Week 2 NFL Preview

For the first week of NFL action, there were a fair share of good games to keep people on the edge of their seats. On Monday night, the favored Patriots and Chargers needed comebacks to beat the Bills and Raiders, respectively. Adrian Peterson showed his dominance from the first week. The Bengals looked like the Bungles blowing the game with seconds to go. Both the Lions and Drew Brees picked up where they left off: losing a game and throwing TDs, respectively. Mark Sanchez has already been tagged the "Sanchise" and looked good to start the year. The Cardinals look like they may continue the Super Bowl loser trend, however it is very early. My first week was very good as I went 14-2. Not to downside my ability, but I don't think this week will be as easy as there are quite a few close matchups.

Here goes:

Panthers at Falcons: These were the top two teams in the NFC South a year ago, but looked like two different teams to start the year. The Panthers led by QB Jake Delhomme struggled and lost while the Falcons were able to create an offensive flow and win. This game is crucial for both the Panthers and Delhomme. Look to for the Falcons to pick up where they left off last week. Pick: Falcons

Vikings at Lions: Adrian Peterson ran over the Browns last week and looks poised to do the same damage to the Lions. Brett Favre has had a lot of success against the Lions over the years and should be able to continue that. Matt Stafford, the Lions' rookie quarterback, looks to take another step forward in his learning process. Pick: Vikings

Bengals at Packers: Chad Ochocinco has vowed to do a Lambeau Leap. That is if he can score. The Bengals did not look too good against the Broncos while the Packers picked apart the Bears and QB Jay Cutler. Aaron Rodgers is poised for a breakout year and the Bengals are one of those games for him to showcase his skills. Pick: Packers

Texans at Titans: Both teams entered the season with big expectations and enter Week 2 at 0-1. This is critical game for their seasons and the division. The Titans came close to beating the Steelers and will come in with more motivation. Pick: Titans

Raiders at Chiefs: These two have been in the lower tier of the AFC West in recent years. Both look poised to make an attempt to have a good season, which is better than the last couple for both. The Raiders showed me something last week and will enter Kansas City with Monday's loss in mind. Arrowhead, though, is one of the toughest places for road teams. Pick: Raiders

Patriots at Jets: The talk that started in the offseason has continued this week. These two teams don't like each other. That is for sure. The Jets have a new attitude, but will it be enough to beat the Patriots. The Patriots looked vulnerable against the Bills and needed a break to create a comeback. This is a tough one and should be close. Upset Pick: Jets

Saints at Eagles: Donovan McNabb looks to be out and that is usually not good for the Eagles. Drew Brees lit up the Lions a week ago, but I doubt he will have as much ease against the Eagles' defense. The Eagles have found ways to win more than half the time when McNabb is out and the Saints' defense might be better, but isn't great. However, Kevin Kolb is making his first start and Drew Brees is still on the field. Pick: Saints

Rams at Redskins: The Rams did not look good at all last week. The Redskins gave the Giants a good game. Enough said. Pick: Redskins

Cardinals at Jaguars: The Cardinals' usually lethal passing offense looked stagnant against the 49ers. The Jaguars gave the Colts another good game and fell short. The Cardinals struggled on the east coast a season ago especially in early games. Look for the Cardinals to show signs of last season's offense, but will it be enough? Pick: Jaguars

Buccaneers at Bills: The Bills were about 5 minutes away from upsetting the heavily favored Patriots on Monday night. It's Terrell Owens' home debut in Buffalo and is looking to have a big game. The Bucs look to be better than some expected, but have whole on defense. Pick: Bills

Seahawks at 49ers: Another early divisional test for the 49er. They shocked the division champions of a year ago in Week 1 and may be poised to take another step. The Seahawks looked like the pre-2008 version of the Seahawks to start the year. Mike Singletary will have his team fired up to do what they did a couple years back: knock off the Seahawks. Upset Pick: 49ers

Steelers at Bears: The Steelers battled it out for a tough win to start the year while the Bears led by QB Jay Cutler had a horrible first week. Both teams play physical defense and each is missing their face. The Bears are without MLB Brian Urlacher and the Steelers are without SS Troy Polamulu. Jay Cutler has a lot to prove in Week 2, but will a tougher defense cause him to stumble for a second week? Pick: Steelers

Ravens at Chargers: The Chargers barely outlasted the Raiders to start the year. The Ravens looked dangerous on offense. That sounds kind of weird. The Chargers will be without LaDanian Tomlinson and Darren Spoles will have to carry the load at running back this week. Joe Flacco is starting to come into own in year two and the Ravens' defense still have MLB Ray Lewis and FS Ed Reed along with the rest of that defense. Philip Rivers, though, is tough to slow down when he gets into a groove with his receivers and is usually gritty. Pick: Ravens

Browns at Broncos: The Browns ran into the Adrian Peterson express a week ago while the Broncos are the leading candidate early on for play of the season to edge out the Bengals. The Broncos were written off as a team without much to look forward to and could be 2-0 at the end of Sunday. Time will tell how good Denver might be this year. Pick: Broncos

Sunday Night:
Giants at Cowboys: Jerry Jones and the Cowboys open the big new stadium in the heart of Texas on Sunday night. These two teams have been in some big heated battles the last few years. The Giants have physically dominated at times and their defense is lethal against even the best offense. Tony Romo had a good first week, but needs to continue to show he is a threat at QB. Pick: Cowboys

Monday Night:
Colts at Dolphins: The Colts look to be on pace for another double digit season while the Dolphins will have a rough road back to the playoffs in all likelihood. First the Falcons and now the Colts is proof of that. Peyton Manning is still on the top of is game and being on Monday night will bring out his best. They may have lost WR Anthony Gonzalez for a while, but Manning knows how to get lesser talent involved and still win. The Dolphins will have to be a lot more sharper on offense to keep it close and have a chance to win. Pick: Colts

Some heated battles (especially the two featuring the New York teams) and good matchups in Week 2 should provide for another exciting weekend. Who will rise up in some of the bigger matchups?