The Furnace (3-2) was just 1/2 point away from going 4-1 in Week #1, a week that saw it’s share of upsets. We’re going with two home underdogs in Week #2 and look to improve on last week’s mark.
*Home team in CAPS
BILLS +1 over Dolphins- The Dolphins are coming off of their stunning upset of the Pariots at home last week while the Bills collected their first win of the season at Soldier Field. So while both teams will be looking to remain undefeated at 2-0, we’re giving the edge to the home town team in Orchard Park and think that RB Fred Jackson will have a big day..
Patriots -3 over VIKINGS- Two stats on the Patriots are very telling; they have won their last 11 road games as the favorite and are 32-4 straight up after a loss since 2003. We simply cannot see them dropping to 0-2. The Vikes, winners in Week #1, beat the lowly Rams but now go up in class.
#12 Tom Brady & the Pats, after winning their last 11 road games straight up, will garner their 1st win in Week #2, says the Furnace. Photo: Charles Krupa
BUCS -5 1/2 over Rams- The disappointing Bucs, one of the few teams we think will be one of the most improved this season, and one of our selections in Week #1, have their home opener against a Rams team that was overwhelmed 34-6 in their home opener. The Bucs, clearly a more talented group, should have a similar day going up against Austin Davis, the Rams likely starting QB.
CHARGERS +6 over Seahawks- San Diego, our second home ‘dog, will be facing the NFL’s best pass defense as well as the best overall defense. So why are we touting the Bolts? Since 2001, only 10% of the teams who began the season 0-2 made it to the postseason. How’s that for incentive for S.D.? It won’t be an easy task for Philip Rivers and company, but if he can keep the turnovers to a minimum, and the Chargers can sustain some sort of a ground attack, then it should be interesting.
49ERS -7 over Bears- As this week’s picks went to post, WR’s Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffrey (hamstring) did not practice & were questionable for Sunday night’s game. Given that the 49ers secondary is all banged up, they didn’t seem too upset when they learned that the bulk of Chicago’s receiving corps could be on the sidelines this week. S.F.’s pass rush should bother Jay Cutler enough for him to throw a pick or two & Frisco should win their home opener handily.
Bears WR’s Brandon Marshall & Alshon Jeffery remain Questionable for Sundays game vs the 49ers. Photo: Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune
FANTASY FURNACE 
All of a sudden the Patriots are beginning to look old . And this asinine notion that the defense would be top-notch and be among the top-five in the NFL this season is already beginning to look like wishful thinking .
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You could be right but I just cannot see them go 0-2 Al.
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good luck this week. i see the Dolphins winning by a field goal and the Bears winning the game. Chargers at home (nice pick!) I do not see the Seahawks winning by 6 on the road, Patriots should bounce back this week against the Vikings and lastly The Bucs should win easily over the Rams … Projected 3-2 week for an overall record of 6 and 4 after two weeks
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I’ll take 6-4 Chris…anyday! That’s 60% correct after two weeks..
Anyway thanks for checking in and forecasting how the Furnace will do this week. We’ll see how close you were after the weekend!
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Jay Cutler has become this era’s Jeff George with Tony Romo not that far behind .
Dropped this piece concerning Rays Rice and Ray McDonald . How incompetent has Roger Goodell looked over the past ten to fifteen days without the NFL team owners idiotically backing him to the hilt ? People are angered by the Ray Rice issue but look at the actions of McDonald who has admitted to beating his pregnant girlfriend .
http://tophatal.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/stupid-is-as-stupid-does-and-no-one-does-it-better-than-the-nfl-now-with-the-exception-of-the-federal-government/ .
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We will check out the piece Al. Thanks for sharing!
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Week three will provide us with some entertaining games .
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