The Hail Mary - Week 2

Week 2 has a bunch of intriguing games. For some dumb reason CBS doesn't have a doubleheader in the Washington Metro area this weekend so I will only get to see 3 of these really intriguing games. New England at New York at 1:00 would be the perfect counter to the Washington Redskins/St. Louis Rams stinker. Even worse news, I hear about this new NFL Network Red Zone channel, sounds great, but unfortunately it is not available on Cox Cable. Blargh.

Games That I Will Be Watching

St. Louis (0-1) at Washington (0-1), Washington favored by 10

The scheduling Gods have once again attempted to do the Redskins a favor and sent the Rams to Washington. Last season, the Redskins couldn't take advantage, and gave away the game to St. Louis, a loss that they never really recovered from. St. Louis will not only be looking to win this game, they will be looking to score their first points of the season after losing 28-0 to Seattle. If Redskins QB Jason Campbell can't have a big day against this team, then even his apologists will have to admit that a fork should be stuck in him. I think the Redskins win but can't trust them to win by more than 10.

Prediction: Washington 23, St. Louis 14

Baltimore (1-0) at San Diego (1-0), San Diego favored by 3

Ravens QB Joe Flacco had a great game against Kansas City and has Ravens fans talking about maybe having a real NFL offense this season. I think how he and the offense perform on the road against the Chargers will be a better indicator. The Chargers looked average against Oakland on Monday night but still came away with a win. I think QB Philip Rivers will have his troubles with the Ravens defense but Flacco will have more.

Prediction: San Diego 24, Baltimore 20

New York Giants (1-0) at Dallas (1-0), New York Giants favored by 3

The Cowboys officially open the new Texas Stadium on Sunday night against the Giants. Not only will the game be fun to watch, seeing if the punters hit the video board will be the other interesting aspect of this NFC Beast clash. I am still not sold on the Giants, although I admit to being surprised that it was their passing game and not their running game that led them to defeat the Skins. The Cowboys looked good against Tampa Bay, but Tampa is going to be one of the worst teams in the league. I think the crowd will be a factor in this one and the Cowboys debut their stadium in style.

Prediction: Dallas 21, New York Giants 14

Indianapolis (1-0) at Miami (0-1), Indianapolis favored by 3

As expected the Colts had to claw and fight their way to win over Jacksonville while Miami's offense looked horrendous at Atlanta. On the bright side for the Dolphins their run defense performed admirably. The fluke talk has already started surrounding the Dolphins and an 0-2 start will give that talk even more fire.

Prediction: Indianapolis 20, Miami 13

Rest of Week 2

Carolina (0-1) at Atlanta (1-0), Atlanta favored by 6 1/2

Panthers QB Jake Delhomme is simply awful. He has now thrown 9 INTs in his last 2 games. Somehow he is still the starting QB. The Falcons put out 5 new defensive starters last Sunday but looked much better than they were last year. I really wish I could have my Panthers winning the NFC South prediction back.

Prediction: Atlanta 28, Carolina 13

Minnesota (1-0) at Detroit (0-1). Minnesota favored by 10

A new coach, new QB, lots of new players on the defense, equaled same old Lions in Week 1. Vikings RB Adrian Peterson added to his legend last weekend against the Browns, and QB Brett Favre managed a game, for maybe the first time in his career. I think Favre will be able to have a little bit more fun this weekend.

Prediction: Minnesota 38, Detroit 20

Cincinnati (0-1) at Green Bay (1-0), Green Bay favored by 9

The Bengals could only manage 7 points on the Denver defense, and then lost in excruciating fashion. Kind of wishing I could have my Bengals make the playoffs prediction back as well. However, as I predicted Green Bay's defense looked much improved, and that was without rookie DT BJ Raji. A bonus prediction, WR Chad Ochocinco will get to make his Lambeau Leap.

