The Sports Editors’ Week 2 NFL Picks

Martin: Minnesota Vikings (+1.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles 

The Vikings’ offense impressed in their home opener against the Green Bay Packers, headlined by stud pass-catcher Justin “JJettas” Jefferson. The Louisiana State product earned MVP chants after gaining 184 receiving yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions. I don’t see the Kirk Cousins to Jefferson connection slowing down in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles. While Jalen Hurts is starting to become legit, the Eagles’ defense looked shaky, allowing 35 points to the Detroit Lions. The Eagles were particularly questionable in the run game, giving up 181 rushing yards on 28 carries (6.5 average). Now, they will have to face star rusher Dalvin Cook. This game should be an offensive shoot-out that the Vikings’ defense is more equipped to handle. 

 

Stuzin: Las Vegas Raiders (-5.5) at Arizona Cardinals

NFL fans knew Davante Adams would be good on his new team, but no one thought he’d be this good. The Raiders’ wide receiver proved that it doesn’t take him long to build a connection with a new quarterback (or rebuild one, since he and QB Derek Carr played together in college), finishing Week 1 with ten receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. Although Las Vegas ended up losing their first game to a very tough LA Chargers team, primarily due to Carr’s three-interception performance, I’m looking for them to bounce back and cover this spread against a mediocre Cardinals team. Quarterback Kyler Murray played well for the Cards, posting 193 yards passing, 29 yards rushing and two passing touchdowns, but Arizona ultimately got blown away by the Kansas City Chiefs, led by an MVP-caliber performance by QB Patrick Mahomes. Look for the Raiders to come back strong against the Cardinals.

 

Silverstein: Cincinnati Bengals (-7.5) at Dallas Cowboys

Had this matchup taken place a week ago, the football world would be treated to a highly anticipated showdown between two talented rosters. However, everything looks completely different now that the Cowboys have lost star quarterback Dak Prescott to a thumb injury in their season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prescott is expected to miss several weeks, and while the team may be able to recover eventually without their best player in their most important position, it is not going to happen overnight. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow and the defending AFC Champion Bengals are coming off of an absolutely crazy, devastating loss featuring horrendous special teams to their division rival Steelers. Burrow uncharacteristically turned the ball over a whopping five times and is undoubtedly primed to bounce back this week. Give me a strong response from the Bengals and a comfortable win in Jerry’s world on Sunday. 

 

Notis: New York Giants (-2.5) vs. Carolina Panthers

Is this an overreaction to an incredible opening season win? Absolutely. However, the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers will both walk into Metlife Stadium on Sunday afternoon as aggressively mediocre football teams. The Panthers had a tough loss against their quarterback Baker Mayfield’s former team, the Cleveland Browns, looking bad on the defensive side of the ball. If Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett can tear apart a weak, flawed Panthers defense, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka should be able to pick Carolina apart. In Week 1, the Giants proved that they are a new and improved franchise under new head coach Brian Daboll. Daboll and Kafka showed they are willing to make gutsy, innovative play calls to win games. The revival of running back Saquon Barkley should spark the Giants to overpower the Panthers in their home opener.

 

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