After faring pretty well with my Week 1 predictions, I decided to come back and try to duplicate that in Week 2. After only getting two games wrong (including one tie) last week, let’s see if I can go perfect this week.
Editor's note: This article was written prior to the Thursday Night game but was published after it.
Buccaneers 13, Panthers 24
After coming out on the losing end to the Rams in Week 1, Cam Newton, Christian McCaffrey, and the Panthers will bounce back. In their home opener, they will take care of Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers.
Colts 10, Titans 30
Andrew Luck is gone and with him goes his unbeaten streak against the Titans. After a dominant opening week against the Browns, the Titans will pick up right where they left off. Jacoby Brissett will be getting knocked around all day by Cameron Wake and Co. I see Marcus Mariota and Derrick Henry both having big games. And, oh yeah, add in the fact that the Titans are retiring the numbers of their legends Steve McNair and Eddie George at halftime, and that building will be rocking, adding to the pressure on the Colts offense.
Jaguars 17, Texans 38
A field goal as time expired handed the Texans a heartbreaking loss against Drew Brees and the Saints in Week 1. The Jaguars lost their franchise quarterback Nick Foles to the fractured clavicle. Rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew will not be able to match the point total put up by Deshawn Watson and the Texans offense.
49ers 24, Bengals 21
Both teams played well in Week 1, but only the 49ers come into this week with a 1-0 record. This game will be back and forth all game, with the 49ers sneaking out of Cincinnati with a victory and a 2-0 record.
Chargers 27, Lions 20
Again, both teams performed well Week 1. The Chargers came away with an overtime victory against the Colts. The Lions played to a tie against Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. I think Philip Rivers‘s team is just a little bit better than Matthew Stafford‘s.
Vikings 20, Packers 24
Aaron Rodgers is coming off a rough opening game against the Bears’ defense, although his Packers ultimately came away with a victory. With a lights-out performance by Dalvin Cook, the Vikings were victorious against the Falcons. But the Packers defense will be ready for him in Week 2.
Patriots 38, Dolphins 20
Coming off a huge game against the Steelers, Tom Brady will keep his team rolling against the Dolphins, who were dominated by Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. I see a big game out of Josh Gordon, whether Antonio Brown plays or not. The Dolphins defense won’t be able to stop all the weapons Brady has at his disposal.
Bills 24, Giants 20
For the second time in as many weeks, Josh Allen will lead his team to a victory at MetLife Stadium. While Saquon Barkley will have a big day, it won’t be enough for his team to earn the win.
Seahawks 24, Steelers 27
After a dismal performance against the Patriots, the Steelers will bounce back against the Seahawks. Ben Roethlisberger will throw three touchdowns in front of his home crowd.
Cowboys 31, Redskins 10
The Cowboys will pick up where they left off last week. Ezekiel Elliott will have a big day against the Redskins defense.
Cardinals 13, Ravens 42
Lamar Jackson will prove to his home crowd that last week was no fluke. He will have a four-touchdown performance. Kyler Murray will be knocked around all afternoon.
Chiefs 34, Raiders 30
Neither of these offenses lacked much in Week 1. But Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are more proven, and that will translate to a Chiefs victory. Raiders rookie running back Josh Jacobs will have a second breakout performance in as many weeks.
Bears 17, Broncos 13
Although Joe Flacco showed us that the Broncos offense is much improved, the Bears’ defense will be ready for them.
Saints 38, Rams 34
Revenge, payback, whatever the thought word is for this one. The Saints will avenge their playoff loss to the Rams, due in large part to the infamous non-call. This will be an offensive shootout. And rarely does Drew Brees not come out on the winning side of those.
Eagles 27, Falcons 13
The Eagles will have an easier day against the Falcons’ defense than they did Week 1 against the Redskins. Carson Wentz and company will play solid, mistake-free football.
Browns 34, Jets 21
Odell Beckham, Jr. will have a big return to the stadium he called home prior to this year. Baker Mayfield and his offense will prove that last week was just a hiccup against a solid defense. The Jets’ offense will fare better than they did a week ago and Le’Veon Bell will have a big day, but in the end, it won’t be enough to earn the Jets a victory.
Expect lots of points and touchdown across the league this week. My studs of the week will be Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Josh Gordon, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Delanie Walker.
