Throughout the NFL season, I’ll pick four games every week that I tab as my “plays of the week.” I’ll keep track so readers can either cheer my knowledge or hammer my incompetence. Either way, it should be fun.

Gamblers: Proceed with caution and never be afraid to fade.

Rams at Redskins, 1:00PM ET FOX
St. Louis only won two games last year and finished the season on a 10-game losing streak. But they were never shut out – not once. In their opener last week, the Rams were blanked by Seattle 28-0 and the schedule makers were gracious enough to send them back on the road this week. Washington isn’t the most explosive team in the NFL, but the Redskins can methodically beat teams (especially bad teams) by moving the chains with their West Coast Offense. The Rams’ defense was shredded for 167 rushing yards last week, so Clinton Portis should have no problems finding room to run this Sunday. If Jim Zorn were ever going to allow quarterback Jason Campbell to throw the ball vertically more in the offense, this would be the game because St. Louis’ secondary is a mess. Look for Albert Haynesworth to help bottle up Steven Jackson and for the Redskins to cruise to their first victory of the year.
Odds: Redskins –9.5.
Predictions: Redskins 27, Rams 10.

Cardinals at Jaguars, 1:00PM ET FOX
The Cardinals have issues and their loss last week to the 49ers proves it. Losing offensive playcaller Todd Haley was a killer and it’s going to take some time for Kurt Warner and the rest of Arizona’s offense to get adjusted. Also, receiver Anquan Boldin is hurt and can’t create separation in his routes and although “Beanie” Wells showed flashes of his potential, the running game is still a major concern for this team. That said, we should see a more inspired and focused Cardinals team this weekend in Jacksonville. Ken Whisenhunt is a fine coach and is going to do everything in his power not to let ‘Zona fall to 0-2. Jacksonville played an inspired game in Indianapolis last week, but the Jags are still lacking playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and the new additions to the offensive line need time to gel. So while Jacksonville is much improved, they still have issues and I see Arizona’s defense keeping Maurice Jones-Drew somewhat in check. If this game comes down to the wire, I see the Cardinals’ offense coming through this Sunday, unlike last week when they became stagnant in the fourth quarter against the Niners.
Odds: Jaguars –3.
Prediction: Cardinals 16, Jaguars 13.

Panthers at Falcons, 1:00PM ET FOX
Things don’t get any easier for Jake Delhomme and the 0-1 Panthers as they face a confident Falcons team in the Georgia Dome this weekend. Atlanta forced four turnovers last week in its win over Miami, which doesn’t bode well for Delhomme, who threw four interceptions in Carolina’s loss to Philadelphia. That said, I expected Delhomme to play focused against the Falcons and allow DeAngelo Williams and the running game to take over. Atlanta played well defensively last week, but still gave up 4.4 yards per carry. The Panthers are going to keep everything on the ground this week and then take shots downfield when the Falcons start to creep their safeties to the line of scrimmage. Carolina will also try and take away Michael Turner and the Falcon running game, so expect another 35-40 passing attempts by Matt Ryan. While I expect the Panthers to keep this game close, Atlanta has too many weapons for Carolina’s defense to contest with and I don’t trust Delhomme as far as I can throw him.
Odds: Falcons –6.5.
Prediction: Falcons 24, Panthers 20.

Texans at Titans, 1:00PM ET CBS
This game is going to come down to weather or not Houston’s front seven can slow down Tennessee’s running game. The Texans’ defense allowed 190 yards on the ground last week to the Jets and things don’t get any easier this week against Chris Johnson and LenDale White. The Titans played well enough to win last week in Pittsburgh, but just couldn’t make enough plays in the end. I expect Tennessee to play inspired and give Matt Schaub fits. The Titans’ defense is also well aware that Steve Slaton is the only back to rush for over 100 yards against them last year, so they’ll have him bottled up for most of the day. If the Texans want to win, Schaub is going to have to beat them through the air and I just don’t see Cortland Finnegan and company giving up a ton of yards. It might not be pretty, but I expect Tennessee to soundly beat Houston and earn their first victory of the season.
Odds: Titans –7.
Prediction: Titans 27, Texans 17.