Pick 6: NFL Week 2

The NFL season began with a bang in it's kickoff week. 10 of the 16 games were determined by 8 points or less. There were plenty of interesting games on display, but there were a few that stood above the rest. There was the reboot of the Falcons-Eagles playoff game, an 88-point thriller in the Bucs' upset win over New Orleans, a tie in Cleveland, and a miraculous comeback by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. And those were just the highlights. But enough about last week. We're here to talk about Week 2. Let's pick 6, starting, again, with Thursday night.

Ravens vs Bengals

There's nothing quite like an AFC North showdown, especially in a prime time slot. Year in and year out we get the best hard-nosed, defensive battles of the year right here in this division. These too in particular are brutal for any team to face. It is only heightened when they play each other.

Unsurprisingly, Flacco and Dalton don't have great success when playing against each other's defenses. Neither appears much better than the other either. The backfield isn't real strong on either side as well.

These teams are almost carbon copies of each other. So picking a winner is a bit of a challenge. The two most crucial factors in my eyes are A.J. Green and the crowd. Green is the best playmaker on either side. Whether or not it's him making the plays or he's just drawing coverage away, he'll make the biggest impact. Additionally, the home crowd should give the Bengals a slight advantage.

Bengals win, 16-13

Panthers vs Falcons

Another big division game. This one, as well as there other matchup is week 16, could loom large for the two of them. After the Saints messy loss, it appears these two may be the leading contenders from the South. Obviously, one game doesn't always mean much, but what we saw from New Orleans was ugly. I also don't believe Tampa can keep it going anywhere close to that performance.

Getting back to this game. On paper, the Panthers should be the better team. They have ferocious front seven that leads one of the better defenses in the league. Then they have one of the most talented QB's in football, along with a rock solid RB tandem. The Falcons have a great offense, probably a little better than Carolina, but their defense leaves much to be desired. Sure, that defense did alright in Philly last week, but I think that was more about the Eagles struggles than Atlanta's improvements.

Now you may ask, why are the Panthers only better "On paper"? Well, the problem lies in Cam's inconsistent nature. When he's good, this team is next to unbeatable. When he's not, anybody has a chance. In the recent past, he hasn't been good against Atlanta. In his last five games against this poor Atlanta defense, he's only completed 49.7% of his passes, scored 5 total TD's, thrown 5 picks, and his passer rating is 57.7. He didn't reach 200 passing yards in any of them

In those same five game, Matt Ryan, against a much more capable defense, completed 71.0% of his passes, threw 10 TD's, threw 2 picks, his passer rating was 114.0. Matt Ryan's lowest passing yard total was 277, all the others were over 300. That's why Atlanta beats Carolina. Consistent QB play goes a long way

Falcons win, 27-20

Vikings vs Packers

Yet another big division game takes place this week. This one is a marquee matchup between the always amazing Aaron Rodgers vs the seemingly unbreakable Minnesota defense. That is, if Rodgers does in fact play this game. Considering he played the 2nd half of last week's game, I would think he'd be available. The only reason I'd see not to would be the memories of his 2017 injury in Minnesota. Let's just assume that I'm right about that for now, and he starts.

If he does in fact see the field, we are in for a treat. Because of last year's injury, we haven't got to see Rodgers take a shot at this brick wall of a defense. If anyone can find a way through them, it's Aaron. The only real question is his health. Even if he does play, it won't likely be at 100%. He did fine against a tough Chicago defense on that injury, but the Vikings are a whole different animal.

What about the other side of the ball? If this was the Packers' defense of the last few years, I wouldn't have given them much of a chance against any decent offense. But it's a different story with their new pair of rookie Corners, Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson. This secondary has been lacking for quite some time, but these two appear to be what they needed. We'll see what they can do facing Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielin. Green Bay won't lock down this offense completely, but they can keep themselves in the game.

I expect a close game all the way through. But I think in the end, the Vikings' D will be too good. Rodgers can put a dent in them, but with him, most likely, not fully healed, his limitations will keep him from breaking them.

Vikings win, 23-20

Chiefs vs Steelers

The Chiefs have not fared well against Pittsburgh recently. The Steelers won the last three matches opposing the Chiefs. The first of those three was a total blowout in KC in 2016. Later that year, Pittsburgh failed to score a TD in a home playoff game against the Chiefs, but they still won 18-13. Then, they beat them in a similar game the following year, ending 19-16. But that was then. and this is now. These are two different teams.

I liked both these teams going into the year, but I had higher hopes for Pittsburgh. After seeing the Chiefs take down a very talented Chargers team and the Steelers tie Cleveland, I'm not sure what to think. I do know that we aren't likely to see the same defensive war as we did previously. Neither of these defenses are quite the same as before, and Kansas City's offense is far more explosive. There are so many playmakers on these rosters, and I'm not sure either team has an answer for any of them. Fortunately for KC, one those playmakers, Le'Veon Bell, is still holding out, and it's not looking likely for him to return just yet. James Conner looked pretty good, but he isn't Bell.

I think this will be the Chiefs' revenge game over the Steelers. They are so fast and talented right now, and I don't think Pittsburgh can quite keep up.

Chiefs win, 38-31

Patriots vs Jaguars

This week, we get an early AFC Championship rematch. 8 months ago, we saw Jacksonville play a great game in New England, until Tom Brady did Tom Brady things and won the game in the final minutes.

This time, I don't think the Jags will fair as well. I don't anticipate a blowout, but I'm not too sure Jacksonville will take a lead at all. The Jags were acceptable offensively last season. Fournette was great, and Bortles was better than years prior. However, Fournette has a hamstring injury, and although he may play, he probably won't be 100%. Also, more importantly, I think Bortles may have peaked in 2017. I believe we will see a decline this year, and each moving forward. Why? Because he's Blake Bortles, and he isn't that good.

On the other side, the Patriots are still the Patriots. Yeah, Brady is getting older and supposedly there is some dysfunction, but that doesn't concern me. I'm also not concerned about Jacksonville's defense. Yes, it's great. But Houston's isn't too far behind, and I saw Brady carve them up with ease, hardly ever being touched. The Patriots do have a tendency to bomb some games early in the season, but I don't think this will be one of them.

Patriots win, 23-16

Giants vs Cowboys

If you're like me, you are probably sick of watching these teams get prime time slots year in and year out, regardless of talent. But this time, it interests me. Not because both teams are good. Actually quite the opposite. Both of them had rough losses in their openers. Now, they have something to prove. They are both trying to show the league that last week wasn't who they really are. They both need wins to keep them in this division. It may be just week 2, but this game means a lot for both sides. That's when we get good football.

I'm gonna be honest, I don't have a whole lot to base my prediction on. I'm not sure what to expect from either side. If you asked me a week ago, I would say the Cowboys are the better football team. They have been the better team in the last two years, and I believe that is still the case. However, last Sunday has me unsure. I expected much more from Dallas in week 1.

I don't see the Giants doing much this season, but I do think Eli has something to prove. He wants to show the world that he can still play, that he is still an NFL QB. I think he'll have a good performance, and keep them in this thing.

In the end, I have to go with what I believe to be the more talented team, the Cowboys. But don't be surprised if New York pulls an upset with the more experience QB on their side.

Cowboys win, 20-17