The second week of the season begins to define who teams are. For supposed "good" teams like the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and the Baltimore Ravens, starting off the season at 0-2 could send the entire season into chaos. Meanwhile, some of the lower tier teams such as the Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, and the Atlanta Falcons will try and prevent themselves from getting into a hole that they can't get themselves out of.

This week, while the defending Super Bowl Champions look to take apart a division rival on the road, things won't be so easy for the New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers, who are battling each other. Injuries played a major role around the league to kick off the season, especially with the Ravens and the New York Giants. Will they be able to recover, or were the wounds too deep?

Now, onto this week's predictions, starting with my games of the week...

CLASS OF THEIR OWN

San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots. Fresh under the lights for Sunday Night Football, Norv Turner will take his crack at redeeming the Chargers' organization after their collapse to Belichick's Patriots last year in the postseason. If you remember correctly, the Chargers seemed to have the game wrapped up, only to give Tom Brady a second chance after an unnecessary fumble. Instead of the importance of this game being at the forefront of discussion though, most of the talk this week has been on Belichick and the Patriots' illegal use of cameras against the New York Jets, which resulted in significant penalties. Although the actions are nothing to be proud of, I hope that the incident does not deter the excitement and buildup that this game rightfully deserves.

Tom Brady couldn't have been happier with his new offense last week, especially having receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker available on any given down. While Moss was definitely a big contributor, Welker quickly seemed to develop a knack for being one of Brady's favorite targets to go to. Amidst that mix, I didn't even get to mention Donte Stallworth or Laurence Maroney. The Chargers' defense doesn't plan on letting that group tear them apart, as they were able to do a fair job defending Brady last year. LaDainian Tomlinson played a major role in the Chargers' offense last week despite not rushing the ball well, and hopes to establish more of a threat on the ground this week. This is as good as you can get in the NFL, but the Patriots may have a little more fire power at this point. Patriots 27, Chargers 24

TITANS' TAKEOVER?

Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans. Although the second meeting between these two teams later in the year should have more of a bearing on the finishing touches of the division, this could be a once in a season opportunity for the Titans right here. With both teams having 1-0 records currently, another astounding effort from Vince Young and the running game will put Tennessee on top of the division for the first time in years. Considering the Colts just shut down the best offensive team in football from a year ago though, the Titans are going to have to hope for a lot of things to go their way in order to pull off the upset.

While the Titans' defense was able to keep David Garrard in check most of last week, they aren't facing Garrard this week - they're facing Peyton Manning. The absence of Pacman Jones didn't make a significant impact last week, but that void will likely be exploited this week. Tennessee's defensive backfield has potential, but they're not even close to the point where they can keep Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark in check for four quarters. Tennessee's only hope is if they're able to run the ball all day long, but based on the Colts' swarming defense last week, that won't be an option. Colts 28, Titans 17

TURMOIL BY DEFAULT

Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants. Injuries completely devastated the New York Giants last week, despite the fact that they were able to maintain an explosive nature offensively. Running back Brandon Jacobs will miss about a month of action, while quarterback Eli Manning's shoulder is currently in question. While it looks like Manning will be able to play this week, whether or not his throwing capabilities are 100% or not is the important issue. Based on what the Giants' defense showed last week, the offense can't afford to have any more setbacks. Otherwise, Tom Coughlin's club will go into turmoil not because of decision making, but simply by default due to injuries.

The Packers' running game was shut down last week, but Brett Favre will look to take a page out of Tony Romo's book this week and sling several touchdowns against New York's less-than-impressive secondary. The Packers' defense, which I advocated so many times before the start of the season, made me proud after keeping Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook to average-at-best performances in Week 1. The Packers are on a roll dating back to last season, and it only took one huge week in 2007 to set the tone for the rest of the season. Packers 20, Giants 14

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers. Could it be that the Houston Texans are actually being given enough respect to be involved in a game of the week? While they did face an inept Kansas City Chiefs offense, it doesn't change the fact that a risky offseason of acquiring Matt Schaub and Ahman Green, a new quarterback and a new running back, looks to be paying off already. In order for Schaub to have that same type of luck against the Panthers though, a game of perfection will need to be placed into effect. The Panthers were able to hold the St. Louis Rams' talented offense to a minimum last week, although a lot of that can be attributed to the fumbles from Steven Jackson.

