Houston at Tennessee
The Texans were manhandled in their home opener by the Jets. They need to play this game with some fire. Their strength is the passing game, especially when Quarterback gets the ball into the hands of Wide Receiver Andre Johnson. That did not happen enough last week. In terms of running the ball, this will be another tough opponent for Running Back Steve Slaton, but he has to receive more than twelve touches to be effective. The defense has a good front seven, and they need to play well to disrupt the timing in Tennessee's rushing game.
The Titans looked like a solid team in Pittsburgh last week. Their downfall in the loss was not able to pressure the quarterback up the middle. They miss Albert Haynesworth, but still have an effective defense. The running game should get going this week, as both Jets runners had solid games last week. I expect both Chris Johnson and LenDale White to have big games.
This should be a game the Titans win, but the Texans should be in it until the end, where Tennessee's running attack wears them down. Final Score: 21-10 Tennessee.
Oakland at Kansas City
The Raiders showed a lot of heart last week, and will fight for a full 60 minutes. Defensive End Richard Seymour legitimizes their pass rush, making star Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugh that much more effective on the back end. Running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush should give the Chiefs fits all day. Two factors worry me about Oakland: JaMarcus Russell's play at quarterback and playing at Arrowhead Stadium. Russell needs to be more accurate with his passing. He missed too many wide open receivers last week. Arrowhead is probably one of the toughest stadiums in the NFL to win on the road.
The Chiefs put up a fight last week against Baltimore, so this game should be a battle. Historically, Running Back Larry Johnson has killed the Raiders, so he should play well. I'd like their odds a lot more if Quarterback Matt Cassel was not injured, because he may or may not play. Their defense needs to play better after giving up 38 points last week. But their Special Teams need to continue their excellent play for the battle of field position.
This will be a hard fought game. I see Oakland stealing this one. Final score: 24-21 Oakland.
New England at New York Jets
The Patriots looked like two different teams last week. They started the game skittish and tentative on both sides of the ball, and finished it with a flurry, while showing flashes of the 2007 season. Quarterback Tom Brady looks like he's back to form. It took him about a half to shake off the rust. He'll probably be pressured the whole game, I see a lot of dump offs to the running backs and tight ends, and slip screens to the receivers. The loss of Linebacker Jerod Mayo hurts the defense, because he has the ability to play the run and cover quick running backs and tight ends.
The Jets have an aggressive team, and will fight the whole game. Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez looked solid last week, and he should do well this week, because New England's defense is a lot younger than it once was, and susceptible to giving up points. I think Leon Washington is going to have a big game. He's better than Fred Jackson, and he tore them to shreds last week.
This is going to be a shootout. I was thinking about picking the Jets, but I can't bet against Tom Brady. Final score: 38-35 New England.
St. Louis at Washington
The Rams started their game well last week, but faded quickly. Running Back Steven Jackson is by far their best player, but I think Washington has the proper players to contain him. This team has some talent on their lines, but possess many deficiencies at the skill positions.
The Redskins played the Giants tough last week. This is a game they should win easily. Running Back Clinton Portis should have well over 100 yards rushing, and Jason Campbell should have a nice game passing the ball.
This game could get out of hand quickly. Final score: 38-10 Washington.
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