The Colts, playing at home, against a struggling team seems to be a lock, but I've been burned before when things seem this obvious. I'm still debating this one, but for now, I'm going with Indy.

PICK: Indianapolis - 13


New Orleans at Green Bay + 2

I know that traditionally, Green Bay doesn't lose at home. And since they are getting points here, this is a sure thing, right? Wrong. The Packers got shut out by the Bears last week, and the Saints didn't look so bad. Reggie Bush is the real deal, and the stupid decisions of Aaron Brooks don't haunt this team anymore. The have a pro bowl QB leading them.

PICK: New Orleans - 2


New York Giants at Philadelphia - 3

Philly looked good last week as McNabb threw for three TD's and looked like an all pro again. The Giants got slightly outplayed by the Colts, but looked pretty good too. This is one of the best games of the week to watch on TV. I think this one will be close, so I am going to go with the team getting some points, plus I think the Giants will do what it takes to avoid starting the season at 0-2.

PICK: New York Giants +3


Oakland at Baltimore - 11 1/2

Even though the Ravens beat the Bucs pretty bad last week, I'm still not convinced. Their defense looked like the Ravens of a few years ago. The Raiders just might be the worst team in football, looking like a High School team as they got embarrassed Monday night vs. The Chargers. I say the Raiders bounce back enough to come within the spread.

PICK: Oakland + 11 1/2


Tampa Bay at Atlanta - 5 1/2

Tampa is due to bounce back after getting beat by the Ravens last week. Chris Simms finally starts to look like his father this weekend as the Bucs have owned this series recently. With John Abraham listed as questionable, I think the Bucs pull this one out.

PICK: Tampa Bay + 5 1/2


Arizona at Seattle - 7

The Seahawks didn't look too impressive last weak against the Lions, but I think that had more to do with the improving Lions. This week they are at home and have won the last few vs. the Cardinals. Although the Cardinals are looking better, the still get beat on the road this week.

PICK: Seattle - 7


St. Louis at San Francisco +3

3? Only 3? The Rams are a middle of the pack type of team and the 49ers are a bad team. The Rams defense is better than the Cardinals defense, whom the 49ers put up 27 points against. Don't look for a repeat offensive performance by Gore, Bryant, or Smith. Steven Jackson, however, has a field day.

PICK: St. Louis - 3


Kansas City at Denver - 10 1/2

This is a tough one for KC without starting QB Trent Green, who suffered an injury last week. Larry Johnson will pick up the slack as the Chiefs at least keep it close. Denver may be starting Cutler sooner then we think if Plummer keeps playing like he did in week 1.

PICK: Kansas City + 10 1/2


New England at New York Jets +6

The Jets almost looked like a football team last week vs. The Titans, one of the league's worst teams. When facing one of the league's best teams, the Jets will fall apart. Pennington is probably the most fragile QB in the NFL and it it only a matter of time before his season is over. Look for a big day from Dillon, Maroney, Watson, and Brady.

PICK: New England -6


Tennessee at San Diego - 11 1/2

Well, you k now how I feel about the Titans and the Chargers looked good this past Monday night. They are giving a lot, but the west coast home field advantage is big in this case. Phillip Rivers looked more comfortable that I thought he would and LT is the best running back in the game. They beat up on the Titans like they beat up on the Raiders.

PICK: San Diego - 11 1/2


Washington at Dallas - 5 1/2

Without Portis, the Redskins don't amount to much. He is listed as questionable, and would be a fool to try to rush back from his injury. Dallas looked so-so last week, but Bledsoe will fight like hell to keep his job, which might be in jeopardy. Playing in front of a Texas crowd, Dallas wins out.

PICK: Dallas - 5 1/2


Pittsburgh at Jacksonville pick 'em

What is it with the Steelers and pick em games? The Jags look good, but the Steelers are better. Again, on national TV, the better team wins.

PICK: Pittsburgh


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