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NFL Week 2: Picks and predictions

By Matt Verderame

Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) makes the call at the line during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) makes the call at the line during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals (-6.5)

This could be a fantastic game. Arizona (0-1) can’t afford to lose this game, because it would mean dropping consecutive home dates at home to start the season. If Tampa Bay (1-0) wins, it could be the start of a Cinderella campaign.

Pick: Arizona 31, Tampa Bay 30

Seattle Seahawks (-3.5) at Los Angeles Rams

Hide your kids, hide your wife. Seattle (1-0) is going to do something to Los Angeles (0-1) we haven’t seen since the second season of Oz.

Pick: Seattle 30, Los Angeles 7

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers (-3)

The over/under here should be two punts total. San Diego (0-1) is either going to roll over after its Week 1 mess or be fired up like none other. Jacksonville (0-1) needs this game, or potentially face a downward spiral in a season full of promise.

Pick: San Diego 31, Jacksonville 27

Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders (-4.5)

Oakland (1-0) is an up-and-coming team and should have no problem burying the Falcons. Atlanta (0-1) is a one-dimensional offense with absolutely no defense to speak of. This game could get out of hand should the Raiders’ defense show up.

Pick: Oakland 33, Atlanta 24

Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos (-6)

Indianapolis (0-1) has owned Denver (1-0) since Andrew Luck was drafted in 2012, owning a perfect 3-0 record. Still, the Broncos are a much better team, at home. Look for the Colts to go into Week 3 without a win.

Pick: Denver 24, Indianapolis 16

Green Bay Packers (-2) at Minnesota Vikings

This was going to be a great game until Teddy Bridgewater got hurt. Minnesota (1-0) has an excellent defense, but will need more than that to beat the Packers. Green Bay (1-0) might be the most complete team in football, and will show why in primetime.

Pick: Green Bay 20, Minnesota 13

Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears (-3)

Another Monday Night Football game that could put all of us to bed early. Philadelphia (1-0) is fairly intriguing because of Carson Wentz, but Chicago (0-1)? There isn’t a more bland, boring team in the NFL. All that said, the Bears should find a way in their home opener.

Pick: Chicago 20, Philadelphia 16

Verderame’s stats

Last Week: 8-8
Overall: 8-8

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