2015 NFL Picks: Week 2

Week two of the NFL season is upon us. So far, we've learned that Marcus Mariota is the real deal. We've begun to prematurely question Jameis Winston's ability after only one NFL start. We questioned whether Peyton Manning has lost his touch, and then gained some confidence in him on Thursday night.  We watched the Cowboys lose Dez Bryant for a number of weeks, and are preparing to watch Johnny Manziel and Ryan Mallett start this week.  The season is early, and already the drama is beginning.  Week 2 is here! Let's watch some football!

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants. I believe in the Falcons, and think that they are a decent team. That being said, the Giants aren't quite as bad as they played last week.  Every team has an off week, and I'm expecting a rebound of sorts out of the Giants.  Eli earns his pay raise, and the Giants win! Final score: Giants 24, Falcons 21.

Houston Texans @ Carolina Panthers. Another great defensive matchup. I picked the Texans last week, and I still believe, especially with Ryan Mallett under center! The Texans could have the best defense in the NFL, and they show that defense this week against a weakened Panthers offense.  Texans win.  Final score: Texans 20, Panthers 14.

San Diego Chargers @ Cincinnati Bengals. This game is going to be one of this week's best. The Chargers have a sneaky good team (that is severely underrated for some reason). The Bengals have one of the deeper rosters in the league. This is going to be a great game, but I'm going to give the edge to the Bengals at home.  Cincinnati always plays a little better at Paul Brown Stadium.  Final score: Bengals 21, Chargers 20.

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings. This game will be a big matchup with potential playoff implications. One of these teams may win a wildcard slot if they can't knock off the Packers to win the division.  The Vikings are a slightly better team than the Lions right now, however, and take this one at home.  Adrian Peterson has a rebound game, and the Vikings win. Final score: Vikings 28, Lions 21.

Tennessee Titans @ Cleveland Browns. Did anybody see the Titans week 1 blowout coming?  Marcus Mariota looks like the real deal, and the Titans look like a good team! That being said, Cleveland has an extremely good defense, and may be able to shut down Mariota and company.  I'm going against the grain and picking Cleveland to win this one. Final score: Browns 21, Titans 14.

Arizona Cardinals @ Chicago Bears.  If Carson Palmer wasn't healthy, and if Dennis Green was still the coach of the Arizona Cardinals, the Bears might win this game.  However, the Bears are who we thought they were, and the Cardinals defense is not going to let Matt Forte off the hook like the Packers did last week.  The Cardinals march into Chicago and win this game. Final score: Cardinals 28, Bears 17.

San Francisco 49ers @ Pittsburgh Steelers. Even if the 49ers weren't as bad as I expected last week, I'm still not a believer. The Steelers have one of the best teams in football, and I expect them to be dominant at home this season. The 49ers won't change that, and I think the Steelers win this game. Final score: Steelers 35, 49ers 14.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints. The Buccaneers first game of the season was ugly.  Period. That being said, their offense was lacking their #1 WR in Mike Evans, and if Evans plays, this week's game should be surprisingly close.  I think the Saints win either way, but I'm giving it a dual spread.  With Mike Evans final score: Saints 24, Buccaneers 21.  Without Mike Evans final score: Saints 35, Buccaneers 14.

St. Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins. Start the Rams defense if you have them. This game is going to be a great game for the Rams. The Redskins are a team in disarray at the moment,  and the Rams look dominant. The Rams win this game. Final score: Rams 28, Redskins 10.

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills.  The Bills are the real deal, and are playing at home. They're coming off of an outstanding week 1 victory against the Colts, and will look to get a win streak going as they play the hated Patriots.  The Bills come to play, and while they might love losing Superbowls (Boy I Love Losing Superbowls), they will win this game. Final Score: Bills 20, Patriots 17.

Baltimore Ravens @ Oakland Raiders. The Raiders looked bad against Cincinnati.  The Ravens looked decent against Denver. Oakland will be a good team soon, but those days are yet to come. The Ravens win this week, knocking the Raiders down to 0-2. Final score: Ravens 17, Raiders 7.

Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars. Here's my upset special for the week.  I like the Dolphins a lot, but I think the Jaguars have the potential to turn some heads this season. That starts this season against the Dolphins. Nobody is expecting it, but I expect the Jaguars to win this one. Final score: Jaguars 24, Dolphins 14.

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles. This would be a great game...if Dez Bryant were healthy.  It's still going to be a closer game than most expect, but without Dez, I think the Eagles run away with this one. Final score: Eagles 28, Cowboys 20.

Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers.  Kam Chancellor isn't active this week, and the Seahawks defense is a different unit without him.  The Packers are missing Jordy Nelson, but it's next guy up in Green Bay, and their offense still looks competent. The Packers win this one at home in close fashion. Final score: Packers 21, Seahawks 20.

New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts. The Jets are actually a good team this year. However, they are not good enough to overcome the Indianapolis Colts in Indy. Andrew Luck has a rebound week (even against a great Jets defense), and the Colts handle the Jets in Indy. Final score: Colts 28, Jets 24.

--Mike B. (12-5)

Patriots @ Bills - I have been struggling with this game all week long. This is by far the toughest game to call this week. Rex Ryan is a great defensive coach, and it shows. The Bills were decent last year, but they got even better this year. On the flip side, the Patriots are the Patriots. They haven't changed a whole lot, and have stayed at the top of their division for a long time. I honestly have no idea who to pick in this one. I might just flip a coin. The Patriots defense is definitely going to struggle this week. I really hate to say this, but Bills win at home, 20-17.

Cardinals @ Bears - I don't think much of the Bears, and I never have. Cardinals win, 27-24.

Chargers @ Bengals - Just like the Patriots-Bills game, I'm in a quandary over this game. Bengals barely pull out the win at home, 21-20. 

Titans @ Browns - Marcus Mariota ladies and gentlemen. He's here, and here to stay. Titans win on the road, 20-17.

Lions @ Vikings - The Lions looked absolutely terrible last week against the Chargers. I have a feeling that they will struggle again against Minnesota. Vikings win, 21-14.

Buccaneers @ Saints - The Bucs just looked bad last week. The game is also in New Orleans, another issue for Tampa Bay. Saints win at home, 30-13.

Falcons @ Giants - Atlanta looked good last week. They proved me wrong. Falcons win on the road, 26-20.

49ers @ Steelers - I still don't like the 49ers. I think they are going to show their true colors in Pittsburgh. Steelers win at home, 27-13.

Rams @ Redskins - The Rams beat a good Seattle team to start off the season. They are definitely getting better, and Nick Foles is a good addition to their team. Rams win on the road, 30-17.

Texans @ Panthers - Luke Kuechly is ruled out for week 2. This is definitely going to hurt the Panthers. Texans win on the road with their better QB (Mallett) starting, 20-13.

Ravens @ Raiders - I know that I don't think highly about the ravens, but Oakland just let me down last week. They didn't perform as well as i had expected. Ravens pull out a win on the road, 17-13.

Dolphins @ Jaguars - The Dolphins struggled more than I anticipated last week against the Redskins. The Jaguars are worse than the Redskins. The Dolphins should win, as long as they don't make any stupid mistakes. Dolphins win their 2nd, 20-9.

Cowboys @ Eagles - The Cowboys haven't lost a game on the road since December 9th, 2013. This week, the streak continues. Cowboys win on the road, 28-24.

Seahawks @ Packers - The last time these 2 teams played each other, it was an incredible game. The Seahawks barely pulled away with it. This week, the Packers win a close one at home, 24-21.

Jets @ Colts - Not much to say about this game. Colts win, 24-16.

-Tyler B. (9-8)


 Texans (0-1) @ Panthers (1-0): Texans have pulled their head from their rear ends and decided to start Ryan Mallet. I think this will make a huge difference. The Panthers have no offense but they beat the Jaguars questionable defense pretty easily. I am going to start this week’s pick with a tough game call but I am taking the underdog. Texans win 23 – 21 over the Panthers.

49ers (1-0) @ Steelers (0-1): Take a bow San Fran you had your only good game of the season last week. That ends here in Pittsburg. Steelers’ offense will eat the 49ers alive and the worst starting QB in the NFL Collin Kaepernick will fail terribly to keep up with Ben. Steelers win 38 – 17 over the 49ers.

Buccaneers (0-1) @ Saints (0-1): Neither team looked good last week but the Bucs looked way worse. The Saints are offensively amazing and here we go again against a dreadful defense. If you have Brandon Coleman, Melvin Ingram, or Brandin Cooks in fantasy START THEM!!!! I am easily taking the Saints here. Saints win 34 – 17 over the Buccaneers.

Lions (0-1) @ Vikings (0-1): The Lions lost a sloppy ugly game last week that I wasn’t entirely impressed by either team. The Vikings though man did they fail to live up to the potential I thought they truly could. They realized they have no run defense last week and that will have to change to survive this year in the NFL. But either way a tough division rival game here and is another tough one to call. Vikings win 27 – 24 over the Lions. (Game winner by Blair Walsh).

