Even though the NFL still plays a 16-game regular season, it is amazing to see the hysteria around the league after one loss. From Dallas to Denver and to the Giants, sometimes one loss is all it takes for the media and especially the fans to start to panic.

With that in mind, it is time now to take a look at some of the key games in Week 2.

The Flight of Icarus game

Just like the mythological Greek figure Icarus, Michael Vick watched helplessly as his wings melted. Instead of flying too close to the sun, Vick's Falcons wings melted after his infamous dogfighting scandal. Now Vick proudly wears the wings of an Eagle and is the undisputed leader of a team that many feel is bound for the Super Bowl.

Meanwhile in Atlanta, Matt Ryan is trying to prevent his team's wings from melting. Much like the Eagles, the Falcons are one of the top teams in the NFC, so an 0-2 start to the season is not an option. The Falcons were soundly beaten on both sides of the ball in their loss last week to the Bears so the game plan this week is no secret: win the battles along the line of scrimmage and you win the game. That means getting heat on Vick and that also means giving Ryan time to get the ball into the hands of his play makers.

The Monsters of the Midway invade the Big Easy game

Another contending team desperate to avoid starting the season 0-2 is New Orleans. The Saints have the unfortunate task of facing the Bears in their home opener. Sean Payton likely spent many extra hours in the film room trying to come up with an answer to the Bears' stifling defence.

The X-factor in this game is Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. The captain of the Bears defense missed some practice time this week to deal with the sudden passing of his mother. Playing with a heavy heart, Urlacher is back with the team and will be in the lineup Sunday.

Scoring points shouldn't be a major issue for Brees and the Saints. The biggest issue in New Orleans these days is the Saints defence. Going back to last year's playoff loss to the Seahawks, the Saints have given up 83 points in their last two games.

The 11 angry men game

The Steelers are bound to be in a foul mood when they host the Seahawks at Heinz Field. I can only imagine how many times coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau have reminded the Steelers defence how they allowed the Ravens to score 35 points in last week's debacle in Baltimore. The Steelers don't like losing at the best of times, but being embarrassed is beyond unacceptable in Pittsburgh.

On the receiving end of this vengeful spirit is the Seahawks; the same team that allowed two kick returns for touchdowns last week. So not only does Pete Carroll have to worry about Tarvaris Jackson, but his special teams are in disarray.

The "star is born" game

A lot of people are curious to see what Cam Newton will be able to do Sunday against the Packers. In his NFL regular-season debut Newton lit up the Cardinals for 422 yards passing and two touchdowns. It goes without saying that the Packers defence is tougher, but they are not without issues of their own.

While the Packers won their season opener, the defence did allow 34 points and 477 yards of offence. Clay Matthews and the Packers defence are not likely to be so generous against Newton and the Panthers. Ron Rivera is spending a lot more time worrying about how the Panthers defence is going to stop Aaron Rodgers.

The get drunk and scream game

Earlier this week, Tom Brady made a request for Patriots fans to, "Yeah, start drinking early ... It's a 4:15 (p.m. ET) game. They have a lot of time to get lubed up, come out here and cheer for the home team." As reported by ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, Brady quickly corrected himself saying he wanted Patriots fans to "stay hydrated, drink a lot of water, get loud and drink responsibly." Sure Tom, we believe you. Drink a lot of water and be responsible.

The only people that might be drinking hard after the game might be the Chargers secondary if Brady puts up the kind of numbers he did against the Dolphins. The only real chance the Chargers have of slowing down the Patriots offence is laying the lumber to Brady. Easier said than done, but if the Chargers can't get pressure on Brady and take him out of his comfort zone, then it won't really matter how well Philip Rivers plays.

The revenge of the Nerds game

Ryan Fitzpatrick is disproving all of those long-held beliefs that a scholar athlete from Harvard is too smart to be a good NFL quarterback. The man they call the "Amish Rifle" in Buffalo is coming off of a four-touchdown game in the Bills win over the Chiefs. Defensively for Buffalo their game plan could not be any simpler -- stop the run.

Making the most of the talent they have on hand, the Raiders running game shredded the Broncos in their season-opening win. Darren McFadden was the big star for the Raiders, rushing for 150 yards. If Marcel Dareus and the Bills can stop McFadden and the Raiders' running attack, then they win the game.

The "Daddy needs some money for a boy's night out" lock of the week

Las Vegas has pegged the Ravens as seven-point favourites to beat the Titans. After what the Ravens did to the Steelers, I have faith in their ability to contain Chris Johnson and handily beat the Titans.

Best bets for your survivor pool

I barely "survived" Week 1 with my selection of the Arizona Cardinals. Going into Week 2, I decided to take the Steelers over the Seahawks. Another solid option is the Lions at home against the injury-riddled Chiefs.

Lance Kennedy, a veteran technical director at Sportsnet Radio The Fan 590 and world-class fantasy football freak, wanted to make sure I called myself out this week. Yes Lance, I will admit to everyone that I was the bonehead that selected Peyton Manning in the station's fantasy football league draft. I accept any and all ridicule.