With my picks, the only way is up, and I intend to go there!
As usual, a few unforeseen results came back to burn me good, especially Tampa Bay’s road win at New Orleans and Miami’s twice-storm-delayed victory over Tennessee. But even with a 6-9-1 record, we press on. There is plenty of season remaining.
(all games on Sunday afternoon unless otherwise noted)
Baltimore 27, Cincinnati 16 (Thursday night): Usually, the visiting team is at a distinct disadvantage in a Thursday-night game, but the Ravens executed so well that they should be able to do the same against a better opponent (than the Bills) in this game. It’ll be much more suspenseful than Week One. I’ll say a late defensive score wraps up this one.
Kansas City 23, Pittsburgh 19: The Chiefs played well on the road in Los Angeles last week. I think they will be able to do the same against a Pittsburgh squad that made way too many mistakes at Cleveland. Patrick Mahomes–as some have expected all along–is definitely the real deal, one of the most strong-armed quarterbacks in the league.
New Orleans 33, Cleveland 20: The Saints lost at home to a backup quarterback in Week One, so they figure to be highly motivated to do two things: 1) win and 2) not become the first team in two seasons to lose to the Browns. Cleveland was an extremely lucky team that benefited from the turnover-plagued Steelers last week.
Minnesota 30, Green Bay 20: It’s a second straight prime-time division home game for the Packers. However, this is a Vikings team that brings a strong defense into Lambeau Field. Plus, how effective will Aaron Rodgers be after getting hurt last week?
Los Angeles Chargers 40, Buffalo 9: Ralph Wilson, the late Bills owner, is probably rolling over in his grave at the state of his team. It’s the Bills’ home opener against a very talented team. While I usually don’t like the chances of a West Coast team coming east, the disparity in talent is way too wide to pick an upset here.
Carolina 20, Atlanta 16: It’s the Falcons’ home opener at the stadium that will host Super Bowl LIII. And it’s already a big division game for a team that fell way short in Philadelphia–despite having more than a few red-zone chances. The Panthers, on the other hand, are strong enough to get back to the playoffs – especially on defense – and they take another step here.
New York Jets 26, Miami 15: The Jets are home on a short week following Monday’s game in Detroit and they’ll play their home opener against a Dolphins team that could be one of the league’s worst. Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold – to me, the best of this year’s rookie quarterbacks – is picking up things fast.
Philadelphia 31, Tampa Bay 20: The Buccaneers come home for their first game at Raymond James Stadium following an impressive win on the road in New Orleans. But the Eagles’ defense is much better than the Saints D, which isn’t bad either. I think ‘order’ will be restored in the NFC after this one.
Houston 24, Tennessee 13: Last week, the Titans struggled on offense in a game that was delayed for a long time by weather. So it might feel like a short week against the Texans, who are healthy, but playing a second straight road game to open the campaign.
Indianapolis 20, Washington 19: The Redskins are playing their home opener, which means less than at any other stadium in the league, given the city’s transient nature. This should be a close one between a couple of teams that would be happy to be merely mediocre.
Los Angeles Rams 34, Arizona 13: The Rams haven’t had a home game yet, but the Cardinals did last week against Washington–and played very poorly in all three phases of the game. They looked a lot like Buffalo. Besides, the Rams have Super Bowl-level talent and aspirations. This division game should be no problem for them.
San Francisco 26, Detroit 20: This is one of the tougher games on the slate to pick. It features two teams that not only want to avoid the .500 mark but who seriously think they can. We’ll go with the home team, only because the Lions had to play on Monday night before traveling west.
Denver 19, Oakland 17: This pick is based as much on what Oakland doesn’t have as what Denver does. The Broncos are getting that tough home-field persona about them again–as Seattle found out last week. It could be a long, long season for the Raiders.
New England 27, Jacksonville 26: As I expected, the Patriots struggled somewhat at home against Houston. Now they go on the road against the Jaguars and this AFC Championship Game rematch should be close. But anytime you have Tom Brady against Blake Bortles, then the pick should be obvious.
Dallas 23, New York Giants 16 (Sunday night): I still feel the Giants will resurrect themselves despite a Week One loss at home. The first baby step won’t come at Dallas, though, as the Cowboys still have memories of many AT&T Stadium losses to New York. The Giants were the first visitors to win there.
Chicago 17, Seattle 13 (Monday night): Okay, folks, which do you prefer? 1) a once-great defense on its way down; or 2) a good defense that’s on the way up and playing at home? In recent years, I never would have picked Chicago in this game, but between these two teams, the tide has now turned.
Solid picks Joe. I can’t get onboard with the Cowboys pick against the Giants though. Home field advantage and all, I can’t see the ‘Boys offense mustering up 23 points unless the defense factors in somehow. Their receiving core is bare and I think Zeke is still adjusting after the long layoff.