Week 2 NFL Picks
All betting lines from bet365.com (Updated Sept. 20)
Detroit Lions (1-0) @ Buffalo Bills (1-0)
The Bills will play their season opener at the new Highmark Stadium in what could quickly turn into a track meet between these two offenses. My guess is whoever has the last possession wins this game and I'll lean on a strong showing from Josh Allen here. Pick: Bills, 34-27.
Line: Bills -5.5
ML: Bills
Spread: Bills
Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) @ Houston Texans (0-1)
A lot of question marks surrounding Joe Burrow's status for this game and the Bengals must be having flashes of Deja Vu. The Texans didn't have a great showing defensively last week and I expect Demeco Ryans to turn up the heat on an injured Burrow. Pick: Texans, 24-16.
Line: Texans -2.5
ML: Texans
Spread: Texans
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) @ New England Patriots (0-1)
Things didn't go the Pats' way in the Super Bowl rematch last week and Drake Maye had a terrible second half committing three turnovers. Expect Mike Vrabel to have this team ready to go and tidy things up. I think the Pats win a defensive brawl to get their first win. Pick: Patriots, 20-14.
Line: Patriots -4.5
ML: Patriots
Spread: Patriots
Cleveland Browns (0-1) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)
I think this Browns team will be distracted all year long with the continued perplexity from Deshaun Watson in front of the media. Todd Monken swears there were some good things on tape during last week's game, but there wasn't enough to show confidence in Watson's ability to lead this team. I like Todd Bowles's defense this week in what could be a sloppy weather game. Pick: Buccaneers, 23-13.
Line: Buccaneers -8.5
ML: Buccaneers
Spread: Buccaneers
Carolina Panthers (0-1) @ Atlanta Falcons (0-1)
The Panthers had the wheels blown off them in the second half last week and will need a strong start to this game on the road. Bryce Young is 3-0 against the Falcons in his career and I expect the young signal caller to bounce back here. Pick: Panthers, 23-16.
Line: Panthers -2.5
ML: Panthers
Spread: Panthers
New Orleans Saints (0-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (1-0)
The Ravens had a lot of injuries pile up this week, most notably Zay Flowers and Ronnie Stanley. It could be time for someone else to shine in this offense, but they would be wise to give Derrick Henry a heavy dose on the ground. Pick: Ravens, 23-14.
Line: Ravens -8.5
ML: Ravens
Spread: Ravens
Minnesota Vikings (1-0) @ Chicago Bears (1-0)
Nothing like a Bears home game with plenty of wind and rain in the forecast to give this the true NFC North feel. Ben Johnson impressed with his play-calling during Week 1 as this offense nearly reached the 60-point mark. I don't expect that many points considering the conditions, but Caleb Williams seems to be playing with an edge to start the year. Pick: Bears, 27-17.
Line: Bears -4.5
ML: Bears
Spread: Bears
Green Bay Packers (0-1) @ New York Jets (1-0)
The Packers blew another 4th quarter lead and it would seem Matt LaFleur could be on the hot seat with only one week under his belt. More tough conditions are expected in this game and we could be set for a MarShawn Lloyd breakout game. Pick: Packers, 19-13.
Line: Packers -3.5
ML: Packers
Spread: Packers
Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) @ Tennessee Titans (0-1)
The Titans didn't exactly have the start they wanted in their home opener last week, putting up just 10 points. Now, they will face a tougher Eagles defense that will put pressure on the young duo of Cam Ward and Carnell Tate. Pick: Eagles, 27-14.
Line: Eagles -7
ML: Eagles
Spread: Eagles
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) @ Broncos (0-1)
This is the game of the week in my mind and probably an early must-win for the Broncos here at home. Last year the Jags walked into Mile High late in the season and dominated the Broncos and I think they have enough talent to walk out with another stunner. Pick: Jaguars, 24-21.
Line: Broncos -2.5
ML: Jaguars
Spread: Jaguars
Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) @ Los Angeles Chargers (0-1)
The Chargers were stunned at home last week and Mike McDaniel's offense really couldn't get any momentum. I trust that Jim Harbaugh can get a better effort from this group and bounce back with a pivotal divisional win. Pick: Chargers, 26-17.
Line: Chargers -6.5
ML: Chargers
Spread: Chargers
Washington Commanders (0-1) @ Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
A few other teams are in must-win territory early on in this season and that feeling is the same for the Cowboys. With some tough matchups ahead on their schedule -- including a clash with the Ravens next week -- it's pivotal that the Cowboys don't start 0-2. Pick: Cowboys, 30-23.
Line: Cowboys -4.5
ML: Cowboys
Spread: Cowboys
Seattle Seahawks (1-0) @ Arizona Cardinals (1-0)
The Seahawks rallied around Drew Lock when he came into last week's game and they will need another good showing from their defense to come away 2-0 here. I liked what I saw from rookie Jadarian Price last week and the Seahawks may have found another gamer. Pick: Seahawks, 23-17.
Line: Seahawks -3.5
ML: Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks
Miami Dolphins (0-1) @ San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
The Niners got a huge win over the Rams last week to kick start their season and will now look to build on that. The offense was clicking on all cylinders and Deebo Samuel seems to have found his familiar rhythm in the scheme. Pick: 49ers, 34-16.
Line: 49ers -13.5
ML: 49ers
Spread: 49ers
Indianapolis Colts (0-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
The Colts will be playing desperate football as they head into Arrowhead Stadium this week. Was last week's win for the Chiefs more about how poorly the Broncos played with pace? Pick: Chiefs, 24-20.
Line: Chiefs -6.5
ML: Chiefs
Spread: Colts
New York Giants (1-0) @ Los Angeles Rams (0-1)
The Rams need this game badly and all signs point to Puka Nacua sitting this one out, creating a huge hole in this offense. Despite that, I like Sean McVay to put together a good gameplan this week and Aaron Donald's return to the lineup should create a spark. Pick: Rams, 20-17.
Line: Rams -6.5
ML: Rams
Spread: Giants
Results
Week 1
ML: 11-5 (68.8%)
ATS: 10-6 (62.5%)
Overall
ML: 11-5 (68.8%)
ATS: 10-6 (62.5%)
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