In the first part of our NFL Week Two Preview, we’ll be looking at four NFL games. I will review the following games: Bills vs. Dolphins, Panthers vs. Vikings, Browns vs. Bengals, and Lions vs. Bears. Is there such a thing as a must-win game this early in the season? For a couple of these teams, that’s a very real reality. We’ll see.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Last week was more of the same for the Buffalo Bills. They played a good match and then made a mistake at the end to lose it. Bills quarterback JP Losman needs to learn not to run into his own end zone with the ball. His mistake led to a Patriots safety, leading to the Bills’ two-point loss. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are playing on extended rest. They discovered that despite all the fuss, they still have work to do.
Choose: Dolphins Why? They have a winning percentage of 78.8% in the first games at home.
Carolina Panthers vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Panthers can be without Steve Smith again. They looked horrible in last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Even if Smith returns, this team is in trouble. Now they’re going on the road to take on a Vikings team that just earned a thrilling victory Monday night in Washington. The Panthers are in a must-win situation. They can’t afford to go down 0-2. The Vikings are playing into a short week and that may be a factor, especially for their older quarterback, Brad Johnson.
Choose: Vikings Why? Vikings will play well at home and Carolina will be surprised again.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Here’s a story of two teams going their separate ways. The Bengals are fresh off their victory in Kansas City. The Browns struggled against New Orleans, as the Saints are slightly better this season. Carson Palmer is back and appears to be as good as ever for the Bengals. The Browns are struggling to find themselves.
Pick: Bengals Why? They are the best team and at home, pretty simple.
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears
The Detroit Lions looked pretty good in their loss in Seattle, defensively. As for the offense, well that was missing. The Bears shut down the Packers and gave Brett Favre his first career shutout. The Bears defense was on the ball. The Lions must leave their friendly confines and travel to Soldier Field to play a nasty Bears team. The Bears’ offense is still suspect, but they should get the job done. All indicators point to the Bears winning by 7+ in this one.
Choose: Bears Why? They will score 14+ points and limit the Lions’ offense to field goals.
