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NFL Predictions: Picking Week 2 against the spread

By Michael Burke

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 23, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) celebrates as he scores a touchdown in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) celebrates as he scores a touchdown in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Game: New England Patriots (-3) at Minnesota Vikings

Pick: New England (-3)

I really like the Vikings’ chances at being the surprise team of 2014. A few reasons why: Cordarrelle Patterson is quickly emerging as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers; Adrian Peterson is still Adrian Peterson; Matt Cassel, now 5-3 in eight starts with the Vikings, is a winner; and the defense looked better last week than it did at any point last season.

But I’m not betting against the Patriots. Not the week following a loss. Brady and Belichick, who are surely aware that 0-2 is an awfully big hole to have to dig themselves out of, don’t lose back-to-back games. New England will be ready on Sunday.

Game: New Orleans Saints (-6.5) at Cleveland Browns

Pick: Cleveland (+6.5)

It’s been said thousands of times, but it’s true: the Saints aren’t the same team on the road as they are in the Superdome. Last season (including playoffs) they were 4-6 away from home and only once won a road game by more than four points. This season, they’re already 0-1 on the road. So even against a Browns team that’s without Josh Gordon and that allowed 503 yards of total offense to the Steelers in Week 1, the Saints will likely struggle.

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