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

Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons flags are flown after a touchdown in the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Alphonso Thomas

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

Week 2 is upon us and the Falcons are still undefeated. This weeks matchup is against the New York Giants who are coming off of a last minute Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants offense had trouble moving the ball down the field all day long and scored their lone offensive touchdown as a result of a Tony Romo interception that was returned to the 1-yard line.

Special teams and defense kept New York in the game and ultimately won it for them. Josh Brown connected on four field goals, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie returned a fumble 57 yards and a touchdown, and Trumaine McBride intercepted Romo and returned it 19 yards to the Dallas 1-yard to set up an easy score.

Atlanta had a quite different day on Monday night. The Dan Quinn-led team went into halftime up 20-3. The Eagles boast a more high-powered offense than the Giants, and Quinn’s defense was able to put a cork right in the middle of Chip Kelly’s plans. On Sunday, a Giants offense that struggled through Week 1 will have to face an inspired, fast and physical Falcons defense while the Giants defense will have to try and find an answer to the Matt Ryan to Julio Jones storm that is looking to take over the NFL this season.

Pick: Atlanta 31, New York 14

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

Though this is a home game for the Panthers, I expect Houston’s defense to make life miserable for Cam Newton and the under talented Panther offense. Texans win.

Pick: Houston 20, Carolina 13

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

Jameis Winston and the Bucs had a bad day against a mediocre Tennessee team. Look for the veteran QB Drew Brees to put on a clinic against the faulty Bucs D.

Pick: New Orleans 35, Tampa Bay 21

Last week: 4-0
Season: 4-0

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