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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Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, CBS

If the Chiefs team that came to play in the second half against the Chargers shows up here, we’ll have a tremendous AFC showdown in Houston. But if the first-half Andy Reid team enters Sunday’s matchup, we could be in for a quick result.

Sunday was truly a tale of two Kansas City teams, with both not even closely resembling the other. There was little excuse for falling flat in a home opener against a division rival (a weaker one, at that). Someone in the locker room found a way to relay that message and help the players put it into action, because the resilient second-half Chiefs squad looked to be one ready to plow their way through opponents on the way to becoming a dark-horse Championship contender. The question remains: who shows up on Sunday?

That’s important because of the ability that Houston boasts on offense. Already, we’re seeing offseason additions in Lamar Miller, Brock Osweiler and Will Fuller prove to be quick-strike options in an offense that already owns a top NFL receiver in DeAndre Hopkins. Make no mistake about it: if tackles Derek Newton and Duane Brown help anchor a solid front offensive line, Osweiler can and will shred defenses. He’s good enough to make the throws, and his weapons are plenty talented to make statements throughout the game.

There’s something to like about Bill O’Brien’s group in 2016; if they win in the trenches as they are capable of doing on Sunday, they’ll enjoy a comfortable 2-0 start to the season.

Texans win a tight game with Lamar Miller’s surprise performance, 23-21.

Next: Titans/Lions