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These are my upcoming predictions for week 2 of the 2014 NFL Season.
Pittsburgh Steelers 27, @ Baltimore Ravens 34,
9 out of the last 10 regular season meetings have been decided by 3 points or fewer. Arguably the best rivalry in all of sports, the Steelers head to Baltimore to clash with the Ravens. Both teams have cases for winning. After Pittsburgh gave up a huge lead in the second half thanks to the run defense, the Ravens should have success running the ball. Passing will be a different story. Both teams have solid receivers with Pittsburgh having a bit more depth than the Ravens. That being said I predict the Ravens to win in their home field.
Miami Dolphins 24, @ Buffalo Bills 21,
I love what the Dolphins did against the New England Patriots. The rushing attack was on point having the most rushing yards in a Dolphin’s season opener since 1982. That being said, the Bills also had a dominant run game. In the end it could come down to the passing game in which I believe the Dolphins will go out on the road and take the win, despite splitting wins with the Bills in the last two years.
Jacksonville Jaguars 31, @ Washington Redskins 17,
Probably considered an “upset”, the Jaguars looked good against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half. That being said, the Redskins do not look sound offensively or defensively despite losing a low scoring battle last week. Look for the Jaguars with the potential blowout.
Dallas Cowboys 27, @ Tennessee Titans 30,
The Titans had a very impressive win last week against a good Kansas City Chiefs team. Dallas did not look that good. Despite having the defense equivalent to the 0-16 Detroit Lions offense, the Titans should have an impressive win. I say it again Jake Locker is a good QB when healthy so look for a solid performance. Titans win.
Arizona Cardinals 24, @ New York Giants 10,
Perhaps I do not give credit to the Giants but, lets be honest about the Cardinals. Good offense, solid defense and playing against a very bad Giants team. Cardinals played a good defense last week and came away with a win. Look for Larry Fitzgerald to have a fair performance and Cardinals take the win.
New England Patriots 27, @ Minnesota VIkings 20,
I hate the Patriots as much as any Steelers fan. I do however love watching Tom Brady play and as long as hes on the field, the Patriots have a chance to win. The Dolphins were not a bad team last week and the Vikings are not as good as they seem to be. Adrian Peterson will be a factor but the Vikings do not have a solid passing attack. Patriots win.
New Orleans Saints 38, @ Cleveland Browns 17
The Browns had an insane comeback that almost cost the Steelers a win. Many believe the Browns will score on the Saints like Atlanta did. Unless the Browns have two top receivers and a pro bowl Quarterback it is not happening. Look for the Saints to get the win and if the Browns are lucky they will score 17 points maximum.
Atlanta Falcons 24, @ Cincinnati Bengals, 35
The Bengals are one of the best home teams. That being said, they did struggle last week against the Ravens. It will be a close game however it will come down to whose defense is better in the end. Look for the Bengals to defend home turf and come away with a big win.
Detroit Lions 16, @ Carolina Panthers 21,
Lets remember an injured Cam Newton is better than a healthy Derek Anderson. Anderson played great and surprisingly the Panthers have the 19th ranked passing offense. When you consider the fact the backup ranks ahead of 13 Quarterbacks last week, well imagine what Newton will do now. Lions had an impressive win and a great defensive showcase but, everyone intercepts Eli Manning (Sorry Giants fans). Panthers defense will hold strong and Panthers will win.
St. Louis Rams 17, @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13,
The Rams were slaughtered by the Vikings. The offense is mediocre and the defense is nowhere to be found so far. The same goes for the Buccaneers. I usually go with the home team in really close games but, the Rams might have it together and get the win.
Seattle Seahawks 41, @ San Diego Chargers 17,
The Seahawks are the best team in the league right now. I predict another blowout. The Chargers do like to surprise me so I see them scoring at least 17 points. The Chargers struggled against Arizona and will continue to struggle against the Seahawks who will be completely healthy defensively unlike Arizona.
Houston Texans 21, @ Oakland Raiders 14,
This is a tough choice as both teams look fairly decent. I still take the Texan’s combination of Andre Johnson and Arian Foster. The defense is fairly well and Oakland is not gonna be that tough. Texans take the win.
New York Jets 17, @ Green Bay Packers 41,
The Packers need this win just for confidence. Packers were beaten badly by the Seahawks. The Jets have some issues defensively and there is this guy named Dee Milliner who claims to be the best corner in the game. This was also the first time I heard of Dee Milliner. That being said it was also the first time I found out the Jets had a secondary. Who would have thought right? Aaron Rodgers destroys the Jets and the Jets score a couple Touchdowns but no more. Packers win.
Kansas City Chiefs 17, @ Denver Broncos 28,
Gotta love the Chiefs fan base. Some of the most loyal fans at least as of last year. The Chiefs played a bad game against the Titans and face an even tougher game this week in Denver. Peyton will tear up the injured defense of the Chiefs. The Broncos’ defense is also suspect as they nearly allowed the Colts to make a comeback in the second half. No brainer, Broncos win.
Chicago Bears 20, @ San Francisco 49ers 24,
The 49ers had a good win over the Cowboys and the Bears have lost the last three meetings with the Niners. I am being a little unfair towards the 49ers defense by saying Chicago scores 20 but, it is a fair assessment. It is the battle of overrated Quarterbacks and the 49ers come out on top.
Philadelphia Eagles 31, @ Indianapolis Colts 27,
The Eagles had a terrible first half against the Jaguars but came back and won. The Colts have continued to spot teams points and Andrew Luck makes a comeback. Chip Kelly knows how to chew the clock and manage an offense. I see the Eagles possibly being up at half by about 17-points. Luck will once again mount a tough comeback but will fall short in Indianapolis. It should be a fun game either way.
Josh Gantt is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter or Facebook