Week 2 in the NFL is Overreaction Week â and that's the first thing to keep in mind as we take a look at our NFL Week 2 betting preview, with odds and picks for every game, every team.
After seven long months without meaningful NFL football, it's impossibly hard not to put too much stock into everything we saw in opening week. That creates value on the lines, and it means prime opportunity for bettors as we head into NFL Week 2.
Maybe you're a fan of one of the teams looking to get $10 down, or perhaps you just want to get a little action on a game you don't have a good feel for but know you'll be watching. Maybe you know exactly who you like in a game, just not the right way to bet it.
This article is for you: your one-stop NFL Week 2 betting preview shop for how to (potentially) bet every game and every team.
Looking to place your NFL Week 2 bets? Get the latest updated NFL odds across sportsbooks here, as shopping around to find the best line is essential for every NFL bettor, beginner or expert!
NFL Week 2 Betting Preview: Odds & Picks
To go directly to a specific game or team, click the Game Preview matchup or team logo.
The goal of this column is to get you ready to bet on any particular game or team on the Week 2 slate as a regular NFL fan who's interested in how to bet on the league. For more experienced bettors, you will also find my general thoughts on every game, as well as my full betting card at the bottom.
You absolutely should not bet every pick in this column. That would be -EV, since some of the picks for one team are in direct opposition to the other side under each game, and because I do not feel strongly about all of the picks.
Skip around to the games of interest, pick the side you like, and place your bets. Figure out how to bet on your favorite team â or against your most hated rival.
With that in mind, this is how to bet every team and every game in NFL Week 2, with the odds and picks for the entire slate.
Make sure to check out our Fanatics Sportsbook promo code, betMGM bonus code, FanDuel promo code and more as you place your NFL Week 2 bets!
Monday Night Football NFL Betting Preview
Saints vs. Panthers Odds, Picks
| Saints Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 39.5 -110o / -110u | -155 |
| Panthers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 39.5 -110o / -110u | +130 |
What you need to know:
- There are two concurrent Monday night games this week.
- You're allowed to watch the other one.
How to bet New Orleans: Under 40
The Saints defense has lost a lot of names but is still a standout unit. Carolina starts rookie QB Bryce Young along with a shaky, banged-up line, no dangerous weapons, and an offense that's not sure who's even calling plays yet.
Unders went 12-4 in Week 1, and they've been profitable for home underdogs the last two years (61%) and in primetime the last four years (60%). They're also 47-19-3 (71%) in Week 2 with a total 40 or below. Trust the Saints defense, but protect yourself from Derek Carr breaking in slowly against another good defense, and take the under.
How to bet Carolina: Panthers +3
The Saints are the NFC South favorite by default but need to prove they deserve that status. They barely escaped Week 1 with a one-point win, and Derek Carr (36%) and Dennis Allen (31%) both have abysmal ATS records as favorites. Several Week 2 trends are in Carolina's favor too, with teams coming off a double-digit loss 36-18-3 ATS (67%) against all others over the past decade. Three points is already too many, but you might want to wait til Monday to see if you can snag a +3.5 before kickoff.
My thoughts: No bet from me
The Saints look better but need to prove it, and I don't trust Carolina enough to take even an inflated line.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Browns vs. Steelers Odds, Picks
| Browns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 38.5 -106o / -114u | -142 |
| Steelers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 38.5 -106o / -114u | +120 |
What you need to know:
- The line has moved 3.5 points from Steelers -1 last Sunday morning, thanks to Cleveland's dominant win over the Browns and Pittsburgh's embarrassing showing against the 49ers.
- This was a completely one-sided rivalry for years, with the Steelers winning 31 of 34 through 2018, but the Browns have won four of nine since.
How to bet Cleveland: Under 38.5 Total Points Scored
This game screams under. Jim Schwartz's defense looks nasty and should have its way with a blah Steelers line and a bad Matt Canada offensive scheme, but do you really trust Deshaun Watson on the road with a rookie RT starting for Jack Conklin against the league's best pass rush? Points will be at a premium.
