Tampa Bay (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1)

Can your second game of the season be a must-win game? Considering that only 2 teams have made it to the playoffs after going 0-2 at home to start the season, game 2 carries some weight for the defending Super Bowl champs. Last week, the Giants couldn’t start the running game and had trouble defending the pass. The Bucs were able to jump start their running game with rookie Doug Martin, while stifling the Panthers various rushing threats. But if the Thursday night game proved anything, it is that you can’t take too much from one game. The G-men get back on track and the Bucs come back to Earth.

Giants 25, Bucs 20

Baltimore (1-0) at Philadelphia (1-0)

Not many teams could look worse offensively while wining a game then the Eagles did in the last week. Michael Vick was only surpassed by Brandon Weeden in the terrible QB standings but Philly prevailed because its strong defense made a few big plays. The Ravens completely dominated a division foe and 2011 playoff team in the Bengals.  Joe Flacco looked prime to take the next step and Ray Lewis found the fountain of youth. This game will come down to the commitment to the run more than the quarterback play. The Eagles stopped running the ball early last week while the Ravens didn’t need to focus on it. Look for a big game running the football from both Vick and McCoy to lead Philly despite the limited availability of both starting wide receivers.

Eagles 27, Ravens 25

New York Jets (1-0) at Pittsburgh (0-1)

Jets offense. Unstoppable. Can those words really be combined into one sentence? After an upside down week 1, the Jets somehow look like one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. Can we really believe in the Sanchez-Tebow quarterback combo? The first week will turn out to be an illusion more than a changing of the times. Pittsburgh won’t give the Jets wonderful field position with terrible turnovers and special teams blunders. The Steelers could also have a field day on offense with no Revis in the Jets’ secondary. Sorry Orange and Green, last week will seem like a season ago after this Sunday against Big Ben.

Steelers 21, Jets 18

Detroit (1-0) at San Francisco (1-0)

Handshake-gate, part two for coaches Jim Schwartz and Jim Harbaugh, whose teams come into the rematch after emotional victories last week. The Lions edged the improving Rams, as Calvin Johnson transformed himself into Megatron down the stretch. The 49ers went to Green Bay and overwhelmed the Packers with a steady offense and dominating defense. Johnson, who missed a midweek practice, is ready to play but the 49ers have more offensive weapons and truly special special teams. Harbaugh will offer the winning (more respectful?) handshake again.

49ers 24, Lions 22

Denver (1-0) at Atlanta (1-0)

I was wrong…  and I couldn’t be happier! Peyton Manning returned, and despite multiple neck surgeries, a new team, and the Pittsburgh defense, he was still the superior Peyton Manning. Having one of the game’s best quarterbacks back is a pleasure for any NFL fan. The way he did it was the difference. He was Peyton again when the offense was handed over to him and he was able to call his own plays in the no-huddle. This will continue against the Falcons. Atlanta has its own plans. Matt Ryan wants to get to the same level as Manning. Will he get there this season? No one knows, but Monday night belongs where it should, back in the hands of Peyton Manning

Broncos 31, Falcons 28

Last Week: 2-3