Week 2: Sam Farmer's NFL picks

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