Cardinals (1-0) @ Bears (0-1): The Cardinals look good as I expected the Bears on the other hand impressed me even in a loss. Cardinals are just in my opinion with a healthy Carson a terrifying team to have to face and the Bears in their second straight home game will lose again. Cardinals 31 – 15 over the Bears. (In other words get Robbie Gould this weekend)

Patriots (1-0) @ Bills (1-0): Patriots won in once again a controversy. The Bills won fair and square and basically shut down Andrew Luck even without Sammy Watkins being effective in anyway. This game is one of the toughest games to call I have ever had to call and truly it came down to one thing. The Patriots have to go on the road and face Gilmore and this incredible defense and I think the home team pulls it off after Tyrod plays another great game. Bills win 17 – 14 over the Patriots.

Chargers (1-0) @ Bengals (1-0): Man this game just like the Bills and Pats is so hard to even come up with a winner. I think the Chargers looked ugly last week but I really am never impressed with Rivers week one. I think Keenan Allen is going to be so much to handle for the Bengals and I give him the x-factor. Chargers 30 – 25 over the Bengals.

Titans (1-0) @ Browns (0-1): Mariota take a freakin’ bow!!! Holy wow what a great week one. Titans looked better than I thought they would. I think Cleveland would be smart to keep Manziel starting he will make a difference, not here though. Titans win 20 – 17 over the Browns.

Falcons (1-0) @ Giants (0-1): Falcons win! I called that one while everyone else was hating. They got Vic Beasley Jr. and he is an X-Factor on defense for sure. The Giants I truly can say let one slip away and they are a better team than I thought. That all being said I take Matty-Ice to out-gun Eli Manning and will win this thing. Falcons win 31 – 29 over the Giants.

Rams (1-0) @ Redskins (0-1): Rams shocked a lot of people, I know I didn’t pick them but I wasn’t shocked at all. Redskins I know they played well but I think they are the worst team in the NFL honestly. I without a doubt stick with Jeff Fisher as I tend to do as much as possible. Rams 32 – 10 over the Redskins.

Dolphins (1-0) @ Jaguars (0-1): The Dolphins disappointed me last week even in a win. The Jaguars though did exactly what I expected looked flat and lost because they DIDN’T FIX THEIR O-LINE!!!! PROTECT THE BORTLES AND GIVE YELDON THE ROCK!!!! Dolphins win here 23 – 14 over the Jaguars.

Ravens (0-1) @ Raiders (0-1): The Ravens defense looked solid last week against Denver on the road but Flacco was a Joke-O. That cost them the game nothing more. The Raiders didn’t look as good as I hoped and now Carr is a bit banged up and now I am questioning what they will do this week. I have to go with the Ravens who intelligently stayed out west to practice to avoid any fatigue or jet-lag. Ravens win 28 – 16 over the Raiders. (Joe Flacco throws an INT still.)

Cowboys (1-0) @ Eagles (0-1): If you could combine the Chiefs and the Eagles they would be unbeatable one team plays well in the first half the other in the second. Sadly for the Eagles the first half is not their thing and they will get blown out early. Yes I think the Cowboys are awesome even without Dez they have Witten though. Cowboys win 25 – 23 over the Eagles.

Seahawks (0-1) @ Packers (1-0): SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL GETS AN NFC CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH!!!!!! This game in Lambeau is going to be so much fun to watch and I can’t wait to see this one unfold. One team is without their beast Kam Chancellor due to what I am hearing is truly only over 1 million dollars. Packers have Cobb, DeVante Adams, James Jones, and they got Lacy this team is a team the Seahawks want to have Kam as a part of. Packers win 29 – 27 over the Seahawks.

Jets (1-0) @ Colts (0-1): Jets looked pretty decent last week all things considered. Now that was at home against a really weak offense in Cleveland. The Colts looked abysmal on the road against the Bills and their new QB and a new coach in command. I truly believe Luck is overhyped and he again is against a good defense and it will be tough. I think though that Luck will still get the job done and he will win here at home in a closer game than most think. Colts win 21 – 19 over the Jets.

   Matt K (12-5).  

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants. The Falcons knocked off the Eagles last week. The Giants are not fit to be in the same league as the Eagles simply because of all the gaffs made in their organization. Atlanta should take this one easily, 31-24.

