Jackson Free Press

It was a bloodbath for my picks in week one. I scratched and clawed my way to ten correct picks. TEN! That is good enough to get in the playoffs most seasons but instead I felt like the 2013 Arizona Cardinals after the week was over.

I was just one game above .500 to start the season. That puts me in a hole early.

Here is what I missed:

I picked the Saints over the Falcons but how was I supposed to know that the New Orleans 2012 defense would show up against Matt Ryan and the Falcons. Either Atlanta is really going to bounce back this season or the Saints are really going to struggle. Saints fans hope last Sunday was an aberration.

It was a toss up between the Rams and Vikings. Matt Cassel versus Shun Hill quarterback battle didn't inspire confidence in either choice. Cassel and the Vikings pounded the Rams as Hill went out with an injury and former Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis didn't have any better luck.

So the Bills outlasted the Bears and I took Chicago. Buffalo is forced three turnovers making me wonder if the Bears are going to be a contender with Jay Cutler at quarterback. Chicago should be a better team than Buffalo. Maybe the Bills will be the surprise team of 2014.

I thought Washington would be a better team this season than Houston. Sure, there is a quarterback controversy building in Washington but Robert Griffin III should be a much better choice than Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Texans defense dominated the game and Fitzpatrick managed the game and made plays when he had to make them. If RG3 play doesn't improve quickly it, he could be on the bench in favor of Kirk Cousins.

Jake Locker out-dueled Alex Smith making my pick of the Chiefs over the Titans. Smith was Kansas City's leading rusher against Tennessee which is a bad sign. The Chiefs looked like they were ready to turn the corner and be a contender but maybe they were just a product of a weak schedule last season. If Locker can stay healthy it looks like the Titans might have some hope in the AFC South.

I totally blew the Patriots over the Dolphins. New England's offensive line was dreadful against the Miami. Brady had little to no time each time he dropped back to pass and there was zero running game. I don't think I have ever seen an offensive line play that badly after the team traded away a guard. Is the Patriots run finally coming to end? Is Miami, New York or Buffalo ready to take over the AFC East?

The first week is always tough to make picks. Week two isn't a cakewalk as teams that lost in week one know they need to bounce back quickly. Teams know going 0-2 means they need to throw the kitchen sink at their opponents the next two weeks.

Teams that won week one in a surprise, like Atlanta and Miami, want to keep winning to show that they are not about to slide backwards again. Teams that won week one that are supposed to be contenders want to start ranking up wins for postseason positioning.

Here are my week two picks. As always, winners are in bold.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

Pittsburgh was impressive in the first half against Cleveland but needed to rally late for the win as the Browns made a furious comeback. Maybe the Steelers took their foot off the gas after building a 27-3 at halftime but that can be dangerous as well.

Baltimore looked lethargic against Cincinnati as they fell behind 15-0 at halftime. The Ravens made a comeback but the Bengals pulled out the win late.

This game is not only on a short week against another division rival but all the talk in Baltimore has been about everything but football. Pittsburgh has to be licking their chops at getting their main division rival on a short week this this much upheaval.

I like the Steelers even on the road with all the non-football drama in Baltimore it is going to be hard to think about football this week for the Ravens.

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills

The Dolphins scored 23 unanswered points to beat the Patriots and the Bills needed overtime to get by Chicago. This is an interesting match up of 1-0 teams. Will the winner be a surprise team this season or till it be a temporary setback for the loser?

A Miami win makes them 2-0 on the season with the best win of the two. A Buffalo win would have them beating (what I think is) a good Chicago team and the team that beat New England.

This game also features two young quarterback in EJ Manuel and Ryan Tannehill. Manuel played much better in game one than he did in the preseason. Tannehill was efficient overall.

I think this is a coin flip game so I'm taking Buffalo at home.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Washington Redskins

Jacksonville jumped out to a 17-0 lead at halftime against the Philadelphia Eagles before giving up 34 unanswered points in the loss. Washington didn't put up much of a fight against the Texans.

The Redskins were supposed to be better this season as RG3 entered his second year since knee surgery. Washington needs to try to help him become a pocket passer but need to let him run like Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick or even Andrew Luck.

