ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Each week I'll give a brief preview of every game. I'll make my picks and keep a running tally as the season progresses to see how well(or terrible) I'm doing. Anyone who would like to email me their picks is more than welcome. For all those interested in submitting their picks, please email patrick.mckenna@afncr.af.mil by Sunday at noon.
Washington @ Detroit - The Redskins were lucky to have squeaked out a win last week against the lowly Rams. They need to play with some heart this week or they'll give the Lions their first win since 2007.
Pick: Redskins
Green Bay @ St. Louis - The Packers lost last week to the Bengals in what was the biggest upset of the season thus far. They should come out fired up and win this game in a blowout.
Pick: Packers
San Francisco @ Minnesota - This game pits two similar teams against one another. Both rely on a dominant running game and strong defense to win games. Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre at home get the nod in this matchup.
Pick: Vikings
Atlanta @ New England - The Patriots are coming off a tough loss to the Jets and have the unfortunate luck to play the Falcons this week. The Patriots haven't lost back-to-back games since November 2006 and as long as Wes Welker can play, they should get back on track at home.
Pick: Patriots
Tennessee @ New York Jets - The Titans need this game plain and simple. They cannot afford to slip to 0-3 especially when the Jets could very well be a team the Titans are competing against for a Wild Card spot. The Jets are prime for a letdown following last week's emotional win over the Patriots.
Pick: Titans
Kansas City @ Philadelphia - Even if the Eagles are without Donovan McNabb again this week, they're still a strong enough team to take care of the Chiefs.
Pick: Eagles
New York Giants @ Tampa Bay - The Giants can win in any number of ways. They can grind out a tough defensive game (week one vs. Washington) or they can light up the scoreboard in a shootout (week two vs. Dallas). Tampa is a feisty team but they don't have a prayer this week.
Pick: Giants
Cleveland @ Baltimore - Until Cleveland can show any semblance of an offense, they will continue to lose on a weekly basis. Baltimore will take this game by two touchdowns.
Pick: Ravens
Jacksonville @ Houston - Will the real Houston Texans please stand up? After laying an egg week one, the Texans reminded NFL fans why many people like them to be a dark horse for a playoff spot. They look like a safe pick at home against the Jaguars.
Pick: Texans
New Orleans @ Buffalo - Buffalo has the makings of a solid team as long as Trent Edwards stays healthy and Terrell Owens stays quiet. The Bills will be able to score against the Saints but it won't be enough. New Orleans won't drop 40 points again this week but they should be able to move the ball well enough to win on the road.
Pick: Saints
Chicago @ Seattle - With starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck nursing a broken rib, Seattle will have a tough time on offense against the Bears. If Jay Cutler can continue to build off of last week's performance, the Bears should slowly wear down the Seahawks.
Pick: Bears
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati - The Bengals shocked most NFL fans outside of Ohio with their victory over the Packers last week. Their offense had a nice balance and their defense did just enough to contain Aaron Rodgers. If it wasn't for a fluke catch by Brandon Stokley in week one, they'd be 2-0. Cincinnati will have to prove me wrong one more time before I jump on their bandwagon.
Pick: Steelers
Miami @ San Diego - For all intense and purposes, Miami should have beaten the Colts Monday night. They completely dominated the time of possession and Ronnie Brown flashed the star potential he's been missing since injuring his knee two seasons ago. Miami is coming off a short week and gets to travel cross country to San Diego who's coming off a tough loss. Not a recipe for success for the Dolphins.
Pick: Chargers
Denver @ Oakland - Both of these teams are coming off big wins and whoever wins this game will be at worst tied for the division lead with San Diego. While Oakland is a sleeper of mine, Denver is a little more advanced on offense.
Pick: Broncos
Indianapolis @ Arizona - Indianapolis might be a bit worn down after their victory Monday night. I expect Arizona's offense to get off to a hot start and build a lead that not even Peyton Manning can come back from.
Pick: Cardinals
Carolina @ Dallas - Carolina is one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL thus far. If they want any shot at a playoff berth they need to turn things around quickly. Cowboys' running back Marion Barber is currently iffy to play due to his injured quadriceps but I think whether he plays or not, Dallas is just too talented to lose to Carolina.
Pick: Cowboys
Last week's record: 9-7
Season record to date: 19-12