2024 NFL Week 2 Odds and Predictions

Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season is in the books. Sports fans are prone to overreaction in general, but the weeklong break between games will feel interminable to fans of teams who sputtered in Week 1. Can the Bengals, Browns, Raiders, and Giants possibly be as awful as they looked in their season openers?

The opposite is also true. A few other teams looked like legit contenders. The Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans, and Lions are all 1-0 as they begin their respective Super Bowl quests.

Week 2 gets underway with what should be a fun clash between the AFC East rival Bills and Dolphins in Miami. Both teams are 1-0 and both have aspirations of winning what should be a very competitive division. The schedule features a number of other compelling matchups, including Buccaneers-Lions, 49ers-Vikings, Bears-Texans, and Bengals-Chiefs.

NFL odds for Week 2 are already out at sports betting sites. In this space, we’ll break down every game and offer the best bet for each matchup. Let’s dive in.

NFL Week 2 Schedule

NFL Week 2 Predictions

Let’s jump in and and make our early NFL picks for each game.

Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins Odds 

The first game of Week 2 has legitimate shootout potential. The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills were two of the highest-scoring offenses in football last season. They combined for 68 points in their first meeting of last season, while their second matchup was a lower-scoring 35-point affair. Buffalo won both games – both straight-up and against the spread – for what it’s worth.

It wasn’t easy, but both teams also came back to win in Week 1. The Bills tumbled into an early 10-0 hole at home against the Cardinals before ultimately squeaking by with a 34-28 victory. Josh Allen was predictably the catalyst, as he accounted for all 4 of Buffalo’s touchdowns – 2 passing and 2 rushing. Buffalo’s passing game will likely continue to be a work in progress as Allen continues to adjust to life without Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.

Miami, meanwhile, erased a 14-0 deficit against Jacksonville to win, 20-17, on a last-second Jason Sanders field goal. Big plays are the hallmark of this offense, and we saw plenty of those on Sunday. All of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane contributed at least 100 yards from scrimmage, while Tua Tagovailoa racked up 338 yards through the air.

Neither team looked great last week, but offense around the league was hard to come by. The Fins are slight favorites here at home, and I think it’s justified. Miami’s defense frustrated Trevor Lawrence and a solid Jacksonville offense in Week 1. Lawrence was just 12-for-21 for 162 yards, and I expect the Dolphins to present similar issues for Allen and the Bills’ still-developing passing unit on Thursday night.

Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins Predictions

Spread: Dolphins -2 (-110)

• Dolphins are home favorites with momentum after a Week 1 comeback.
• The Bills’ defense is solid, but the Dolphins’ explosive offense might be too much to handle.
• If you believe in Miami’s offense, laying -2 on the Dolphins is the safer choice.

Moneyline: BUF +105 / MIA -125

• Miami’s -125 moneyline offers moderate value for bettors who think they’ll win outright.
• Buffalo at +105 is a reasonable underdog pick, especially if you expect a tight contest.
• Safer bet: Dolphins to cover -2 instead of risking the moneyline.

Total: 49

• Both teams have high-octane offenses, making the Over look appealing.
• Consider the Over if you expect a shootout between Allen and Tagovailoa.

Betting Trends:

• Buffalo is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against Miami.
• The Over has hit in 4 of the last 5 matchups between these two teams.
• Dolphins are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games at home.

Prediction: Dolphins -2, Over 49
Best Bet: Dolphins -2

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds 

The Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens may both be 0-1, but they appear to be headed in starkly different directions. Baltimore dropped a heartbreakingly close one in the opener last Thursday night in Kansas City, where they were an Isaiah Likely toe away from sending the game to overtime in the waning seconds. Vegas, meanwhile, fell 22-10 to what is expected to be a very mediocre Chargers team in Los Angeles.

Gardner Minshew beat out Aidan O’Connell for the Raiders’ starting QB job in camp, but the offense showed very little on Sunday afternoon. The Raiders finished with less than 300 total yards, and the running game was virtually non-existent. LV picked up just 71 yards on 22 carries for a tidy average of 3.2 yards per attempt. 3 turnovers didn’t help, either.