Let RG3 be RG3. It is the talent that made the team select him in the first place.

Jacksonville is benching their best quarterback if the preseason is to believed. Chad Henne remained quarterback as the team blew their lead as first round pick Blake Bortles rode the pine. If the Jaguars are playing for next season, it is fine Bortles sits but I think that is a disservice to the Jacksonville fans paying full price for a team playing for 2015 before the 2014 season even started.

I'm taking Washington because they are at home and if they lose to a team playing for next season then they might as well start playing for next season as well.

Dallas Cowboys at Tennessee Titans

The Cowboys were blown out early by the 49ers as Tony Romo went Romo by throwing three interceptions. Everyone was thinking the Dallas defense would be horrible but they were put bad situations as the offense had four turnovers.

Tennessee dominated Kansas City on both sides of the ball. This might be a break out season for Locker if he can finally stay healthy. The Titans defense was much better than expected against the Chiefs.

Romo is still Romo. I like the Titans because they are at home and had a quality win last week.

Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants

Arizona pulled out a close win over the San Diego Chargers in the back half of a Monday Night Football doubleheader. The Cardinals looked very good at times on defense and looked like their offense has potential. I'm still not sure if Carson Palmer is the answer at quarterback.

New York got blown out by the Detroit Lions in a game that was never close. The Giants looked bad on offense and defense.

This game is going to be interesting. Arizona was much better team in week one but have to travel cross country and play at noon. New York was a complete mess but get a far west team at noon.

I'm taking a chance and taking the Cardinals in the rare a team travels from west to east and wins.

New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings

If New England's offensive line doesn't get better in a hurry then it is going to be a long season. The Patriots have to be able to run the ball better as well. The defense didn't look terrible but the offense couldn't do anything in the second half as they wore down.

Minnesota jumped all over St Louis on their way to route. The Vikings had five sacks, eight quarterback hits and seven tackles for a loss. After watching tapes of the New England line they have to be salivating at their chance to get after Tom Brady.

For some crazy reason, I think New England bounces back. Feel free to mock me on Twitter (@JFPSPORTS) if I'm wrong.

New Orleans Saints at Cleveland Browns

New Orleans defense was really bad in their loss to Atlanta giving up 448 passing yards to Matt Ryan. Even as bad as the Saints defense as they had a chance to win the game in regulation (on defense) and in overtime. The New Orleans offense fumbled the game away.

Cleveland started slowly but showed some life in the second half. Brian Hoyer kept Johnny Manziel on the bench for at least one week. The Browns coaches have hinted that Manziel will get some snaps against the New Orleans.

I'm sure Sean Payton had plenty to say after the Atlanta game and I'm sure it wouldn't have been for the faint at heart. I'm also sure that Rob Ryan had even more to say to his defense and it wouldn't be fit to print.

I think Cleveland might be finding some pieces to the puzzle. Manziel will make some entertaining plays if he gets in the game. But the Saints aren't going to lose two in the row unless the Browns are going to win the Super Bowl this season.

Atlanta Falcons at Cincinnati Bengals

Atlanta looked ready to bounce back after a disappointing season in 2013. Matt Ryan was nearly flawless in his dissection of the Saints. The Falcons didn't have much of the a running game but their passing attack looks scary with all those receivers.

Cincinnati didn't play the greatest game but got the win over the Ravens. The Bengals kicked five field goals before scoring their first touchdown of the season with under five minutes left in the game. Andy Dalton needs to take the next step as a quarterback if Cincinnati is going to be a true contender.

The Falcons put a lot into that win over the Saints and now have to hit the road. The Bengals need to win this game to prove they are taking the next step.

I think Atlanta takes a step back in this game and Cincinnati pulls out a close win at home.

Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers

Detroit blasted the Giants to open the season. The Lions have a ton a weapons on offense and should be a playoff contender. Matt Stafford looks in shape and ready for a special season.

Carolina took care of Tampa Bay without Cam Newton. The Panthers are going to try to win the NFC South for a second straight year,which is something that just doesn't happen. Newton does return this week.

