Week one threw up a few surprises with Washington in particular catching almost everyone out (including me). But who will come out on top in this weeks matches? Well this is what I think:
Here are my NFL Week Two Predictions:
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
Both teams suffered disheartening defeats in Week 1 and will see this as an opportunity to bounce back. The Brown defeat was a heavy one at the hands of Baltimore and another loss could be crucial even at this early stage in the season. I do though however see Baker Mayfield turning up this week against possibly the worst defensive line up in the league.
Prediction: Bengals 17 Browns 24
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers
The Lions weren’t terrible last week in their close loss to the Bears. In fact they looked in control until the last quarter where the proverbial hit the fan. The Packers meanwhile showed up better than most expected with a nice win over the Vikings. Aaron Rodgers is on form and will be the difference between the two line ups here.
Prediction: Lions 13 Packers 20
New York Giants @ Chicago Bears
Chicago will be flying after their sensational comeback last week against Detroit. The Giants with a below par Daniel Jones and flat Saquon Barkley, need to pick themselves up from a straight forward defeat to the Steelers. The Bears will edge this one.
Prediction: Giants 10 Bears 21
Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles are struggling with injuries which was clear to see in their opening defeat to Washington. The Rams looked impressive with a surprise victory over the Cowboys. They could be one team to look out for this week and the season as a whole.
Prediction: Rams 28 Eagles 16
Atlanta Falcons @ Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys won’t be as bad as last weeks defeat at the hands of the Rams. They simply cannot afford to be. This is a good chance to bounce back quickly against a Falcons side with a shaky defense.
Prediction: Falcons 10 Cowboys 30
Carolina Panthers @Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay struggled last week but most sides will look poor against the Saints this season. The Buccaneers have enough quality in their ranks to start winning, especially as Brady starts to feel at home in his new team. Panthers look like a side still trying to find their identity on the field and I can’t see them getting anything from this one.
Prediction: Panthers 13 Buccaneers 27
San Francisco 49ers @ New York Jets
San Francisco were always going to find it hard to live up to last years expectations. But even then they looked surprisingly jaded in their loss to Arizona. Jimmy Garoppolo just didn’t have the same options open that he was used to. Luck for the 49ers they come up against a Jets side who look unlikely to cause anyone too much trouble this season.
Prediction: 49ers 17 Jets 10
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill looked pretty good last week as the Titans edged past the Broncos. The Jags meanwhile pulled off one of the weeks big surprises by beating the Colts. I can’t the Titans being caught cold as easily this week though.
Prediction: Jaguars 16 Titans 24
Denver Broncos @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben seems to be back. That was bad news for the Giants last week and could prove to be similar for the Broncos this time round. Denver has too many injuries to deal with and Drew Lock will find it tough against this Steelers defense.
Prediction: Broncos 16 Steelers 24
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
It’s difficult to see the Dolphins having much success against one of the best defensive line-ups in the NFL. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs on the other hand look like they will cause some damage this season. OK it was only the Jets last week but they will only get better as the season goes on.
Prediction: Bills 27 Dolphins 13
Minnesota Vikings @ Indianapolis Colts
Vikings new defense took a bit of a beating from Aaron Rodgers and co last week. Phillip Rivers will be delighted coming up against this team after a poor Week one for himself.
Prediction: Vikings 17 Colts 20
Washington Football Team @ Arizona Cardinals
Last weeks surprise package Washington were all the more impressive due to the fact they looked dead and buried early on. Unfortunately for them they are up against an exciting young quarterback who wont let them off the hook as easily. Kyler Murray is one of the most exciting prospects in the league and his performance last week against the 49ers will have Washington worried here.
Prediction: Washington 13 Cardinals 30
Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers
Pat Mahomes and his buddies are already looking like an offensive dream team this season. The firepower they have at their disposal is frightening and will be far too much for a Chargers team who, to be fair , are no mugs. It’s a pity this wonderful new stadium will be empty for should be a good high scoring spectacle.
Prediction: Chiefs 34 Chargers 20
Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans
Both sides have high hopes of going all the way this season. The Texans however were blown away in week one by the Chiefs while the Ravens demolished the Browns. Lamar Jackson is on top of his game right now and will give this Houston team the runaround.
Prediction: Ravens 31 Texans 19
New England Patriots @ Seattle Seahawks
Cam Newton and the Patriots had a nice introduction to life in NFL together. Starting against a poor Dolphins side was always going to see them come out on top. It’s a step up this week though as they face off against Seahawks fresh from a high scoring win against the Falcons. It could be tight with Seattle winning out having the stronger defensive tools.
Prediction: Patriots 7 Seahawks 14
New Orleans Saints @ Las Vegas Raiders
This would have been a top game if fans were able to attend the magnificent Allegiant Stadium in Vegas. But with no home fans to back them up I can see the Raiders struggling against this well oiled Saint machine. Drew Brees should be on easy street against this defense.
