We could be witnessing the last shootout between Brady and Brees.
By John Sarianides
Week one wasn’t too bad as I finished with a winning record. I want to do a little better this week and based on the schedule, I should do well. Especially if I take the home favorites.
Here are my picks for week two.
Patriots (-6.5) at Saints: The Patriots were humiliated at home by Kansas City. I don’t see them losing two in a row. The Saints paper mache defense will be no challenge for Tom Brady and company.
Browns at Ravens (-7.5): I’ve been on the Ravens bandwagon for two years now and this might be the year I finally get rewarded. The Browns are better but the Ravens defense has their edge again and the offense is once again balanced and dangerous. I’m putting my money on the Ravens again this week.
Bills at Panthers (-7): Bills coach Sean McDermott returns to Carolina but the reception will be anything but warm. The Bills are not very good. I am putting my money on the Panthers this week. I learned my lesson last week picking against them.
Cardinals (-7) at Colts: Both teams are without their top two offensive players in Andrew Luck and David Johnson. Jacoby Brissett is getting his first start as a Colt. It won’t be easy going up against Arizona’s aggressive defense but Matt Stafford lit them up last week so if given time, Brissett could have a chance. That’s why I’m taking Indy as a home dog. There is no way Arizona can beat them by seven.
Titans (-1.5) at Jaguars: I am drinking the Jags Kool-Aid as well. That is why I am putting my money on Leonard Fournette and company as a home dog. I don’t understand how the Titans are favored in this one? It makes no sense.
Eagles at Chiefs (-5.5): It is the master vs. the apprentice as Doug Pedersen and the Eagles visit Arrowhead to take on Andy Reid and the Chiefs. Both teams are coming off of big road wins so a let down is expected. Arrowhead has been tough on opponents through the years, especially teams with young quarterbacks. That is why I like the Chiefs and their defense in this one. I putting my money on them as home favorites.
Vikings at Steelers (-6.5): The Steelers are honoring the late Dan Rooney and Sam Bradford is a game time decision with a knee issue. I’m taking the Steelers in this one. I know the Vikings defense is good but I think the Pittsburgh offense will just out today in a big way.
Bears at Bucs (-6.5): It’s the season opener for the Bucs after Hurricane Irma. They host a Bears team that acquitted themselves well last week at home against the Falcons. Chicago has struggled on the road in the John Fox era. I see that trend continuing today against a Bucs team that will be fired up to start the season and to play for their region. Take the Buccos with confidence.
Dolphins at Chargers (-3.5): The Chargers make their Stub Hub Center debut. They will be playing in front of 27,000 fans which is absurd. Anyway, the Dolphins have been displaced for two weeks and this is their season opener. This game will be tight. I hate lines like this! I think the Bolts will win this game but the Dolphins will cover.
Jets at Raiders (13.5): The Jets played well last week but that was against the Bills. It will be a different story today. The Raiders will not only cover, they will blow the Jets out.
49ers at Seahawks (-14): The 49ers have never played well in Seattle in recent years, even when Jim Harbaugh was the coach. Pete Carroll and company will be chomping at the bit after a tough loss to the Packers last week. Factor in that the 49ers offense looks putrid and it is easy to take the Seahawks in this one.
Redskins at Rams (-2.5): This will be one of the few times the Rams will be favored in a game this season. That is why I am taking the Redskins as a road dog. I don’t think they are as bad as they looked week and I don’t think the Rams are as good as they looked last week. Take the Skins in what could be an interesting game.
Cowboys (-2.5) at Broncos: I have a feeling the Broncos will be jacked to play this game. Dallas will give them problems offensively but the Broncos can run the ball and their defense will play well enough for them to win this game. I am putting my money on Denver as a home dog.
Packers at Falcons (-3): I still don’t think the Packers match up against the Falcons despite improving their secondary this off-season. Atlanta will be jacked playing their first game at the nest and I think they’ll take advantage of what is still a suspect defense in my opinion. Take the Falcons as a home favorite. -3 is a manageable number.
Lions at Giants (-3): When are people going to stop doubting the Lions? THEY’RE GOOD! The Giants offense stinks without ODB. If he plays, I like the Giants. If he doesn’t, I like the Lions. I say he doesn’t play so I’m taking the Lions.