2014 NFL Predictions Week Two: New England Patriots Win Big

Sep 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots quarterback

(left) listens to offensive coordinator quarterbacks coach Josh McDaniels (right) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots 38 Vikings 13

The New England Patriots got roughed up in their season opener down in Miami, and now they will look for revenge against a Vikings team that will be without the services of star running back Adrian Peterson. Generally, a Bill Belichick-led team does very well in games following a loss, and I think they will come out firing tomorrow. Without Peterson, the Pats run defense will get back on track, and force Matt Cassel to try and beat them. With Darrelle Revis and that improved Patriots secondary, I see no possible way Cassel and the Vikings’ passing offense can out-score Tom Brady and company.

Of course, the biggest key to victory in this game for New England is keeping Brady upright. If their offensive line has a repeat performance of last week, this will be a close game. I think the Patriots need to keep a consistent starting five, and not go to a rotation like they did last week. Obviously Bill Belichick knows much more about this than I do, but keeping a solid chemistry between the five big guys up front probably will net them the best results.

Bills 27 Dolphins 14

When AFC East teams beat the Patriots, they act like they just won the Super Bowl. Miami has been celebrating their win over the Pats for the entire week, which doesn’t bode well for their chances against Buffalo. The Bills racked up the third most rushing yards in the league in week one, and I think they will do it again tomorrow, in an effort to keep the Dolphins’ pass rush off of E.J. Manuel.

Jaguars 20 Redskins 17

I am going to regret picking Jacksonville, but they were impressive in the first half last week against the Eagles, and I think they can do it again this week against a weak Washington club. I still don’t trust Robert Griffin III, and while Alfred Morris and Roy Helu do form a formidable two-man punch on the ground, it won’t be enough.

Cowboys 31 Titans 30

Tony Romo and company had a rough season opener, but I have a feeling they will bounce back in week two. Dallas’ defense is still going to be horrible, and it will stay that way all season. But Romo has an explosive offense to work with, and I believe Dez Bryant is going to have a monster game to lead the Cowboys to a victory.

Cardinals 27 Giants 6

This one is going to be ugly. Arizona has one of the best, most aggressive defensive units in the league, while the Giants own a feeble, pathetic excuse of an offense. Eli Manning is going to be under pressure all game long, and he will turn the ball over five times. Yes, that is a bold prediction, but with Manning’s bad decision-making, and the Cardinals’ fierce style, it is definitely plausible.

Saints 28 Browns 20

Both of these teams were on the losing side of heartbreaking finishes last week, and both will come out strong in week two. This is a matchup of two very talented defenses, but Drew Brees has a loaded offense, and he will find enough mismatches to squeeze out a much tighter win than many expect.

Falcons 27 Bengals 24

OK, I may be back on the Falcons’ bandwagon. I will probably hop off in a few weeks when they completely collapse, but for now, I’m riding with Matt Ryan, and that explosive offense of his. Cincinatti has a capable defense, but Andy Dalton is purely a game-manager, and there is no way he is going to out-duel Ryan in this one.

Lions 29 Panthers 24

Calvin Johnson and company are going to have an absolute field day against the Pantheres. Carolina has a great front seven, but their secondary not only cannot live up to the greatness of that front, I believe they are truly a mediocre group. Matthew Stafford should have no problems finding mismatches to exploit, particularly with the best wideout in the game on his side.