2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 2

Carolina Panthers (1-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-1)

Sunday, September 16, 1 PM ET

Admittedly, this was a tough call for me to make. In the past, it’s always bitten me in the derriere when I’ve picked against the Carolina Panthers. Trust me, though; that’s not my only reason for rolling with the away team in Week 2.

Like with most other NFL teams, a large chunk of the success comes down to the quarterback. Well, at this moment, these two NFC South foes have very different situations under center.

The Atlanta Falcons kept it close on Thursday night in spite of Matt Ryan, not because of him. The former NFL MVP looked out of sorts, struggling to make the most of his opportunities. Some of the blame should fall on offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, but it was still a pedestrian performance by one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

As for the Panthers, Cam Newton willed his team to a win in Week 1. The ground game wasn’t working, and the Dallas Cowboys were bottling up the pass. Instead of panicking, though, Newton took it upon himself, working his magic as a runner to help keep Carolina ahead on the scoreboard.

Between Newton’s play and the Panthers’ outstanding defense, it should be enough to board the plane home with a 2-0 record.

Prediction: Panthers win 23-21