Prediction: Green Bay 27, Cincinnati 19

Houston (0-1) at Tennessee (0-1), Tennessee favored by 7

The Texans embarrassed themselves at home against the Jets, while the Titans performed admirably in Pittsburgh. I think the Texans will put up a much better showing this weekend, but it won't be enough on the road.

Prediction: Tennessee 20, Houston 17

Oakland (0-1) at Kansas City (0-1), Kansas City favored by 3

Both of these cellar-dwellers had promising performances in Week 1, but as is familiar for them, they lost. We still may have to wait on QB Matt Cassel's debut for the Chiefs, while the Raiders are probably wishing they never had to debut QB Jamarcus Russell. I think they also want that Darrius Heyward-Bey pick back. The addition of Richard Seymour looked great on Monday night against San Diego, and I think the Raiders defense will be the difference in this one.

Prediction: Oakland 28, Kansas City 25

New England (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0), New England favored by 5 1/2

I have to give Jets QB Mark Sanchez props, he looked impressive in his debut against the Texans. The Jets are desperate to win this game and have been telling the media all week about it, including their coach Rex Ryan. The Patriots should really be 0-1, but lucked out and stole a game away against Buffalo. The Patriots can't afford to start off slow on the road here. I like them to win with a last second field goal.

Prediction: New England 24, New York Jets 21

New Orleans (1-0) at Philadelphia (1-0), Line is EVEN

No line for this game due to the uncertainty of whether Eagles QB Donovan McNabb will play. The man has broken ribs so I would be seriously shocked if he does play. I think QB Kevin Kolb may start the game, but he will be pulled for ineffectiveness, allowing QB Jeff Garcia to make his Eagles return. Although the Eagles defense looked fantastic against Carolina, they had Jake Delhomme throwing ducks to them all game. This game will be a true test, as the Saints offense, led by QB Drew Brees is sick. If the Eagles had McNabb I would go with them, but I can't see Kolb or Garcia leading them to a win here.

Prediction: New Orleans 31, Philadelphia 26

Arizona (0-1) at Jacksonville (0-1), Jacksonville favored by 3 1/2

The Cardinals certainly appear to be headed for a Super Bowl loss hangover after a listless pre-season and a listless loss at home to the 49ers. An 0-2 start appears to be on the horizon as we know how much the Cardinals hate 1:00 eastern kickoffs.

Prediction: Jacksonville 24, Arizona 16

Seattle (1-0) at San Francisco (1-0), San Francisco favored by 1 1/2

I am trying to avoid getting too hyped but the win over Arizona, especially the play of the defense was very encouraging. If the Niners can carry that momentum to this game, not only would a 2-0 start be huge, it would be a 2-0 start in the division. The Seahawks got to feast on the carcass of the Rams, but this will be a true test for QB Matt Hasselbeck and company. QB Shaun Hill just has to keep up his steady play, make sure RB Frank Gore gets enough touches, and the 49ers can win this game. Don't you wish you could be a part of this you bum, Crabtree?

Prediction: San Francisco 23, Seattle 19

Pittsburgh (1-0) at Chicago (0-1), Pittsburgh favored by 3

Bears QB Jay Cutler's debut was a massive dud as they lost and he threw 4 INTs. The Bears game plan was awful against the Packers. They completely ignored RB Matt Forte and TE Greg Olsen. The Steelers won their opener but had a huge loss on the defense with the injury to S Troy Polamalu. The Madden curse has to be real. Call me crazy but I think Cutler will respond with a strong game in the Bears home opener. If the Steelers had Polamalu I would have no doubts picking them, but I think the Steelers will really miss him, much more than the Bears will miss LB Brian Urlacher.

Prediction: Chicago 18, Pittsburgh 14

Cleveland (0-1) at Denver, (1-0), Denver favored by 3

The Broncos are terrible, yet they will probably be 2-0 after this game. Its OK, the schedule gets much tougher soon enough.

Prediction: Denver 28, Cleveland 17

Against the Spread: 10-6
Straight Up: 12-4