Preseason Week 2 Early Games

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Saturday, August 20

Carolina at Tennessee (-1, 41), 3:00 pm - Does it matter that the Panthers lost at Baltimore last week, 22-19? Probably not, since they should own the Titans, despite Tennessee asserting themselves in a 27-10 win over the Chargers last week. The Titans have the luxury of being home for a second straight week, so this could be closer than some imagine, but the Panthers should outpace them.

Coin Flip: Panthers

Prediction: Panthers 34 Titans 24

New York Giants at Buffalo (-2 1/2, 40), 4:00 pm - Buffalo came close to beating the Colts, scoring a TD on the last timed play of the game, but missing the two-point conversion for a 19-18 loss. The Giants didn't have Eli Manning, and lost to the Dolphins, 27-10. Admittedly, there's probably more talent on the Bills' offense than the Giants, but the Bills also have a host of early injuries to key players. Since the subs will be getting most of the playing time, Buffalo has a shot at a home win.

Coin Flip: Giants

Prediction: Bills 24 Giants 19

Baltimore at Indianapolis (-3, 41), 7:00 pm - The Colts couldn't move the ball effectively for much of the game in their 19-18 win at Buffalo last week and that's going to be a problem with the Ravens in town. Baltimore is coming off a 22-19 win over the Panthers, a huge ego boost, so it's all systems go for a team that usually makes the playoffs but missed out last season with sub-par 5-11 mark. They're on the improve.

Coin Flip: Ravens

Prediction: Ravens 20 Colts 10

Tampa Bay at Jacksonville (-3, 40 1/2), 7:30 pm - The battle for Florida bragging rights (where none of the teams are very good) is likely to go to somebody, but figuring this one out is a real challenge. The Jags were 5-11 last season, and the Bucs, 6-10, so not much to go on there. For momentum players, sorry, both teams lost on the road last week. Jacksonville is at home, but they're also giving points, something they usually don't do. Fearless Rick says go with the coin flip pick.

Coin Flip: Jaguars

Prediction: Jaguars 20 Buccaneers 14

New Orleans at Houston (-3, 41), 8:00 pm - Fireworks? Maybe, but probably most of them will come from when the Texans have the ball. The Texans were 24-13 winners at San Francisco on Sunday, but the quick turnaround won't be a problem. New Orleans gave up 34 points to the Patriots, so they obviously still have defensive issues.

Coin Flip: Texans

Prediction: Texans 31 Saints 17

San Francisco at Denver (-4 1/2, 39 1/2), 9:00 pm - Denver's defense may be even better than last season's squad, and that should offset the effects of losing Peyton Manning to retirement.

Saying this as kindly as possible, the 49ers may be the worst team in the league.

Coin Flip: Oh, no, the coin likes San Fran.

Prediction: Broncos 27 49ers 10

Kansas City at Los Angeles (-3, 39), 10:00 pm - The Rams won their first game in their new digs, topping the Cowboys last week, 28-24. LA is a sneaky good team that may surprise this season. They were 7-9 in the NFC West last year, so they don't need to improve much to be very tough.

The Chiefs lost a heart-breaker at home to the Seahawks, 17-16, last week and now go on the road, not a good sign.

Coin Flip: Rams

Prediction: Rams 24 Chiefs 14