The average Browns/Steelers game the last two years finished at 40.75 points. Unders went 12-4 in Week 1, and there are a slew of trends leaning under here:
- Primetime unders the last four years: 60%
- Home underdog unders the last two years: 61%
- Kevin Stefanski unders with a total 43 or below: 69%
- Deshaun Watson unders with a total 42 or below: 78%
- Week 2 unders with a total 40 or below: 71%
How to bet Pittsburgh: Steelers +2.5
This line moved way too far in Cleveland's direction after the skewed Week 1 results. You've seen this Mike Tomlin team for two decades. You already know how they respond in this situation.
A barrage of ATS trends overwhelmingly love Pittsburgh, hate Cleveland, and love the spot:
- Tomlin as a home underdog (76%) and division underdog (72%)
- Stefanski as a favorite (36%), in the division (32%), and as a division favorite (22%)
- Teams that lost by 17+ vs. teams that won by 17+ (61%)
- Week 2 underdogs at home a second straight game (73%)
- Week 2 underdogs that lost vs. favorites that were Week 1 dogs (66%)
- Week 2 teams that lost by double digits in Week 1, since 2012 (67%)
My thoughts: Under 38.5, and tease Steelers +2.5 to +8.5
This is my favorite betting spot of the week. It's my favorite under on the board with all the offensive line injury concerns and great pass rushes on both sides. I also like the Steelers side but prefer to tease them to +8 or longer, a great way to close our your weekend or start the new week's teaser.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Brandon Anderson's Week 2 Betting Card
- Steelers/Browns under 38.5
- Jets/Cowboys under 38.5
- Colts/Texans under 39.5
- Chiefs -3
- Bills -8 / Steelers +2.5 teaser (to Bills -2 / Steelers +8.5)
- Matt Stafford over 224.5 passing yards
- Patriots +3 and under 46.5 SGP (+275)
Sunday Early Afternoon Games
Chiefs vs Jaguars Odds, Picks
| Chiefs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -105 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | -172 |
| Jaguars Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -115 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | +144 |
What you need to know:
- These teams played twice last year and the Chiefs won both, 27-17 in the regular season and 27-20 in the playoffs. Neither was as close as the final score, with garbage time Jaguars scores in both, and that despite Patrick Mahomes leaving briefly with injury in the playoff game.
- All the focus will be on Mahomes vs. Trevor Lawrence, but the Jaguars pass defense is the obvious weak link. Jacksonville ranked 30th in pass defense DVOA last year, and Mahomes mostly had his way against them in both games.
- Star Chiefs defender Chris Jones has signed and returned to the team, and it looks like Travis Kelce will likely return from injury as well.
How to bet Kansas City: Chiefs -3
Remarkably, this is only the second season of Mahomes' career he's dipped under .500 for even a second. He's 13-3 SU after a loss, with every win by at least three and an average winning margin of 15.0 PPG. The Chiefs don't lose often, and when they do, they typically respond immediately. Mahomes has been lights out anytime he's anything shorter than a 3.5-point favorite, at 19-6-1 ATS (76%) including playoffs.
You don't get many chances to bet Mahomes as a short favorite after a loss. Say thanks and place your bet â but if you're new to betting, remember that it makes sense to check out different sportsbooks to see where you can find the best lines. Right now, FanDuel, where you might already be signed up, has the Chiefs at -3.5. A place like Caesars, meanwhile, has Kansas City -3. That extra half-point matters.
Placing your best at Caesars? Make sure to use our Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code!
How to bet Jacksonville: Jaguars Team Total Over 23.5
There's only one way the Jaguars compete here, and it ain't on defense. The Chiefs will hang a crooked number on this Jacksonville D, so it's up to Trevor Lawrence, Calvin Ridley & Co. to match Mahomes blow for blow. Forget the spread. If the Jags don't score 24, they're not covering anyway.
If you think Jacksonville can win, this is also your last chance to get Jaguars futures at a reasonable price. This is the toughest game on a soft schedule, and if Lawrence beats Mahomes to get to 2-0, he and the Jaguars will be the lead story all week. The Jaguars are +1500 to win the AFC, and Lawrence is +1500 to win MVP.
