Richard Witt gives his picks for Week 2 in the NFL:
SUNDAY
Dolphins (+2 ½) over COLTS:
Yes, sacking Brandon Weeden multiple times is like shooting fish in a barrel. But it takes a slick offense to move the chains consistently against Dolphins defense, and not sold on Chuck Pagano (and Andrew Luck!) ceaselessly managing to salvage close games.
GIANTS (+4 ½) over Broncos:
Big Blue will try to patch that soft middle of their secondary, especially with Peyton Manning staring them in the face. But Broncos defensive backfield not good enough to slam door on younger-brother Eli in sustained rally mode. Welcome back, Brandon Jacobs
EAGLES (-7 ½) over Chargers:
Chip Kelly managed to be the first Eagles coach to win his South Philly debut since … Rich Kotite! Eagles more appealing taking than giving, but Bolts now must face this fireshow on short rest after coming from ahead behind Philip Rivers vs. Texans.
RAVENS (-6 ½) over Browns:
No doubt Browns D will come to play, but if defending champs can step up tempo. Browns may be left in dust.
Titans (+9) over TEXANS:
Is Tennessee feeling smug about beating Steelers side, which is a few bricks shy of a load? Market provides aid and comfort for Titans supporters, though this is no cinch, given how good Houston’s skill people can be when they’re up against inferior talent.
BILLS (+2 ¹/₂) over Panthers:
This looks like “last team that scores, wins.” Cam Newton will feel like he’s gone to heaven after facing Seahawks, and QB EJ Manuel may be long-awaited diamond in the rough for Buffalo faithful.
Rams (+6 ½) over FALCONS:
Even with Steven Jackson now toting the rock for Atlanta, St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher has made a career out of keeping outmanned teams within striking distance. But Falcons salty in the Georgia Dome off a loss. We’re simply looking to fade the line move, but check status of banged-up skill people on both sides.
Redskins (+7 ½) over PACKERS:
It’s difficult imagining the Pack stepping off 0-2, but you could drive the Third Army through the canyon of opportunity afforded by the prevailing spread, and ’Skins have offense capable of hanging around against Dom Capers’ defense.
CHIEFS (-3) over Cowboys:
A chance for the consistently inconsistent Tony Romo (check those bruised ribs) and his mates to put two good ones together, but we’ll pay to see it. Ex-Eagles coach Andy Reid knows Cowboys Coach Jon, er, Jason Garrett’s mindsets well, and will be working to re-establish kind of home-opener supremacy that was long a Chiefs staple. Hopefully, Jamaal Charles will be good to go.
BEARS (-6) over Vikings:
This series has long favored sides operating before friendly fans. Bears buffs will point to their improved offensive line. Vikings vouchers will note this is Bears coach Marc Trestman’s first time around the NFL rodeo. Multiple vital tech factors favor visitors, but Soldier Field’s long been house of horrors for Vikes.
Saints (-3 ½) over BUCCANEERS:
Brother Rex Ryan can let Brother Rob (currently Saints defensive coordinator) in on some of Tampa Bay’s defensive wrinkles, such as they are. Bucs coach Greg Schiano clearly trying to light a fire under QB Josh Freeman, and he’s yet to succeed.
CARDINALS (+1) over Lions:
Despicable (Ndamukong) Suh got gashed for $100K after gratuitous, unnecessary cheap shot at Vikes’ John Sullivan’s knee. This joker makes Nick Fairley appear gentlemanly. ’Zona’s offensive line is brutal, but Carson Palmer can square home team’s record against a foe that’s a long way from Michigan. Check status of Larry Fitzgerald’s hamstring.
Jaguars (+5 ½) over RAIDERS:
Chad Henne steps in for Blane Gabbert and his gashed hand — an improvement. Indy raced out to two-TD lead on visiting Silver and Black, then got sloppy. Even with banged-up receiving corps, league’s worst side can hang against chalk shouldering rarified level of favoritism.
SEAHAWKS (-3) over 49ers:
With the ability to hinder Colin Kaepernick’s sprints to daylight, would not be surprised to see ’Hawks establish comfortable margin. Acknowledge that last year’s 29-point rout here came on heels of Herculean Niners upset of Patriots in Foxborough.
MONDAY
BENGALS (-7) over Steelers:
Tricky, because Steelers clearly will be dedicated to the defensive proposition, and one stop-unit score could make it a challenge for Bengals to vault tallest number Cincy’s been forced to lay to this redoubtable foe in eons.
LAST WEEK: 5-9-1