NFL Predictions: Week 2 Picks and Hot Takes From Across the League
By Joe Wedra
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers, 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, FOX
Some might look at this game differently after each of these two teams’ respective performances in week one, but there’s a reason why this is a clear favorite for our lock of the week.
It’s important to understand that the 49ers aren’t the worst team in the NFL, even after preseason power rankings consistently listed San Francisco in or at-least near the cellar of the league. But Chip Kelly’s bunch isn’t going to push for a championship in 2016, and it’s fairly likely that they won’t come close to contending for a playoff spot with their current makeup. They have gritty fight, shown on Monday night, but there isn’t enough top to bottom to be considered contenders week after week.
The more important bottom line surrounds the ready-to-contend Panthers team that hung tight with the potential AFC favorite. Carolina had no easy task against Denver in week one – don’t let the hype about Trevor Siemien’s ineptitude fool you. Cam Newton and company will be just fine in their home opener, likely cruising through a game that shouldn’t be close by the fourth quarter.
Carolina wins in style in Charlotte, topping the 49ers, 30-16.
Next: Cowboys/Redskins