The Chippers Top 5
Predictions for Week 2:
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers
The Bears won’t be able to slow down the Packers’ passing game the way the 49ers did, but Green Bay will struggle with Chicago’s passing attack too. The Packers will not drop two in a row at home to start the season. They were able to sack Alex Smith four times and they will definitely get at Cutler as well. Expect a closely-contested bounce-back win from Green Bay on Thursday night.
Prediction: Packers 31 Bears 28
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals
The Browns’ defense was impressive against Philly, but the Bengals’ offense will be more balanced, and the Browns showed a weakness against the run. How long will the Browns stick with Brandon Weeden? The Bengals have a decent defense and a true playmaker on the offensive side of the ball in A.J. Green, along with a good young quarterback in Andy Dalton. Cincy shut’s down Weeden en route to a big win.
Prediction: Bengals 28 Browns 10
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers
The Saints shouldn’t have to pass 50 times against a Panthers defense that can’t stop the run. Expect a big day from Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles as the Saints pick up their first win. This game has “collateral damage” written all over it, as the Saints will look to take out their aggressions from Week 1 on the Panthers who, defensively, aren’t there yet.
Prediction: Saints 35 Panthers 21
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Two hard-hitting defenses face off. Mark Sanchez quieted doubters in game 1. A banged up Pittsburgh roster is looking worse by the day. The Jets’ defensive line should feast after a famine against the Bills last week. The offensive line dominated a talented Bills defensive unit who recorded only one pressure. If Mark Sanchez can get into a rhythm against a suspect Steelers secondary, this could get ugly.
Prediction: Jets 24 Steelers 23
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New York Giants
The Giants need to get back on track, and the average Tampa passing game helps. As long as New York can bottle up Doug Martin, they should get back to an even record. The Bucs pulled off a big win over Carolina, but the G-Men have a different level of pass rush. This will be a huge test for Josh Freeman, and I don’t think the Bucs can score enough points to hold off the Giants.
Prediction: Giants 30 Buccaneers 17