NFL Week 2: Previews, Odds, and Picks
NFL Season Week 2 Previews, Odds, and Picks
Week 2 of the NFL season is here, and after an exciting opening week. We have another loaded Sunday schedule followed by Monday Night Football.
Thursday’s Lions versus Bills game is already final (Bills 41, Lions 31), so this focuses on the remaining slate. Here are my picks for every NFL Week 2 Sunday and Monday game, including the current odds, a quick preview, and the Bystander picks. I show why I like my picks and give my projected final scores.
Odds are a current snapshot and are subject to change before kickoff.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, September 20 1:00 PM ET
Both teams are 0-1. Carolina gave up a ton of points in a high-scoring loss to Chicago but showed offensive juice. Atlanta is still sorting its quarterback situation and struggled in Week 1. Divisional games are often tight and physical.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Panthers -2.5 | Over/Under: 43.5 | Moneyline: Panthers -150 | Falcons +125
The Bystander Pick: Carolina Panthers
I’m taking Carolina because I trust the Panthers to generate enough offense to overcome their defensive problems. Atlanta still has not announced who their starting QB will be with Sunday.
Cooper Rush and Michael Penix Jr. were both full participants on Wednesday. Either way, Rush didn’t look great against the Steelers and if Penix Jr. starts, I imagine he’ll have some rust to shake off.
Panthers 27, Falcons 20
New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, September 20 1:00 PM ET
The Ravens exploded for 41 points and looked dominant in Week 1 but they were playing the Browns. The Saints dropped a heartbreaker in overtime to the Lions. Baltimore’s offense powered by Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and company is a tough matchup for most defenses.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Ravens -8.5 | Over/Under: 46.5 | Moneyline: Ravens -425 | Saints +325
The Bystander Pick: Baltimore Ravens
Personally, I’m expecting another shootout. The Ravens defense wasn’t necessarily tested against Cleveland last week. New Orleans, on the other hand, seems to have a surprising offense. I don’t think we’ll see a game that comes down to the last play in overtime like the Saints game in week one but it’ll be closer than the oddsmakers think.
Ultimately, having homefield advantage and Lamar Jackson’s arm and legs are too much for New Orleans.
Ravens 34, Saints 27
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Sunday, September 20 1:00 PM ET
Explosive Bears offense (59 points in Week 1) hosts a Vikings team that rode a late comeback. Carson Wentz is expected under center for Minnesota; Chicago’s home crowd and Ben Johnson’s scheme should keep the pressure high.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Bears -4.5 | Over/Under: 48.5 | Moneyline: Bears -225 | Vikings +185
The Bystander Pick: Chicago Bears
The Bears' offensive performance in Week 1 was too impressive to ignore. Caleb Williams looked comfortable operating the offense, and Chicago has enough speed and creativity to punish an aggressive Minnesota defense.
The Vikings will create problems with pressure, but Williams showed in Week 1 that he can make plays against the blitz.
If the Bears defensive line can create pressure it will be a long day for Carson Wentz. If he has time, I expect this to be one of the higher-scoring games of the afternoon.
Bears 31, Vikings 27
Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans
Sunday, September 20 1:00 PM ET
Competitive, high-upside AFC game. The Bengals showed defensive flashes and offensive ability in Week 1. The Texans were competitive against Buffalo and play at home. Houston has also had success against Cincinnati in recent meetings, winning 4 of the previous 5 matchups.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Texans -2.5 | Over/Under: 46.5 | Moneyline: Texans -150 | Bengals +125
The Bystander Pick: Cincinnati Bengals
I’m going against the odds here. Even though Joe Burrow revealed he is having back spasms, he is expected to play.
Houston’s defense is tough; but, the Bengals have too much offensive talent for me to overlook them as road underdogs. Burrow is easily a top 5 quarterback capable of making difficult throws. I expect the Bengals' passing game to create problems for Houston.
The Texans have home-field advantage, but Cincinnati has the offensive firepower to keep this one within reach throughout the afternoon. I think Burrow makes the biggest play late.
Bengals 27, Texans 24
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots
Sunday, September 20 1:00 PM ET
Low-scoring, physical AFC matchup. New England is favored at home; Pittsburgh has shown it can hang as an underdog. Key injuries (including both team’s receiving corps) could keep the total down.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Patriots -5.5 | Over/Under: 41.5 | Moneyline: Patriots -245 | Steelers +200
The Bystander Pick: Pittsburgh Steeler
The game can go either way. However, Drake Maye’s last 2 games have not impressed me. Too many interceptions and forced throws. Pittsburgh's defense can and will create problems for the Patriots QB. I'm going with Pittsburgh to pull off the upset.
