It is time to give you my picks of the week -- this time using the Vegas point spread. Week 1 was a very good one for me. After a push in the season opener, I correctly picked 11 winners against the spread. I am, though, in the hole 0-1 this week after the Broncos came back and got the win in Kansas City on Thursday.
Entering Week 2 11-4-1, here is where put my money, if I actually did wager.
Patriots at Bills (pick'em): My rule is don't bet against Tom Brady. I won't. I'll take the Pats for the win.
Cardinals (-2) at Bears: No Andre Ellington for the Cardinals? No problem. No Alshon Jeffery for the Bears? Problem. Arizona's stifling run defense will make life difficult for Matt Forte and force Jay Cutler to test the Arizona secondary, which is a strength. Cardinals -2.
Chargers at Bengals (-3): Yes, the Chargers put up 30 straight points against the Lions, but Cincinnati is once again looking tough. And the Chargers did fall behind. Cincinnati is tougher than that. Bengals -3.
Titans (-1) at Browns: So...Marcus Mariota looked really good against an awful Tampa Bay team. The Browns now send out Johnny Manziel. Who do you like in this game? You bet I'm taking Mariota. Titans -1.
Lions at Vikings (-3): So the Lions were good, then awful. The Vikings looked overmatched on Monday Night Football. But returning home should make a difference. Expect a better performance from both Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson. Vikings -3.
Falcons at Giants (-2): Atlanta was lucky they won. The Giants were dumb and lost. I don't think Atlanta will repeat its performance on the road and New York will bounce back. This won't be a pretty game, but I take the home team. Giants, -2.
Buccaneers at Saints (-10): New Orleans was held to only 19 points, but produced a lot of offense against a very good Arizona defense. Tampa Bay's defense is not that good and the Superdome will be rocking. This is a lock -- Saints -10.
49ers at Steelers (-5.5): San Francisco proved to be a much tougher team than anyone expected. Pittsburgh couldn't stop the Patriots. This is going to be a very physical game because of how the Niners want to play. They will not, though, be able to completely shut down a very good Steelers offense like they did to Teddy Bridgewater. Ben Roethlisberger is better than that. Steelers for the win, but Niners for the cover. Niners +5.5.
Rams (-3) at Redskins: Wow, the Rams looked good in Week 1. The Skins did not. I expect the Rams to come down to earth though. Nonetheless, Washington is yucky. Rams -3.
Texans at Panthers (-3.5): Ryan Mallett gets the start. Cam Newton is at home. I don't like this game. It figures to be ugly with these two defenses. It's going to be within a field goal. Texans +3.5.
Ravens (-7) at Raiders: Ooff. No Terrell Suggs. This will do a lot for the Ravens defense. I actually like the Raiders here. This won't be a dominant performance either way. Raiders +7.
Dolphins (-6) at Jaguars: Well, I thought the Jags would be better. They weren't, and many believe the Dolphins to be a real threat in the AFC playoff mix. So...yeah. Dolphins -6.
Cowboys at Eagles (-5): If there is one thing you tend to note, it is how Philly plays at home ATS and how the Cowboys road teams fare. Philly is 8-14-1 and the road team is 8-2 in Cowboys games ATS. NFC East divisional games are nuts. I ultimately think Philly gets the win, but it's going to be close. Cowboys +5.
Seahawks at Packers (-3.5): Seattle's defense gave up 34 points to the Rams....THE RAMS. Their offensive line is not good. Yes, Green Bay will be without Bryan Bulaga, but that line and Aaron Rodgers are better than what the Rams can do. Bet the Pack. Packer -3.5.
Jets at Colts (-7): This line is too long. The Jets are physical and that will give the Colts trouble. That doesn't mean the Jets win. They still have Ryan Fitzpatrick as their quarterback. Jets, +7.