Scully's Week 2 NFL Picks: Eagles are ready to take flight

Only four favorites covered in Week 1, and I’ll lean on a couple of appealing underdogs in my Week 2 picks.

After a solid 2-1 performance, let’s sweep the following three games.

49ers vs. Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Philadelphia will be no easy task for San Francisco, which must regroup in the second of back-to-back road tests after a near second-half collapse against the Detroit Lions.

The Eagles can bring it on the offensive and defensive lines, and they’re playing with confidence following a dominant road win at Atlanta.

San Francisco almost squandered a 24-point lead with two minutes to play – Detroit was driving deep in San Francisco territory before being stopped on downs – and surrendered 314 passing yards to Jared Goff. To make matter worse, the reeling San Francisco secondary lost cornerback Jason Verrett to a season-ending injury.

The Niners will also miss starting running back Raheem Mostert, who will be out at least eight weeks after hurting his knee.

Following two consecutive Injury-riddled seasons, Philadelphia is finally healthy, and Jalen Hurts gave them a big boost with his improved play in Week 1. Rookie DeVonta Smith made an immediate impact for a solid receiving corps.

San Francisco remains formidable, but Philadelphia will slow their ground game and make enough plays on offense. Take the points!

NFL Week 2 Pick: Eagles +3

Bills vs. Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Miami has the defense to follow Pittsburgh’s gameplan, which forced Josh Allen to constantly throw underneath.

Buffalo quickly abandoned their ineffective running game in the Week 1 loss, as Allen threw 51 passes, and the Bills squandered a 10-0 halftime advantage while being kept out of the end zone in the second half.

Allen was sacked three times, and lost a fumble, and now faces a Miami defense that held New England to only one touchdown in four red zone appearances in Week 1.

After ranking fifth in scoring defense last year, the Dolphins continue to be opportunistic this season, forcing a pair of New England turnovers. And while they had only one official sack, the blitz-heavy defense recorded nine quarterback hits.

Tua Tagovailoa must clean up his sloppy play, but he showed signs of progress in his second year. He has weapons in DeVante Parker and Jaylen Waddle, and tight end Mike Gesicki should be more involved in the offense.

They’ll have opportunities against Buffalo, which gave up four consecutive scoring drives to Pittsburgh, and Miami’s outstanding defense will figure prominently in a close outcome. Grab the points with the Fish!

NFL Week 2 Pick: Dolphins +3.5

Vikings vs. Cardinals, State Farm Stadium, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

In their home opener, Arizona’s dynamic offense will give Minnesota all they can handle. The defense is also poised to make a significant impact.

Minnesota’s offensive line, which lost three starters in the offseason, including both guards, isn’t ready to perform at a high level. They really struggled in a Week 1 loss to Cincinnati, as penalties and miscues proved to be a theme throughout, and Arizona will get after their undisciplined offense.

Arizona held Tennessee’s vaunted skill players in check, recording an impressive road win. The addition of J.J. Watt benefited Chandler Jones, who recorded five sacks and two forced fumbles against Tennessee, and Kyler Murray will continue to put up big numbers against lowly Minnesota.

Lay the points in the desert!

NFL Week 2 Pick: Cardinals -3.5