NFL Week 2

The big news in the NFL this week involved the New England Patriots video scandal, which resulted in a wrist-slap on the franchise and no suspension for Bill Belichick. As if he'd miss the $500,000 paid for the fine (if he even paid it). What else would he spend the money on, his snappy wardrobe?

Assuming they make the playoffs and forfeit their No. 1 pick, they still have the San Francisco selection, which likely will be in the top half of Round One anyway. So the Patriots emerge a bit embarrassed but virtually unscathed.

The other big news surrounded Kevin Everett of the Bills, who many thought would be paralyzed, but due to quick action, he may actually walk again, which is being hailed as a minor miracle.

We'll keep Everett in our prayers.

We started the 2007 season by going 7-7-2 last week, so let's hope we can creep above .500 now.

As always, picks are for recreational purposes and should not be used as the basis for any actual cash wagers.

SUNDAY

STEELERS -9.5 over Bills: Steelers have a shot to jump out to 2-0 start and after a cakewalk in Cleveland, expect them to be revved up for home opener. Bills reeling from Everett situation and losing on last-second FG at home against Denver last week. Spread's a bit high for my liking, but I'll go with the home team. Steelers 23-13

GIANTS E Packers: Giants are being coy about whether Eli Manning will be able to play, but my suspicions are he'll be deactivated and massive backup Jared Lorenzen will get his first NFL start. Giants piled up hefty numbers at Dallas last week and J-Load should be able to find Burress, Toomer et al., while utilizing RB Derrick Ward, who may be wind up being a surprise No. 1 back for the Giants. Not sure Pack has offensive horses to keep up, though this should be entertaining. Giants 30-24

Bengals -6.5 over BROWNS: Things already looking bleak in Cleveland after 34-7 home drubbing last week with hungry Bengals coming in. Cincinnati gained some confidence by beating Baltimore last Monday, even with the aid of atrocious officiating. Brady Quinn watch should start by third quarter. Bengals 37-14

Colts -7 over TITANS: Indy realizes they have to keep pace with New England, San Diego and other top teams, and should be well rested after 10 days. Titans were fortunate to get a road win at Jacksonville last week and will get picked apart, although their running game will help keep it respectable. Colts 27-17.

PANTHERS -6.5 over Texans: Can't see Houston starting 2-0, and Jake Delhomme looked good in romp over Rams last week. Panthers can also run the ball, so look for them to chew up the clock. Panthers 23-14

49ers + 3 over RAMS: Not sold on St. Louis, which surrendered 186 yards on the ground last week. Frank Gore had his way with them last year and will pick up where he left off. 49ers 27-23

JAGUARS -10 over Falcons: Jags in deep trouble if they start out 0-2 and should be snarling from the get-go. Falcons? They are in deep trouble. Jaguars 30-10

Saints -3.5 over BUCS: Another team that should really be seething is New Orleans, after getting waxed by the Colts in their opener. Even at home, I don't see how feeble Tampa attack keeps pace. Saints 33-17

Vikings +3 over LIONS: Minnesota has beaten the Lions 10 straight and although Detroit should be improved this year, can't see them going 2-0. Vikings can run the ball and stuff the run. That translates into W's. Vikings 24-20

RAVENS -10 over Jets: Even if Chad Pennington plays, expect Baltimore defense to be all over him. They'll chew up Kellen Clemens if he's the starter. Steve McNair also iffy, but Ravens should be able to move the ball at will over shell-shocked Jets, who were demolished by Pats in Week 1. Videogate had nothing to do with that. Ravens 30-13

DOLPHINS +3.5 over Cowboys: Dallas defense was picked apart by Eli Manning last week and will have some problems here, though I expect Cowboys to gut one out, possibly even in OT. Cowboys 20-17

CARDINALS +3 over Seahawks: Arizona let one go against 49ers and have the weapons to stay with Seattle. Have to think home advantage a factor here. Cardinals 28-24


BRONCOS -10 over Raiders: Denver piled up 470 yards at Buffalo last and love nothing more than to beat on the Raiders. This may get ugly fast. Broncos 37-7

Chiefs +12 over BEARS: All logic dictates Bears should slaughter moribund Chiefs, but laying a dozen with suspect Grossman is a stretch. Midwest correspondent 3 wood says the over/under for fumbled snaps/picks thrown by "Bad Rex" is three and says Cedric Benson will have 15 carries for no more than 35 yards. KC has to put up a TD at some point. Bears 20-10

SUNDAY NIGHT

Chargers +3.5 over PATRIOTS: A blockbuster Week 2 matchup and rematch of playoff epic from last January. Chargers have a lot to prove and need to get the offense in gear after stumbling some against Bears. Patriots offense looked unstoppable last week, but face much sterner test against nasty SD front seven. Could be a preview of another January matchup. As always, The Olbermann Rule is in effect here, so you can watch the Yankees-Red Sox at halftime. Patriots 34-31

MONDAY NIGHT

Redskins + 6.5 over EAGLES: Neither team looked inspiring offensively last week, and both played 16-13 OT games. Philly at home needs this one badly and should ground out a close one. Eagles 17-13