My thoughts: Bet Chiefs -3 (but no further)
The Jaguars are weirdly similar to the Lions with a good offense and passing game but leaky defense. So what did you make of the Thursday opener? In my view, the Chiefs weren't good, but they were better than the Lions, just unlucky. Now, they get their second- and third-best players back, and the Jags have a drastically worse, banged-up offensive line. Gimme Pat â but I want it at -3 and no further.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Ravens vs. Bengals Odds, Picks
| Ravens Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -102 | 45.5 -110o / -110u | +145 |
| Bengals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -118 | 45.5 -110o / -110u | -175 |
What you need to know:
- The Bengals have won four of five against the Ravens, including a playoff game, by an average score of 30-18 but had lost five straight to Baltimore before that.
- The Ravens injury list is already mounting. S Marcus Williams is the newest name missing from a secondary already missing stud CB Marlon Humphrey. The offensive line is missing its best two players in LT Ronnie Stanley and C Tyler Linderbaum. Mark Andrews is still a question mark, too.
- Joe Burrow is coming off the worst game of his career, a 24-3 loss to the Browns, and it looks like that preseason calf injury might still have some lingering effects.
How to bet Baltimore: Ravens +3.5
Lamar Jackson is a remarkable 10-1 ATS (91%) as an underdog for his career, including 7-4 SU, and the one failed cover was by a single point. Jackson hasn't been a dog often since his breakthrough MVP, but he almost always shows up in these spots. John Harbaugh is 59% ATS as an underdog for his career, including 18-8-1 ATS (69%) in the division.
The Ravens defense has played well against even a healthy Burrow, so you have to like your chances against this banged-up version. Every point matters in these tough AFC North battles, so grab the +3.5. This feels like a field goal game.
How to bet Cincinnati: Ravens Team Total under 21.5
The Bengals obviously aren't as bad as they looked in Week 1, and they usually bounce back quickly. Joe Burrow is 12-4 ATS (75%) after a loss and 15-9 ATS (63%) as a favorite. But it really does seem like that calf is still bothering Burrow, so let's stay away from Burrow overs or that -3.5 just in case.
Baltimore is installing a new, very different offense under OC Todd Monken, and Monken's attack often takes time to gel at 10-18-1 ATS (36%) in September and October. That gets even harder with all the injuries, so trust DC Lou Anarumo's matchup brilliance to find some answers. The Ravens have gone under 21.5 in five straight against the Bengals at 17, 16, 19, 21, and 17 points.
My thoughts: No bet from me
This is a huge early game, and the Bengals can't afford to go 0-2 in the division, but the injuries to both sides make this too muddy for me. Some games are for watching and learning, not betting.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Packers vs. Falcons Odds, Picks
| Packers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -115 | 40.5 -105o / -115u | +124 |
| Falcons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -105 | 40.5 -105o / -115u | -146 |
What you need to know:
- Both teams won comfortably by 14+ in Week 1 with young quarterbacks.
- These teams mirrored each other last season. Each team struggled defensively, especially against the run. Both ranked just outside the top-10 offenses by DVOA, each top five running the ball. Expect a fast clock and lots of running the football between two slow-pace squads.
- Green Bay looks like it will be without Aaron Jones and Christian Watson, leaving the offense short two of its most explosive options and extremely young outside of the offensive line.
How to bet Green Bay: A.J. Dillon anytime TD +130
Dillon found the end zone in five of Green Bay's final six games. He's not as explosive as Jones, but he's built for short yardage and end zone situations, and he should get a bigger load if Jones is out. The Falcons run defense is beatable, so this line should probably be even odds or shorter.
If you think the Packers win, consider investing in an NFC North ticket at +240. This already looks like a two-team race and a 2-0 start would show Green Bay is in it to win it.
How to bet Atlanta: Falcons -1.5
The big mismatch here is a powerful Falcons rushing attack that ranked No. 3 in DVOA last year, up against a Packers run D that ranked 31st. Atlanta addressed its defense in a major way this offseason and already saw it pay dividends in Week 1, but Green Bay did little to upgrade its run defense. Now, Atlanta adds Rookie of the Year favorite Bijan Robinson to Tyler Allgeier and could run wild in a home win.
