Sunday Smash- NFL Week 2

Greetings, all! A quick NFL picks blitz for your Week 2 viewing enjoyment! As always, home team is in bold.

Dolphins (-1.5) over Bills

Two teams that everybody’s going goo-goo gah-gah for after Week 1. The Dolphins toppled mighty New England in convincing fashion while the Bills went on the road and shocked the Bears in Chicago. The Bills crowd is sure to be raucous and it’s tough to trust Ryan Tannehill on the road, but if the Dolphins caused so many fits for Tom Brady last week, it’s tough to see EJ Manuel overcoming those same obstacles. Miami 24, Buffalo 20

Jaguars (+5) over Redskins

Jacksonville put a scare into a whole slew of “suicide pool” participants who picked against them last week, as the Jaguars bludgeoned the Eagles for an entire half before falling apart. This pick is more anti-Washington than pro-Jacksonville, as the Redskins haven’t shown anything that warrants them being a 5 point favorite, regardless of opponent. Jacksonville is frisky and will keep this one close. Washington 28, Jacksonville 27

Cowboys (+3) over Titans

Leave Dallas alone!!! It was a rough Week 1 for the Cowboys- to say the least. Everyone said they were going to get creamed…and then they got creamed. And at home, no less. The Cowboys hate has become a little much, and they have the offensive talent to go toe-to-toe with Tennessee. Dallas 20, Tennessee 15

Cardinals (+2) over Giants

Last week, the Giants looked like a team that didn’t have a preseason of preparation. Until Big Blue’s offense makes some significant leaps forward, it’s very tough to trust them. Arizona is coming across the country to play in the early timeslot, but the Cards defense will have their way with the Giants. Arizona 17, Giants 6

Patriots (-3) over Vikings

The Adrian Peterson story overshadows everything that will take place on the field in Minnesota, and it’s tough to imagine the Vikings having much of a chance without him. Unless Cordarrell Patterson has a circus-like game, Minnesota won’t be able to keep up with the unfamiliar-ly 0-1 Pats. New England 30, Minnesota 20

Saints (-5) over Browns

The Saints are certainly kicking themselves after blowing Week 1’s divisional game against the Falcons. The Browns defense is stout, and went on the road to give Pittsburgh all it could handle in Week 1. But New Orleans will be too much to handle. New Orleans 27, Cleveland 17

Falcons (+5) over Bengals

Can Atlanta be for real? Last week’s win over the Saints was undeniably impressive, as Matt Ryan put up video game-like stats. Cincinnati notched an impressive win themselves last week, going on the road to topple Baltimore. But still, 5 points seems like a staggering line for this one. Take the points and be safe. Cincinnati 20, Atlanta 19

Panthers (Pickem!) over Lions

Cammy Cam’s back. ‘Nuff said. (**this pick is not objective nor thought-inducing.) Carolina 27, Detroit 21

Chargers (+5) over Seahawks

Perhaps the toughest game of the week to pick. It seems no spread could be too high for Seattle when they’re playing at home. But on the road? Against a sneaky-good Charger squad? When in doubt, I’m taking the lofty spread. But far and away my least confident pick of the week. Seattle 21, San Diego 17

Jets (+7) over Packers

Oh, wait. THIS is my least confident pick of the week. Run, run, run. And then run some more. It’s the Jets gameplan that everybody’s expecting, as Green Bay can be pushed around defensively and Aaron Rodgers is least terrifying while on the sidelines. It would not shock me in the least bit if the Jets lost by two touchdowns (or worse), but if the run game is working from start to finish, this one could go down to the wire. Green Bay 26, Jets 21

Texans (-3) over Raiders

The Raiders- like most underdogs- were quite frisky in Week 1. But Houston’s defense showed glimmers of dominance last week. And despite the friendly confines of Oakland, I see the Texans pulling away late in this one. Houston 23, Oakland 10

Broncos (-11.5) over Chiefs

Always tough laying this many points. But perhaps Denver is a little ornery over how close things got last week against Indy. Throw in the fact that it’s a divisional game…and it doesn’t appear Peyton & co will be messing around this week. Denver 37, Kansas City 20

Colts (-3) over Eagles

Speaking of Indy, tough to see them starting 0-2. The Eagles got overmatched by Chad Henne for an entire half last week, so all-world talent Andrew Luck should fine plenty of open receivers all day. Philly’s offense is as scary as it gets when they’re clicking, but again…Andrew Luck’s not starting 0-2. No way Jose. Indianapolis 26, Philadelphia 21

CTR Lock of the Week

Bucs (-4) over Rams
Seems like the safest bet. The Rams don’t have a legitimate quarterback, and they’re on the road. Tampa got all kinds of love (probably too much) before the season started, only to go belly-up against the Cam-less Panthers last week. They bounce back in a big way at home. Tampa Bay 27, St. Louis 6

CTR Upset Special

Bears (+7) over 49ers
You betcha! Despite last week’s beatdown of the Cowboys, I’m not convinced all is hunky dory in San Fran. Chicago’s beastly receivers are both hobbled, which makes it scary. But I see a monster day from Matt Forte and the Bears, shocking the Niners in primetime. Chicago 24, San Francisco 23

Enjoy all the action!!