NFL Week 2 Predictions
(Packers -2.5)
The Packers have not beaten the Vikings since the 2016 season, and Aaron Rodgers has struggled against them since Anthony Barr shortened his 2017 season. For this week, I think we know what we are getting with Minnesota…very solid offense, very good defense. The Packers have 2 question marks…is their defense as good as it looked last week, and is their offense as bad as it looked last week? That will decide the outcome. I think their defense takes a couple steps back, but I think their offense takes several steps forward. I will take the Packers to win, but the Vikings will cover the 2.5.
(Ravens -13)
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens looked unstoppable in Week 1, on both offense and defense. But, they were playing the Dolphins…so we will see how they play against an NFL team this week. Kyler Murray looked very good in the 2nd half last week, bringing the Cardinals back from a 6-24 4th quarter deficit. I do think the Ravens are better, but not 13 points better. I pick the Ravens to win, but pick the Cardinals to cover the 13 points.
(Cowboys -5.5)
Case Keenum looked very good in his Redskins debut last week in a loss to the Eagles, but their defense could not stop Carson Wentz and DeSean Jackson. Last week the Cowboys put up 35 points and 494 yards of total offense against the Giants, with Dak Prescott throwing for over 400 yards. I see a lot of the same this week against Washington. I’ll take the Cowboys to win and cover the 5.5 points.
(Titans -3)
Despite the loss, Jacoby Brissett’s debut at a full-time starter last week was solid. Efficient stats with no mistakes. I think he will continue to improve. Marcus Mariota and the Titans put up 43 points last week against the Browns, but that has been a stagnant offense for a few years. I don’t expect to see a performance like that again. This one is tough to pick, as these teams match up closely, meaning they are both very average. I will take the underdog Colts to win outright.
(Steelers -3.5)
It seems early in the season to say this, but I think the Steelers have a must-win game this week. They got embarrassed by New England last week, and losing at home to drop to 0-2 would be disastrous. The Seahawks did hold on to win last week against the Cardinals, but they did not look good doing it. Offensively or defensively. This is a toss up. I will take the Steelers to win, but the Seahawks to cover the 3.5 points.
(Bills -1.5)
Buffalo had a nice opening week win against the Jets, with their defense playing well, and Josh Allen & Co turning it on in the 2nd half. The Giants defense was porous last week against the Cowboys, but their offense looked good, with El Manning going over 300 yards and Saquon Barkley getting 120. Tough call, this is the smallest spread of the week for a reason. I will take the Bills to win and cover the 1.5 points.
(Bengals -2)
Despite the loss to the Seahawks, the Bengals looked sharp last week. Andy Dalton had a career day, and their defense held Seattle to 232 total yards. The 49ers won handily against the Buccs, but mustered only 16 points on offense. But their defense was spectacular, forcing 4 turnovers and scoring 2 TDs. I will take the 49ers to win outright.
(Chargers -2.5)
Both teams played overtime games last week, blowing leads in the process. The Chargers blew a 24-9 lead, but ended up winning in overtime. The Lions blew a 24-6 lead, ending with a tie. Both quarterbacks played well last week, but I will take Philip Rivers over Matthew Stafford. I got the Chargers to win and cover the 2.5.
(Texans -8.5)
1 week ago, I may have taken the Jags in this game. But that was before Gardner Minshew became their starting Quarterback. He did look good last week coming in for an injured Nick Foles, but, I still don’t feel great about him playing the Texans defense. Houston played very, but lost to the high-powered Saints on a 58 yard field goal as time expired. Should have won that game. I pick the Texans to win this game and cover the 8.5.
(Patriots -18.5)
Does it even matter what the spread is? Best team in football vs the worst team in football. Easiest pick of the week! I will take the Patriots to win, and cover whatever the spread is.
(Chiefs -8.5)
The Raiders looked good winning their opener last week, getting solid performances from Derek Carr and rookie Josh Jacobs. But The Chiefs looked better, putting up 40 points against the Jags defense. Kansas City will be without star WR Tyreek Hill, but they are still dominant on offense. Too much for Oakland to stop. I will take the Chiefs to win, but the home Raiders will cover the 8.5 points.
(Rams -2)
This looks to be the most exciting game of the week. Both put up 30 points last week, and I see them both doing it again this week. The offenses are comparable, but I think the Rams defense is better. Coming off a short week, I see the Saints struggling to stop the Rams, specifically Todd Gurley. I will take the Rams to win and cover the 2 points.
(Bears -2.5)
The Bears defense held the Packers to just 10 points last week, but their offense was simply pathetic, mustering all of 3 points. The Broncos looked average on both sides of the ball, but should get better as Flacco gets going. This is a tough one to pick, with the Bears coming in with 10 days rest, the Broncos just 6. For that reason, and that reason only, I will take the Bears to win, but the Broncos will cover the 2.5 points.
(Eagles -2)
In the Sunday Night Game this week, the Eagles visit the Falcons in what looks to be a pretty even matchup. Despite losing to the Vikings last week 12-30, the Falcons actually outplayed them. 9 more 1st downs and almost 100 more total yards of offense. But they lost the turnover battle 0-3. Carson Wentz and the Eagles offense looked great, scoring 32 points, but their defense looked shaky, allowing Case Keenum to pass for 380 yards. If Matt Ryan can have a similar game, he and Julio Jones will be too much for the Eagles to handle. I see the underdog Falcons winning outright.
(Browns -6)
The Monday Night Game features the revamped Browns and the up and coming Jets. The Browns looked awful in their debut last week, getting beaten up by the Titans 43-13. Nothing on their offense clicked, and their defense could do nothing to stop Tennessee. I would have a hard time picking them in this game, but the Jets will be without Sam Darnold (mono), and Le’Veon Bell is questionable with a shoulder injury. After their performance last week it’s tough to do this, but I will take the Browns to win and cover the 6 points.