Mattie T’s Week 2 NFL Predictions

Before we get into Week 2, it’s time for a Justice League update! I won my Week 1 game easily 62-32 with a power running game of Chris Johnson & Arian Foster, who combined for 374 rushing yards & 5 touchdowns between them.

Also made the waiver-wire move of the week, as Brandon Jackson will replace C.J. Spiller as my 3rd running back. (Did this a few days before Ryan Grant’s season-ending injury was announced)

16-point favorite to win in Week 2, so we’ll see if i can jump into first place!

Week 1: 9-7

Overall: 9-7 (.563)

Steelers/Titans:

Might be Chris Johnson’s biggest test yet, as he’s looking for his 13th straight 100-yard rushing game.

Pittsburgh has held him to under 70 yards in 2 matchups against Johnson, but that was with Kerry Collins behind center.

Vince Young adds an exciting dimension to Tennessee’s offense, as the team has won 9 of their last 11 since he was promoted to a starter.

The Titans will make every effort to slow down Rashard Mendenhall on Sunday, as he’s never posted back-to-back 100 yard rush games on the ground.

I think Tennessee has a bit more offensive firepower in this one, and that is who i’m going with.

Mattie T’s Pick: Tennessee

Ravens/Bengals:

Baltimore tries to follow up a physical Monday Night win with a big statement against the defending AFC North champs.

T.J. Houshmanzadeh returns home to face his former team, as Anquan Boldin’s strong opener (7 receptions for 110 yards) could open things up for the Ravens’ offense.

While Baltimore’s pass defense was sharp last week, they must find a way to slow down Cedric Benson. Benson ran for over 100 yards in each of Cincinnatti’s two wins last season & was a big reason the Bengals were perfect against the AFC North.

I think this is a different year though & the Ravens now have an offense that can contend with anybody.

Terrell Owens will have to wait another week to get his first win as a Bengal.

Mattie T’s Pick: Baltimore

Eagles/Lions:

Alas, the return of Michael Vick!

The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback will start his first game since 2006 on Sunday, and it will come against a hapless Lions defense that gave up 463 total yards during their Week 1 loss to Chicago.

Detroit may have other issues to worry about, as Shaun Hill will start for the injured Matthew Stafford (shoulder).

Hill last’s start was one he’d like to forgot, as he was benched on October 25th, 2009 in favor of Alex Smith during San Francisco’s 24-21 loss to Houston.

He never got a chance to redeem hinself after that game, as Smith started the final 10 games of the season.

The Eagles’ offense should score at will in this one with Vick under center.

Mattie T’s Pick: Philadelphia

Cardinals/Falcons:

Arizona will shoot for a 2-0 start possibly without Beanie Wells for the 2nd straight week, as he’s still battling a right knee injury that’s bothered him since the preseason.

That means Tim Hightower will start, despite his fumbling issues (lost two fumbles in Week 1) during their 17-13 win over St. Louis.

The Cardinals will also try to contain Michael Turner, as they did a decent job against Steven Jackson (81 yards on 22 rush attempts) last week.

I think this will be a somewhat close game, but Falcons bounce back for a big home opening win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Atlanta

Dolphins/Vikings:

Even with 10 days of rest, Minnesota still might be an extra receiver short as Percy Harvin (hip) could be a game-time decision for Sunday.

Dolphins cornerback Benny Sapp has already warned his team to not “have an out-of-body experience” to try and stop Favre, as the two were teammates last season.

I see this being a close game, but Chad Henne’s inexperience in what will be a hostile road game at the HHH Metrodome can’t lift me with go with Miami here.

Mattie T’s Pick: Minnesota

Chiefs/Browns:

Romeo Crennel returns to town with a Chiefs defense that was impressive during a 21-14 win over San Diego in Week 1, as he’ll most likely see Seneca Wallace at quarterback following a knee injury to Jake Delhomme.

Jerome Harrison had his breakout moment last season against Kansas City, as he exploded for a career-high 286 rushing yards during Cleveland’s 41-34 win.

I see Crennel getting some revenge this week, as he’ll send his old team to an 0-2 start.

Mattie T’s Pick: Kansas City

Buccaneers/Panthers:

Tampa Bay might not be at full strength for Sunday, as Kellen Winslow is questionable with a knee injury.

As for Carolina, Matt Moore will start & look for his 2nd win against the Buccaneers, as he threw for 161 yards during a 16-6 win in Week 13 of last season.

Close one here, but i’m going with the Panthers.

Mattie T’s Pick: Carolina

Bills/Packers:

This could get absolutely ugly, as Brandon Jackson has a chance to run wild on a Bills’ run defense that gave up over 150 yards last week in their loss to Miami.

That should help out Aaron Rodgers, who’s won his last 4 home starts.

3rd string back Marshawn Lynch will remain a Buffalo Bill for Sunday’s game, as there has been heavy rumors that he’s headed to Green Bay following the season-ending injury to Ryan Grant (knee).

