Pete's Best Bets: Lean on Pats dominance vs. Bills

The good news is I tied the computer.

The bad news is the computer stunk just like I did.

My first week taking part in the SuperContest at Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook as part of Team OddsShark didn't go so well, as those who documented my picks here at Sportsline know all too well.

I went 2-3, with the three losers not even that close. The Team OddsShark computer also went 2-3. So I have that going for me as I ready for Week 2.

It has to be better. Right?

The five games I picked for the contest this week are five I really like. So that has to mean something.

Week 1 in the NFL is tough. Week 2 is a little easier -- especially if you don't get caught up in one-week overreactions.

Here's hoping I beat the computer and everyone else in that contest this week.

Patriots (-1) at Bills -- New England is 13-2 in the last 15 at Buffalo, which is a hard trend to buck. In addition, Bill Belichick will have 10 days to get ready for this game.

Yes, the Bills looked good in the opener against the Colts, but they showed a lot of stuff on defense in that game. Tom Brady will be ready for it. And I can't wait to see what the Patriots do to Tyrod Taylor, now that there is tape on him.

Buffalo will get by with emotion early, but then the Patriots will settle down and win it late. 

Steelers (-5.5) vs. 49ers -- The 49ers impressed in their opener against the Vikings, but now must travel across the country on a short week to play a Steelers team that will have 10 days rest -- and will be playing a home opener. That's a tough combination to overcome.

The Steelers have defensive issues, but it's not like the 49ers have a potent offense. The Steelers do. San Francisco played well on defense in the opener, but this is a major step up. I think Ben Roethlisberger and that passing game get it cranked up in a big way here.

Giants (-2.5) vs. Falcons -- The Falcons are another team playing on a short week, while the Giants will be playing their home opener. I like that combination.

New York played well at Dallas last week, and should have won. The home team has won the last four in this series, and the Falcons have struggled on the road, going 3-12 in their last 15.

Eli Manning came under heat for his clock management in the Cowboys game, but I think he bounces back in a big way here. The Falcons looked good on defense early against the Eagles, but then couldn't stop them in the second half. They will play more like the second half here. Giants take it.

Browns (+1) vs. Titans -- This could be Johnny Manziel against Marcus Mariota. After last week, that looks like a big edge for the Titans. But I think Manziel, with a week of preparation with the first team, will play better than expected if he does start. If not, Josh McCown, who suffered a concussion last week, would start.

There is now tape on Mariota, and the Titans did a lot of good things to scheme players open against the Bucs. That won't work as easily as it did against Tampa Bay.

The Browns are playing their home opener, while the Titans are playing consecutive road games, which is always tough -- even tougher with a rookie under center.

Give me the Browns at home. 

Bengals (-3) vs. Chargers -- The Bengals will be playing their home opener, while San Diego has a long trip. Edge: Cincinnati. But the real edge will be the Bengals defensive front against the San Diego offensive line. I think they get after Philip Rivers with guard D.J. Fluker out.

San Diego beat the Bengals here in the playoffs two years ago, so they know how to win in Cincinnati. But this time around, I think the Bengals are more talented than that team and the emergence of Tyler Eifert at tight end adds another dimension for Andy Dalton to go with A.J. Green and Jeremy Hill.

Bengals take it by a touchdown.

Pete Prisco is a Senior NFL Writer for CBSSports.com. You can follow Pete at @PriscoCBS