My thoughts: Lean Falcons -1.5
I grabbed the Falcons ML (-110) on The Lookahead. I trust Atlanta's two-headed rushing attack against a dreadful run defense, and I'm all-in on Atlanta.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Raiders vs. Bills Odds, Picks
| Raiders Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -112 | 47 -110o / -110u | +300 |
| Bills Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -108 | 47 -110o / -110u | -380 |
What you need to know:
- Buffalo is better than Las Vegas in every way â offense, defense, special teams, coaching, the works.
- Coming off last year's nightmare season, the Bills opened Week 1 by blowing a freebie against the Rodgers-less Jets.
- The Raiders won a squeaker over the Broncos with a big game from WR Jakobi Meyers but will be without him and pass rusher Chandler Jones.
How to bet Las Vegas: Raiders ML +320
Maybe the Bills just lost their mojo. If you think the Raiders hang, you need to be aggressive. Buffalo's won by at least eight in 27 of its last 31 wins (87%), so when the Bills win, they tend to win big. If you think Vegas can be competitive â and if you're a fan, that's the hope, right? â you should play the moneyline for the win.
At that point, you probably need to push your chips in and play Vegas to win the AFC West, too (+1100). FTN has the Raiders at 26% to win the division, and they're already up a game on everyone else.
How to bet Buffalo: Bills -8
There's some value on this line after Josh Allen's Monday disaster, and the Bills typically win big when things go well. Don't overthink this â just lay points and be grateful to be under the -10 it was Sunday.
This is also a great teaser leg as long as it stays at -8.5 or below, getting Buffalo below the key number.
My thoughts: Tease Bills -8 to -2
I'm typically not interested in backing big favorites, but I like the Bills as a teaser leg at -8.5 or lower.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Seahawks vs. Lions Odds, Picks
| Seahawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 47.5 -105o / -115u | +180 |
| Lions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 47.5 -105o / -115u | -215 |
What you need to know:
- These teams had opposing Week 1 experiences. The Lions got a marquee win on Opening Night over the Chiefs while the Seahawks got blown out by the Rams, pushing this line from Lions -3.5 to -6.
- Seattle didn't just lose the game against LA. The Seahawks also lost both starting tackles and had to coax 41-year-old Jason Peters out of retirement this week. The secondary is still banged up, too.
- These teams played a barn burner last October, with Seattle outlasting Detroit 48-45 as both teams ran up over 500 yards of offense.
How to bet Seattle: Seahawks +5
This is a classic overreaction to Week 1. Detroit didn't deserve to win but got lucky, and Seattle played a tight game against a division rival that got away late. Road underdogs off a double-digit loss are 18-3 ATS (86%) in Week 2 since 2014, and there are a barrage of other Week 2 trends backing Seattle too.
Pete Carroll is also outstanding after a loss (61% ATS) and as an underdog (60%). It's not like the Seahawks are missing All-Pro tackles, and the Lions were a bottom-five DVOA defense last season. So thank you for the free Week 1 overreaction points; play the number.
How to bet Detroit: Aidan Hutchinson over 0.75 sacks
The Lions defense is a work in progress, but last year's No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson looks like a star. He had 9.5 sacks as a rookie with one of the top pressure rates in the league, and he'll smell blood in the water against this makeshift Seattle line. Have a little fun watching a young star wreak havoc.
My thoughts: Lean Seahawks +5
This was my Hot Read pick on Sunday night, and the line is slowly drifting down as expected, but it's still a touch high. I like Seattle less with all the injuries, but this number is still decent for Seahawks backers above +4.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Chargers vs. Titans Odds, Picks
| Chargers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -118 | 45.5 -110o / -110u | -142 |
| Titans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -102 | 45.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
What you need to know:
- The Chargers showed off a great rushing attack under new OC Kellen Moore in the opener, but the Titans led the league in run defense DVOA last season.
- Tennessee also ranked 28th against the pass, and the Titans are missing CB Kristian Fuller and S Amani Hooker, so this should set up for a big game for Justin Herbert.
How to bet Los Angeles: Justin Herbert over 278.5 passing yards
The Chargers are missing key names, too. The defense got run ragged by Miami and could be without LBs Joey Bosa and Eric Kendricks. Austin Ekeler is also doubtful, so there's no reason for Herbert not to open it up and throw all over the Titans. The Chargers love to screw around in these coin-flip games, so skip a side and just play Herbert to have a big passing game. If the Chargers win, he'll likely be the reason why.