The Steelers showed in Week 1 that they can win a low scoring, physical football game. Rodgers doesn't need to throw for 350 yards. Pittsburgh can run the ball, protect Rodgers and allow its defense to dictate the pace.
This feels like another game that could come down to the final few possessions. Maybe another mistake late by Drake.
Steelers 20, Patriots 17
Green Bay Packers at New York Jets
Sunday, September 20 1:00 PM ET
The Packers head to New York after letting a nine-point halftime lead disappear against Minnesota in Week 1.
The Jets, meanwhile, opened the season with an impressive defensive performance in a road victory over Tennessee. That defense will face a much bigger challenge against Green Bay.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Packers -3.5 | Over/Under 44.5 | Moneyline: Packers -190 | Jets +160
The Bystander Pick: Green Bay Packers
The Packers should be frustrated after giving away their Week 1 advantage, and I expect them to respond with a more balanced offensive game plan.
The Jets' defense is good enough to make things difficult, but Green Bay has more ways to attack. I expect the Packers to establish the running game and take pressure off the passing attack.
This could be a low-scoring game for stretches, but I expect Green Bay to make enough plays late.
Packers 24, Jets 20
Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday, September 20 1:00 PM ET
Tampa Bay enters this game as one of the biggest favorites on the Week 2 board. The Buccaneers are coming off a disappointing Week 1 loss to Cincinnati, while Cleveland will try to bounce back after losing its opener to Jacksonville.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Buccaneers -8.5 | Over/Under: 41.5 | Moneyline: Buccaneers -425 | Browns +325
The Bystander Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The expectation: Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense bounce back after a turnover filled Week 1. Cleveland's defense could keep this close early, but Tampa Bay has enough offensive weapons to eventually create separation.
Don't expect Tampa Bay to dominate from opening kickoff, expect the Buccaneers to wear Cleveland down as the game progresses. You may even see improvement at quarterback play from Deshaun Watson in comparison to week over week. But it won’t be enough as the Buc’s win.
Buccaneers 28, Browns 16
Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans
Sunday, September 20 1:00 PM ET
Philly escaped Washington 24-22 in Week 1; Tennessee didn't score a touchdown until the final drive in a 23-10 loss to the Jets. Now, Philadelphia heads to Tennessee looking to build on the Week 1 victory.
Titans were thoroughly outplayed by the Jets and rank among the weaker teams early.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Eagles -7 | Over/Under: 39.5 | Moneyline: Eagles -340 | Titans +270
The Bystander Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
This might be one of the easier choices this week. The Eagles have too much offensive talent for me to pick against them in this matchup. Their ability to run the football should be particularly important because it can keep Tennessee's defense on the field and create opportunities in the passing game.
I also expect Philadelphia's defense to make life difficult for Tennessee. The Titans could keep this close for a while, but I expect the Eagles to pull away in the second half. The Titans' offense simply isn't ready for a defense this disciplined.
Eagles 27, Titans 13
Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos
Sunday, September 20 4:05 PM ET
Denver's defense led the league in sacks a season ago and generated steady pressure even in a Week 1 loss to Kansas City. Jacksonville rolled up 34 on Cleveland but will face a much tougher front here.
By the Numbers:
Odds: Broncos -2.5 | Over/Under: 45.5 | Moneyline: Broncos -150 | Jaguars +125
The Bystander Pick: Denver Broncos
I was not particularly impressed with Denver’s offense. The Broncos' defensive performance wasn’t extremely convincing either. This week though, I like the matchup for Denver's defense. Playing at altitude also creates a unique challenge for visiting teams, particularly if the game stays close into the fourth quarter.
Jacksonville has enough offensive talent to make this uncomfortable, even picking against them. But I expect Denver's defense to generate a couple of important stops.
Broncos 24, Jaguars 21
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Sunday, September 20 4:05 PM ET
The Chargers return home to face the Raiders in an AFC West matchup. Los Angeles is looking to bounce back after a surprising Week 1 loss to Arizona, while Las Vegas enters this game after defeating Miami.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Chargers -6.5 | Over/Under: 43.5 | Moneyline: Chargers -300 | Raiders +240
The Bystander Pick: Los Angeles Chargers
This is a good opportunity for the Chargers to get their season moving in the right direction. I would feel more comfortable with this choice if the Chargers won last week. I see the Chargers playing with a sense of urgency after their Week 1 disappointment.
