Journal idiotnot's Journal: Week 2 Picks 1
SUNDAY, SEP. 14th
Buffalo at Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Buffalo looked impressive against New England, or maybe New England really sucks. I still say that Jacksonville has the ability to bite people early in the season, as they came close to doing to Carolina last week. But I think Buffalo probably won't fall behind as big as Carolina did, and that'll be the difference. Bills 35, Jags 27.
Cleveland at Baltimore 1 p.m.
Really, who cares? I'm sorry, but the way that both of these teams played last week -- I would have to force myself to watch this game. Browns 10, Ravens 3.
Detroit at Green Bay 1 p.m.
Steve Marriucci's boys looked good last week, but they were playing the Cardinals. And Brett Favre rarely has two bad games in a row. Packers 28, Lions 17.
Houston at New Orleans 1 p.m.
If the Saints lose this game, they don't go to the playoffs, and compete for the first overall pick. That said, it should be a blowout if Aaron Brooks remembers that he's supposed to give the ball to they guys in the black jerseys. The Saints always play down to their competition, so this one will be closer than it should be. Saints 30, Texans 20.
Miami at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.
Miami shouldn't have lost to Houston, but they found a way to do so. The combination of Norval and Dave is in stiff competition with Jim Haslett and Mike Martz for worst coaching in the NFL. This should be a defensive battle, and I won't be suprised if the defenses score more than the offenses. Jets 13, Dolphins 12 (safety!)
Pittsburgh at Kansas City 1 p.m.
Pittsburgh can't run, KC can't play defense. Whoever scores last will probably win this one. The Steelers' secondary is lousy, so the Chiefs will put it up, and use Priest Holmes a bit more sparingly. Fantasy Owners: pick up Johnnie Morton! Chiefs 33, Steelers 29.
San Francisco at St. Louis 1 p.m.
The Rams have a chance to win this game with Marc Bulger playing. The Rams' defense looked pretty good against the Giants last week, especially in light of Kurt Warner's bazillion turnovers. San Francisco will have to run the ball to win, and I don't know that the poor man's Steve Spurrier, Dennis Erickson, will do that. Rams 21, 49ers 14.
Tennessee at Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Tennessee looked good last week, and Indy didn't. I think the Colts will have more success throwing the ball this week, but I don't know if it will be enough to win the game. Tennessee is healthy right now, but the depth on that team is very thin. They'll keep winning until the injuries start to mount. Titans 23, Colts 19.
Washington at Atlanta 1 p.m.
Is it just me, or was Dan Reeves the inspiration for Mr. Mackey from South Park? Mmmmkay, with that out of the way, Washington played very well on defense last week, and the offense showed flashes in the first half. This will be the first display of the Redskins' speed on turf, and I think the Falcons will be left wondering what happened. Of course, if Michael Vick was playing this outcome would be different. Spurrier schools Doug Johnson once again. Redskins 42, Falcons 26.
Carolina at Tampa Bay 4:05 p.m.
Two very good and very boring teams. Going with Jake Delhomme at QB gives the Panthers' offense a bit of a spark, but I think the Tampa defense will be too much for him to handle. Bucs 17, Panthers 13.
Seattle at Arizona 4:05 p.m.
Seattle is the real deal if they can force turnovers like they did against New Orleans last week. Arizona did something last week they didn't do much at all last year -- score! Of course, it was against the Lions, and they gave up a lot more than they scored. New year, same Cardinals, even if Emmitt is playing for them. Blue Man Group 34, Birdies 22.
Cincinnati at Oakland 4:15 p.m.
The Raiders looked bad against Tennessee. They won't look bad against the Bengals. Raiders 26, Bengals 10.
Denver at San Diego 4:15 p.m.
San Diego, I thought, played pretty well against a good Kansas City team. Denver won, despite Jake Plummer. The best part of the Chargers' defense is the secondary, so this game will be decided at the line of scrimage. Whoever wins the rushing battle wins the game, and my money's on Tomlinson. Chargers 20, Broncos 16.
New England at Philadelphia 4:15 p.m.
A fierce battle between two teams who got shutout in the first week. I guess somebody has to score this week? Eagles 3, Patriots 0.
Chicago at Minnesota 8:30 p.m.
I came into the season thinking that the Cardinals probably were the worst team in the NFL. I think I've changed my mind. The Bears really are that bad. Vikings 24, Bears 7.
MONDAY, SEP. 15th
Dallas at N.Y. Giants 9 p.m.
The Giants won last week because they were playing a guy with a concussion who turned the ball over as often as possible. Quincy Carter will protect the ball just a bit better without the concussion. Giants 20, Cowboys 13.
week 2 picks, sheridan odds from USA Today (Score:2)
1. Mia (-3) over Jets: Miami wakes up.
2. Cle (+2) over Bal: I can't see how Baltimore is favored, even with home field.
3. Ten (+2) over Indy: Tennessee just looks tough this year -- just enough O and bone-crushing D.
4. GB (-6.5) over Det: I feel very uneasy about this pick, but Detroit's win last week was against Arizona, so it might not mean much.
5. ATL (-3) over Wash.: Spurrier is an idiot. Reeves isn't. Atlanta wins.
6. Buff (-3) over Jacksonville: Buffalo scores a million agai