How to bet Tennessee: Titans +2.5
The underdog formula sets up well. The Chargers struggle against the run. Hand the ball off to Derrick Henry all game, keep it close, and let Mike Vrabel work his magic as a great home underdog (60% ATS). Play the spread, not the moneyline, in case the Titans lose another close one.
My thoughts: Lean Titans +2.5
I was hoping for a chance to play Titans +3.5, but this line went the other direction, so it's just a lean. I like the Chargers much better but need to see them prove they can win this sort of game.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Bears vs. Buccaneers Odds, Picks
| Bears Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -102 | 40.5 -105o / -115u | +120 |
| Buccaneers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -120 | 40.5 -105o / -115u | -142 |
What you need to know:
- The Bears ranked 30th or worse in passing offense, run defense, and passing defense DVOA last year. The one thing they were good at was running the football (12th).
- The Bucs run defense, led by Vita Vea, has long been a staple strength of the team, and Tampa Bay's defense is the best unit on the field.
How to bet Chicago: Bears +2.5
Play the trends. Road underdogs off a double-digit loss are 18-3 ATS (86%) in Week 2, and a number of other trends tell the same story â Tampa Bay is getting too much credit and Chicago punished too hard for the Week 1 results. Play the number, not the teams. Chicago was a favorite Sunday morning. Take the free points between two bad teams.
How to bet Tampa Bay: Bucs -2.5
Play the matchup. The stout Bucs run defense negates Chicago's biggest strength, and if the Bears pass defense got shredded by Green Bay's backup receivers, what will Mike Evans and Chris Godwin do? The Bucs aren't as good as they looked Week 1, but they're still better than the Bears. This wasn't playable at -3, but below the key number, just trust the better squad.
My thoughts: No bet from me
I like the matchup for Tampa Bay, but the value is all gone after the line flipped from Chicago -1. It's Bears or pass at this number, and I don't need action in a game of two bad teams.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Colts vs. Texans Odds, Picks
| Colts Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1 -102 | 40 -110o / -110u | -110 |
| Texans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1 -118 | 40 -110o / -110u | -110 |
What you need to know:
- Both teams debuted rookie QBs in Week 1, and Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud are now both 0-1.
- The Texans' injury list is ugly. Houston is missing three offensive linemen and could add stud LT Laremy Tunsil to that mix. The Texas are also missing both safeties, and Stroud is questionable too.
- Houston has won only two of the last 10 meetings in this divisional rivalry (2-7-1 SU), though last year's games ended in a tie and a one-point loss.
How to bet Indianapolis: Colts +1.5
The injury report and the trends favor the Colts. When two 0-1 teams play in Week 2, the underdog is 47-25-3 ATS (65%), and road underdogs off a double-digit loss are 18-3 ATS (86%) in Week 2 since 2014. Richardson led two touchdown drives in Week 1, best of the three rookie QBs, and DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart could tear up this makeshift Texans line. This is a great chance for Richardson's first win.
How to bet Houston: Under 39.5 Total Points Scored
I went all-in on the Texans this season but can't trust the offense right now with as roughshod as the line looks, and now Stroud is banged up, too. I do still like the defense, though, and DeMeco Ryans could unleash this talented unit and make life difficult for Richardson making his professional road debut.
Houston can win this bet with a dominant defensive performance, but you're also protected if the Texans offense just no shows. Three of the last four matchups have been at 40 or below, and unders went 12-4 in Week 1. Week 2 unders at 40 and below are 47-19-3 to the under (71%) the last two decades.
My thoughts: BET Under 39.5
I like the under because it gives us multiple paths to victory. The Texans scored nine last week, and the Colts offense scored 14 (plus a defensive TD). Trust the talented defensive lines to get the job done against banged up offensive lines and rookie quarterbacks.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Sunday Late Afternoon NFL Betting Preview
Jets vs. Cowboys Odds, Picks
| Jets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -105 | 38.5 -105o / -115u | +350 |
| Cowboys Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -115 | 38.5 -105o / -115u | -450 |
What you need to know:
- Aaron Rodgers is done for the season, and Jets coach Robert Saleh says Zach Wilson is the guy at QB going forward.