As a result, it’s hard to imagine the Raiders will be able to generate enough offense against a significantly more talented Baltimore defense. The Ravens did lose defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as well as a few other pieces this offseason, but it’s easy to see why this game has the widest spread on the board.

Lamar Jackson accounted for most of the Ravens’ offense against Kansas City. The reigning league MVP completed 26 of his 41 throws for 273 yards while adding another 122 yards on the ground. While Likely was outstanding, Jackson got very little from anybody else. Derrick Henry averaged just 3.5 yards per carry on his 13 attempts, while Mark Andrews (2 catches, 14 yards) was a no-show.

The Raiders were quietly decent on defense a season ago, but I still expect Jackson to have his way in this matchup.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens Predictions 

Spread: Ravens -9.5 (-112)

• The Ravens are heavy home favorites against a struggling Raiders squad.
• Las Vegas will have to cover a big spread, and their offense looked shaky in Week 1.
• Baltimore should comfortably cover -9.5, especially with their defense.

Moneyline: LV +360 / BAL -470

• Ravens are heavy favorites at -470, making the moneyline less appealing.
• If you believe in a miracle, the Raiders’ +360 offers big upside.
• Safer bet: Backing Baltimore to cover the spread seems wiser than laying -470.

Total: 41.5

• The total is low, but the Ravens’ offense could hit the Over by itself if they get hot.
• Lean Over if you expect some garbage-time points from the Raiders.

Betting Trends:

• Ravens are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games at home.
• The Under has hit in 5 of the Ravens’ last 6 games.
• Raiders are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games.

Prediction: Ravens -9.5, Over 41.5
Best Bet: Over 41.5 (-110)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds 

The San Francisco 49ers trounced the New York Jets on Monday Night Football, which was a bit of a surprising result with Christian McCaffrey watching from the sidelines. San Francisco ruled McCaffrey out for Week 1 with a lingering calf injury shortly before the game, and there’s a chance he won’t be ready to suit up when the Niners head to Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon.

The 49ers didn’t seem to need C-Mac on Monday, however. His backup, Jordan Mason, did his best McCaffrey impression against New York. Mason looked like a legitimate bell cow, carrying the ball 28 times for 147 yards with a touchdown in San Francisco’s blowout victory. Doing that against a stout Jets defense was no small feat, so it would make sense for the Niners to give McCaffrey as much time as he needs to recover without rushing him back. This offense looked no worse for the wear without the reigning Offensive Player of the Year in Week 1.

San Francisco’s vaunted defense wasn’t too shabby, either. The Niners held the Jets to just 266 total yards, and the majority of New York’s 14 first downs came when the game was already well out of reach. Breece Hall was held to just 3.4 yards per carry, while Aaron Rodgers accounted for just 167 yards through the air.

Former Niner Sam Darnold will have his work cut out for him in this one. However, the Minnesota Vikings‘ new QB1 sure looked the part in their season-opening win over the Giants. Darnold was clinical, completing 19 of his 24 throws for 208 yards with a couple of touchdowns in what was an easy 28-6 Minnesota victory. Aaron Jones and Justin Jefferson both found the end zone, while the Vikings’ defense picked off a couple of Daniel Jones passes in the win.

I’m still not fully sold on Brock Purdy, but the Niners shouldn’t have much trouble in this one if he can limit his mistakes. Given the way the Niners’ defense was flying around on Monday, I’d expect Darnold to face quite a bit more resistance than he did last week in New York.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings Predictions

Spread: 49ers -6 (-112)

• 49ers are favorites and should capitalize on Minnesota’s shaky defense.
• Vikings will need to score consistently to cover the spread.
• San Francisco’s balanced attack makes covering -6 a likely outcome.

Moneyline: MIN +215 / SF -265

• 49ers are heavily favored at -265, but it’s a high price for minimal return.
• Vikings at +215 offer value for underdog backers who think Cousins can keep it close.
• Safer bet: Stick with the 49ers to cover rather than laying -265.

Total: 45.5

• Both teams have strong offenses, so the Over is a solid consideration.
• Lean Over if you expect this to turn into a shootout.

Betting Trends:

• 49ers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games.
• The Over has hit in 6 of Minnesota’s last 7 games.
• Vikings are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games.