They have enough offensive talent to put pressure on Las Vegas, and I expect their defense to be much better at home. Home field and superior skill position talent favor the Chargers covering and winning comfortably.
Chargers 27, Raiders 17
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
Sunday, September 20 4:25 PM ET
Seattle's defense carried it to a 13-10 road win over New England in the season opener despite losing its starting QB to injury. Arizona bounced back well after Week 1, but Seattle has the rest advantage and the defensive edge.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Seahawks -4.5 | Over/Under: 41.5 | Moneyline: Seahawks -205 | Cardinals +170
The Bystander Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s overall balance and ability to control tempo should earn a solid road win. The Seahawks' defense was excellent in Week 1, and I think that defense will be the difference here. This should be close for most of the afternoon before Seattle makes enough plays late.
Seahawks 23, Cardinals 20
Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, September 20 4:25 PM ET
This NFC East rivalry could be one of the highest-scoring games of the week according to the oddsmakers. Both teams are looking to build after Week 1 losses. Dallas at home usually brings energy and offensive production.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Cowboys -4.5 | Over/Under: 50.5 | Moneyline: Cowboys -210 | Commanders +175
The Bystander Pick: Dallas Cowboys
I think this is a bounce-back opportunity for the Cowboys. Their offense should have opportunities against Washington, and playing at home gives Dallas an important advantage.
Washington will move the football, but not enough. I’m expecting to see the Cowboys defense show up. NFC division games are always tight and usually low scoring. I don’t expect this trend to change. Dallas wins but under the 50.5 total.
Cowboys 24, Commanders 17
Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, September 20 4:25 PM ET
This is one of the biggest spreads of the entire Week 2 slate. San Francisco looked dominant in a 27-7 win over the Rams. San Francisco returns home after a strong opening week, while Miami is looking to recover from a loss to Las Vegas.
By the Numbers:
Spread: 49ers -13.5 | Over/Under: 45.5 | Moneyline: 49ers -1000 | Dolphins +650
The Bystander Pick: San Francisco 49ers
San Fran wins, the biggest reason why is the matchup on the line of scrimmage. San Francisco has the ability to control the game with its running game and create difficult situations for Miami's offense.
The Dolphins have enough speed to produce some explosive plays, but I expect San Francisco to dominate possession and eventually pull away.
Prediction: 49ers 31, Dolphins 17
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, September 20 8:20 PM ET
Sunday Night Football brings the Colts into Kansas City to face the Chiefs.
Kansas City is coming off a convincing 31-10 victory over Denver, while Indianapolis enters the game after losing 41-23 to Baltimore. That gives the Chiefs a major momentum advantage heading into this matchup.
By the Numbers:
Spread: Chiefs -6.5 | Over/Under: 46.5 | Moneyline: Chiefs -300 | Colts +240
The Bystander Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes looked like he was never hurt or missed any time last Monday. The Chiefs looked much more comfortable offensively in Week 1, and Arrowhead Stadium should make life difficult for Indianapolis.
A short week for the Chiefs should factor into much. Colts stay close early but Chiefs grind away pulling further and further away as the game goes on.
Chiefs 30, Colts 20
Monday Night Football: New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams
Monday, September 21 8:15 PM ET
The Giants travel to Los Angeles for Monday Night Football. New York enters the game with plenty of confidence after defeating Dallas in Week 1. The Rams used one of their home games in Australia last week in a tough loss to the 49ers.
By the Numbers
Spread: Rams -7.5 | Over/Under: 48.5 | Moneyline: Rams -350 | Giants +275
The Bystander Pick: Los Angeles Rams
I’m assuming last week for the Rams was a fluke. I felt like the Rams were a little ill-prepared. I’m not sure why but I’ll blame the trip to another continent. Now they lost Myles Garrett for a month. The age of the team may be showing.
The Giants have a great coach and it showed last week. I would be shocked if they upset the Rams this week. Anticipate the Giants to make some big plays, but don't think they'll consistently slow the Rams down. Rams win at home.
Rams 28, Giants 17
Quick Picks:
Our Picks: | Predicted Scores: |
Bills | 34-27 |
Panthers | 27-20 |
Ravens | 34-27 |
Bears | 31-27 |
Bengals | 27-24 |
Steelers | 20-17 |
Packers | 24-20 |
Buccaneers | 28-16 |
Eagles | 27-13 |
Broncos | 24-21 |
Chargers | 27-17 |
Seahawks | 23-20 |
Cowboys | 24-17 |
49ers | 31-17 |
Chiefs | 30-20 |
Rams | 27-17 |
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