NFL Week 2: Picks and predictions

The NFL season is only a week old, and the standings are upside down in a bevy of divisions.  Will things get back to normal in Week 2?

After a week that saw yours truly barely keep his head above .500, I’m aiming to be much better. I wasn’t quite as bad as the Houston Texans, but let’s hope to be more like the Kansas City Chiefs.

All that said, I’m feeling confident this time around. After getting a week’s worth of game tape, we know have a better understanding of what to expect going forward. With that in mind, let’s get after it.

All lines are courtesy of SportsBook Review.

Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5)

The Bengals (0-1) are shutout at home last week, and are still almost laying a full touchdown. If that doesn’t show you how bad Houston (0-1) was against the Jaguars, nothing will. Impossible to take the Texans after that showing, even if Cincinnati wasn’t much better.

Pick: Cincinnati 16, Houston 9

Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7)

The Vikings (1-0) were impressive in their Week 1 win, with Sam Bradford throwing for 346 yards. Pittsburgh (1-0) is at home and has the superior roster, but this is going to be a good game. Look for a turnover or two to spell the difference.

Pick: Pittsburgh 23, Minnesota 20

Arizona Cardinals (-8.5) at Indianapolis Colts

If the Cardinals (0-1) were laying 90 points, I might bet a push. Indianapolis (0-1) was so bad against the Rams, it’s impossible to see them winning a game without Andrew Luck. If there was ever a time the coach needed to fired one game into the season, this is it.

Pick: Arizona 34, Indianapolis 13