The 2021 NFL preseason is officially underway. Most of the games in Week 1 were low-scoring affairs that featured a number of players fighting for a spot on a NFL roster. Of the 16 games, 13 stayed UNDER the closing betting line.
Week 2 of the NFL preseason should offer a bit more playing time for each team’s starters. However, keeping their best players healthy remains the No. 1 priority when the games still do not count in the standings.
Here are my top over/under predictions on the week 2 preseason betting board:
Read our over/under betting guide if you’re new to gambling.
NFL Preseason Week 2 Totals Picks
Patriots vs. Eagles Total Prediction
When: Thursday, August 19th 2021
Best Bet: Over 37.5 Points
These two teams normally play one another in the preseason. They also faced one another a few years back in a wild Super Bowl showdown that easily went OVER the closing total. As far as a Week 2 preseason meeting in Philly, look for the scoring to be a bit more than expected.
The total has gone OVER in 10 of the last 11 games between these two inter-conference foes. It also went OVER in four of Philadelphia’s previous five games overall.
Chiefs vs. Cardinals Total Prediction
When: Friday, August 20th 2021
Best Bet: Over 37 Points
The Kansas City Chiefs should be able to put at least 20 points on the board even if quarterback Patrick Mahomes spends most of Friday night on the sidelines. Each team put 19 points on the board in victories in its first preseason contest this year.
The total has gone OVER in five of Arizona’s last seven games at home. The Cardinals happen to be 5-2 against the spread in those seven games. The total stayed UNDER in the Chiefs’ loss to Tampa Bay in last year’s Super Bowl after going OVER in four of their previous six games.
Texans vs. Cowboys Total Prediction
When: Saturday, August 21st 2021
Best Bet: Under 36.5 Points
Bragging rights for Texas are once again on the line in another traditional preseason matchup. The expectation level for Houston is rather low in light of all the off-field distractions plaguing quarterback Deshaun Watson. Dak Prescott may get some playing time for the Dallas Cowboys at quarterback on Saturday. However, it will be rather limited due to a sore throwing shoulder.
The total has stayed UNDER in four of Houston’s last five road games. It has also stayed UNDER in four of its last five road games against Dallas. The total has stayed UNDER in each of the Cowboys’ first two preseason games this year with the team scoring a combined 19 points.
49ers vs. Chargers Total Prediction
When: Sunday, August 22nd 2021
Best Bet: Under 33.5 Points
The 49ers scored 16 points in their Week 1 loss to Kansas City. The Chargers grinded out a 13- 6 victory against the NFC rival Rams to start their 2021 campaign. You can expect to see more from each team’s starting offense on Sunday night but any playing time will be limited. With the total line set rather low, even for a preseason game, points could be hard to come by with defense leading the way.
The total has stayed UNDER in six of San Francisco’s last seven games against a team from the AFC. The total has also stayed UNDER in four of the 49ers’ last five preseason games. The total has stayed UNDER in 14 of the Chargers’ last 19 games at home. It has also stayed UNDER in four of their last five games in the preseason.