- Both teams are riding high after big â and very different â primetime Week 1 wins, but both offensive lines are in rough shape. Dallas's star guards are both ailing, and the Jets line remains a mess.
How to bet New York: Under 38.5 Total Points Scored
Both defenses ranked top five in DVOA last year and looked the part again in Week 1. The Jets held the Bills to 16 points and forced four Josh Allen turnovers, and it's clear this defense will have to step up to give Wilson a chance.
Teams often respond favorably in the first game with a backup QB, and if the Jets stay close, it'll have to be because they keep it low scoring. And hey, if Wilson looks as bad as the Giants did last week, that probably hits the under, too. Week 2 unders with a total at 40 or below are 47-19-3 (71%) the past two decades.
How to bet Dallas: Jets Team Total Under 14.5
If you like the Cowboys in this game, it's because you expect this defense to do nasty, nasty things to poor Zach Wilson. Dallas hasn't really seen its offense tested yet, so it could be a jarring experience against this D, which could keep the game close. Avoid the high spread and just bet on the Cowboys D shutting down Wilson.
My thoughts: BET Under 38.5
It's under all the way in this one â just a matter of whether you want the Jets alone or both teams. I'll take the game under. Jets games finished at 40 points or below in 12 of 17 last year (71%), including seven of nine Wilson games (78%). We win this bet with an ugly 17-16 game or a 31-6 Cowboys blowout.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
49ers vs. Rams Odds, Picks
| 49ers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -102 | 45 -110o / -110u | -325 |
| Rams Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -118 | 45 -110o / -110u | +260 |
What you need to know:
- The Niners have dominated this division rivalry, winning eight of the last nine, and Kyle Shanahan is 10-3 ATS (77%) lifetime against Sean McVay.
- The 49ers are now 7-0 in regular season Brock Purdy games, with five of those wins by at least 16 points. Purdy has thrown at least two touchdowns in all seven games.
How to bet San Francisco: 49ers -7
The 49ers have a massive talent advantage up and down the roster, especially with Cooper Kupp out, and this feels like the sort of team the Niners run it up against. Ten of San Francisco's 14 wins last season (71%) came by 13 or more points, including wins by 15 and 17 against the Rams. Get the -7 if you can, but let's be honest â the way the Niners have been playing, that extra half point probably won't matter.
How to bet Los Angeles: Matt Stafford over 224.5 passing yards
As good as the 49ers are, the Rams have the best player on both sides of the ball. If LA has any chance to hang, it has to be because Matt Stafford had a great game against these beatable corners. This number is way too low. Stafford has gone over 224.5 passing yards in 23 of 27 games with the Rams (85%), with three of the four misses his final three games last season before missing the second half to injury.
If you really believe in the Rams and think they can win this game, you have to go all-in and bet LA to win the NFC West (+1100). A win here puts them 2-0 with head-to-head wins against both competitors.
My thoughts: BET Stafford over 224.5 passing yards
If the Rams hang around, it's because of Stafford. If the Niners roll, Stafford will be throwing. Whatever weapons he's got left, this over is well in range. I'll take the prop and pass on a side.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Giants vs. Cardinals Odds, Picks
| Giants Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -102 | 39.5 -118o / -104u | -200 |
| Cardinals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -120 | 39.5 -118o / -104u | +168 |
What you need to know:
- The Giants got embarrassed in the Sunday night opener, losing 40-0 to the Cowboys, but this team also went 9-7-1 last year and won a playoff game.
- New York went 2-5 against playoff teams but 7-1-1 against teams that fell short.
How to bet New York: Giants -4
This line is downright insulting. The Giants won a playoff game! This calendar year!! Four points, against the worst team in the league, missing its only good player in Budda Baker?! Come on now.
Brian Daboll is a perfect 6-0 ATS after a loss, and Daniel Jones is 20-10 ATS (67%) in that spot. Teams coming off a shutout loss as an underdog cover 58% of the time, and Week 2 teams coming off a double-digit loss are 36-18-3 ATS (67%) against other opponents since 2012, including 20-4-1 (83%) on the road.