If the Lions defense is healthy and can get better, there isn't a team in the NFL they can't score with each Sunday. I think Detroit should make the playoffs this season and if they are they need to go on the road and beat good teams like Carolina.

St Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Rams didn't show much life against Vikings. St Louis had major offensive line problems as quarterback Shun Hill was beaten and battered. If the Rams are going to win games they have to figure out a way to protect the quarterback.

Tampa Bay is in a rebuilding mode and didn't do much against Carolina until the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers have a new coach and it might take some time to get things together.

Currently the Rams are saying Hill will be the starter Sunday but former Southern Miss great Austin Davis could get some playing time depending on how things go. There isn't much to like about this game except that Tampa Bay is at home. That is why I think the Buccaneers will win.

Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers

The Seahawks opened the season with an easy win over Green Bay. It looked like Seattle was going to pick right back off from their Super Bowl season on both offense and defense.

San Diego narrowly lost to the Cardinals. Arizona is good team and in the battle of third place division teams and showed the Chargers that the NFC West is stronger than the AFC West.

Seattle should win even being away from home. San Diego didn't show anything against the Cardinals that makes you think they can beat the Seahawks. That is if Seattle plays the way they did against Green Bay.

Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders

Houston is going to live and die with their defense. The Texans used a dominating performance on defense to get a win over Washington. Arian Foster must run the ball well for the Texans to be effective on offense.

Oakland is starting a rookie quarterback, Derek Carr, so there will be growing pains. The Raiders started strong and finished strong against the Jets but couldn't keep a consistent attack.

If Houston doesn't get beat up and take a ton on injuries on defense they should stay in every game. Foster is the key to the offense because by running he will make the passing game go. Oakland isn't a bad team but are still rebuilding. If the Raiders stay on track, I think next year they turn the corner.

New York Jets at Green Bay Packers

Jets quarterback Geno Smith didn't look all that bad against the Raiders. He needs to show some improvement this season. Smith got a lot of help from his running game which helped him greatly.

Green Bay got a tough assignment facing the Seahawks on opening night in Seattle. The Packers kept the game close in the first half before fading in the second half. Playing in Seattle is tough for any team.

If Green Bay is going to be a playoff team they must bounce back at home against a solid Jets team. A Jets win means it will be a long season in Green Bay and New York might be a surprise team. I still think the Packers win this game at home because quarterback Aaron Rodgers will play better.

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

I was surprised how Kansas City rolled over against Tennessee. I was even more surprised that the Chiefs couldn't run the ball. It is going to be a long season in Kansas City if Alex Smith is the team's leading rusher.

Denver did what Denver does, which was blowing out Indianapolis to open the season. Unless teams can scheme against Peyton Manning week in and week out, the Broncos will be in the playoffs again.

Denver is at home and the Chiefs looked lifeless against Tennessee. Of course, I'm taking the Broncos.

Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers

It was shocking that the Bears lost at home to Buffalo. It is not like the Bills are the 2008 Detroit Lions but, you figure if Chicago is going to be a playoff team they need to win home against team like the Bills.

San Francisco had an easy open as Dallas and Romo made sure to give plenty of gifts to open the season. This game should be tougher but is the first regular season game in the 49ers new stadium.

Chicago has to commit to running the ball more. I think Bears quarterback Jay Cutler threw the ball way too much. San Francisco is going to be solid once again. Only injuries are going to derail the 49ers season, so I'm taking them at home.

Philadelphia Eagles at Indianapolis Colts

The Eagles started slowly against Jacksonville before finishing strong for the win. Philadelphia quarterback Nick Foles struggled to start the game but got sharper as it went along.

Indianapolis still hasn't found a running game to help quarterback Andrew Luck. The Colts need to help their young quarterback by finding a ground game.

This is an interesting game. Are the Eagles the team that showed up in the first or second half against Jacksonville? Can the Colts find away to be balanced on offense and not solely rely on Luck to keep them in games? The answers to those questions will decide both teams season.

I like the Colts because they must bounce back as the rest of the AFC South looks better and they are at home. The Eagles catch a break playing in the NFC East unless that division makes a quick turn around.

Last week: 10-6 Season: 10-6