NFL Week 2 Roundup
The offensive madness continued in Week 2. Once again, Tom Brady and Cam Newton were the stars, as they each set new records for the most passing yards ever in the first two weeks of a season.
The other great story: seeing the Bills, Texans and Lions, owners of the league’s most epic playoff droughts, flying out to 2-0 starts.
Bills 38, Raiders 35
It’s pandemonium in Buffalo! Under Chan Gailey’s offense, these guys can legitimately score. Ryan Fitzpatrick has now started 15 games over the last two seasons and thrown for 3,472 yards with 30 touchdown passes and 16 picks. Those are borderline Pro-Bowl numbers. Considering that the Patriots “D” hasn’t been all that great, Buffalo could turn this week’s game into a shootout.
Lions 48, Chiefs 3
This was the “Oh, boy” game of the week on two levels. Oh boy, the Kansas City Chiefs are a hot mess. Jamaal Charles gone for the year, Matt Cassel playing like a backup…coach Todd Haley’s job may not last. Oh, boy, do the Lions ever look terrifying. Matthew Stafford threw four more touchdown passes this week. I’m sticking with my preseason prediction that Detroit would finish second in the NFC North.
Saints 30, Bears 13
The Saints’ win at home wasn’t a huge surprise – nor was the horrific protection for Jay Cutler. Even one unnamed New Orleans defender said “It was unbelievable how much we hit Cutler.” That Bears’ pass protection ability is that bad. Cutler won’t survive another season of this type of punishment.
Browns 27, Colts 19
The Browns got “back on track” with a road win here but we shouldn’t put much stock into it. It’s only the Colts. Wow. When was the last time we said “It’s only the Colts”?
Buccaneers 24, Vikings 20
How long until the Vikings replace Donovan McNabb with Christian Ponder? The immediate success of Cam Newton and Andy Dalton must have them feeling tempted. No one other than Adrian Peterson can move the ball on this team right now. No wonder the Vikes let Tampa back into this game after leading 17-0.
Packers 30, Panthers 23
The obvious storylines here: Newton’s second straight monster game and the Super Bowl champion Packers continuing to look unbeatable. But the underlying story is concerning for Green Bay. The Pack have quietly allowed two straight 400-yard passers to start the season and they lost Pro-Bowl safety Nick Collins for the year this week.
Steelers 24, Seahawks 0
I can’t remember the last time a shutout surprised me so little. If the Seahawks had even managed three points, it would’ve surprised me more than the donut. This team is unbelievably bad. Andrew Luck should start looking for a Seattle apartment.
Titans 26, Ravens 13
And this is why the NFL is the toughest major pro sport to bet on. After Baltimore decimated Pittsburgh in Week 1, did anyone see the flop against Tennessee coming? I won’t know what to make of it until we see each team’s Week-3 game. We do know for sure that Kenny Britt is as unstoppable as any receiver in the game when not in handcuffs.
Redskins 22, Cardinals 21
If the Redskins were for real, this game would’ve been much easier. The 2-0 start looks nice but don’t believe in Rex Grossman’s brigade for a heartbeat. Sexy Rexy had two picks against the league’s worst secondary last week.
Jets 32, Jaguars 3
The Jets probably did Jacksonville a favor on Sunday with this beatdown. Luke McCown’s line (6/19, 59 yards, 4 interceptions, 1.8 passer rating) was so bad that it forced Blaine Gabbert into the game. Hopefully the Jags stick with the rookie next week. They’re going nowhere this season so they may as well see what they have. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Cowboys 27, 49ers 24
Poor Tony Romo cracked a rib, punctured a lung, returned to this game and led the winning drive in overtime…yet he’s still not getting any respect. The truth is that Romo won’t shed the choker label until he starts winning playoff games.
Broncos 24, Bengals 22
The Broncos won this game – how about that Eric Decker? – but all the talk was bout Andy Dalton. The supposed noodle arm threw for 280-plus yards in the second half. He’s developing a nice early rapport with sensational rookie wideout A.J. Green.
Patriots 35, Chargers 21
Is Tom Brady a lock to shatter all the single-season passing records in 2011? He’s so far ahead of the pace – currently on track for well over 7,000 yards – that he could slow down significantly and still eclipse the record. The Rob Gronkowski/Aaron Hernandez show continued, though Hernandez hurt his knee. While he’s gone, Gronkowski could emerge as the game’s most dominant tight end.
Texans 23, Dolphins 13
The 13 points allowed impress me more than anything the Texans’ offense did in Week 1. We already knew they could score with the best of teams (even without Arian Foster, as Ben Tate looks great in the backfield). But how about the new-look defense? Even if you don’t like Wade Phillips as a coach, the man is a good defensive co-ordinator.
Falcons 35, Eagles 31
Hmpf. Are the Eagles suffering from Boston Red Sox Syndrome? Did people anoint them the greatest team ever a bit too soon? They’re struggling to protect Michael Vick and the consequences of doing so were clearly visible when he left the game with a concussion. Philly isn’t even a lock for the playoffs if it doesn’t improve in that regard.
Giants 28, Rams 16
Poor Rams fans. This team has plenty of potential but, my god, what’s with the schedule? They open with the Eagles and Giants. Then they get the Ravens, Redskins, Packers, Cowboys and Saints. Stay the course, though. Their schedule after that is amazingly easy. It’s possible St. Louis could start 1-6 and still rally to win the NFC West.
The 2011 NFL Season is finally here. Welcome to the CappersPicks.com NFL football weekly predictions pages! We KNOW you will find our FREE weekly NFL football picks, tips, betting advice, strategies, NFL gambling articles and more to help you become the best NFL football bettor on your block!!