Prediction: 49ers -6, Over 45.5
Best Bet: 49ers -6 (-110)

New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys Odds 

The New Orleans Saints picked up an easy 47-10 win in Week 1 at home against the Carolina Panthers. Frankly, I think that game told us a lot more about Carolina than it did about New Orleans. The Saints were able to capitalize on Bryce Young’s inability to run an offense, while the Saints’ own offense had its way with a still-rebuilding Carolina defense.

Derek Carr struggled for most of his first season in NOLA, but everything was working on Sunday. Carr could do no wrong en route to 200 yards with 3 passing TDs. The running game was virtually unstoppable, as the Saints racked up 180 yards on 37 carries with a couple more TDs on the ground. If you’d never watched football before watching this game, you’d think the Saints would be prohibitive Super Bowl favorites.

That surely won’t be the case, of course. The NFL is known for its parity, but I’d be shocked if New Orleans finished above .500 this season. They could be in for a rude awakening this week when they head to Texas for a date with the Dallas Cowboys. You can make a compelling case that Dallas was the most impressive team in the league in Week 1, as they cruised to a 33-17 triumph in Cleveland against a well-rounded Browns outfit.

Dallas jumped out to a 27-3 lead and essentially took their boot off the gas in the second half. The offense did just enough, but the defense was absolutely dominant. The ‘Boys held the Browns to just 3.3 yards per play, racked up 6 sacks, and forced a couple of interceptions from Deshaun Watson in a stellar all-around effort.

Considering the Cowboys have a much more experienced and talented offense than the Panthers team they faced last week, I’d expect the Saints to struggle a bit more on defense in this one. Dallas does have a few new faces along the offensive line and a potentially washed Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield, however, so the Cowboys could have issues moving the ball if Dak Prescott isn’t on his game.

New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys Predictions

Spread: Cowboys -6.5 (-110)

• Cowboys are home favorites after an impressive Week 1 win.
• The Saints’ defense might struggle to contain Dallas’ high-powered offense.
• If you trust the Cowboys to continue their momentum, -6.5 is the safer bet.

Moneyline: NO +230 / DAL -285

• Dallas’ -285 moneyline is steep, but solid for those who believe they win outright.
• The Saints’ +230 offers value if you think their defense can step up.
• Safer bet: Dallas to cover the spread instead of betting the moneyline.

Total: 45.5

• Both teams have terrific defenses, and we saw offenses around the league struggle in Week 1.
• There are some quality playmakers on both sides, but running the ball could be difficult.

Betting Trends:

• Cowboys are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
• The Over has hit in 6 of the Cowboys’ last 7 games.
• Saints are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as underdogs.

Prediction: Cowboys -6.5, Under 45.5
Best Bet: Under 45.5 (-108)

Indianapolis Colts vs. Green Bay Packers Odds 

The Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers both fell in Week 1 and will look to bounce back when they meet at Lambeau Field on Sunday. Indianapolis dropped a hard-fought game at home against the Texans, while the Packers fell at the hands of the Eagles down in Brazil last Friday night.

Green Bay lost QB Jordan Love in that game to a sprained MCL that’s expected to keep him on the sidelines for a few weeks. Green Bay traded for Malik Willis just before the season, and he’s likely to be thrown into the fire to start on Sunday. Willis was a highly-regarded prospect coming out of Liberty in 2022, but he’s played sparingly in the 3 seasons since. Willis has yet to throw a touchdown pass in the NFL despite having played in 12 games, though he hasn’t started a game since the ’22 season with the Titans.

Needless to say, replacing Love with Willis is expected to hamstring the Green Bay offense. Willis does bring a scrambling element that Love doesn’t, but it remains to be seen whether he can succeed as a passer at this level. The Packers may have to rely heavily on running back Josh Jacobs, who proved during his days in Las Vegas that he’s capable of putting an offense on his back. Jacobs carried the ball 16 times for 84 yards in his team debut last week in Sao Paolo.

