Critic Al’s Football Week 2 Pick ‘Em
Hello, fellow football critics. It’s a great time of year. Half of the teams are still undefeated, and Donovan McNabb isn’t totally knocked out for the season just yet. Week 2 is when we really get into the fun.
The game I’ve got my eye on this week is New England at the New York Jets. The Patriots are 3.5-point favorites coming off a close win over Buffalo. The Jets thrashed the Texans in the debut of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez.
On the surface, the Jets are an up-and-coming team with an exciting quarterback. The Patriots aren’t bad by any means, but they just don’t seem like they’re back to the 2007-version just yet. This week could help get them there, for one reason.
Bill Belichick loves to give his team any extra motivation he can. And Jets coach Rex Ryan has given that out in droves. The Jets coach said a few months ago that his team wouldn’t “kiss New England’s ring” and he apparently left a new voicemail for Jets fans saying he wanted to “make it miserable” for New England on Sunday.
That’s a lot of yapping for a first year head coach. I don’t mind a mouthy coach who can back it up, but I think Ryan dug his own grave by saying so much against the Patriots. And considering New England loves shutting up other teams (see: Chargers, San Diego), I think they’ll give New York all it can handle.
Therefore, it’s hard not to imagine that the Patriots win this game.
With that, let’s get to the other 15 picks.
Houston at Tennessee (-6.5)
“Wouldn’t you know it, I believed in the Texans last week, and they let me down. The Titans may not be an elite team this year, but I don’t see them dropping a division game here. Titans win.”
New Orleans at Philadelphia
“The spread isn’t out in this one, probably because Philly keeps on signing more quarterbacks. But it won’t matter. Neither Jeff Garcia nor Kevin Kolb can help against New Orleans’ carpet-bombing offense. Saints win this one against Philly’s backup. And you know what? If McNabb ends up playing, I’ll still take the Saints.”
Arizona at Jacksonville (-3)
“The Cardinals dropped a stinker to San Francisco last week, while the Jaguars hung tough with the Colts. You could read into either one, but I’ll take the Cardinals.”
Oakland at Kansas City (-3)
“Oakland may not be completely awful this year. I might kick myself for giving them an ounce of faith, but I’ll take Tom Cable’s unholy warriors against a hapless Chiefs team. Raiders win.”
Cincinnati at Green Bay (-9)
“The Bengals seem like they’ve improved, and the Packers just might be an elite team. But the nice part for Green Bay is that they don’t need to be elite on Sunday to win this one. Green Bay takes it.”
Minnesota (-10) at Detroit
“Matt Stafford and his boys might just win a game this year. And I think it could be in the division. Because of how tight the AFC North might get, the Lions could create a trap game. But if that’s to happen, it won’t be this weekend. Minnesota stomps the Lions.”
St. Louis at Washington (-9.5)
“I’ve looked all around, and there aren’t any signs of hope in St. Louis. Washington showed some fight against the Giants, so I think the Redskins will cover here.”
Carolina at Atlanta (-6)
“Falcons looked strong in Week 1. But more importantly, Jake Delhomme seems intent on setting the NFL single-season interception record. Falcons win this one, and one of their defensive backs might have three INTs to show for it.”
Tampa Bay at Buffalo (-5)
“Buffalo stood up to New England, but couldn’t get it done. That has to leave Bills fans feeling somewhat optimistic. And if indeed Buffalo’s fans are feeling an ounce of hope, then that means it’s time for another letdown. Buccaneers deflate Buffalo’s tires.”
Seattle at San Francisco (-1.5)
“Sheesh. The 49ers win one game, and all of the sudden they become the favorite. I know Seattle only beat the lowly St. Louis, but I’ll take the Seahawks to beat the improving Niners too.”
Baltimore at San Diego (-3)
“This one could be a tossup. The Chargers couldn’t get much done on offense against the Raiders, so that makes me think Baltimore will be an even bigger challenge for Philip Rivers and company. I like Baltimore in a close one. Ravens win.”
Pittsburgh (-3) at Chicago
“The Bears are a mess. They can likely get over the loss of Brian Urlacher, but that quarterback needs to get his head right. I could see Jay Cutler coming back strong against a St. Louis or Carolina, but not the world champs. Steelers win.”
Cleveland at Denver (-3)
“Cleveland got steam-rolled in their opening game, but Denver needed a miracle to defeat Cincinnati. I like the Browns in this one.”
New York Giants at Dallas (-3)
“Dallas is opening up that gargantuan new stadium. And it’s too bad they invited a potential Super Bowl contender to open that place up. This one might as well be a toss-up, but I like the Giants to ruin Dallas’ party.”
Indianapolis (-3) at Miami (Monday night)
“Miami isn’t bad, but it isn’t great either. Meanwhile, the Colts are fighting with one arm now that Anthony Gonzalez is out a month. I still think Peyton and Reggie Wayne can do enough to beat Miami. Colts win it.”
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