How to bet Arizona: Cardinals ML +188
The Cardinals led in the fourth quarter in Week 1, and the Giants may not be much better than the Commanders. All but one Giants win last season came by one score, so Arizona should be close enough to have a chance. The Cards get the Cowboys, 49ers, and Bengals next, and this might be the shortest spread left on the schedule. If the Cardinals ever hope to get a win, this might be their best shot.
My thoughts: Lean Giants -4
I don't have much faith in the Giants, but this line is an overreaction to Sunday night, and the G-Men take care of business against bad teams.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Commanders vs. Broncos Odds, Picks
| Commanders Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -115 | 38.5 -110o / -110u | +160 |
| Broncos Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -105 | 38.5 -110o / -110u | -192 |
What you need to know:
- You don't have to bet on this game.
- You don't have to be a fan of these two teams.
- Ugh, fine, let's find an angle.
How to bet Washington: Commanders +3.5
A couple Week 2 trends favor Washington. Favorites playing their second consecutive home game like Denver are 12-24 ATS (33%), while underdogs of three-to-six points coming off a Week 1 loss are 28-11 ATS (72%) since 2014. This looks like an ugly, low-scoring game, so 3.5 points is a lot. Take the points.
How to bet Denver: Under 39
Both offenses finished bottom five in DVOA, and both defenses were top 10. Denver is low on passing options with Greg Dulcich out and Jerry Jeudy limited, and Sean Payton seems to be slowing things down and running the football to protect Russell Wilson. Neither team is explosive, and Denver's defense has the talent to shut down Sam Howell. Week 2 unders with a total of 40 and below are 47-19-3 to the under (71%) the last two decades.
My thoughts: No bet from me
Honestly, this game could go under 10. I'd rather set my money on fire than watch or bet on this game.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Sunday Night Football NFL Betting Preview
Dolphins vs. Patriots Odds, Picks
| Dolphins Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -120 | 45.5 -115o / -105u | -152 |
| Patriots Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -102 | 45.5 -115o / -105u | +128 |
What you need to know:
- The home team usually wins in this rivalry. Both teams have won eight of the past 10 at home.
- The Patriots offensive line is a mess. Both guards are banged up, and both tackles may be out. Miami may be without stud LT Terron Armstead again, too.
How to bet Miami: Patriots Team Total Under 22.5
I know you want to go all-in on Mike McDaniel, Tua Tagovailoa, and Tyreek Hill, but this is still Bill Belichick. The Dolphins scored 20 and 21 against the Patriots last season, and they also won games by two, three, four, four, and five, so this line is dangerous.
How about betting on the other side of the ball this time? Trust Vic Fangio and all those defensive playmakers to make life difficult for Mac Jones (3-10 ATS as an underdog) and a makeshift offensive line. If Miami wins by enough to cover, it's probably because the defense did its job, too.
How to bet New England: Under 46.5 & Patriots +3 SGP (+275)
Bill Belichick gets to face the league's hottest, most unstoppable offense, an attack no one seems to have any answers for defensively. Sound familiar? We've seen this movie before, and we just saw a version of it in Week 1 against the vaunted Eagles offense. Belichick always has a plan, and you just know he spent the past seven months scheming up something good for all this Miami speed.
Bet the under 46.5. Both matchups went under this number last year, and Dolphins game only finished above 47 six times. We also love primetime unders (66% last four years) and home dog unders (61% last two years). Belichick always slows these games down and finds a way to keep them ugly and close.
But if we're going under, I'm getting greedy. Give me Patriots +3, too, both together in a +275 Same Game Parlay. All the Belichick trends as underdogs and after a loss haven't been as reliable without Tom Brady, but the Patriots fit a number of Week 2 overreaction trends and three points is too many in these underdog Belichick spots when he grinds things to a halt. Time to get aggressive.
My thoughts: Bet the Pats +3 & Under SGP (+275)
It's not often advantageous to play a parlay, but these two outcomes are directly correlated. If the game goes under because Belichick put on a defensive masterclass, then Patriots +3 has value, too. I'm playing both together.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