Houston Texans @ Carolina Panthers. Ugh... The Texans.... I can write anymore. Panthers win, 24-12. 

San Diego Chargers @ Cincinnati Bengals. This game is one tough call. So I'll go with the home team. Cinci wins, 24-21.

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings.  Adrian Peterson didn't have a poor game last week, Adrian Peterson didn't have a game. 10 carries??? What??? I love Bridgewater, but 13 carries in an offense that has AP is beyond ridiculous. If Minnesota can run the rock, they can win, but I don't think they'll make the right play calls on offense. Abdullah will continue his rise to stardom. Lions win, 28-21. 

Tennessee Titans @ Cleveland Browns. Nobody, and I repeat, NOBODY, throws the football with better form than Marcus Mariota. He is a once in a lifetime talent. Manziel fooled many who thought he was going to be a franchise QB one day. His poor work ethic and off the field antics have already derailed his career. Look for a blowout loss, and for the Browns to draft a QB in the first round next summer. Titans, 30-17. 

Arizona Cardinals @ Chicago Bears. The Cardinals are one of the best teams in football, the Bears are not. It's that simple. Cards win, 25-13. (Yes, I predict the Cardinals will get a safety.)

San Francisco 49ers @ Pittsburgh Steelers. The Niners proved they can run the rock, last week the steelers proved that anybody could have quarterbacked the Patriots to a win. Their were holes in the Steelers defense the size of the Louisiana Purchase. Look for the Niners to win this one by controlling the clock. Niners win, 24-20.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints. This one could get ugly. I realize the Saints don't have the best defense, but Tampa looked downright awful last week. I mean, Mariota sat out the 4th quarter. This is not college football. A starting QB should only be sitting out the last few minutes if necessary. Look for Martin to have a good showing despite the fact this game will never be close. Saints win, 35-20. 

St. Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins. The Rams knocked off the Hawks last week, and they did it using a variety of plays, including special teams, offense, and defense. Look for the Redskins to struggle again this week. Rams win, 27-16.

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills.  The bills really showed up last week against the Colts, and I expect them to do that again. I also expect Brady and Gronk to do their thing. That thing is winning. Pats in close game, 31-27. 

Baltimore Ravens @ Oakland Raiders. The Raiders... They're still the laughing stock of the NFL. Baltimore wins, 26-10.

Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars. The Fins didn't look great last week agains the Skins. The Jags looked worse though. Dolphins win, 24-14.

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are reeling from their opening loss, the Cowboys won't get so lucky for a second week. Murray is going to run over his former teammates. Philly runs away, 35-20.

Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers.  Funny thing, but I see the team that should have won back to back super bowls start this season 2-0. Aaron Rodgers is good enough to keep the Seattle D at bay (pun intended), and Lambo field will be helping out the Green Bay defense. Green bay wins this one in a score fest, 38-33.

New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts. I can't see the colts dropping two in a row. I also can't see the Jets actually being a good team this year, despite the victory last week. Colts 27-17.

--Gabriel O. (11-6)

New England 21 Buffalo 20. Buffalo is able to contain the Patriots pass game with some great defensive line work and being in Tom Brady's face. However it isn't enough. While Brady throws 3 touchdowns (1 to gronk and 2 to Lewis) he also throws 2 picks. Tyrod continues his nice start at qb and rushes for 35 yards and throws for 150 and 2 touchdowns.

Arizona 28 Chicago 20. Carson Palmer is too much for the Bears. Even without Ellington they missed no beats. Johnson and Johnson combine for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns and Palmer has his was with the Bears defense and throws for 270 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Bears get some garbage time points with Jefferys getting 10 receptions and a touchdown.

San Diego 30 Cincinnati 27. In a shoot out that comes down to a missed field goal to end the game, the Chargers come out on top. Keenan Allen will get 12 receptions for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns while AJ Green has 85 yards and a touchdown. Jeremy hill will have a field day on the ground and run it in for 2 touchdowns.

 Tennessee 21 Cleveland 14. In Manzels first start this year I believe he will be mediocre but not bad. He will throw for 2 touchdowns, albeit one will be to rookie Duke Johnson. Manzel will also throw 2 interceptions, one for pick 6. Mariota will be solid again, building on his hot start. 2 touchdowns, no picks, and 150 yards passing will push the Titans to victory.