Jake Delhomme desperately needed to prove to the fans of Carolina as well as the organization that he's the right man to lead this team. With David Carr looking over his shoulder, Delhomme couldn't have made a better statement, connecting with both Steve Smith and Drew Carter in the end zone. Seeing DeShaun Foster perform well without sustaining an injury is an issue that needs to be replicated each and every week. The Texans did a great job at not letting Larry Johnson break out last week, meaning Delhomme will be throwing early and often. Panthers 21, Texans 10

REST OF THE WEEK

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns. With everything that happened in Cleveland after last week's game, it may seem as if the team has already conceded. That is far from the truth though, because getting rid of Charlie Frye means the club admitted to their mistakes as soon as possible in hopes that they could "start over" in Week 2. The Bengals are coming off of a big victory over the Baltimore Ravens last week. While the offense handled Baltimore's defense extremely well, the defense almost gave it up despite having an unbelievable amount of turnovers. Cincinnati's defense remains a liability, but it won't deter them just yet. Bengals 27, Browns 20

Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars. Something is wrong with the picture of the Jaguars allowing over 200 yards rushing to the Titans, but something will be extremely wrong if they can't put a clamp on the Falcons' ground game. Atlanta was perhaps the least impressive team in all of Week 1, scoring all three points in a losing effort to the Minnesota Vikings. Harrington threw two interceptions, both of which cost Atlanta dearly. The Jaguars' passing game wasn't bad last week, but the lack of production from Maurice-Jones Drew and Fred Taylor was the real surprise. Both running backs should be at the focal point of Jacksonville's offensive gameplan this week, and they'll each pile on the yardage. Jaguars 17, Falcons 6

Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. Buffalo's offensive line has been revamped, but the Mike Tomlin's defense clearly showed that they aren't any less aggressive than they were in the past after taking down the Browns six times. Most of Buffalo's success last week came on the success of rookie running back Marshawn Lynch, something that they will lack against the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger's completion percentage last week was not very impressive due to several dropped passes, but he executed the big play perfectly on four occasions. Stopping a red hot Big Ben and having to worry about Willie Parker on the road can only call for trouble. Steelers 23, Bills 13

San Francisco 49ers vs. St. Louis Rams. After watching Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander return to their old forms last week, the rest of the teams in the NFC West know that the Seattle Seahawks are the team to beat in the division. While both the 49ers and the Rams can make a fair run at the Seahawks, the result of this game can hurt the Rams more so than it would the 49ers. Steven Jackson fumbled twice in Week 1 after fumbling only twice all of last season. I ranked St. Louis high to start the season, and I still have faith that a more consistent day from Jackson will elevate them into contention throughout the year. Rams 31, 49ers 28

New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If you're the New Orleans Saints, the last thing you want to see is a defense that used to be coached by Tony Dungy. Jeff Garcia did everything he could possibly do for the Buccaneers last week, but without all of the offensive weapons, you can only do so much. Drew Brees and the Saints have had several extra days to re-gather themselves and prepare for this game, so it should be expected that last year's top offensive team in the league unleash all of the rage they've held inside after their embarrassing Week 1 performance. Not only does Brees need to improve, the ground game needs to establish Deuce McAllister as a threat and go back to using Reggie Bush on third downs. Stick with what works. Saints 40, Buccaneers 16

Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals will already quickly be falling into a hole if they lose against the Seahawks, considering it would be their second divisional loss in as many weeks. Matt Leinart struggled to get things going in Week 1, making it impressive that Edgerrin James was able to establish himself as a significant threat on the ground, actually almost willing the team to victory. The Cardinals' offense should develop more of a spark at home this week, but Seattle's offense completely overmatches Arizona's defense. Shaun Alexander could be looking for the end zone on multiple occasions. Seahawks 31, Cardnals 21

