Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE
The NFL is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get. That’s what predictions are for.
Heading into Week 2, there’s already been plenty of excitement as the NFL season begins to pick up a head of steam. With several interesting matchups and a number of electrifying players up to bat, this week of action will be worth a watch.
Here’s a quick rundown of my “bold” predictions for Sunday’s action. No one is keeping score, okay?
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs put the Bills in an 0-2 hole with the running game, as Peyton Hillis and Jamaal Charles combine for over 300 rushing yards. If the Jets could beat them, the Chiefs will have no trouble embarrassing Buffalo on their own turf.
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints
The Saints thought RG3 was tough to defend? Watch out as Cam Newton and Co. wreck the New Orleans defense on almost every possession, racking up over 40 points as the former Heisman winner scores five total touchdowns on the day.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Who’s A.J. Green? Andy Dalton and shifty slot receiver Andrew Hawkins connect early and often against the Browns, as the little-known pass-catcher racks up 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns on the day.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Minnesota Vikings
Building off of their Week 1 win, the Vikings storm into Lucas Oil Stadium and put a hurting on Andrew Luck and the Colts. Adrian Peterson turns in another impressive outing and Luck continues to struggle, throwing three interceptions.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans
Today marks the return of 2011 Blaine Gabbert, as the Texans’ dominant defense overwhelms the second-year quarterback. Houston racks up six sacks, including three from defensive end J.J. Watt.
Miami Dolphins vs. Oakland Raiders
Denarius Moore makes his 2012 debut for the Raiders, and it’s quite a show. The biggest steal of the 2011 NFL Draft hauls in 10 passes for over 150 yards and two touchdowns as Oakland devours the Miami defense.
New England Patriots vs. Arizona Cardinals
To everyone’s surprise, Kevin Kolb proves to be exactly the quarterback we thought he was before last week and delivers a dreadful performance. He throws three interceptions as the Patriots cruise to a second-straight victory. Bold right?
New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
David Wilson wipes away the tears and bounces back in Week 2, breaking 100 yards on the ground as the Giants return to defending Super Bowl Champion form. The Buccaneers’ run defense is exposed after shutting down the Panthers last week.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens continue their ascension to the top of the NFL, pummeling the Eagles into submission. Joe Flacco throws three touchdowns before exiting the game in the third quarter and the Baltimore defense causes another four turnovers courtesy of Michael Vick.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo and the Cowboys fall back to Earth with Russell Wilson and Co. coming to town. The Seattle defense puts the Dallas offense in check and Wilson puts up three touchdowns as America’s Team falls to 1-1.
St. Louis Rams vs. Washington Redskins
The display of dominance continues for Robert Griffin III, as the rookie quarterback carries the Redskins to their second-straight win with four touchdowns – including one on the ground. He throws his first NFL interception, though, as rookie cornerback Janoris Jenkins gets his second pick of the season.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets
The Steelers are going to prove this week that the Jets’ Week 1 blowout of the Bills was a fluke. Mark Sanchez struggles, throwing a couple of interceptions before Tim Tebow finally gets a whirl. Tebow doesn’t do any better.
San Diego Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans
With Ryan Mathews still out of the lineup, Philip Rivers is forced to carry the team on his back. Rivers and Antonio Gates connect for two touchdowns as Jake Locker struggles mightily in his second NFL start.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions
Harbaugh vs. Schwartz Round 2 is under way in Frisco as the 49ers overwhelm a shaky Matt Stafford, who throws another three interceptions. The Lions begin to wonder if the running game really is their best asset.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Denver Broncos
These two offenses light up the scoreboard on Monday night as Matt Ryan and Peyton Manning shred the opposing defenses through the air. Seven total passing touchdowns later and the Falcons take it by a field goal.
Bold is my middle name…
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