Tony was the winner last week, hitting three of four picks, including an improbable over 38 on the Vikings/Jaguars game. Both of us fell victim to believing in the Buffalo Bills, a mistake nobody should make in this day and age. I was also unsuccessful in picking Detroit and Jacksonville for a 1-3 week. Better luck next time.

Year-to-date standings: Tony 3-1, Andy 1-3

Here goes for week two…

Andy

New England (-13.5) vs Arizona – The Patriots unveiled an improved running game and a more active defense that combined with the team’s already potent passing attack to destroy Tennessee, a team I think should be pretty good. Arizona’s bad starting quarterback John Skelton sprained his ankle, forcing the return of its worse backup quarterback Kevin Kolb. This one should get ugly. Two touchdowns? I’d probably bet on the Patriots if the line was four touchdowns.

Kansas City (+3) at Buffalo – I know the Chiefs got destroyed in the second half of the Falcons game, but I actually think Kansas City is going to be pretty good. The Bills looked inept against a Jets team that looked inept throughout the preseason. And for good measure, Buffalo lost its best offensive weapon in Fred Jackson and it has a quarterback that has been terrible in the 11 months since signing a contract extension. Kansas City beats the spread and wins outright.

Denver at Atlanta: Over 51 – It’s a big number but these two offenses showed me a lot in week one. Atlanta looked unstoppable in tearing apart Kansas City. Denver put up a nice number against Pittsburgh. Both teams will get into the mid-20s, if not 30s. Not sure who wins, but it’ll be a game I want to watch.

Upset of the week: Chicago (+6, +230 moneyline) at Green Bay – I picked Green Bay to win the division, but after week one I’m concerned about that guess. Chicago looked good – really good – both running and passing the ball. Granted, that was Indianapolis, but the Packers defense was a mess against San Francisco. Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall look like they have never been apart. I think there is a real chance the Packers start 0-2 after two home games.

Tony

Houston (-7.5) at Jacksonville – Houston continued to look strong in Week 1, while the Jaguars let one slip away to a team that is nowhere near the Texans’ level. Even on the road, Houston should cover easily.

Dallas Cowboys (-3) at Seattle – The Seahawks couldn’t get it done with four timeouts against the Cardinals, and the Cowboys surprised in how well they looked opening night. Coming off a long rest after that game, the ‘boys should be able to cover a field goal.

Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots: Over 48 – The Patriots should be able to put up at least 35 points on their own, and given that their defense has never been incredibly stout, the Cardinals should be able to put together a handful of points.

Upset of the Week: Bears (+6) at Green Bay – Given that I’ve picked Chicago straight up, I would probably even take them straight up. I’m surprised the line is that high after San Francisco exposed the Packers defense as being susceptible to exactly the game that Chicago should be able to bring. What’s the line on the Packers not getting beat, but beating themselves (or at least claiming that)? That might be where the real money is at…