The Colts should be feeling good about themselves despite starting 0-1. The question is whether their passing game will be sustainable. Anthony Richardson threw for 212 yards and a couple of touchdowns against Houston, but he wasn’t able to get much going in the passing game outside of a couple of big-play strikes. In total, Richardson completed just 9 of his 19 passes and also threw an interception. Considering his passing accuracy was his primary weakness coming out of Florida, we need to see more before we can fully buy into Richardson as a viable starter. Green Bay was one of the weaker pass defenses in football a season ago, and I’d expect Michael Pittman to be more heavily involved than he was in Week 1.

Indianapolis is favored by a field goal in this one. The uncertainty surrounding Willis and the Packers’ offense is justified, and he hasn’t shown anything in the past that leads me to believe he’ll prove to be a capable fill-in for Love.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Green Bay Packers Predictions

Spread: Colts -3 (-118)

• The Colts are slight favorites on the road, but their defense needs to step up.
• The Packers, at home with +3, are a tempting underdog play.
• Colts should cover -3 if their run game dominates, but expect a close one.

Moneyline: GB +140 / IND -166

• Colts at -166 offer a modest return if you believe they can pull off the road win.
• Packers at +140 bring value, especially if Jordan Love plays well at home.
• Safer bet: Colts covering -3 might be the better play.

Total: 40.5

• This low total suggests a defensive battle, but both teams have offensive potential.
• Consider the Under if you expect the Colts’ defense to dominate.

Betting Trends:

• Colts are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against the NFC North.
• The Under has hit in 5 of the Packers’ last 6 games.
• Packers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games as underdogs.

Prediction: Colts -3, Under 40.5
Best Bet: Under 40.5

Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots Odds 

The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots are both off to 1-0 starts. Seattle took care of business after a slow start at home against Denver. New England pulled off the biggest upset of Week 1 after going into Cincinnati and picking up a victory as 9.5-point underdogs against the Bengals. RIP to your survivor picks.

The Bengals looked dreadful in that game, but I suppose we have to give the Pats a bit of credit. Rhamondre Stevenson carried the offense, as he rushed the ball 25 times for 120 yards and accounted for New England’s only touchdown. Jacoby Brissett and the passing game left plenty to be desired, which should be a theme with this team all year. I think they’re once again going to struggle to get much going through the air when they square off against what should be a much-improved Seattle defense on Sunday.

The Seahawks were getting booed early in the first half on Sunday, but they ultimately rebounded to pick up a 26-20 victory over Denver to kick off the season. Geno Smith supplied a couple of touchdowns – including one with his legs – and the defense forced the Broncos into 3 turnovers.

The defense will be key for the Seahawks this year under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald. Macdonald took the job with a reputation as one of the game’s brightest young defensive minds, and he does have enough talent at his disposal to transform this group pretty quickly. We saw evidence of that in Week 1, and I think the Patriots are going to struggle to move the ball in this matchup.

This should be a fairly low-scoring affair, as evidenced by the 38-point total.

Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots Prediction

Spread: Seahawks -3.5 (-105)

• Seahawks are slight road favorites, and their defense impressed in Week 1.
• Patriots will need to find some consistency on offense to cover.
• If you trust the Seahawks’ offense, laying -3.5 feels safe.

Moneyline: NE +145 / SEA -175

• Seahawks’ -175 moneyline doesn’t provide much value but looks like a safe pick.
• Patriots at +145 offers solid value if you expect Jerod Mayo’s defense to step up.
• Safer bet: Seattle to cover -3.5 looks more appealing than sacrificing value for the -175 moneyline.

Total: 38

• This low total reflects both teams’ defensive strengths; lean Under in this contest.
• Lock the Under if you think both defenses will keep it low-scoring.

Betting Trends:

• The Under has hit in 6 of Seattle’s last 7 games.
• Patriots are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on the road.
• Seahawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.

Prediction: Seahawks -3.5, Under 38
Best Bet: Seahawks -3.5 (-105)

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Carolina Panthers Odds 

The Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers are a couple of rebuilding teams, though one of them looks to be further ahead than the other. The Chargers got off to a fine start with a solid win at home over the Raiders in Jim Harbaugh’s debut. On the other side, the Panthers look like the same dreary team we saw finish with the NFL’s worst record in 2023.