Mattie T’s Pick: Green Bay

Bears/Cowboys:

Homecoming for several Bears players on Sunday, but i think the one guy who could have a big game is defensive tackle Tommie Harris (native of Killeen, TX), who has taken some criticism earlier this week from NFL Network analyst Warren Sapp.

Dallas will be sure to pay extra attention on Julius Peppers, who was responsible for knocking Matthew Stafford out of their Week 1 game with a significant shoulder injury.

The Cowboys had no problem moving the ball in Week 1 (380 total yards of offense), but only had seven points to show for it. With two of their injured offensive lineman (Kyle Kozier & Marc Colombo) returning for Sunday’s game, look for a better effort as Dallas picks up a crucial home win to avoid an 0-2 start.

Mattie T’s Pick: Dallas

Seahawks/Broncos:

Pete Carroll’s Seahawks pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Week 1, and can even surprise more people with a 2-0 start.

The team has already said that Carroll has won them over with his energy, so Seattle could be in for a surprising season.

They will need a stronger effort out of Justin Forsett, as he totaled just 43 yards rushing during the Seahawks’ Week 1 rout over San Francisco.

Demaryius Thomas will make his NFL debut on Sunday for Denver, but i don’t think it will be enough to lift the Broncos to a win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Seattle

Rams/Raiders:

Lousy matchup between two teams who combined to go 6-26 last season.

The Rams hope they have found a new target for rookie quarterback Sam Bradford, as Mark Clayton caught 10 receptions for 119 yards during their Week 1 loss to Arizona.

Oakland was able to run the football with success (135 yards, 5.3 avg) during their Week 1 loss to Tennessee, but their defense gave up two touchdowns that were 50 yards or more.

I think this will be close, but Bradford will find a way to notch his first career NFL win.

Mattie T’s Pick: St. Louis

Jaguars/Chargers:

The Jaguars were able to win their Week 1 game despite no catches from Mike Sims-Walker, but that will have to change on Sunday against a Chargers team that should be mad following their 21-14 loss to Kansas City.

San Diego hopes to get a better performance from Ryan Matthews, who did rush for 75  yards in his NFL debut but looked nervous at times & lost a fumble.

I think this game could turn into a shootout, but Norv Turner’s Chargers can’t afford an 0-2 start.

Mattie T’s Pick: San Diego

Patriots/Jets:

Marquee matchup of the weekend, where the war of words have already begun!

A lot of focus will be on Randy Moss, who will try to prove to Darrelle Revis that he’s indeed no “slouch”.

However, Revis does have a tweaked hamstring that might limit his mobility…but with even that being said, Wes Welker could explode for another big game on Sunday.

The Jets were ugly in all phases of their Week 1 loss to Baltimore, as they were just 1-for-11 on third downs, had 60 net yards passing & racked up 14 penalties for 125 yards.

This should be somewhat rather close, but i look for the Patriots to come up big when it matters most.

Mattie T’s Pick: New England

Texans/Redskins:

After a breakout performance in Week 1, all eyes will be on Arian Foster to see if he can duplicate his outstanding 233-yard game.

I’m not sure if he’ll be able to do so, but i do know that Matt Schaub should bounce back with a big game on Sunday.

Schaub was held to just 107 passing yards during their Week 1 win over Indianapolis, but will face a Redskins secondary that allowed 280 yards to Tony Romo.

As for Donovan McNabb in his Washington debut, he was solid at best by completing 15 of 32 passes for 171 yards. If they don’t do a better job on third downs (3-of-13 last week), the Texans will deliver an easy victory.

Mattie T’s Pick: Houston

Giants/Colts:

It’s time for Manning Bowl II, as Peyton looks to improve to 2-0 against younger brother Eli.

I think Peyton will have a big night Sunday, as Reggie Wayne & Dallas Clark are both just one touchdown away from tying some impressive team marks.

For the Giants to win on Sunday, they have to show more discipline (9 penalties for 95 yards) and do a great job in the red zone.

After being embarassed by Arian Foster in Week 1, look for the Colts to show a lot of pride on national TV, as they’ll win to avoid an 0-2 start.

Mattie T’s Pick: Indianapolis

Saints/49ers:

The Saints delivered an uncharacteristic 14-9 win in Week 1 against Minnesota, as they should open up the offense more against a 49ers team that got embarassed in Seattle.

Brian Westbrook will debut for San Francisco on Monday night & could be used more if Frank Gore (38 rushing yards in Week 1) continues to struggle.

The key man though could be Vernon Davis, as he led the team with 8 receptions for 73 yards last week & will face a New Orleans defense that had trouble containing Visante Shiancoe.

When it’s all said and done though, the Saints have the better team and will win to drop Mike Singletary’s 49ers to an 0-2 start.

Mattie T’s Pick: New Orleans