The opening week to the 2011-2012 NFL season was full of surprises. Some of the results even have the online betting world rethinking the odds for who will make the playoffs and who will not. There were several contenders that came through in week one and teams that showed significant improvement over their performances last year. Week two promises to be just as interesting as the top NFC teams try to shake off the rust that an abbreviated training camp created.Philadelphia Eagles (-1) @ Atlanta Falcons
The preseason NFL betting lines had been very favorable for the Atlanta Falcons. After all, the Falcons had added wide receiver Julio Jones in the draft to add to veteran receiver Roddy White as deep passing threats. But for all of its offensive prowess, the Falcons forgot to address their defense. That lack of defensive ability was on display in week one as the Bears ran through and around the Atlanta defense. The Eagles looked much better in its regular season opener than in any of the preseason games played this year. Michael Vick threw and ran the ball effectively while the Philadelphia defense shut down the upstart St. Louis offense. All of this does not bode well for the Falcons as they prepare for what should be one of the better games in the NFC for the first half of the season.
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints
The Saints looked much better in this year’s season opener than it did in last year’s, but the results were different. The Saints won its season opener last year and lost it this year to the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers. But the price per head football fans in New Orleans should not give up hope. The Chicago Bears are not coming to New Orleans to enjoy the great bass fishing in the area, the team is coming to win. The Saints do not have the same kind of defense that the Falcons have which the Bears torched on opening day. If this turns into a shootout, the Bears are in trouble.
Pick: New Orleans Saints
Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers
Are the Cowboys that bad? Are the 49ers that good? The Cowboys were barely beaten by a very good Jets team while the 49ers clobbered a sub-standard Seattle ball club. The strength of the 49ers is its defense, but that may not be enough to carry them to a win. The thing working against the Cowboys is injuries. If the Cowboys cannot get some of their injured cornerbacks back by this game, then it could be another close game and very long week for the Dallas Cowboys players and fans.
Pick: San Francisco 49ers
St. Louis Rams @ New York Giants
This game is incredibly important to the final NFC standings for several reasons. The Giants were one of the popular NFL picks to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC this year. But Eli Manning and the Giants offense looked absolutely terrible against the Washington Redskins in week one. The St. Louis Rams made a lot of mistakes in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Rams may have just enough defense to keep the Giants off the scoreboard.
Pick: St. Louis Rams
