NFC South Week 2 picks: Falcons-Giants and other NFC South picks
Oct 5, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) reacts after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-20.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Adnan Ikic
Atlanta Falcons (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1)
Following an absolutely euphoric win against quite possibly the best team they’ll have to fact all season, the Atlanta Falcons face their first road test of the year at Metlife stadium in New York, against a Giants team that blew it against the Cowboys.
The Falcons defense showcased itself to the national stage in the first half of that Eagles game, but fatigue reared its ugly head in the second half. I don’t think that will happen again this week, as the Giants aren’t nearly as face paced as a Philly team that also plays sideline to sideline.
The offensive player to key in on the Giants will be Odell Beckham Jr. of course, the man who started his torrid rookie year run in the game against Atlanta last year, with two touchdowns. Beckham was kept rather in check against the Cowboys, and I don’t expect him to go off when being covered by Trufant on Sunday.
Much like Philadelphia, the G-Men have no answer for Julio Jones and the passing game. With no Jason Pierre-Paul to apply pressure, Matt Ryan should have ample time in the pocket.
Before the season I thought of this game as a loss, but after watching that Eagles game along with finding out that JPP is out, I feel that Atlanta will get revenge for last year’s defeat in East Rutherford.
Pick: Atlanta 31, New York 24
Houston Texans (0-1) at Carolina Panthers (1-0)
Houston still doesn’t quite know who their quarterback will be. Carolina meanwhile used defense to dismantle the Jags. Expect more of the same in Charlotte.
Pick: Carolina 17, Houston 13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) at New Orleans Saints (0-1)
The Bucs just got destroyed by the lowly Titans at home, and will be in for a tough test this weekend. Getting Mike Evans back will help, but that won’t do anything for their defense.
Pick: New Orleans 31, Tampa Bay 21
Last week: 3-1
Season: 3-1
Next: Harrison Nayler