I’m not sure what we can say about Bryce Young at this point. He simply hasn’t looked like an NFL quarterback to this point in his career, which is a rough thing to say about a former No. 1 overall pick. Young was horrific again last Sunday in New Orleans, completing just 13 of his 30 passes for 161 yards and a couple of interceptions. Young did add a rushing touchdown well after the game was already well out of reach, but I didn’t see anything in that game to make me think he’s going to be much improved in his second season.

The Panthers’ defense wasn’t much better. The team traded its best player – Brian Burns – over the summer, and they went out and allowed a middling Saints offense to put 47 points on the board against them. This is still the worst team in football until further notice.

Los Angeles didn’t look great en route to upending the Raiders in Week 1, but a win is a win in this league. The defense and the run game have been the calling cards of every Harbaugh-coached team, so it’s safe to assume we’ll see a similar approach here. The defense held Las Vegas to 10 points and forced 3 turnovers last week. Check. The Bolts rushed for 176 yards on 27 carries (6.5 YPA) with a touchdown. Check.

Justin Herbert struggled to get much going through the air, which isn’t a surprise given his personnel. Ladd McConkey predictably led the way with 7 targets, but they likely won’t have to rely too heavily on Herbert in order to control the tempo on Sunday in Carolina.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Carolina Panthers Predictions

Spread: Chargers -6.5 (-110)

• Chargers are sizable favorites after a strong Week 1 showing.
• Panthers’ offense will need to step up to cover. Can they do that? Probably not.
• LA’s run-heavy offense should help them cover -6.5 against a hapless defense.

Moneyline: CAR +225 / LAC -278

• Chargers’ -278 moneyline is expected but offers little value.
• Panthers at +225 is worth a look for underdog bettors who believe they can surprise.
• Safer bet: Chargers to cover the spread instead of risking the moneyline.

Total: 39

• Low total, and neither offense looked explosive last week.
• Consider the Over if you expect the Chargers’ offense to dominate.
• Unlikely to get much help from Carolina if you bet the Over.

Betting Trends:

• Chargers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games against NFC South teams.
• The Under has hit in 7 of Carolina’s last 9 games.
• Panthers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games.

Prediction: Chargers -6.5, Over 39
Best Bet: Chargers -6.5 (-110)

New York Jets vs. Tennessee Titans Odds 

The New York Jets and Tennessee Titans are both 0-1 after disheartening Week 1 defeats. New York was dominated in all facets of the game by the Niners in Santa Clara. The Titans went into Chicago and blew a large first-half lead in a 24-17 loss to the Bears.

Tennessee’s defense performed well enough, as they managed to hold Chicago to a league-worst 148 total yards. Chicago benefited from the Titans’ mistakes elsewhere, however. Jonathan “Mr. Simone Biles” Owens returned a blocked punt for a touchdown, while Will Levis threw one of the worst pick-sixes in the history of American football on what was ultimately the game-deciding score in the fourth quarter.

Levis is yet another young QB who hasn’t quite shown he’s ready to be the guy at the NFL level. In order to win, the Titans are likely going to have to control the running game with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Both backs averaged north of 5 yards per carry in Week 1, so there’s potentially a recipe for success here. The Jets looked awfully vulnerable against the run last week as the aforementioned Jordan Mason looked like a Pro Bowler against them.

There’s really nowhere to go but up for the Jets. They came into the season with high hopes thanks to the return of Aaron Rodgers, but the offense sputtered against a daunting Niners defense last week. This week’s matchup is more favorable on paper, and it’s not like there isn’t talent here. Rodgers made a few vintage throws, but the Jets will need to get more consistency out of the running game. Breece Hall was held to just 54 yards on 16 carries. This is supposed to be a strength for the Jets.

This is one of the more unpredictable games of the week. Rodgers is still working his way back from a serious injury, while we’ll see whether the Titans’ defense is quite as formidable as it looked in Week 1. I like the value on the Titans as home ‘dogs.

New York Jets vs. Tennessee Titans Predictions

Spread: Jets -4 (-112)

• Jets are favorites on the road and will rely on their defense to contain Tennessee.
• Titans, as +4 underdogs, are tempting if you believe their defense can hold up.
• Jets should cover -4 if their offense can bounce back.

Moneyline: TEN +164 / NYJ -198

• Jets at -198 don’t provide much upside as road favorites.
• Titans at +164 offer value if you expect an upset in a close game. They are at home, after all.
• Safer bet: Titans at +164 offers some profit potential.

