Time to get into my picks for week 2. Last week was a bit of a disappointment, but the first week is always the toughest, especially when you're dealing with the spreads. Let's get into week 2.
Last week: 1-4
Season: 1-4
Colts -7 at Titans
I think that this one, to me, is too easy. The Colts offense looked as good as ever last week against New Orleans. Now, I'm aware that Tennessee isn't a pushover at home, but there's no way they can score with Indy. I do expect the Titans to be able to run the ball, though not for as much success as last week against Jacksonville. But the bottom line here is that the Colts will score in the upper 20s to lower 30s (probably) and the Titans won't crack 20. I love the Colts to cover in this game.
Bengals -6.5 at Browns
I loved the Steelers last week against Cleveland and I love the Bengals just as much this week. The Browns defense is simply not good. There's no way they can slow down Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, and Chad Johnson. If the Ravens allowed 27 points to this team, then the Browns are due to surrender at least that same amount. And on offense, the Browns will be led by Derek Anderson and then, quite possibly, could be replaced mid-game by Brady Quinn. There's no way Cleveland keeps this game within a touchdown. Bengals cover easily.
Seahawks -3 at Cardinals
Last week, the Cardinals offense looked pretty sluggish. Meanwhile, the Seahawks played very crisp football. Their defense, especially against the run, looked sharp and their offense was very efficient. Matt Hasselbeck was very sharp and Shaun Alexander looked healthy, rushing for over 100 yards and a score. I think the Cardinals will keep it close throughout most of the game, but Seattle will pull away late and win by two scores. Three points isn't much at all to lay, especially when Arizona's offense looked rusty and is led by a young QB who is still learning.
Rams -3 vs 49ers
I got burnt last week by the Rams, but I look for a big bounce back game from them at home in the dome. The loss of Tye Hill hurts, but the Rams have enough firepower on offense, especially with a healthy Drew Bennett, to still put enough points on the board against a surprisingly tough 49er defense. I think Steven Jackson gets going this week, leading to more chances down the field for Torry Holt and company to make plays in the passing game. I like the Rams by at least a touchdown.
Panthers -6.5 vs Texans
The Texans looked good last week at home against KC, but this Panther defense is far superior to the Chiefs'. I think Steve Smith will be able to exploit Houston's secondary and that Carolina's defense will give Matt Schaub issues all day long. I think the Texans are going to be much improved over last year and I love Mario Williams and think he'll be a star, but it's a lot to ask out of a team like Houston to go on the road and beat a team who is simply more talented at this point. Laying 6.5 is a lot, but take the risk and hope it pays off.
As always, be sure to tell us some of your favorite picks this week. Or feel free to simply bash mine. That's what they're here for.