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NFL Week 2 2018: Picks and predictions

By Matt Verderame

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) takes the field during an NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers on September 9, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 24-16.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) takes the field during an NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers on September 9, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 24-16.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The second week of the NFL brings us an intriguing slate including one conference championship game rematch and a battle in the North.

Last week, I made my first picks of the year and didn’t end up below .500. Usually, Week 1 spells all kinds of trouble for prognostications, and I certainly had misses, but enough wins to not feel like a total dope.

Let’s hope that trend continues, especially with a week’s worth of film on all these clubs.

All lines are courtesy of OddsShark.

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals (-1)

This is an intriguing Thursday night affair. Baltimore (1-0) did things to Buffalo that are illegal in most states, while Cincinnati (1-0) came back late to beat the Colts. The edge here? A home team that surely got chewed out despite winning four days ago.

Pick: Cincinnati 20, Baltimore 16

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-6)

Atlanta (0-1) has to win this game. If the Falcons lose they drop to 0-2, including a divisional loss at home to Carolina (1-0). The Panthers would love to win — and can certainly exploit the injuries of Keanu Neal and Deion Jones — but look for Atlanta to muster a tough victory.

Pick: Atlanta 23, Carolina 21

Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints (-9)

New Orleans (0-1) just lost at home to the Bucs. They’re furious, the fans are furious, and here comes Cleveland (0-0-1). The Browns couldn’t be walking into a worse situation. Things are going to happen in this game that should only be broadcasted after 1 a.m. on PPV channels.

Pick: New Orleans 41, Cleveland 13

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans (NO LINE)

The Titans (0-1) had the worst Week 1 of any contender. Tennessee lost Delanie Walker for the year and Marcus Mariota could miss time. Plus, they lost to the freaking Dolphins. Conversely, the Texans (0-1) stunk against the Patriots, but that’s not the last time we’ll say that about a good team. Expect a bounce-back showing.

Pick: Houston 24, Tennessee 19