Week 2 Games

This week is going to be top heavy.  Here are the picks from ESPN Eliminator:

MIN @ DET
This is by far the most popular pick.  Teams that win on the road in Week 1 do very well in Week 2, though normally that second game comes at home, not on the road.  A couple of things worry me about this game.  1. Favre is no Brees. Yes, Mike Bell had a lot of yards, but the main damage was from Brees.  Favre has a better shot at throwing 6 INTs than 6 TD's.  2. DET played the Vikings tougher than anyone else last year, leading both games in the 4th quarter.
I don't think DET will win this.  MIN defense should have a field day.  But I'm going to hold off on the Vikings for a later date, either STL or DET  at home.

STL @ WAS
The division research in the previous post wasn't kind to big underdogs.  The Redskins offense was terrible but defense was solid for most of the game.  STL won in Washington last year, but I can't see it happening again.
Washington plays @DET next week and home for TB the week after, but I think this is their best bet.

This is the game I will probably be taking.

CIN @ GB
The research likes GB coming off a division win, now a big favorite.  Plus, 2 home games in a row.  The Cincy defense is improved (I think) but offensive line is not.  If GB carries over the emotion from last week, they'll dominate.  If they have a let down (remember, teams that win a division game win 52% of their next games.) this game could be close.  I see it being close for a while, but GB pulls away.
GB plays @ STL next week and home for DET in week 6 [which will be post-bye].

HOU @ TEN
The post-Thursday night research gives the edge to TEN.  With all that rest, plus they are favored.  I'm not sure why anyone would take this game though.  AFC South games are usually contested.  Houston looked terrible last week but maybe it was more the Jets D.  I don't know, but I'm saving Ten.

IND @ MIA
The research likes IND here, but I see no reason to take them.  They'll be without Gonzalez.  Plus they will be playing @STL and DEN later in the season.

CAR @ ATL
Cousin Sal like the Panthers in this game.  I won't go that far, but we know CAR isn't as bad as last week.  No need to take ATL this week with the other options we have.

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No one should be taking the games below, but here are my thoughts:

NO @ PHI
I am not sold on NO at all.  They don't seem to win the big games on the road.  Kolb scares me from the Eagles point of view.  Maybe a tie.

NE @ NYJ
Mayo a huge loss for the Pats.  If Fred Jackson can run wild on NE with a bad offensive line, T Jones and L Washington could be in for monster games.  We still don't know much about the Jets just from 1 week, but I don't see how anyone can take the Pats here.  I would think after that crazy comeback there will be an emotional letdown.

OAK @ KC
I love this game.  I'm scared to go against either team right now.  I would think KC wins it.

ARI @ JAC
The Jags showed some life last week, but the research says ARI might be frisky.  I have no clue on this game.

TB @ BUF
Buffalo favored by 5?  Is this a joke?

SEA @ SF
I hate the NFC West.  Research slightly favors SF.

PIT @ CHI
Thursday Night winner theory.  PIT takes this one.

CLE @ DEN
I have nothing to say on this game.

BAL @ SD
Research LOVES the Chargers.  I don't think it realizes they are playing the Ravens.  SD should take it in an entertaining game.

NYG @ DAL
O/U on times the new scoreboard is mentioned or shown: 87.5