NFL picks Week 2: Broncos-Chiefs and all others

Sep 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) sets the play against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at EverBank Field. The Panthers defeat the Jaguars 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers (-3)

The Panthers (1-0) are going to struggle scoring points, but so are the Texans (1-0). This should be a low-scoring battle and while I’m not a Cam Newton fan, he is better than Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett combined. This is not going to be a game chock full of highlights.

Pick: Carolina 19, Houston 13

Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears (EVEN)

John Fox is a good coach, but Bruce Arians is even better. Considering the talent level on Chicago (0-1) compared to Arizona (1-0) it is hard to see the Bears putting up a huge fight. Look for Carson Palmer to have a massive game against this pathetic secondary.

Pick: Arizona 30, Chicago 20

San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals (-3)

One of the better games on Sunday. Cincinnati (1-0) came out and dismantled what many including myself believed to be an improved Raiders team. Meanwhile, San Diego (1-0) fell behind to Detroit, 21-3, before scoring 30 straight points. This could go either way, so give me the home team.

Pick: Cincinnati 23, San Diego 19

Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (EVEN)

I can’t believe the NFL is going to televise this. Yes, the Titans (1-0) absolutely trucked the Buccaneers, but that is no reason to believe in a team that went 2-14 and barely changed the roster outside of Marcus Mariota. Cleveland (0-1) needs to win this game if it wants to avoid a massive tailspin, so depsperation wins out.

Pick: Cleveland 20, Tennessee 19

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (-2.5)

This is a sneaky critical game in Week 2. Minnesota (0-1) and Detroit (0-1) are trying to get in the win column after poor performances last week. If the Lions lose, they face the prospect of coming home and having to beat the Denver Broncos on Monday night or basically wave the season bye-bye. However, the Vikings are at home. This will be a tough game.

Pick: Detroit 27, Minnesota 17

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