 Detroit 24 Minnesota 30. I think the Vikings get back on track here. AP will look like his old self and rush for 100+ yards and 2 touchdowns. Teddy will do a good job managing the game and not turning the ball over while throwing for a touchdown as well. The Lions will come out firing in the first half but slow down in the latter half, with Stafford struggling against a superior defense. While Stafford throws for 2 touchdowns, he also throws 2 interceptions. I believe this game will also showcase Ameer Abdullah running for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Tampa Bay 17 New Orleans 27. Winston keeps struggling to adjust to the NFL and shows accuracy issues again. Doug Martin shows a glimpse of the muscle hamster he use to be while rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown, but the mistakes on the offensive side of the ball lead to the Bucs downfall. Brees will put on a show and throw for 3 touchdowns and 1 interception, with Cooks catching all 3. Ingram looks like the running back they want him to be as he rushes for 95 yards.

 Atlanta 28 New York Giants 27. Atlanta showed that their defense is a force to be reckoned with. Vic Beasley is the real deal, and shows it again with 2 sacks on Eli this week. Julio will have another monster game recording 125 yards and 2 touchdowns, one in the final minute of the game. The Giants almost upset the Falcons this week, but like last week, come up just short in the final minute. Eli is able to throw OBJ a little more open, but still nowhere near how he should be. Eli ends up with 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown as they continue to struggle.

 San Francisco 21 Pittsburg 24. Carlos Hyde carries the 49ers the entire game, through the air and ground. I believe Hyde will have 100 yards rushing and receiving this week while tallying 2 touchdowns. Kaep will throw the third to a streaking Torrey Smith. However the Steelers defense will bend but not break, and hold up just enough for Big Ben to pass his way to a victory.

St. Louis 17 Washington 10. With the reports of Gurley having full practice, I believe he makes his debut this week. Splitting carries with Bennie, Gurley will show why he is so highly coveted by the Rams. With only 10 carries, Gurley will put up 75 yards and a touchdown, posting a 7.5 ypc and 50 yards after contact. Washington will continue to struggle after losing their deep threat, with Matt Jones stealing the show on their side. While splitting carries with Morris, I believe jones will out rush Morris and have the Redskins only touchdown. In a battle of rookie running backs, I believe the Rams will come out on top.

Houston 20 Carolina 14. In a matchup of injured teams, I believe Mallet will shine. While it won't be pretty, he will be efficient, throwing for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns, both of which will go to Hopkins. Watt will be used as a tight end in the end zone this week, but his touchdown pass will be nullified by offensive holding. Carolina will struggle to find their identity in this game, with Cam throwing for 2 interceptions, and the panthers being shut out in the first half. I think Houston's defense will be just too much for Cam to handle.

 Baltimore 35 Oakland 10. In the first blowout of the week, I believe Oakland is just not equipped to stop the Ravens. With Cooper not having much of a quarterback to throw to him, he will still ony average around 5 yards per carry, possibly less with such a stingy defense. Flacco however will have his way with the Raiders defense, throwing for 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. Latavius Murray will talley some yards and look like the great running back he can be when given some room to run, as he will be the only bright spot in the Raiders offense.

Miami 30 Jacksonville 20. Miami will come out firing on all cylinders this week. Tannehill will look like a top 5 quarterback as he shreds the Jaguars defense. Landry will be a top 3 receiver on the week in yards and touchdowns, while Miller gets on his feet and runs all over the field. Jacksonvilles lone shining star will be rookie Yeldon having 100 yards on the ground and getting 2 touchdowns.

 Dallas 20 Philadelphia 34. I think Chip gets his offense rolling against division rivals. The Eagles showed what they can do in the second half against the Falcons and I think they continue that. Bradford will find his groove early and make Matthews a top receiver this week. The loss of Dez will have drastic effects on the Cowboys as they will rely on thee run game more and more without a top rusher. The game will be close at the half but the pace of the Eagles offense will wear down the Cowboys down and they won't keep up.

 Seattle 27 Green Bay 34. The Packers will keep Lynch bottled up for most of this game. He will have no running room, and the Seahawks will be forced to throw early and often. They will utilize Graham better than last week, and he will have the biggest contribution for Seattle. Green Bay will show why they are a favorite to win the NFC this year in this game. Lacy will show his quickness and power as he rushes for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns. Adams will be more involved in the pass game as they hold off a late surge and spoil the comeback.

 New York Jets 13 Indianapolis 24. Andrew Luck finds his groove early and doesn't let up. Not even Revis Island can stop him this week. Gore will have a better game, getting 60 yards and a touchdown, while Luck throws for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Jets look lost here, as Ivory is the only person moving the ball. He will have a solid performance with 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.

 Jared M (10-7)