Total: 42

• Both defenses have playmakers, so the Under seems like a safer choice here.
• Consider the Under if you expect a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair.

Betting Trends:

• The Under has hit in 4 of the Titans’ last 5 games.
• 16 of the Titans’ last 22 home games have gone under the total.
• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Prediction: Titans +4, Under 42
Best Bet: Titans +4 (-108)

New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders Odds 

Here we have an NFC East battle between a couple of teams that may finish the season near the bottom of the standings yet again. The New York Giants didn’t have much to write home about after an embarrassing 28-6 home loss to the Vikings last week. The Washington Commanders fell, 37-20, in Tampa Bay, but we saw some glimpses of brilliance from Jayden Daniels in his first NFL start.

Daniels’ athleticism will be a big part of his game, and we saw that on full display in Week 1. The former Heisman Trophy winner led the Commanders in rushing attempts (16) and rushing yards (88) while adding a pair of rushing touchdowns.

The aerial attack is another matter, however. While Daniels did complete 17 of his 24 passes, he only finished with 184 yards and took a couple of sacks. Getting Terry McLaurin more involved should be a priority this week, as Washington’s top target was held to just 2 catches for 17 yards against the Bucs.

Washington’s defense struggled against the pass tremendously in 2023, and we saw more of the same last week. Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns without an interception against the Commanders’ shaky pass defense.

Of course, the Giants don’t have the most prolific passing attack. Daniel Jones is still shaking off the rust after suffering a season-ending injury last term, and he endured an abysmal effort against Minnesota. New York’s $160 million man completed 22 of his 42 throws for 186 yards and a couple of interceptions. New York also averaged just 3.5 yards per carry as a team, so Jones got little help from the rushing attack.

There really isn’t much good to say about either team. New York’s defense could prove to be a bright spot, but they should also be on the field quite a bit given the Giants’ offensive woes. Washington isn’t the most comfortable team to be betting as a favorite, though it’s hard to have a lot of faith in the Giants, either.

New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders Predictions

Spread: Commanders -1.5 (-112)

• Washington is a slight favorite at home after a passable Week 1 performance.
• Giants need to show improvement, but +1.5 as road underdogs has value.
• Washington should cover -1.5 if the Giants’ offense sputters yet again.

Moneyline: NYG +105 / WAS -125

• Commanders’ -125 moneyline is reasonable for a slight home favorite.
• Giants at +105 are worth a look if you believe their offense can rebound.
• Safer bet: Washington covering -1.5 provides a better return.

Total: 44

• Both teams’ defenses are decent, but the total suggests a moderate scoring game.
• Consider the Under if you expect a defensive grind between these NFC East rivals.

Betting Trends:

• Giants are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against NFC East teams.
• The Under has hit in 5 of Washington’s last 7 games.
• Commanders are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.

Prediction: Commanders -1.5 (-112), Under 44
Best Bet: Under 44 (-110)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions Odds 

This looks like one of the more fun games on the Week 2 schedule. The over/under of 50 points implies we can expect some offenses here, and rightfully so. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers exploded for 37 points last week against Washington, though the Detroit Lions had to grind out a lower-scoring win at home over the Rams.

Detroit being a sizable home favorite here is a bit of a surprise. Jared Goff and co. struggled to get much traction through the air against LA. Star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown was a non-factor with 3 catches for 13 yards, while Sam LaPorta supplied just 45 yards on 4 catches. The unexpected star was Jameson Williams, who led the way with 5 catches for 121 yards and a score.

The Lions want to dictate the tempo on the ground. Detroit rushed the ball 31 times for 163 yards and a pair of TDs against the Rams with both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs finding the end zone. Montgomery still seems to be the lead back in traditional rushing situations, while the more explosive Gibbs will see more work on passing downs.

The Buccaneers took advantage of the Commanders’ aforementioned issues with defending the pass, but they’re in for a stiffer test this week against the Lions. Baker Mayfield continued to look comfortable in this offense, and why wouldn’t he? He’s got Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and rookie Jalen McMillan at his disposal. Godwin and Evans combined for 13 catches, 144 yards, and 3 touchdowns, while McMillan was repeatedly able to get open downfield.

