Durkin: Week 2 NFL Picks

By Dan Durkin--

(CBS) Week 2 of the NFL season features a few marquee matchups being played in Buffalo and Green Bay.

My Thursday night pick of the Chiefs over the Broncos missed when Denver stunned Arrowhead Stadium late with a fumble return for the win.

Here's my take on how the rest of this weekend's action plays out.

(Home team in all CAPS)

PANTHERS 24, Texans 20 (noon)

The Texans are already onto their second quarterback (Ryan Mallett) of the year, which doesn't bode well against a stout Panthers defense.

SAINTS 31, Bucs 17 (noon)

Lovie Smith's seat is warming after Tampa's dysmal showing in its home opener. The Saints offense will get on track against a lousy Bucs defense.

STEELERS 27, 49ers 20 (noon)

The Steelers' secondary is a mess, but the 49ers don't have the weapons to exploit it. Expect Antonio Brown to have another big day.

Lions 24, VIKINGS 20 (noon)

The Lions' defense crumbled last week after getting out to a 21-3 lead. Both teams will attempt to establish the run, but Detroit's passing firepower will make the difference.

Patriots 26, BILLS 23 (noon)

Rex Ryan is extra-puffy chested after beating Andrew Luck, but the Patriots and Tom Brady are a different bunch. The Bills don't have enough in the passing game to take advantage of a suspect Patriots secondary.

Cardinals 31, BEARS 24 (noon)

The Cardinals' team speed and vertical passing game will overwhelm the Bears' leaky secondary.

Titans 28, BROWNS 17 (noon)

Two former Heisman Trophy winners will square off in Cleveland. Marcus Mariota registered a perfect passer rating in his NFL debut; don't expect a repeat performance, but expect a win.

Chargers 23, BENGALS 20 (noon)

It's a barometer game for two AFC playoff hopefuls. The Chargers' secondary will limit A.J. Green's effectiveness over the top.

Rams 24, REDSKINS 13 (noon)

The Rams are flying high after beating the Seahawks and will stymie a toothless Redskins offense.

Falcons 31, GIANTS 27 (noon)

The Giants are still reeling from their late-game blunder against the Cowboys. Julio Jones will run free in the Giants' defensive backfield.

Ravens 28, RAIDERS 16 (3:05 p.m.)

Look for the Ravens offense to get on track against a rancid Raiders team.

Dolphins 24,  JAGUARS 16 (3:05 p.m.)

Blake Bortles had the nerve to liken Jaguars fans to kindergarteners, yet he still plays quarterback with training wheels on.

EAGLES 34, Cowboys 27 (3:25 p.m.)

Look for the Eagles to strike a better balance on offense. Without Dez Bryant, the Cowboys will be forced to get back to running the ball but will come up short.

PACKERS 27, Seahawks 23 (7:30 p.m.)

It's an NFC title rematch, this time at Lambeau Field. The Seahawks hope to avoid an 0-2 start, but their secondary has gone from strength to questionable and Aaron Rodgers will exploit it.

COLTS 24, Jets 17 (7:30 p.m. Monday)

The Colts were beaten in the trenches against the Bills and now face a physical Jets team. T.Y. Hilton's availability is iffy, but the Colts' depth will be the difference.

Season record through Week 1: 10-6

Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.