NFL Picks: Week Two
Aaron Nagler's picks for Week Two of the 2011 NFL Season.
By PackerAaron
Last week: 9-7
Season: 9-7
Kansas City at Detroit
The Chiefs looked like a mess in Week One and will look worse in Detroit. The loss of Eric Berry for the season only makes things worse for a defense that will be powerless to stop Matt Stafford and company.
Oakland at Buffalo
Hue Jackson's men were wild, physical and undisciplined in their win over the Broncos. In other words - they look like the Raiders. The Bills, meanwhile, jumped all over the Chiefs with an improving defense and an underrated offense. I was right about Buffalo last week and I'll be right again this week when they start 2-0 for the first time since 2008.
Baltimore at Tennessee
Are the Ravens set up for an emotional letdown after their big victory over a hated division rival? Um, no. While Baltimore may not look as dominating as they did against Pittsburgh, they still roll against the Titans.
Jacksonville at New York Jets
The Jaguars did just enough to beat the Titans last week but now they're on the road and Luke McCown will be forced to deal with a real defense. While Sanchez will hurt more than he helps, New York comes away with the victory.
Cleveland at Indianapolis
Things could get late real early in Indianapolis, if they aren't already. (At least some fans have a sense of humor about it) Cleveland is no NFL powerhouse but they are facing a Colts team that did little, if anything, well in their matchup with the Texans. The pick is Cleveland in a close one.
Arizona at Washington
After giving up 422 yards and two touchdowns through the air to a rookie, the Cardinals defense looks to regroup against Rex Grossman, who didn't look half bad himself against the Giants. Beanie Wells ran with more power and determination than we've seen from him in a while, but the Redskins run-D will be a stiffer test and Kolb isn't ready to win games on his own. Washington takes this one.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota
The Buccaneers, a near-playoff team a year ago, got a wake up call against the Lions last week. Worse, Josh Freeman looked nothing like the young up and coming star who had Bucs fans thinking big this summer. The Vikings held their own on defense against the Chargers but their pop-gun offense is almost laughable. Tampa in a close one.
Green Bay at Carolina
Everyone is sick of reading about Cam Newton throwing for over 400 yards, including Dom Capers. With undrafted rookie Byron Bell most likely starting at right tackle in place of the injured Jeff Otah, Newton may get to know Clay Matthews quite well. On defense, the Panthers simply have no answer for Aaron Rodgers and company. Green Bay should roll.
Chicago at New Orleans
Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher will be playing with a heavy heart after the death of his mother earlier this week. Don't expect the offensive fireworks the Saints put on display against the Packers - Lovie Smith will sit in his Cover Two and make the Saints work for everything. I can't believe I'm saying it - but Chicago in what I think will be a great game.
Seattle at Pittsburgh
Breno Giacomini vs Lamar Woodley? Hide the women and children. Pittsburgh, and it won't be pretty.
Dallas at San Francisco
Tony Romo did a fantastic Tony Romo impression against the Jets. The Niners won't be so lucky. Dallas rights the ship and gets Jerry off their backs for at least a week.
San Diego at New England
In what promises to be a fantastic game, Philip Rivers faces off against Tom Brady in a showdown of two of the leagues best quarterbacks. These teams are incredibly close in terms of talent - but one of them is coached by Bill Belichick and one of them is coached by Norv Turner. That's enough for me. New England in a classic.
Cincinnati at Denver
The Bengals are terrible. The Broncos are terribler. The loser of this game could seriously determine who gets the right to draft Andrew Luck. Someone has to win and in these types of games the better quarterback usually takes it. Bronco fans want Tebow - because fans are dumb. Denver gets on the board with their first "W" of 2011.
Houston at Miami
The Dolphins, still licking their wounds after getting embarrassed by Tom Brady in front of a national television audience, did what the Dolphins do after they lose to the Pats, releasing cornerback Benny Sapp, making him the scapegoat for a multitude of sins. I wonder who they release after Houston puts up another 30+ points on them?
Philadelphia at Atlanta
While Michael Vick's return to Atlanta is being overblown as a storyline, not nearly enough attention is being paid to the fact that Vick did not play particularly well against St. Louis. Of course, its no secret that pretty much the entire Falcons team played poorly against the Bears. Look for Atlanta to get back on track against the Eagles.
St. Louis at New York Giants
The Giants couldn't stop putting guys on injured reserve in the preseason. The Rams got Sam Bradford and Stephen Jackson banged up in their opener. While it looks like Bradford will play in this Battle Of the Beat Up, Jackson will most likely not. How desperate are the Giants? They signed Bradon Stokley to help their perennially injured receiving corps. New York's defensive front will be too much for a depleted Rams offense.
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Comments (14)
September 16, 2011 at 12:16 pm
I like Arizona over Washington - but it's going to be close.
I really think the Bears might surprice New Orleans also. I hate to say it, but I kind of hope that they do. I'm sick of hearing how great the NFC South is.
I would also love to watch the Falcons lose again...
September 16, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Your reverse jinx attempt on the Bears didn't work last week so why are you trying it again? :)
September 16, 2011 at 12:33 pm
So, we are going to Chicago, week 3, both 2-0! Again! Awesome!! YOTTO!!!
September 16, 2011 at 12:53 pm
I was 11-5 last week.
Wk 2
SEA L @ PIT W
BAL W @ TEN L
JAC L @ NYJ W
ARI W @ WAS L
OAK L @ BUF W
TB W @ MIN L
CHI L @ NO W
GB W @ CAR L
CLE W @ IND L
KC L @ DET W
DAL W @ SF L
CIN L @ DEN W
HOU W @ MIA L
SD L @ NE W
PHI L @ ATL W
STL W @ NYG L
September 16, 2011 at 01:20 pm
Philly and the Saints win, too much speed on a fast track.
GBP 4 LIFE
September 16, 2011 at 01:41 pm
Bears and Skins come back to earth. No way Brees lets the Saints fall to 0-2. I also doubt the Skins will be able to cover the Cards receivers.
September 16, 2011 at 01:42 pm
The Buccaneers were not a playoff team last year. 10-6 and tied with the Packers, but not in the playoffs.
PackerAaron
September 16, 2011 at 01:47 pm
Brainfart. Fixed. (Thanks)
September 16, 2011 at 02:53 pm
Also, Freeman looked just like he did last season.
PackerAaron
September 16, 2011 at 02:59 pm
Totally disagree there.
September 16, 2011 at 03:06 pm
With you on that one.
September 16, 2011 at 03:08 pm
Unless of course smack is just going on physical appearance in which case he does look just like last year... But the kids play was very solid last year.
September 17, 2011 at 02:59 am
Apparently you missed last year's Lions-Bucs tilt. Or any of the games he played against legit defenses. He's inconsistent. Plays well against poor defenses, plays average or poor against quality defenses.
September 17, 2011 at 06:23 pm
A 2nd year guy having trouble against a good D is to be expected.
2010:
3,451 Yds
25 TD to 6 INT (4:1=STELLAR)
95.9 QBR
His "overall body of work" from last season is very solid.