Tampa Bay only averaged 3.7 yards per carry, but it’ll be interesting to see how the backfield shakes out. Last year’s leading rusher – Rachaad White – totaled just 31 yards on 15 carries. Rookie Bucky Irving stole the show, as he averaged nearly 7 yards per carry on his 9 attempts.

Both defenses are going to have their hands full in this game, and I’m expecting points to be put on the board.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions Predictions

Spread: Lions -7 (-110)

• Lions are favored by a touchdown and have home-field advantage.
• Tampa Bay will need to keep up offensively to cover, but they have struggled on the road over the years.
• The Bucs are explosive enough to keep this game close, and the TD spread surprises me.

Moneyline: TB +345 / DET -345

• Lions at -345 on the moneyline feels steep, but safe for a parlay.
• Bucs at +275 offer big underdog value if you believe they can pull off the upset.
• Safer bet: Stick with the Bucs to cover +7 rather than risking the +345 moneyline.

Total: 51.5

• Both teams have offensive firepower, making the Over an appealing play.
• Lean Over if you expect the Buccaneers to keep up against Detroit’s defense.

Betting Trends:

• Buccaneers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.
• The Over has hit in 5 of the Lions’ last 6 games.
• The total has gone Over in 4 of the Bucs’ last 5 road games.

Prediction: Buccaneers +7, Over 51.5
Best Bet: Buccaneers +7 (-108)

Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Odds 

The Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars are a couple of potential dark horses out of the AFC, but they’re off to less-than-stellar starts. The Jaguars jumped out to an early lead over the Dolphins in Miami, but they were ultimately doomed by a series of second-half mistakes in a 20-17 loss.

The Browns wish their Week 1 loss can be attributed to just a few mistakes. Cleveland’s offense was non-existent in their blowout loss at the hands of the Cowboys, and the Deshaun Watson experiment looks more failed with each passing week. The maligned QB hit a new low last week, as he completed just 24 of his 45 passes for 169 yards with a couple of interceptions. He averaged a paltry 3.8 yards per attempt and heard the boobirds in the crowd throughout.

Watson may be relieved to hit the road this week, but it’s hard to see where the offense will come from. He hasn’t looked like an All-Pro quarterback since the pre-Covid days, and I’m not sure why anyone would expect him to bounce back at this point. Watson’s top target – David Njoku – is likely to be sidelined for a couple of weeks, and Amari Cooper appears to be past his prime. Cleveland’s chances of winning will likely hinge on whether the defense – led by Myles Garrett – can perform.

Things don’t seem to be quite as dire down in Jacksonville. The Jags would probably be 1-0 if Travis Etienne hadn’t fumbled into the end zone into the third quarter, a play that ultimately swung the momentum back in favor of Miami. Jacksonville was controlling the game with a 17-7 lead to that point, but failed to score after the fumble.

This offense could be a little underrated. Trevor Lawrence didn’t have his best game on Sunday, but he’s got some solid weapons at his disposal. Rookie wideout Brian Thomas Jr. found the end zone in his first NFL game, while I’d expect Christian Kirk and Evan Engram to bounce back after they combined for just 2 catches and 35 yards.

I think there’s some value on the Cleveland moneyline if you think their Week 1 showing was an anomaly, but I lean in favor of the Jags given how atrocious the Browns looked in just about every facet of the game against Dallas.

Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions

• Jaguars are home favorites and are expected to take advantage of Cleveland’s inconsistent offense.
• Browns at +3 are a solid underdog play if you think their defense can carry them.
• Jacksonville’s balanced offense makes covering -3 a likely outcome.

Spread: Jaguars -3 (-115)

Moneyline: CLE +136 / JAX -162

• Jaguars at -162 is a reasonable price for the home favorite.
• Browns at +136 offer good value for bettors expecting an upset.
• Safer bet: Jacksonville to cover the -3 spread looks better than the moneyline.

Total: 42

• The total is low, but both offenses can make plays; lean towards the Over.
• Consider the Over if you expect Trevor Lawrence to have a big game.

Betting Trends:

• Browns are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games as road underdogs.
• The Over has hit in 5 of Jacksonville’s last 7 home games.
• Jaguars are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.

