In part one of our NFL week two preview, we will look at four NFL games. I'll review the following games: Bills at Dolphins, Panthers at Vikings, Browns at Bengals, and Lions at 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. Let's take a look.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Last week was more of the same for the Buffalo Bills. They played a good game and then made a mistake at the end to lose it. Bills quarterback J.P. Losman needs to learn not to run around in his own end zone with the ball. His mistake led to a safety by the Patriots, which led to a Bills loss by two points. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are playing on extended rest. They discovered that despite all the hype, they still have work to do.
Pick: Dolphins Why? They have a 78.8% winning percentage in home openers.
Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings
The Panthers may be without Steve Smith again. They looked horrible in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Even if Smith returns, this team has issues. Now they go on the road to face a Vikings team that's fresh off a thrilling Monday night win in Washington. The Panthers are in a must win situation. They can't afford to go down 0-2. The Vikings are playing on a short week and that may be a factor?especially for their older QB Brad Johnson.
Pick: Vikings Why? Vikings will play good at home and Carolina will be shocked again.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Here's a story of two teams going different ways. The Bengals are fresh off their win in Kansas City. The Browns struggled against New Orleans?granted the Saints are slightly better this season. Carson Palmer is back and looks to be as good as ever for the Bengals. The Browns are struggling to find themselves.
Pick: Bengals Why? They are the better team and at home?pretty simple.
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
The Detroit Lions looked pretty good in their loss at Seattle?defensively. As for the offense, well that was missing. The Bears shut down the Packers and handed Brett Favre his first career shutout. The Bears defense was all over 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.
Pick: Bears Why? They will score 14+ points and limit the Lions offense to field goals.
