Gridiron Blitz: Week Two NFL Picks

By E. Marcel Pourtout, Editor

Music to listen to: Soul Sacrifice (live) by Santana:

This will be a Ray Rice-free column in relation to the off the field situation. We all have opinions on it and I’ll even delve into mine in a later column with an objective view, specifically  the media coverage and the NFL’s response to it . I’m already formulating it and there are no winners in this.

However, we’ll discuss Rice’s departure from the Ravens roster as a running back starting with my first game pick. As always, the home team is in bold.

Pittsburgh (+2.5) BALTIMORE: Rice wasn’t going to play in this game anyway with the original suspension so the analysis stays the same.

I had a pessimistic view of the Ravens’ prospects this season even if Rice came back for the third game. The vertical threats in the passing game haven’t developed and the defense is solid but middle of the pack in the NFL.

My negative hopes in the Ravens were placed on Joe Flacco. He’s an average quarterback. Yes, he won the Super Bowl with an outstanding playoff run but what have we seen from Flacco beyond those four playoff games in 2013 that puts him at an elite level?

Against Cincinnati last week, Flacco threw the ball 62 times. He’s not talented enough for the Ravens to continue this path. Baltimore will be fortunate to win seven games this year.

Pittsburgh aren’t championship contenders themselves but had positive moments in its home win over Cleveland last week. The defense isn’t dominant but I was happy to see a commitment to the running game, particularly Le’veon Bell getting 23 carries. Ben Roethlisberger did throw for over 300 yards and a touchdown but a balanced attack is the best route for the Steelers’ offense to go.

Pittsburgh will do enough to get past Baltimore.

BUFFALO (+1) Miami: The winner of this contest could have a two-game lead on New England with a division game win to boot. Miami could have two division wins and we’re not even midway through September yet.

Buffalo showed inspired play in Chicago for the overtime win. E.J. Manuel having a solid game. The numbers weren’t impressive but I liked the confidence in the pocket and using his mobility to extend plays.

Miami had a nice win over New England but I’m bullish on the Bills in their home opener with new ownership settling the drama of possible relocation.

Jacksonville (+6) WASHINGTON: It’s not Kirk Cousins time in Washington but there should be legitimate concerns about whether Robert Griffin III can become a championship quarterback in the NFL.

Here’s my list of quarterbacks I think can lead their team to championships at this current moment in 2014. These aren’t my top quarterbacks in the league based on talent or skill alone. These are guys who have the complete package to make a run at a title. Here’s the list (in no particular order): Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, Colin Kaepernick and Andrew Luck.

Griffin is just as talented physically as all of those guys, even better than some. However, watching the Texans/Redskins game last Sunday, I saw an indecisive quarterback who isn’t sure when to run or throw.

Also, Washington’s offensive line didn’t help the cause either.

The Jaguars were so close to pulling off the win at Philadelphia last week. I don’t have a complete read on them but see their contest against the Redskins being a close one.

Jacksonville covers the spread.

TENNESSEE (-3.5) Dallas: If Jake Locker played for a more high-profile franchise, he would receive the Tony Romo treatment. If Romo didn’t play for the Cowboys, he would not receive as much criticism as he does.

Both guys have looked like a million bucks one game and a bucket of nails the next.

I’ve heard fans of both franchises try to talk themselves into these guys being the right quarterbacks to lead their franchises.

When Romo was in the middle of another three-interception game last week against San Francisco, I was surprised by the shock and commentary on social media about it. Romo is what he is at this stage of his career.

Give me the Titans at home.

NY GIANTS (+1.5) Arizona: That was an ugly loss for the Giants at Detroit last Monday night. I’m banking on them doing well against a west coast team that has to play the early Sunday game traveling across the country.

New England (-3) MINNESOTA: In most cases, the Patriots win this game by double-digits because they’re coming off of a loss. However, the Vikings did look good against St. Louis last week, especially the offense. New OC Norv Turner developed a simple game plan. Get the ball in the hands of the playmakers which the Vikings have a good amount of.

I’m banking on history and say the Patriots emerge with a victory.

CINCINNATI (-5) Atlanta: Good win for Atlanta last week over New Orleans. After winning only four games last year and hosting your rival in the season opener for this year, a victory was mandatory for the Falcons.

I’ve never been worried about Atlanta’s offense particularly Matt Ryan. He had a bad year last year but his track record shows that he’ll bounce back from it. Throwing for a franchise-record 448 yards last week shows that.

Its the Falcons’ defense that concerns me, particularly the front seven. The secondary is actually OK but there still wasn’t enough of a pass rush to inspire hope for the better.

I’ve already gone on record saying that the Bengals will win the AFC South and Andy Dalton has the best year of his career.

The Bengals’ defense does enough to stop the Falcons and get the win.

St. Louis (+5) TAMPA: I have no idea who’s going to emerge with a victory in this contest so I’ll predict a close contest that will come down to a field goal.

Seattle (-5.5) SAN DIEGO: Interesting test for the Seahawks. They’re coming off of a big home win over Green Bay and now have to travel on the road to a decent San Diego squad. I’ll still take Seattle.

OAKLAND (+3) Houston: I like David Carr.

GREEN BAY (-8.5) New York Jets: This line could be double-digits and I’ll still take the Packers. You want me to bet on Geno Smith on the road against a desperate Green Bay squad at home? Easiest game to pick this week

DENVER (-13.5) Kansas City: If this game was in Kansas City, I’d be interested in hearing a debate about the Chiefs covering. However, the Broncos are nasty at home and will cover this massive spread.

SAN FRANCISCO (-7) Chicago: Home opener for the 49ers combined with a Sunday night game. The Bears’ defense concerns me against an active San Fran offense.

INDIANAPOLIS (-3) Philadelphia: Andrew Luck at home.

Last week: 5-11-0

Season: 5-11-0