NFL Previews and Predictions: Week 2

Just incase you missed Week 1, the New England Patriots fell to the Miami Dolphins, and the New York Giants looked completely out of sync against a talented Detroit Lions squad. There were two overtime games, one of which resulted in Matt Ryan aka Matty Ice defeat Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. The first week of the NFL season did not disappoint, but look for Week 2 to be even better.

Here are my previews and predictions for Week 2:

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers got everything that they could handle against another AFC North opponent in Week 1, so what better way to kick off Week 2 in the NFL than a classic rivalry game? Ben Roethlisberger and the offense looked very explosive against a stout Cleveland Browns defense, but their defense looked suspect at times. Baltimore has a talented offense, despite their messy running back situation, and will give the Steelers all that they can handle.

In Week 1, Joe Flacco threw the ball 62 times for the Baltimore Ravens. This team won’t be winning many games if they can’t find some kind of balance in their offense. The Ravens need Justin Forsett and/or Bernard Pierce to step up in the running game this week.  Cincinnati kicked five field goals in the first half of Week 1’s game against the Ravens, but that won’t be the case in every game.

Steelers win 28-17

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills

Both Miami and Buffalo pulled off impressive upsets in Week 1, but I’m still not sold on either team yet. The Dolphins

Sep 7, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) with the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

will be prepared for the Bills, following their opening game victory over New England. Buffalo has a more rounded running game than the Patriots, but EJ Manuel isn’t Tom Brady. Ryan Tannehill still remains the x-factor for this team. He really didn’t have a spectacular game against the Patriots. The Dolphins will need Knowshon Moreno and Lamar Miller to carry a lot of the slack this season, after Miami’s lackluster rushing attack last season.

Buffalo went into a hostile Solider Field in Week 1, defeating a talented Chicago Bears team in the process. The Miami Dolphins have a much better defense than Chicago though. EJ Manuel is going to need to get the ball out quickly , as Miami boast a fierce pass rush, led by defensive end Cameron Wake. The biggest key for Buffalo though will be their defense. The Bills must hold the Dolphins rushing game to minimum, after recording 191 yards on the ground in Week 1.

Dolphins win 24-14

Jacksonville Jaguars at Washington Redskins

The Jacksonville Jaguars looked very good for one half against the Philadelphia Eagles. Wide receiver Allen Hurns became a star in the opening quarter, but the team faded after that. The good news for the Jaguars is that Washington isn’t on the same level as Philadelphia. As long as Toby Gerhart is healthy on Sunday, Chad Henne should have some weight taken off of his shoulders. This team is still a work in progress, but they’ll get things figured out.

I’m not sure that the same can be said for Washington. The pieces are there on offense, but Robert Griffin III can’t stay upright. As much as he wants to be a pocket passer, he just isn’t that kind of quarterback. And with an average offensive line, Washington needs him to be RG3 from his rookie season. Otherwise, it won’t be long before Kirk Cousins is starting in the nation’s capital.

Jaguars win 31-21 

Dallas Cowboys at Tennessee Titans

Tony Romo looked rusty against San Francisco, and he won’t have it any easier against Tennessee. The Titans have a very underrated, yet talented defense, which will give Romo fits. DeMarco Murray will need to carry a heavy load again in Week 2. The defense won’t be getting better at any point this season, so Dallas will have to put up a lot of points.

For Tennessee, they went into Kansas City on Sunday and thrashed the Chiefs. Albeit, Andy Reid’s squad don’t look like the team that they were a year ago, but the Titans look like a dark horse in the NFL. Jake Locker needs to stay healthy in order for this team to go anywhere, but the running game looked just fine without Chris Johnson as well. We know that this defense is going to be good, but if they can continue to put up points, then watch out for this AFC South team.

Titans win 28-21