Pro football reporter Sam Farmer breaks down the games.
Last week: 11-5 Against the spread: 6-9-1
SUNDAY'S GAMES
Bears (1-0) at Saints (0-1), noon
TV: WFLD-Ch. 32
Line: Saints by 7 Over/under: 471/2
Bears were very sharp in opener, particularly on defense, and they're 3-0 against Sean Payton-coached Saints (although all in Chicago).
Pick: Bears 27, Saints 24
Cardinals (1-0) at Redskins (1-0), noon
Line: Redskins by 31/2 Over/under: 441/2
If Cam Newton was able to throw for 400 yards against Cardinals, Rex Grossman is capable of having good game against them. Cardinals' secondary will be tested again.
Pick: Redskins 21, Cardinals 20
Raiders (1-0) at Bills (1-0), noon
Line: Bills by 3 Over/under: 43
Bills stopped run against Chiefs, last season's No. 1 rushing team. If they can do that against Raiders — a team that lives or dies by the run — they will win.
Pick: Bills 21, Raiders 17
Packers (1-0) at Panthers (0-1), noon
Line: Packers by 10 Over/under: 461/2
As well as he played against Cardinals, Cam Newton would have to play even better against defending Super Bowl champions to keep pace with Aaron Rodgers.
Pick: Packers 35, Panthers 21
Chiefs (0-1) at Lions (1-0), noon
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2
Line: Lions by 8 Over/under: 451/2
Chiefs should bounce back after disastrous performance against Bills, but asking them to beat rising Lions on road — without safety Eric Berry — is a lot.
Pick: Lions 24, Chiefs 17
Browns (0-1) at Colts (0-1), noon
Line: Browns by 21/2 Over/under: 40
If Kerry Collins can protect ball better than he did vs. Texans, Colts should win. Lockout hurt inexperienced Browns as much as it hurt any NFL team.
Pick: Colts 18, Browns 15
Bucs (0-1) at Vikings (0-1), noon
Line: Vikings by 3 Over/under: 411/2
Vikings have some offensive weapons, even if that wasn't always apparent in opener. Donovan McNabb will rebound from cover-your-eyes debut.
Pick: Vikings 24, Buccaneers 20
Jaguars (1-0) at Jets (1-0), noon
Line: Jets by 91/2 Over/under: 39
Maurice Jones-Drew should keep Jets defense honest for while, but Jets have too many ways to score, and Jaguars will find it hard to survive shootout.
Pick: Jets 30, Jaguars 17
Seahawks (0-1) at Steelers (0-1), noon
Line: Steelers by 141/2 Over/under: 40
Steelers had seven turnovers in Baltimore and completely collapsed. They are due for big bounce-back, and Seahawks will have hard time keeping things interesting.
Pick: Steelers 35, Seahawks 13
Ravens (1-0) at Titans (0-1), noon
Line: Ravens by 6 Over/under: 38
These teams already heading in opposite directions. If Ravens stay focused, there's no reason they shouldn't control clock (and Kenny Britt) and win.
Pick: Ravens 24, Titans 14
Cowboys (0-1) at 49ers (1-0), 3:05 p.m.
Line: Cowboys by 3 Over/under: 421/2
Cowboys fell apart down stretch against Jets, and 49ers defense is playing well. But Cowboys pass rushers should be able to get to Alex Smith.
Pick: Cowboys 24, 49ers 17
Bengals (1-0) at Broncos (0-1), 3:15 p.m.
Line: Broncos by 4 Over/under: 40
Asking Bengals to open with two victories on road is a lot, especially for franchise that hasn't won in Denver since 1975. Broncos aren't good, but they're good enough here.
Pick: Broncos 21, Bengals 15
Chargers (1-0) at Patriots (1-0), 3:15 p.m.
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2
Line: Patriots by 7 Over/under: 531/2
Chargers could surprise here — Philip Rivers played well in injury-riddled AFC title game in Foxborough — but it's hard to bet against Tom Brady and midseason form.
Pick: Patriots 30, Chargers 27
Texans (1-0) at Dolphins (0-1), 3:15 p.m.
Line: Texans by 3 Over/under: 48
Arian Foster should be back, and that will help Texans control tempo. Dolphins are coming off short week after surrendering 622 yards to Patriots.
Pick: Texans 28, Dolphins 24
Eagles (1-0) at Falcons (0-1), 7:20 p.m.
TV: WMAQ-Ch. 5
Line: Eagles by 21/2 Over/under: 491/2
Eagles play home games outside, but they have speed to be great dome team. Michael Vick gets edge in homecoming to Georgia Dome.
Pick: Eagles 27, Falcons 24
MONDAY'S GAME
Rams (0-1) at Giants (0-1), 7:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Giants by 6 Over/under: 431/2
Even though it appears Sam Bradford will be a go for Rams, that still won't be enough for a team ravaged by injuries. Eli Manning should hold on at home.
Pick: Giants 17, Rams 14
