NFL Picks - Week 2

 
Video proof the NFL is stupid.

There were some interesting storylines and upsets in Week 1 of the NFL season.
One upset that stands out was Seattle's dismantling of division favourite San Francisco 31-6. Absolutely unexpected and a game that may have ruined the Niners' entire season. Since the loss, coach Mike Singletary and quarterback Alex Smith have been bickering back and forth. During the game, it felt like Smith and offensive co-ordinator Jimmy Raye were not on the same page. They need to rebound from this debacle quickly. Unfortunately, that is likely easier said than done with New Orleans flying into San Francisco for a Monday night encounter.
The most interesting storyline, obviously, was the Detroit Lions loss to Chicago Bears 19-14 Sunday afternoon and Calvin Johnson's disallowed (but obvious) touchdown reception. The officials may have been following the rule to the letter, but it's a rule that needs to be changed. Today.
A new NFL powerhouse may be developing in Houston, thanks to the emergence of rookie runningback Arian Foster, who trampled all over perennial AFC South champ Indianapolis. Frankly, this game seemed a lot more one-sided than the 34-24 final score. That said, only a fool would write off Peyton Manning's Colts.
As usual, Intell sports reporter Paul Svoboda and “Swedish Chef” Kevin McCrory join yours truly, dazzling readers with their ability to get the picks right half the time ... or, in Svoboda's case, 37.5% of the time.
WEEK 2
Kansas City (+1.5) at Cleveland
Impressive showing by K.C. in week 1, despite a 68-yard passing night by QB Matt Cassel. This team relied on big plays by special teams whiz Dexter McCluster and RB Jamaal Charles. No reason why they can't keep rolling against a lousy team like Cleveland.
Vachon: Chiefs
Svoboda: Chiefs
McCrory: Chiefs
Buffalo (+13) at Green Bay
Green Bay, as expected, won their week 1 contest vs. Philadelphia, but it was a dog fight. LB Clay Matthews was a beast for the Pack. The Pack's O-Line looked weak against Philly, but the Bills are not Philadelphia. Buffalo put up a fight against Miami, but it was their home opener. I like how good the Bills' D looked. Against Green Bay, they're going to have to be even better. The Packers are explosive on offence.
Vachon: Packers
Svoboda: Packers
McCrory: Packers
Baltimore (-2) at Cincinnati
Baltimore got shut out vs. Cincinnati in their season series in 2009. I suspect revenge will be served.
Vachon: Ravens
Svoboda: Ravens
McCrory: Ravens
Pittsburgh (+5) at Tennessee
Tennessee QB Vince Young had a breakout game vs. Oakland last week and RB Chris Johnson keeps rolling. But the Steelers, even with third-string QB Dennis Dixon, are not Oakland. They will not let Young do to them what he did to Oakland.
Vachon: Steelers
Svoboda: Titans
McCrory: Titans
Philadelphia (-5) at Detroit
One has to wonder about the Lions' psyche after a game like last week's. Philly's probably is only slightly better, losing three key players (Kevin Kolb, Leonard Weaver and Stewart Bradley) to injury. That said, Eagles' QB Michael Vick looked spectacular against Green Bay and there’s no reason why he can't do the same against Detroit, whose front four looked great in Chicago. Ndamukong Suh seems like a lock for defensive rookie of the year.
Vachon: Eagles
Svoboda: Lions
McCrory: Eagles
Chicago (+7.5) at Dallas
Bears stole their week one win and Dallas looked like crap. On paper, Dallas should cover.
Vachon: Cowboys
Svoboda: Bears
McCrory: Cowboys
Tampa Bay (+3.5) at Carolina
Not sure what to make of either of these teams, but my gut tells me Carolina will rebound in their home opener.
Vachon: Panthers
Svoboda: Panthers
McCrory: Panthers
Arizona (+6.5) at Atlanta
Atlanta couldn't beat Pittsburgh, even with Ben Roethlisberger out of the lineup. This team should have taken advantage of his absence and didn't. RB Michael Turner needs to step it up.
Vachon: Falcons
Svoboda: Cards
McCrory: Falcons
Miami (+5.5) at Minnesota
Is it just me, or did Brett Favre finally look his age last Thursday? I get the impression that he already regrets playing another season. This game could be a season-killer for the Vikes, if they lose. Dolphins had a tough time against Buffalo's D, can't imagine how it will get easier against Minnesota's.
Vachon: Dolphins
Svoboda: Vikes
McCrory: Vikes
St. Louis (+3.5) at Oakland
Every so often, a writer gets humbled ... or the presses make a mistake. I'm sure I didn't call for Oakland to win the AFC West this season.
Vachon: Raiders
Svoboda: Rams
McCrory: Raiders
Seattle (+3.5) at Denver
I didn't expect Denver to fall to Jacksonville in week 1. The Broncos have to get over the Tim Tebow thing. Don't put him in until he's ready - like 2012. Seattle pulled off the upset, not a huge surprise in this corner, but no one could have predicted how lopsided the score would be. This is a very interesting week 2 matchup.
Vachon: Seahawks
Svoboda: Seahawks
McCrory: Broncos
Houston (-3) at Washington
Washington's defence looked great in their home opener, same can't be said for Donovan McNabb and the offence. That D will need to be at its best against the improved Texans. I just don't think Washington has the offence to hang with Houston.
Vachon: Texans
Svoboda: Skins
McCrory: Texans
Jacksonville (+7.5) at San Diego
Monday night's loss may make some believe San Diego is on the downturn. I wouldn't write them off so quickly. This is still a very explosive offensive team - and the D, other than one Jamaal Charles' run, can't be blamed for the K.C. loss. The Chargers need to fix their special teams. The guess here is they will.
Vachon: Chargers
Svoboda: Chargers
McCrory: Jaguars
New England (-1.5) at N.Y. Jets
New England's defence was a shock. Look for them to shut Jets up for another week.
Vachon: Patriots
Svoboda: Jets
McCrory: Patriots
N.Y. Giants (+5.5) at Indianapolis
Manning vs. Manning. I like the older Manning in his home opener. Don't be too quick to dismiss Indy because of one loss. They'll make adjustments.
Vachon: Colts
Svoboda: Giants
McCrory: Giants
New Orleans (-5.5) at San Francisco
To win a division, you have to take care of teams that you're supposed to beat — clearly San Francisco didn't get that done last week. If a team like Seattle can light them up for 31 points, what will New Orleans do? The Niners' Gods better pray for a torrential downpour Monday.
Vachon: Saints
Svoboda: Saints
McCrory: Saints
To date: Vachon 8-8, McCrory 8-8, Svoboda 6-10.