NFL Week 2 predictions: Vikings beat Steelers, Patriots bounce back
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings overcome the Steelers and the Patriots will bounce back in Week 2 of the NFL season. Get the rest of our predictions right here!
Week 1 of the NFL season is in the books and there were quite a few surprises. Not only did the returning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots get beat by the Chiefs, but the Cincinnati Bengals were shut out by the Ravens and Sam Bradford looked like Joe Montana for the Minnesota Vikings.
There is no need to watch the games in Week 2 if you’re here reading this article. There are plenty of spoilers here that will make you look like the smartest person at your football party if you pay close attention.
***EDITOR’S NOTE: THESE ARE NOT SPOILERS, JUST PREDICTIONS***
Here are predictions for a final score from each Week 2 contest and one standout performance from each game played:
Thursday Night Football
10. 21. 56. Final. 17
Cincinnati Bengals -21 Houston Texans 17
The Bengals rebound in prime time against a strong Texans defense, moving the ball with quick passes to hide their struggling offensive line and pairing that with strong runs.
KEY STAT: WR A.J. Green – 7 catches for 92 yards and 1 TD
Sunday Noon Games
24. 52. 20. 35. Final
Jacksonville continues to impress as their defense tightens up against a Titans team on the rise. Plus, the Jaguars run their offense through the running back, opening up a few big plays deep.
KEY STAT: RB Leonard Fournette – 21 carries for 84 yards and 1 TD
26. 17. 53. Final. 27
The Browns make it a challenge through the first half, but the Ravens defense shut things down in the second half, allowing only one field goal in the final two quarters.
Key Stat: QB Joe Flacco – 358 passing yards and 2 passing TDs
23. 87. 19. 16. Final
The Panthers keep the Bills out of the end zone in this game until the final minutes of the game, only allowing field goals while moving the ball well up and down the field.
Key Stat: CB Captain Munnerlyn – 8 tackles, 1 interception
15. 41. 47. Final. 31
The Patriots put on an offensive show in this contest, pushing the ball down the field against a struggling New Orleans secondary. Meanwhile, Brees finds his rhythm in the passing game after struggling in Minnesota.
KEY STAT: QB Drew Brees – 341 passing yards and 3 passing TDs
Final. 23. 46. 16. 32
This is going to be the sloppiest game of the week. Both offenses will struggle in a big way to finish drives, with their kickers getting a lot of work.
KEY STAT: 6 total field goals made, 7 attempted
54. Final. 31. 124. 24
The Chiefs continue to make their offense look strong while missing the presence of Eric Berry on defense. Meanwhile, the Eagles turn the ball over on while attempting a game-tying drive.
KEY STAT: RB Kareem Hunt – 160 years from scrimmage, 2 TDs
27. 55. 30. 60. Final
Last week, the Vikings made things look easy against the Saints high-powered passing offense. This week, they find the end zone three more times, with none of them happening on the ground.
KEY STAT: QB Sam Bradford – 82% completion percentage, 352 yards passing, 3 TDs
57. Final. 27. 48. 17
Tampa comes out looking a little rough after not having a game in week 1, but they quickly find their rhythm against a Bears team that is still struggling to find an identity of their own.
KEY STAT: WR Mike Evans – 122 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Sunday evening games
59. Final. 24. 13. 19
It’s hard to know what to expect from the Dolphins since they didn’t play in Week 1, but for their first pro game led by Jay Cutler to be against a strong Chargers secondary isn’t great.
KEY STAT: Chargers intercept Cutler twice
28. 13. 30. Final. 30
The Jets are a team that everyone would like to see on their schedules, and the Raiders are licking their chops at this matchup. The defense and offense just have fun in a game that is never truly competitive.
KEY STAT: QB Derek Carr – 332 passing yards, 3 TDs
This will be the most exciting game of the week, going down to the wire and even requiring overtime for the Rams to put the Redskins away.
KEY STAT: WR Cooper Kupp – 7 catches for 108 yards
45. 27. 123. Final. 18
The Broncos defense finally meets its match when it faces off against a strong offensive line that can beat them in several different ways. Meanwhile, the offense of Denver musters only one score in the game.
KEY STAT: RB Ezekiel Elliott – 140 yards from scrimmage, 2 TDs
36. 10. 42. Final. 34
The offense that Seattle put on the field against the Packers proves to be a fluke when they absolutely crush the 49ers, who just don’t have the firepower to fight back.
KEY STAT: WR Doug Baldwin – 8 catches for 102 yards and 1 TD.
Sunday Night Football
If you like offense, you’ll love the game on Sunday night. These two teams will trade touchdowns and field goals for most of the game, with Aaron Rodgers getting the best of the shootout.
KEY STAT: QB Aaron Rodgers – 410 passing yards and 4 touchdowns
Monday Night Football
Final. 23. 31. 27. 50
The Giants are better than the performance they showed in Week 1 against the Cowboys, but they won’t get their first win quite yet, as Detroit’s strong defense and passing game proves to be too much.
KEY STAT: QB Matt Stafford – 310 passing yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT
Next: Sam Bradford named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
Which games are being predicted as all wrong and which ones do you think are right on the nose? Sound off about your predictions for Week 2 of the NFL season in the comments section below.