NFC South Week 2 picks: Falcons-Giants and other NFC South picks

Sep 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass past Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Byron Maxwell (31) in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Curtis Hobbs

Atlanta Falcons (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1)

The Falcons come off a big game in which they flashed their potential as they defeated the perceived favorites of the Eagles. But will their victorious ways continue against the New York Giants?

I’m expecting huge things from the Falcons these next couple of weeks as they’ve enjoyed the elusive taste of victory that distanced itself from the Falcons at the end of last season. With the new-look defense and retooled offense, there is much to like in this matchup versus the G-Men who looked like a shell of themselves against the Cowboys in what may have been one of the ugliest games of Week 1.

With Odell Beckham Jr. appearing as if the Madden curse has found him, the only answer on offense leaves the Giants reeling for someone to step up and become an option. But unfortunately, the cupboard of playmakers on both sides of the ball seems empty for the Giants this year.

Expect the Falcons to continue their soaring ways in Week 2 versus the Giants whose playoff aspirations seem to be anything but giant and have been minimized by the lack of options for Eli Manning. Manning is now clinging to the memories of his Super Bowl wins, knowing that he may never get there again.

Pick: Atlanta 27, New York 13

Houston Texans (0-1) at Carolina Panthers (1-0)

The Carolina and Houston game should be a fun one to watch as DeAndre Hopkins hopes to enter Act II of his superstar performance last week. But going against possibly the best defense in football, this points to a game that’ll rest on the better quarterback out of Ryan Mallett and Cam Newton. And like most people, you have to team with Newton who will pull out this one with his legs.

Pick: Carolina 20, Houston 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) at New Orleans Saints (0-1)

After being pummelled by the Titans, Tampa Bay hopes to rebound against the ageing AARP club of the New Orleans Saints who were anything but fast against Arizona. Look for this game to be rather uneventful as the young buck speed of the Bucs will be too fast for the Saints on their Hoverounds. The Saints will continue their bingo playing ways in the loss column.

Pick: Tampa Bay 20, New Orleans 12

Last week: 1-3
Season: 1-3

Next: Alphonso Thomas