NFL Week 2: Top Games to Watch

Sep 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws a pass during game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jaguars, 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

After a thrilling week one in the National Football League where we saw Matt Ryan make me look like a fool, E.J. Manuel and the Buffalo Bills shock the Chicago Bears, and many other big moments we are on to week two where there are several more big games on tap. There are quite a few games that could be great to watch this week but it has been boiled down to the top three games for you to keep an eye on this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens

This game is huge for a number of reasons. First off clearly the Ravens are dealing with the Ray Rice situation off the field while trying to prepare for a Thursday game. This is not about that however, this is about the game but it will be a factor on their focus as we all know heading into this tough divisional matchup. The AFC North is famous for its incredible divisional games especially between the Ravens and the Steelers. These two teams are always out for blood when they play one another and this is a pivotal game for both teams. The things to watch will be if the Steelers defense can slow down the Ravens offensive attack throughout the game and if the Ravens can come out focused and ready to play together as a team. Falling down 0-2 in the division could be crippling for Baltimore as the season progresses. Will Joe Flacco step up and be the leader of this franchise? How will this team play after the recent revelations of their former teammate? All eyes will be on this team in this game which could lead to an upper hand for Pittsburgh to shoot out to the top of this division early on.

Prediction: The Steelers come out attacking but Baltimore keeps it interesting and plays a solid game as a team. Pittsburgh 24 Baltimore 21

Philadelphia Eagles vs Indianapolis Colts

To break out of the divisional choices this game provides plenty of potential to be not only fun to watch but an interesting storyline to follow. This game will feature two of the games better young quarterbacks in Nick Foles and Andrew Luck. Both quarterbacks have their teams on the cusp of being legitimate conference powerhouses and having divisional domination. Luck already has the Colts at the top of the AFC South and has done a tremendous job leading his team into the playoffs in his first two seasons. Foles started slow but had a breakout season last year leading the Eagles back to the playoffs in coach Chip Kelly’s first season. We may be seeing one of the next great quarterback duels when we see these two take the field against each other. These teams feature a plethora of talented skill position players that should result in a high scoring affair on Monday night. Neither of these teams play great defense and both came out quite flat last week which im sure won’t happen this week. These two teams are expected playoff locks just playing for playoff seeding and games like these can have a major impact.

Prediction: This game is going to be a shootout. The Colts and Eagles both feature effective offenses and will be looking to put up points on Monday night. As a true homer would, Philadelphia 35 Indianapolis 31

Atlanta Falcons vs Cincinnati Bengals

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan made me look like a fool last week when he torched the New Orleans Saints for over 440 yards and three touchdown on his way to a victory. Andy Dalton stepped up last week and went the distance in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. These two quarterbacks are on the edge of being some of the best in the game and it will be a great game to watch as these two clash this weekend. The Faclons are still dealing with a shaky offensive line and will be taking on an impressive Bengals pass rush. Last week they were able to ward off the Saints but it may not be as easy this week on the road. The Bengals must take the Faclons defense seriously this week. The Saints were able to generate a considerable amount of points last week but the Falcons defense stepped up and made the plays when they absolutely had to. Dalton must be consistent this week, making smart intelligent plays and not focusing on A.J. Green alone. Cincinnati has to figure out a way to keep Julio Jones in check and not allow him to take over the game. This contest should be a cage fight till the very end, it will be interesting to see if Ryan and the Falcons can keep the train rolling.

Prediction: Both teams had big divisional wins last week and are among the best of their respective conferences. The Bengals however have a more complete and healthy team at this stage and should be able to play well enough on both sides of the ball to move on to 2-0. Cincinnati 31 Atlanta 28

There you have it folks my top three games to watch for the NFL in week two. Week one had its fair share of thrilling upsets, crushing blows, and can’t miss moments and week two surely will not disappoint.

Joe Kleine is also co-host of the finsradio.com show The Direct Snap, alongside fellow host Tyler McMullen.  Please check our Facebook and Twitter pages! Our free to listen show about the NFL is on Saturday September 6th at 8:30 PM Eastern time! Check out our show here, give us a call, or e-mail us at officialdirectsnap@gmail.com! Also be sure to check out OntheFinside, another great finsradio program!