Week 2 Picks
All times Eastern · Scott Dryden, Dryden Rare Breed Scouting™
There is always overreaction following week one of the NFL season – for the good – for the bad. Some of the teams that appear to be done will bounce back – some of the week one juggernauts will fall to the norm – tis football. The big surprise was the number of points scored. Typically, offenses struggle out of the gate – not in 2025. It will be interesting to see how teams bounce back with a week under their belt – and true film to learn from. Onward and upward:
Dryden’s Week One Record: 10-6
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
8:15 PM
Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills
Huge games for two high level squads coming off huge wins – on a short week. This should be a dandy.
BUF 34 DET 30
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 — 1:00 PM
1:00
Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans
The new Titans looked like the old Titans – for that matter the same applied to the Eagles. Philly grinds out another ugly victory.
PHI 23 TEN 16
1:00
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots
The McCarthy era started with a win, but it was anything but pretty. The Pats were once again dismayed by the Seahawks D. The Pats bounce back with Mayes returning to form.
NE 27 PIT 17
1:00
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Kyler Murray will likely be out following a concussion in his Vikings debut. Wentz? JJ McCarthy is firmly in the doghouse after SKOL came back for a huge win vs GB. The Bears were on fire racking up an astonishing 59 points – don’t expect that big of a day but an easy win for Ben Johnson’s Bears.
CHI 27 MIN 13
1:00
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
The Panthers were supposed to have a good D – that wasn’t the case vs the Bears. They travel to Atlanta to face a team with quarterback uncertainty. Will Penix be back? I would start rookie Jack Strand – either way they win in their home opener.
ATL 24 CAR 20
1:00
Green Bay Packers at New York Jets
The Packers blew a big lead – now face what appears to be a must win. Expect Love to bounce back against a young Jets squad who were impressive in their win at TN.
GB 27 NYJ 20
1:00
New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens
As I’ve stated many times - this Saints team is on the rise. Tyler Shough appears to be the real deal. They rallied – pushing the Lions to OT before not converting on a game winning 2pt conversion. The Ravens were dominant in Indy. Expect another close game for NOLA -they fall short again.
BALT 31 NOLA 27
1:00
Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans
The new look Cincy defense wasn’t perfect – but man were they hitting. Sexy Dexy was a big factor but the play of safety Bryan Cook was huge as well. The offense had moments but didn’t unleash their star wideouts in their victory over the Bucs. The Texans D was humiliating by Josh Allen and the Bills in their home opener. This could be a playoff preview – expect a physical game with turnover again in favor of the Bengals.
CIN 27 HOU 24
1:00
Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Drama and controversy in Cleveland – hard to believe – snicker snicker. Watson will be under center again. Baker Mayfield was loose with the ball in Cincy – but he will be dialed in to face a team that let him go. Mayfield shines.
TB 33 CLE 20
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 — 4:05 PM
4:05
Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos
The Jaguars dominated the hapless Browns which meant rest for their starters. They travel to face the Broncos who are on a short week following their loss vs KC. The Broncos certainly didn’t look like a playoff team on Monday – but this team is talented -they bounce back.
DEN 27 JAX 20
4:05
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
The Raiders dominated the hapless Dolphins in Vegas. They travel to their once former city to face a Chargers team who went through the motions – had no interest in competing in a week one lost to Arizona. Is it possible Jim Harbaugh has already worn thin? He typically does at every stop – but Herbert bounces back.
LAC 27 LV 23
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 — 4:25 PM
4:25
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
The Seahawks will start Drew Lock with Sam Darnold out with a hip injury. They will be fresh having not played since September 9th. The Cardinals looked like a different team – physically. Expect them to compete but Seattle’s defense is too much.
SEA 23 AZ 13
4:25
Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers
The Dolphins are likely the worst roster in the entire league – firmly in play for the first overall pick. They are on the road again – this time vs a Niners squad who dominated the overhyped Rams in Australia. Expect a big game by Brock Purdy.
SF 34 MIA 16
4:25
Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys
The Commanders were sloppy but managed to comeback and scare the Eagles. They travel to Dallas to face a team that was embarrassed in New York. Expect a physical - tough divisional game with Prescott bouncing back.
DAL 28 WASH 24
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
8:20 PM
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs
Indiana Jones and the Colts were throttled at home by the Ravens – now travel to face a Chiefs squad who looked different – but effective in their win over the Broncos. Expect the Colts to play better but it won’t be enough at Arrowhead.
KC 24 INDY 20
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
8:15 PM
New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams
The G-Men are a new team. Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo with John Harbaugh as HC – took it to Dallas on SNF. The Rams have had time to lick their wounds but will be without Myles Garrett for at least 4 weeks. Aaron Donald will likely play his first game post-retirement. Expect a fired-up squad but the Giants keep it close. Stafford and Puka are too much for NY.
LAR 31 NYG 24