NFL Week 2 and a Bit of Baseball

Week one is over, and we know a few things.  A few.  Not much, because the first three weeks of the season mean slightly more than the preseason.  That having been said, there are plenty of division games this week, and division games always mean something.  I’ll pass on my observations as I make my picks for this week (home team in caps, winners in bold).

Bucs vs. FALCONS

This is a tougher one to call than I thought.  I didn’t catch much of either game these teams played in last week, but I can’t help but think that the outcome of the Falcons-Panthers game would have been slightly different had Steve Smith been healthy.  It’s still too early to know, of course, whether the Ravens offense is for real with McNair at the helm, but I would imagine that if the Bucs couldn’t stop them, they won’t be able to stop the seemingly reborn Michael Vick.  This game should tell us a lot about both teams.

Lions vs. BEARS

Was the Lions’ defense for real against Seattle last week?  Was the Bears’ offense for real against the awful, awful Packers?  I’m more inclined to believe the former, as Seattle’s offense is more likely to be good than Green Bay’s defense is.  I caught quite a bit of the Lions-Seahawks game last week, and they were playing with a little extra something that they haven’t had over the past few years.  They’ll be worth keeping an eye on, and quite honestly I could see them pulling the upset here, but I can’t bring myself to pick them.

Browns vs. BENGALS

Man, Cincy looked good last week against the Chiefs.  They will smash the Browns this week.

Saints vs. PACKERS

I really do like Brett Favre.  He’s always been fun to watch, and he’s been portrayed throughout his career as a likeable guy.  But it sure is over, man.  And it has been for a couple of years now.  He’d be alright on a team with receivers that could jump up and grab those crazy hail Mary’s, but there is no support for him on this team.  Seriously no bright side.  The Saints, on the other hand, looked pretty good last week.  Let’s see how they look against another bad team.  Reggie Bush is going to be a lot of fun to watch.

Texans vs. COLTS

Colts-Giants was a good game.  This will not be such a good one.  The Texans are better this year, but they still have a ways to go.

Bills vs. DOLPHINS

Honestly, I have no idea here.  I didn’t see enough of the Bills to form an opinion, but Miami has a decent defense, and if Culpepper can not lose the game, they should be able to pull it out.  On the other hand, if the Bills play the same way they did against New England last week, they may blow Miami out.  Maybe.  That’s just an assumption, because I didn’t see it.

Panthers vs. VIKINGS

For some reason, I like the Vikings.  They’re playing with confidence and no real expectations from anyone but themselves, while the Panthers are only playing with expectations (and maybe without Steve Smith again).  I think the Panthers will get on a roll as the season moves on; maybe once they feel “disrespected” enough, but I think the Vikes take this one at home

Giants vs. EAGLES

Key to the Eagles winning will be stopping Tiki Barber.  That guy kills me.  And the Eagles.  Can I just say I’m extremely excited for this game?  It’s one of those that means as much as a game in week two can mean.  Key to the Giants winning will be stopping McNabb, but they just won’t be able to.  The Eagles are too strong on the offensive line, and if McNabb even has a little time, he’s got enough weapons to take advantage of the Giants’ secondary.  Watch for LJ Smith, Brian Westbrook, and Correll Buckhalter to have big games.  This will be a breakout game for Buck, who (if he can stay healthy) is a lock for comeback player of the year.

Raiders vs. RAVENS

Oh man, are the Raiders bad.  Week one or not, they looked completely hapless against the Chargers.  Baltimore’s defense isn’t as good as they think they are, but they’re going to eat Oakland for freaking breakfast.  Aaron Brooks might not get one pass off.  It would be no surprise at all to see the Ravens get their second straight shutout to open the season.  And if they do, let the hype begin.

Rams vs. 49ERS

San Francisco is better this year than they were last year, but that’s not saying much.  I think Alex Smith will show that he doesn’t suck, but they still need help running the ball and everywhere on defense.  I’m not ready to jump on the Rams bandwagon just yet, but they’re definitely worth watching.

Cardinals vs. SEAHAWKS

The Seahawks should be angry this week, and they’ll probably score a lot of points.  But it wouldn’t surprise me to see Arizona make a game out of this one.

Chiefs vs. BRONCOS

Once again, the Broncos are a mystery wrapped in an enigma to me.  And who is the perfect quarterback to lead that kind of team?  Jake Plummer, of course.  This pick is a total guess.  I need to see more of the AFC West, but I’m already doubting my picks in that division.

Patriots vs. JETS

So wait.  I pick the Jets to finish last in the AFC East, and now I’m picking them to be first after two weeks?  Makes no sense, does it?  Well, I can’t defend my gut, and that’s what my gut is telling me.  I don’t think the Jets will last, but they’ll beat the Pats this week in a good game.  

Titans vs. CHARGERS

San Diego bulldozes Tennessee this week.  I’m looking forward to seeing them play a good team.

Redskins vs. COWBOYS

I hate the Cowboys.  But they’ll win this one.  Both offenses leave something to be desired (namely a quarterback), but Dallas’ defense is better.  That’s what wins the game for them.

Steelers vs. JAGUARS

I can’t see Charlie Batch beating the Jags’ defense like he did to the Dolphins.  This should be a good game, but Jax pulls it out.

Last Week’s Record: 11-5

Baseball

The Phillies are doing it again.  They’re way out of the division race (and have been since the beginning of the season), but they’re making a serious run at the Wild Card.  Last year, they finished second in the Wild Card race by one game.  They do this every year, but usually they wouldn’t have started their run so soon (about mid-August), and they’d be fading by now.  So what’s different this year?  Honestly, I can’t think of a factor bigger than Ryan Howard.  The Phils are a game and a half out right now, and they’re not showing any sign of fading.  It’s been frustrating in that whenever they get this close, they seem to freeze, but I really think they have a chance this year of making the playoffs.  I don’t have illusions of winning it all this year, but it sure would be nice to see a playoff series after 13 years of frustration and apathy.  There are 14 games left.  Here’s hoping the past doesn’t repeat itself this year (that’s about the most optimistic statement I can muster to close).  Go Phils!