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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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Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates their 37-34 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates their 37-34 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Game: Atlanta Falcons at Cincinnati Bengals (-5)

Pick: Atlanta (+5)

If we learned anything from Week 1, it’s that Matt Ryan is as in sync as ever with Julio Jones, who missed Atlanta’s final 11 games in 2013. We also learned that the Falcons might have the league’s most explosive offense. Ryan had a near perfect QBR (scale 1-to-100) of 91.9 against the Saints, and five different Falcons had more than 50 yards receiving. Even Devin Hester (who knew he was still in the league?) caught five balls for 99 yards.

Andy Dalton picked apart the Ravens pretty successfully in Week 1, but a self-implosion in Week 2 feels like his most likely follow-up. Grab the points.

Game: Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers (-2.5)

Pick: Detroit (+2.5)

I wrote two weeks ago that I believe the Panthers could go from first in the NFC South in 2013 to dead last in 2014. Despite their Cam Newton-less Week 1 win at Tampa Bay, I stand by that. They won’t be the same without Steve Smith, who might have been even more valuable in their locker room and for their team’s overall chemistry than he was on the field.

I wasn’t in love with Detroit’s hiring of Jim Caldwell, but I will say this: he’s not Jim Schwartz. Caldwell should at least be able to instill discipline into this Lions team, which was the one thing Schwartz never did. For a team that certainly doesn’t lack talent, maybe discipline is the only thing they need to reach that next level.

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