Heading into the second week of the NFL season, there are plenty of good contests on the schedule. Let’s take a look!
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
The Carolina Panthers are coming off a 16-8 win over the Cowboys, while the Falcons failed to convert in the red zone against the Eagles and fell, 18-12. Atlanta and Carolina split last season with Atlanta as the favorites in both contests. Once again, Atlanta is the favorite, this time by 5.5 points. Carolina holds a +12 to +4 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” versus “dead” status on the “Team Strength Oscillator”. Although early, it’s a critical game for the Falcons. If they lose they will be two games back and essentially three behind Carolina, who would hold the head to head match up advantage. Look for the Falcons to win, but the Panthers could cover.
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
In this classic NFC North battle, both teams enter victorious in the season opener. Minnesota comes in a one point favorite and the outcome of this game could be largely dependent on the status of Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He lead a miraculous comeback following a knee injury and is questionable for this game. Minnesota holds a commanding advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Vikings won both meetings last season. Keep an eye on Rodgers, if he goes, take the Packers. If not, it should be a relatively easy win for the Vikings.
Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Chiefs enter coming off a win over the Chargers, while the Steelers play the Browns to what must be considered to the franchise a disappointing tie. Pittsburgh won last year’s meeting against Kansas City as a road underdog and enter 5.5 point favorites. The Chiefs have a +18 to +7 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, however the Steelers are somewhat inexplicably “burning hot” versus “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Playing without Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers clearly are not the same team. There is no indication he’ll be joining the team soon as he is officially off the team depth chart. I see the Chiefs continuing the Steelers’ woes, winning the game outright.
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
The Cardinals enter Los Angeles coming off a lackluster performance in a loss to the Redskins. On the other hand, the Rams defeated the Raiders in somewhat easy fashion on Monday Night Football. The Rams won both meetings last season and are 11 point favorites this time around. They hold a commanding +24 to +9 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. There is little to suggest the Cardinals can be competitive in this one. I see not only a win for the Rams, but covering this large spread in a blowout game.
New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars
In the best match up of the week, both teams enter coming off an opening day win. New England won the last meeting in the AFC Championship Game. This one is a toss up, a “pick em” game in Jacksonville. The Patriots hold a +26 to +17 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, however the Jaguars are “burning hot” versus “average up” for the Patriots. Its difficult to pick against New England with their track record and Tom Brady still performing magic at quarterback. However, the Jaguars have revenge on their minds, have a stellar defense and playing at home. In this “pick em” game, I pick Jacksonville to hand New England and early season loss.
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos
Things could not have gone worse for Jon Gruden in his return to the NFL sideline. First making perhaps the worst trade in NFL history, the Raiders played poorly in the opener, losing to the Jets, 48-17. On the flip side, the Broncos edged the Seahawks to get off on the right foot. Oakland and Denver are tied on the Power Ranking Indicator and the teams were even in head to head play last season, both winning at home. Clearly in a rebuilding mode, the Raiders don’t appear to be ready to win in Denver, which is a tough venue for any visiting team. Look for the Broncos, who are 4.5 point favorites, to win and cover the spread.
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