Okay, let’s get this out of the way right at the start of this article. If I’m going to brag about going 13-3 in Week 1, the least I can do is admit to having a total nightmare in Week 2!
While it was a fun weekend to see upsets play out across the league, it was very stressful for those required to pick games every week. So, after going 7-9, I now have a season record of 20-12. Not ideal, but there’s a long way to go. Let’s see if I can bounce back in Week 3.
New England Patriots (1-1) at New York Jets (1-1)
The Patriots have been very competitive at the start of a season in which few gave them much chance of success. But I feel that the Jets are starting to find their feet on offense, with the help of a solid if unspectacular Aaron Rodgers. Breece Hall and Braelon Allen should be a nice RB combo.
Neil’s Pick… NY Jets
New York Giants (0-2) at Cleveland Browns (1-1)
The Browns got some flashes of form from Deshaun Watson in Week 2 but not nearly enough to convince me they are a playoff team this season. There is work to be done, for sure. The Giants were better in their second outing, but their line is poor and how can they slow Myles Garrett?
Neil’s Pick… Cleveland
Chicago Bears (1-1) at Indianapolis Colts (0-2)
The Caleb Williams era is off to a very bumpy start in Chicago and it looks like the young rookie is feeling some pressure, both mental and physical. Chicago’s best route to victory would be to run on the Colts’ poor defense. I fancy Anthony Richardson to make enough plays for a home win.
Neil’s Pick… Indianapolis
Houston Texans (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (2-0)
This should be an intriguing contest as C.J. Stroud, of the Houston Texans, goes head-to-head with Minnesota’s Sam Darnold. If Justin Jefferson is healthy at WR, I fancy the Vikings to win with the help of a defense that has recorded 11 sacks in two games. But JJ’s status is to be determined.
Neil’s Pick… Minnesota
Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) at New Orleans Saints (2-0)
This was not the New Orleans Saints team we were expecting to see in 2024. Through two games, New Orleans have scored 91 points – second-most NFL history. But I feel the Eagles – led by Jalen Hurts at quarterback – pose a real threat. If Hurts avoids costly mistakes, Philly can steal this one.
Neil’s Pick… Philadelphia
Los Angeles Chargers (2-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)
This should be a physical affair featuring teams who like to establish the run and play good defense. The X-factor in this game could be Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, providing he can stay protected against a T.J. Watt-led onslaught. Pittsburgh are struggling to score points this year.
Neil’s Pick… Los Angeles
Denver Broncos (0-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
Denver are really bogged down on offense as rookie quarterback Bo Nix looks finds his feet in the NFL. It’s a different tale for Baker Mayfield, who is thriving in an excellent situation in Tampa Bay. Given their early-season form, the Bucs should once again be genuine NFC playoff contenders.
Neil’s Pick… Tampa Bay
Green Bay Packers (1-1) at Tennessee Titans (0-2)
Titans fans will be hoping their team does not complete a unique and unwanted hat-trick in Week 3. In each of the first two games of the year, Tennessee have suffered a blocked punt and seen quarterback Will Levis commit a dumb turnover. That said, I’m sniffing an upset win here if Jordan Love is out again at QB for the Pack.
Neil’s Pick… Tennessee
Carolina Panthers (0-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-1)
Will things be any better with Andy Dalton at quarterback for the Panthers while Bryce Young sits on the bench? Marginally, perhaps, but don’t expect miracles. Gardner Minshew and the Raiders’ attack should produce enough points to out-score a talent-thin Carolina team, especially at home.
Neil’s Pick… Las Vegas
Miami Dolphins (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (2-0)
Buffalo showed that taking Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle out of Miami’s attack can be done. With Skylar Thompson at QB, Miami may have to revert to the ground game. It’s going to be tough going for the Dolphins and Seattle – led by Geno Smith and a good D – should move to 3-0.
Neil’s Pick… Seattle
Detroit Lions (1-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-1)
The Lions are talented and capable of making a serious run in 2024, but there’s just something a little off right now. They’re not hitting the heights of last season yet. And here comes a tough challenge against Arizona. I fancy another upset win here inspired by Cards QB Kyler Murray.
Neil’s Pick… Arizona
Baltimore Ravens (0-2) at Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
Both teams are coming off disappointing losses in Week 2, but desperation can be a determining factor and I’m believing the Ravens have to get it done in a backs-to-the-wall game. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry should seriously test a suspect Dallas run defense, negating Micah Parsons.
Neil’s Pick… Baltimore
San Francisco 49ers (1-1) at Los Angeles Rams (0-2)
The 49ers have significant injury issues with two of their biggest offensive chess pieces in Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel on the sidelines. But the Rams are totally decimated, which is very unlucky this early in the season. The Rams play well against San Francisco, but not this time.
Neil’s Pick… San Francisco
Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) at Atlanta Falcons (1-1)
I learned my lesson after Week 1 and won’t often pick against the Chiefs, who always seem to find a way to win, either through their own outstanding play or by riding their luck at times. Atlanta could struggle to make headway against Kansas City’s D, which is now among the NFL’s best.
Neil’s Pick… Kansas City
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) at Buffalo Bills (2-0)
The Jaguars have looked lost at sea for their past six quarters of offense and that means a huge
defensive effort will be required on Monday Night Football. Trevor Lawrence cannot afford to get
into a shooting match with Buffalo’s Josh Allen, who has opened on an MVP pace. Home win.
Neil’s Pick… Buffalo
Washington Commanders (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)
With Joe Burrow playing a mostly-good game against Kansas City and Cincinnati’s defense looking in decent shape, the Bengals should get their season up and running in this second MNF offering. Jayden Daniels will need time to develop as a passer to go alongside his dazzling running skills.
Neil’s Pick… Cincinnati
