How did you fare in picking the Week 1 games, then? A couple of teams I chose – namely the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears - had to survive a scare or two along the way. But, by the end of an intriguing opening weekend of action, I had gone 13-3 with my predictions.
The only teams to let me down were Baltimore on the road at Kansas City (and we all know how close that contest proved to be), Cincinnati at home to New England and Atlanta, who were undone by a Pittsburgh team that failed to score a single touchdown.
So, buoyed by a renewed confidence – which probably won’t last very long – here are my picks for Week 2 in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Every fibre in my body is screaming that I should pick the Bills given that they won both contests between these clubs last year, improving Josh Allen’s record against Miami to 11-2. But I just fancy the Dolphins to truly wake up their attack in this game and to take advantage of being at home.
Neil’s Pick… Miami
Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens
This contest offers the Ravens a good chance to get their season up and running. I’m expecting a Baltimore win, then I’m keen to see how Lamar Jackson is protected and if a downfield threat outside of tight end Isaiah Likely emerges. Those will be huge factors for the remainder of 2024.
Neil’s Pick… Baltimore
Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers
The long trip east is the only concern I might have about the Chargers leaving Charlotte with a victory on Sunday. But it is only a tiny worry. Jim Harbaugh’s team will prioritise the run against a defense that got embarrassed in Week 1. And more misery is coming for Carolina’s Bryce Young.
Neil’s Pick… Los Angeles Chargers
New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys
Derek Carr threw three touchdown passes for the Saints in Week 1, but it was against a Carolina defense that does not possess a Micah Parsons. The edge rusher can take over this game and Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott always plays better at home. This should be a Cowboys win.
Neil’s Pick… Dallas
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
For the second week in a row, the Lions are at home to a team they hosted in Detroit during last season’s playoffs. Tampa’s Baker Mayfield gave Detroit all they could handle in 2023 and launched 2024 with four touchdown passes. That said, the Lions have the stronger team and will open 2-0.
Neil’s Pick… Detroit
Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers
After decades of outstanding quarterback play from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love, the Packers and their fans are going to see how the other half lives for a few weeks. Malik Willis cannot get into a shootout with Indy’s Anthony Richardson, so Green Bay’s D has to show up.
Neil’s Pick… Indianapolis
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
I would expect some kind of response from the Browns after their dismal Week 1 loss to Dallas. But I’m also expecting the Jags to come out hot after blowing their game down in Miami. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker will go hunting for Deshaun Watson and the win this weekend.
Neil’s Pick… Jacksonville
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
I will be at this game and I’m expecting a road win for the Niners. Sam Darnold made a very nice start at QB for the Vikings, but the New York Giants are not the San Francisco D. And while the defense played well for Minnesota, Brock Purdy threatens way more than Daniel Jones ever could.
Neil’s Pick… San Francisco
Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots
I don’t expect this game to be lauded as a modern-day classic. In fact, both teams won pretty ugly in Week 1. New England don’t have the weapons to get involved in a shootout. I think Seattle will have the edge if Kenneth Walker is healthy enough to produce another 100-yard rushing day.
Neil’s Pick… Seattle
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans
While Aaron Rodgers and the New York offense gets up to speed, the Jets will need to lean on an excellent defense that forced San Francisco to kick six field goals in Week 1. That was a difficult test, but I think that unit can dominate Will Levis and help Rodgers taste his first win as a Jet.
Neil’s Pick… New York Jets
New York Giants at Washington Commanders
Neither team impressed in Week 1, but I think Jayden Daniels could be the deciding factor in this game. Washington’s rookie quarterback rushed for more than 80 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday. He provided his team with the kind of spark that Daniel Jones seems incapable of in NY.
Neil’s Pick… Washington
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
Sending star receiver Puka Nacua to injured reserve for a few weeks hurts the Rams, but not enough for them to lose this one. LA have won 13 of the last 15 meetings between the teams and they will keep that form going with a fifth straight 300-yard passing day from Matthew Stafford.
Neil’s Pick… Los Angeles Rams
Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
Will Russell Wilson get a revenge game against Sean Payton in Denver or will Justin Fields continue at QB? Neither will be the deciding factor in this contest. Pittsburgh must lean heavily on their RB pairing of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren; and a T.J. Watt-inspired pass rush. Look out, Bo Nix!
Neil’s Pick… Pittsburgh
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
Internet doctors are worried about the wrist injury – on his throwing hand – that prematurely ended Joe Burrow’s 2023 season in Cincinnati. I’m with them because he was poor in Week 1. This should be an early-season classic, but KC could make light work of the disappointing Bengals.
Neil’s Pick… Kansas City
Chicago Bears at Houston Texans
Will we witness a better performance from Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams? I am certainly expecting that to be the case against a Houston D that gave up some big plays in Week 1. But the Texans are loaded on offense and C.J. Stroud and Joe Mixon should be the keys to a 2-0 start.
Neil’s Pick… Houston
Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
I have concerns about the passing attacks of both these teams. Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins threw two picks in Week 1 and Jalen Hurts, of the Eagles, had three giveaways in Brazil. Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley should lead their respective attacks in Week 2, with the latter coming out on top.
Neil’s Pick… Philadelphia