2017 NFL Season Week 2: Quick Picks For Every Game
By Erik Lambert
Philadelphia Eagles @ Kansas City Chiefs
It’s the student vs. the master. Doug Pederson hopes to show he deserves to hold the head coaching job Andy Reid made so desirable when he left. Philadelphia has tried to say they’re better off without him but recent history says otherwise. Meanwhile the Chiefs are rolling off a huge victory over the Patriots. Expect this game to come down to who makes more mistakes.
PHI 20, KC 23
New England Patriots @ New Orleans Saints
It would be easy to ink the Patriots with a victory here. They are the Patriots after all. However, it’s not that simple. Their defense is already riddled with injury and gave up 42 points to the Chiefs at home. Now they’re going against Drew Brees in the Superdome with that stockpile of talent? Yes New England is 3-1 against the Saints under Belichick, but those three wins were all at home.
NE 30, NO 37
Minnesota Vikings @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Things started off great for the Vikings in their win last week but there is growing concern over the health of Sam Bradford’s knee. Having a quarterback who can’t move isn’t a good thing, especially against a Pittsburgh defense at Heinz Field with an invigorated pass rush fueled by breakout rookie T.J. Watt. They’ll need the defense to stop Roethlisberger, Brown and Bell. Not good.
MIN 20, PIT 28
Chicago Bears @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is a weird game. The Bucs missed their first week due to Hurricane Irma so the starters haven’t played at all since August 26th. They’ll be hosting the Bears who are led by their former backup QB Mike Glennon. The two teams have traded wins the past two years. Tampa would seem to have the advantage on paper, but will rust and off-the-field distractions hinder them?
CHI 21, TB 24