After a Week 1 full of surprises, we are looking to build on what we learned and apply that knowledge in Week 2. For my fellow NFL betting degenerates out there, that means it’s time to get our Week 2 NFL picks and predictions in order. Let’s take a look at who I like to cover the spread in Week 2.
Week 2 NFL picks and predictions | Betting lines and odds
Oddsmakers are extremely sharp when it comes to setting lines. With a week between games, they have ample time to fine-tune their numbers to get action on both sides. Let’s take a look at every Week 2 game and pick some winners against the spread. All lines are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of 2 PM ET on September 17.
[metabet_core_odds_board league=”nfl” site_id=”profootballnetwork” hide_consensus=”yes” hide_location=”yes”]New Orleans Saints (-3) at Carolina Panthers
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
Both teams are coming off Week 1 victories, with the Saints looking mighty impressive, holding Aaron Rodgers to the worst game of his career. With that being said, this feels like a prime letdown spot for Jameis Winston on the road against a better-than-you-think defense.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Panthers 23, Saints 20
Cincinnati Bengals at Chicago Bears (-2.5)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
The Bengals are coming off an impressive home win in overtime over the Vikings. Meanwhile, the Bears embarrassed themselves on national television against the Rams. Cincinnati looks like the better team, but we know it’s never that easy in the NFL.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Bears 27, Bengals 21
Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns (-13)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
This is a perfect confluence of talent and narrative that should lead to a blowout. The Texans are coming off a dominant home victory, while the Browns suffered a tough road loss at Kansas City. This is one of my favorite plays of the week.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Browns 34, Texans 10
Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) at Indianapolis Colts
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
Matthew Stafford is clearly a significant upgrade over Jared Goff. His command of the Rams’ offense last Sunday night was noticeable. With that being said, we’ve got a West Coast team traveling cross-country to play a 1 PM East Coast game. There’s a chance I’m overthinking this one, but I like the Colts to bounce back and avoid dropping a second straight home game.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Colts 28, Rams 20
Denver Broncos (-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
I will not try and overthink this one. The Broncos will be a popular public play, but I just can’t see the Jaguars moving the ball on a stout Denver defense. Trevor Lawrence looked every bit like a rookie last week. He should be good one day, but that day is not against the Broncos.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Broncos 31, Jaguars 13
Buffalo Bills (-3.5) at Miami Dolphins
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
Call me a sucker for falling into a narrative trap, but after a surprising home loss, the Bills are poised to bounce back and avoid starting 0-2. The Dolphins probably should’ve lost last week — they will this week.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Bills 31, Dolphins 24
New England Patriots (-6) at New York Jets
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
I feel confident about the Patriots winning this game as the Jets struggled to protect Zach Wilson last week even when Mekhi Becton was healthy. This line was much more appealing when it was 4. The 6 points may be too many, but I trust Bill Belichick to secure a victory here. Hopefully, it’s by more than a touchdown.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Patriots 24, Jets 17
San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Philadelphia Eagles
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
This is one of the toughest games to pick. Both offenses looked excellent last week, and both teams are coming off convincing victories. Jalen Hurts impressed, but I’m not ready to anoint him the future just yet. The Falcons may just be that bad.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: 49ers 31, Eagles 27
Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
This is another difficult game to pick as the Steelers did not play well offensively last week and won with defense. Meanwhile, the Raiders didn’t so much beat the Ravens as the Ravens lost. I feel good about the Steelers winning this game, but 6.5 looks like too many.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Steelers 30, Raiders 24
Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals (-4)
Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, FOX
I don’t think one week is enough for the football universe to buy into the Cardinals. It is for me. We know Kyler Murray is incredible, but what really stood out was the performance of this defense. This isn’t new — the Cardinals were actually strong defensively over the last few weeks of the 2020 season. I think it’s legit.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Cardinals 34, Vikings 20
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-12.5)
Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, FOX
Everything about what we saw in Week 1 points to a Tampa blowout. The Bucs are coming off extended rest after winning a shootout with the Cowboys, while the Falcons embarrassed themselves against the Eagles. Nevertheless, it feels like the Falcons always play the Bucs tough. Tampa Bay will win, but not by 2 touchdowns.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Buccaneers 31, Falcons 21
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers (-3.5)
Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, CBS
As a fantasy football player, I’m excited about this expected shootout. As a Cowboys fan, I’m terrified of an 0-2 start. Justin Herbert is going to be even better than he was as a rookie. In the past, this was a game the Chargers would find a way to lose. For some reason, though, I think this is a game the Cowboys find a way to win.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Cowboys 38, Chargers 34
Tennessee Titans at Seattle Seahawks (-6.5)
Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, CBS
Last week, the Titans looked like a team that’s only winning a couple of games this year. I refuse to believe that’s the case. They have to utilize play-action more this week.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Seahawks 27, Titans 22
Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) at Baltimore Ravens
Time and channel: 8:20 PM ET, NBC
I really want to pick the Ravens in this game, but I’m having flashbacks to last season when I felt the same way, and the Chiefs pummeled them on Monday Night Football, 34-20. The Ravens are missing so many players, especially on the defensive side. Thus, I have been persuaded to go against my gut.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Chiefs 31, Ravens 24
Monday Night Football: Free NFL picks and predictions
Here are the NFL Week 2 betting lines and odds for Monday’s game as of 2 PM ET on September 17.
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (-12)
Time and channel: 8:15 PM ET, ESPN
I refuse to believe that Aaron Rodgers is done. Angry Rodgers comes back with a vengeance after the worst game of his career and throws for 400 yards and 4 touchdowns in a drudging of the Lions.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Packers 35, Lions 17