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions. Looking back on last week, as well as my season expectations for both of these clubs, this is the toughest game to decide this week. The Vikings' defense will annihilate opposing offenses, but the Lions' passing game could be one of the best in football. Minnesota's defense is better at defending the run than the pass, although they aren't very weak in either area. Since the Lions' strength is through the air, the chances of a poor ground game affecting them are not very great. Without the Vikings having a serious threat at quarterback or receiver though, it'd be more difficult for the to rebound of Detroit catches fire early. Lions 20, Vikings 19

Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins. I was expecting Ted Ginn Jr. to make more of a splash than he actually did against the Redskins last week, considering the fact that he was the team's first-round draft choice. Ginn may have the opportunity to race by a Cowboys' secondary that struggled against the New York Giants last week, which would certainly be a highlight for Week 2 action. Tony Romo's confidence is high after being on the same page with Terrell Owens to kick off the season, and Julius Jones and Marion Barber III were both incorporated into Wade Phillips' offense. The battle of former San Diego coordinators will be fun to watch, but Dallas is clearly the better team. Cowboys 26, Dolphins 19

New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens. The Jets fans that cheered Chad Pennington as he left the game last week was an extremely ignorant thing to do. After the defense couldn't do anything to stop Belichick and company, they should be much more relieved to see a Ravens team that was more than willing to cough the ball up last week. Pennington is banged up this week, meaning quarterback Kellen Clemons will get the start likely. As far as the Ravens go, they aren't having much luck with injuries either. Quarterback Steve McNair's chances of playing appear to be thin, while left tackle Jonathan Ogden is already out. To make matter's worse, linebacker Ray Lewis will try to gut things out with a torn triceps. Had Pennington been healthy, I would've taken the Jets in an upset. However, Clemons' first start should not have to be on the road against the Ravens' defense. Ravens 17, Jets 13

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears. If the Chiefs' offense wasn't able to do anything against the Texans' defense, and the Chargers' offense barely got by against the Bears' defense, would it logically be possible that the Chiefs would be able to stun the Bears? Not a chance. Bears 34, Chiefs 17

Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos. Based on the score of last week's game, it's hard to believe that Jay Cutler threw for over 300 yards and Travis Henry ran for over 100 yards. Denver was extremely fortunate to have a few fourth downs go their way late, and hope to have a much more relaxed victory this week over last year's worst team in football. Josh McCown may be sidelined with a foot injury, which would pave the way for Daunte Culpepper to start. Either way, there's no way that either of those quarterbacks would be able to find open receivers against Champ Bailey and Dre Bly. Broncos 28, Raiders 14

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins. A week removed from game's of opposite emotional feelings, things could be taking a turn in the opposite direction on Monday Night Football. Philadelphia's special team woes were inexcusable, and something that should not be a significant problem two weeks in a row. Washington's offense will depend on minimizing the turnovers, which is what's necessary against Andy Reid's defense. Before the season started, I stated that another injury to Donovan McNabb would pave the way for Kevin Kolb to start in Philadelphia. You wouldn't think that McNabb would struggle on offense too long, but those questions could be raised if it happens again this week. Don't bank on him struggling again. Eagles 20, Redskins 17

I started off the season victorious with my survivor pick last week, as I took the Minnesota Vikings over the Atlanta Falcons. I'm still weary on the Broncos' capabilities offensively, but I don't see how they could possibly let the Raiders defeat them this week. Therefore, my survivor pick for the second week of the season is the Broncos over the Raiders.

Predictions Record to Date: 12-4 (Started off on the right track.)
Last Week: 12-4
Survivor Streak: Won 1 (Min over Atl.)

The NFL season started with the fall of many high-powered teams. Will they be able to redeem themselves before it's too late?