NFL Week 2 confidence pool rankings: Picks and analysis for every game

Raise your hand if the Chargers burned you in Week 1. The largest spread of the slate could never have accounted for a sloppy, mistake-filled performance that left us questioning whether Justin Herbert deserves his elite praise. Week 2’s matchups get a little bit friendlier, for what it’s worth.We can dump 16 points from last week’s confidence rankings down the drain with a little more context: that’s just the vicissitudes of NFL betting.Onto the next batch. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist: the 49ers were exceptional on both sides of the ball against the mighty Rams, while the Dolphins are in penury.Tennessee made the Jets look competent, getting out-gained 367 yards to 195 and managing just 11 first downs to Gang Green’s 19.Jalen Hurts will build more confidence off a sound opening performance. Baker Mayfield had a ball security problem against Cincinnati, but their issues were more self-inflicted than anything.

Fortunately, he now gets a Browns unit that allowed four touchdowns and only five incompletions to Trevor Lawrence. Taking the Lions to overtime in a 30-31 loss counts for something for the Saints.Tyler Shough could just be legit, but Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are a storm New Orleans can’t weather. Sheesh.

Caleb Williams showed he’s exactly the quarterback Chicago drafted him to be, powering the Bears to 59 points.The Vikings’ uncertain quarterback situation isn’t comforting as a challenger. What knee surgery? That was vintage Patrick Mahomes with a big boost in the backfield via Kenneth Walker III.

The Colts have another uphill climb after 506 yards allowed to Baltimore. The Chargers are going to need some obliviscence against a nascent Raiders team riding confidence after downing Miami. I’d sound the alarm if we see more undisciplined penalties and poor decisions from Drake Maye.The Steelers are too white bread to expect that again. The market still isn’t sold on Bryce Young and Carolina after 361 yards ...