2022 NFL picks, score predictions in Week 2

New England Patriots (0-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)

Sunday, September 18, 1PM ET

I know — this seems like a bad pick. The Pittsburgh Steelers were surprisingly competitive in Week 1, while the Patriots had the look of a team in desperate need of a rebuild. I even claimed that it may be time for Bill Belichick to call a career in last week’s post.

Despite all of that, I’m picking the Patriots to come up with their own surprise win in Week 2. If there’s any coach who can orchestrate a quick turnaround, it’s Belichick. And it’s not like the Steelers were dominant last Sunday — they nearly choked away a win that was all but handed to them by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Plus, the Steelers came away from Week 1 with some injuries that can’t be ignored. Najee Harris may not be available, and it’s possible T.J. Watt is done for the year. Without those two on the field, Pittsburgh loses significant talent on both sides of the ball.

Mac Jones (assuming he’s good to go after suffering a back injury on Sunday) settles down and avoids making as many mistakes as he did in Week 1. The New England defense stiffens after getting run over by the Dolphins. They put the pressure on Mitchell Trubisky to win the game, and he can’t deliver. Another close one ends up falling in the Patriots’ favor.

Prediction: Patriots win 20-17