NFL Predictions: Week 2 Picks and Hot Takes From Across the League

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders, 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, CBS

How incredible is Jack Del Rio? With no care in the world other than winning, the man made a decision that, if it hadn’t worked out, would’ve been the talk of the league for this entire week. But he didn’t care. Like, at all. Honestly, decisions like those are what makes the NFL’s brand so great.

He’ll face a tough test again with his second straight NFC South opponent, one that provides a more unique challenge than New Orleans. Where the Saints were a bit more clear-cut in their abilities on both sides of the ball, Atlanta is a bit trickier. With the Falcons, it’s difficult to know what they might offer in terms of offensive production. Will the plan revolve around Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman? Will Matt Ryan sling the ball 40+ times, setting up opportunities for Julio Jones and others to put up flashy stat lines? It’s almost impossible to figure out what Kyle Shanahan has in store, making this one a tough pick.

But when in doubt, it seems wise to go with the team that has a bit more “performance predictability”, if you will. The Raiders aren’t the most complete team in the National Football League, but they are a group that will score points to contend in high-scoring games. Derek Carr is good, folks. And the weapons he has around him combine to be a sneaky, under-the-radar great group (aside from Amari Cooper, who is very clearly a natural freak).

The Raiders defense might have a lot to answer for, but their ceiling and floor are much more clear than Atlanta’s, which ranges from playoff-caliber squad to bottom-five team in the NFL.

Derek Carr has another monster day, torches Atlanta defense en route to 33-27 win.

Next: Colts/Broncos