TEN vs. NYG
Both of these teams looked dominant in their first game, but regressed badly in their second game. Ultimately I think this game comes down to which team is able to pressure the opposing quarterback more. By that count, I am going with the Titans. As bad as their offense looked against the Steelers, their defense was able to pressure the quarterback with some amount of consistency.
CIN vs. CAR
With the Panthers deciding to switch to Jimmy Clausen at quarterback for the foreseeable future, I just don’t think they’ll be able to overcome the very good defense of the Bengals. Cincy wins.
PIT vs. TB
While Tampa Bay has been playing well, I just don’t think Josh Freeman (who has been the key to the Bucs offense) is ready to deal with the dominating Steelers defense. Steelers win.
BUF vs. NE
Buffalo fooled me once with how hard they were playing against Miami, but no more. New England needs to dominate for me to not drop them to third in the AFC East.
CLE vs. BAL
Cleveland isn’t playing well, while Baltimore’s defense is just as dominant as ever. Ravens fly high.
SF vs. KC
I was recently asked to name my top five teams in both the AFC and the NFC. Both of these teams found their way onto the list. It stunned me too, but you can’t deny the success the Chiefs have had through the first two games and any who watched the 49ers on Monday can tell that they have the ability to hang with any team in the NFL. I’m picking the 49ers to win in this matchup, mostly because Alex Smith looks far more competent in his offense than Matt Cassell does in his.
DAL vs. HOU
Wow! Talk about two teams heading in completely different directions. Dallas looks like a team that has simply succumb to the pressure of being a favorite in the NFC and the pressure of trying to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium. Houston on the other hand looks like a team that’s playing footloose and fancy-free (Dear god when did I get stuck in the 50s?). Either way, the Texans will win this; Dallas is just trying way too hard to be great.
DET vs. MIN
You know, two weeks ago this would have been a one sentence preview. Now I am having a hard time convincing myself to stick with my original pick of the Vikings. The Lions have just looked so good offensively this season that I think they’ll be able to outscore teams with offenses as mediocre as the Vikings. But, the Vikings defense is still as good as ever, more a victim of the poor performance of Brett Favre and the offense. I think the Vikings will win here, but Lions do have a chance.
ATL vs. NO
If I went based solely on what I saw last week, I would pick Atlanta to win. Let’s face it, the Saints have been living and dying by turnovers and well-timed bursts of scoring, but other than those quick bursts, they have been dominated by their opposition. Even Drew Brees as looked less than stellar as the season has progressed. I am picking the Saints because of the home field advantage and because I am not overly impressed with the Falcons defensive backs; but right now, the Falcons look like the better team.
WAS vs. STL
Washington has had a surprisingly good start to the season while St. Louis looks about as competent as they did a year ago. Redskins win.
PHI vs. JAC
In spite of all the controversy surrounding the decision to switch quarterbacks in Philadelphia, it makes more sense to do so because of the success of Michael Vick. Jacksonville has been competitive, but I don’t think they’ll be able to keep up with the Vick experience. Philly wins.
IND vs. DEN
Denver hasn’t shown that they can play strong enough defense to hang with the Colts. Indy wins.
OAK vs. ARI
Arizona could barely pull out the victory against St. Louis. I doubt they’ll keep up with much more talented Raiders team. Oakland wins.
SD vs. SEA
Seattle couldn’t keep up with Denver and looked like their success in week 1 was nothing more than a fluke. San Diego should win, but you never know when Phillip Rivers will throw a hissy fit and cost his team the game.
NYJ vs. MIA
This will be a close game, though not very exciting. Both teams are really better at the power running game and need to stick to that strength if they want to win. The problem, for the Jets at least, is that when they do go to the air. The Jets still have to deal will the Dolphins best defensive backs while the Dolphins don’t have to deal with Darelle Revis. Because of this, I’m picking the Dolphins to win this game, and gain an early advantage in the AFC East race.
GB vs. CHI *Game of the Week*
This is going to be an exciting match-up. Both teams are using offenses which feature spreading the opposing team’s defenses out to isolate and manipulate match-ups. Both teams use this to great effect with their tight ends, both of whom create real problems with their size and athleticism. Ultimately this game is going to come down to whose defense is able to stop the opposing offense. The Packers top corners are better than the Bears top corners, though the Bears have a better receiving runningback. Based on that, I am going to select the Packers for the victory.
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