Week 2: Sam Farmer's NFL picks

Sep 15, 2011 11:59 PM

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

[More from sports] The Ravens have a franchise tag decision to make. Matthew Judon’s already shown his true value.

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

[More from sports] Jalen Smith continues to dominate and more takeaways from Maryland basketball’s win over Northwestern

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.

[More from sports] Maryland quarterback Tyler DeSue announces retirement from football as string of Terps departures continues

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

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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

[More from sports] Finally over the flu, Orioles’ Hunter Harvey ready to join in the competition for bullpen roles

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.