Week 2 Picks part 1

Pittsburgh at Tennessee:
This game looks to be one of the most intriguing match ups of week 2, as the Steelers bring their always stout D into Tennessee and look to topple the Titans and keep RB Chris Johnson from rushing for 100+ yards for the 13th straight game. My gut tells me that even without run-stuffing nose tackle Casey Hampton, the Steelers defense will be the ones who put an end to Johnson's streak( they held Michael Turner to less than 2YPC last week). They limited CJ to only 57 yards rushing in their meeting last year. Still, the Steelers offense is limited by Dixon and despite Rashard Mendenhall's capabilities, the Steelers O-line is depleted which is cause for concern. Vince Young's passing game has improved enough to help the Titans squeak by in a run-dominated nail biter.

Final: Titans 17 Steelers 14



Arizona at Atlanta

Neither of these teams looked too impressive last week but this game is clearly the Falcons for the taking. Both Matt Ryan and Michael Turner will have bounce back games, and will be relieved to look across the line of scrimmage and see the Cardinals defense and not the Steel Curtain. Neither teams defenses were intimidating last week but with Beanie Wells out for Arizona, unless Anderson can find a way to consistently get the ball to Larry Fitzgerald I expect Atlanta to control the game by expediently mixing the run and the pass.

Final: Falcons 24 Cardinals 14


Baltimore at Cincinnati

Another great battle of two AFC teams that should be contending for the division title come January. The Bengals are stocked with talent and panache and an 0-2 start could be a  cause for panic in the new celebrity city. Their offense did look potent last week against the Pats but it did not start to fire on all cylinders until it was too late. Carson Palmer, if protected, should be able to find holes in the Ravens secondary and lets not forget how well the Bengals played the Ravens last year, sweeping the series.

Don't expect the Ravens to forget that. They are hungry for revenge, and by beating the Jets last Monday night, they got their first taste of blood for the season. I expect Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense to come out hitting hard, punching Cedric Benson and the Bengals run attack in the mouth, forcing Palmer to put Cincinnati on his back.  On the offensive side of the ball I expect Ray Rice to have a huge day, after being shut down by the Jets last week. Flacco has an array of weapons and proved last week that he can handle all types of defensive pressure. Despite being a bit injury depleted, I expect the Ravens to continue their great start and establish themselves as one of the most intimidating teams in the AFC.

Final: Ravens 23 Bengals 17

Kansas City at Cleveland

I think its safe to say everyone was pleasantly surprised to see Kansas City pull out that nail-biter in the pouring rain last week against highly touted San Diego Chargers. Don't tell me it was the elements, because both teams were playing on the same field, Kansas City's D looked phenomenal. They were running around crushing chargers and playing solid coverage even in the slick conditions. Their offense still has not clicked but with talented running backs Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles they are always potentially dangerous. Also, let us not forget about the beast that is Dexter McCluster. He was filthy last week returning one punt 94 yards for a TD and almost breaking two others. Common sense would tell the Mangenius not to let the ball go anywhere near him.

Unfortunately for Cleveland, they are still Cleveland. Jake Delhomme was pitiful last year and didn't show anyone last week against the lowly Bucs that he would be anything more than that this year. I expect him to throw at least one but most likely two interceptions and Cleveland will quickly fall into NFL obscurity for yet another season.

Final: Chiefs 21 Browns 10