LCB NFL Picks: Week 2

New York Giants v Indianapolis Colts @ 8:20 on NBC
Langston: Last week the Colts looked rough and the Giants looked great. But the loss of Bob Sanders for the Colts while not shocking to us probably surprised the defense and was definitely deflating to an already so-so unit. Meaning I'll blame their putrid performance on that outcome. The Giants destroyed the Panthers, a team so inept it can't realize that John Fox is a terrible head coach. So what do you put more weight in? A team who lost to a playoff contender or a team who blew out a squad destined for 10 losses? I'll go with the latter. Indy 31, NYG 21.

Russ: The Colts either are not as good as people think or the Texans are much better than people think. The Giants looked like they have bounced back from a dismal performance last season with a strong performance against the Panthers. So based on the Overreaction of Week 1 corollary this should be a competitive game. If the Giants can run the ball like the Texans did and control the clock, keeping Peyton off the field, then we could see another surprise. But I think the Colts come out and fire on all cylinders and bounce back to beat the Giants and cover the 6 point spread.

New Orleans Saints v San Fransisco 49ers @ 8:30 on ESPN

Langston: The Niners have been getting crushed in the media due to their inability to communicate, Crabtree's incapacity to play in the preseason or catch the ball, and the annual reminder of Alex Smith's baby hands. I bought into the hype, thinking Singletary had turned this sinking ship around towards calmer sea's only to be let down by Crabtree's twelve total yards and Frank Gore's thirty-eight rushing yards. And while one could easily expect the Niners to continue down the road of mediocrity, it was only one week and they still have a lot of good pieces in place. Crabtree will not have nine targets in the future and only end up with twelve yards. Gore will get better, the defense will get better, and Singletary won't have to defend Jimmy Ray every week. Though to be honest, he might have to this week. The Saints defense looks improved, their offense is still a shining beam of efficiency, and Drew Brees doesn't have baby hands. Saints win 28, 24.

Russ: The Niners season couldn't have started off any worse last weekend.  They couldn't run the ball with Frank Gore even after drafting two offensive lineman in the first round. Alex Smith still looked like Alex Smith: no accuracy on his throws, running out of the pocket even with no pressure, miscommunication with receivers, and just an overall lack of composure as an NFL QB. Michael Crabtree looks disinterested and wasn't on the same page with Alex.  The defense had no pass rush and gave up huge plays to likes of Matt Hasselbeck and Mike Williams.  On top of everything they folded like a cheap tent under the pressure and quit before the game was over, which was the biggest red flag to me. They looked liked a team with huge expectations this year that believed the newspaper clippings. They were suppose to win a crappy division and make the next leap as a team, but when the Seahawks didn't roll over and give us the game, panic crept in.

This panic showed up during the week, where blame was shifted all around the organization for the loss.  Alex Smith blamed Crabtree for the two interceptions and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye for not relaying the plays fast enough in the huddle.  Singletary believed Smith was pressing too much during the game.  It ended with Singletary talking about rats and how "in time, the smell will come". HOLY SHIT IT'S ONLY WEEK ONE.  GET IT TOGETHER IT WAS ONE GAME, NOT THE SEASON.

As for my prediction, the game will end up in two ways.  The Saints will crush the Niners after all the distraction and bullshit from the week.  Or the Niners will be refocused and rejuvenated and will win a close game.  As a homer prediction that needs to believe this season will turn out like the newspaper clippings said they would,  Niners will cover and win 24-21.