Prediction: Jaguars -3, Under 42
Best Bet: Jaguars -3 (-115)

Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds 

Could the NFC West be the best division in football this season? Based on how the teams looked in Week 1, it’s possible. The Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals both suffered hard-fought defeats to the Lions and Bills, respectively, on the road. There were bright spots for both teams, however, and there’s merit to believing they’re both capable of making playoff runs in the NFC.

If Week 1 is any indication, the Matthew Stafford-to-Cooper Kupp connection is alive and well. Kupp has battled injuries in recent years, but he reminded us on Sunday night why he’s one of the best receivers of his generation. Even in a losing effort, Kupp racked up 14 catches, 21 targets, 110 yards, and a touchdown against one of the league’s best defenses. Kupp’s target share likely benefited from the early injury to Puka Nacua, who was unfortunately placed on injured reserve on Monday.

Health will be a key for the Rams. Keeping Stafford upright will also be paramount. LA’s makeshift offensive line held up well enough on Sunday, but can they expect that to continue throughout a long season? Stafford is still elite and capable of keeping the Rams competitive even without much help, but he’s likely going to have to survive some bumps and bruises along the way.

Arizona was more competitive than many expected last week in Buffalo, though they ultimately let an early 17-3 lead slip away en route to a 34-28 loss. Kyler Murray played well enough, though the Cardinals would surely like to get Marvin Harrison Jr. more involved. Arizona’s prized rookie caught just 1 pass for 4 yards in his NFL debut, though Murray did miss a wide-open MHJ on what could’ve been a game-winning touchdown late in the fourth.

The Cardinals have some question marks on defense, and they’re still unanswered after yielding 34 points to Buffalo last week.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals Predictions

Spread: Cardinals -1.5 (-112)

• Cardinals are slight favorites at home, but expect a close one.
• Rams have struggled on the road, but +1.5 gives value if you believe in a rebound.
• Arizona’s offense should help them cover -1.5 in a tight NFC West battle.

Moneyline: LA +100 / ARI -120

• Cardinals at -120 are reasonably priced for a home favorite.
• Rams at +100 provide value for bettors expecting a bounce-back performance.
• Safer bet: Rams at even-money offer a little upside.

Total: 49.5

• Both teams can score in bunches, making the Over an appealing play.
• Consider the Over if you expect a high-scoring divisional contest.

Betting Trends:

• The Over has hit in 4 of the last 5 games between these two teams.
• Cardinals are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
• Rams are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as underdogs.

Prediction: Rams +1.5 (-108), Over 49.5
Best Bet: Rams +100

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs Odds 

On paper, this game should be a fun one. In reality, there’s no telling what we’ll get. The Cincinnati Bengals were one of the most disappointing teams of Week 1, as they lost to the Patriots at home despite entering the contest as massive 9.5-point favorites. The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs picked up a close home win over the Ravens in the Thursday night season opener.

Most expected these to be 2 of the AFC’s best teams entering the season, but Cincinnati has issues. Ja’Marr Chase caught just 6 passes for 62 yards in the opener, while Tee Higgins sat out with his annual hamstring injury. Higgins’ status for Week 2 appears to be very much in doubt. Joe Burrow looked awfully mortal, averaging just 5.7 yards per attempt against New England.

The Chiefs are the Chiefs. Andy Reid wasted little time in getting his newest speedster – Xavier Worthy – involved. The rookie from Texas scored a couple of touchdowns in his NFL debut, which wasn’t too shabby considering he only touched the ball 3 times. Rashee Rice added 103 yards on 7 catches, while Patrick Mahomes racked up nearly 300 yards through the air.

KC opened as a 6-point favorite in this one, but the line has since been bet down to Chiefs -5.5. Bettors clearly aren’t out on Cincinnati after one rough game, but let’s not forget how mediocre this team looked last year before Burrow went down for the season. It’s worth wondering whether the team that made it all the way to the Super Bowl back in 2021 is still the same bunch these days. Betting against the Chiefs at Arrowhead has been a losing endeavor over the past decade or so.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs Predictions 

Spread: Chiefs -5.5 (-115)

• Chiefs are heavy favorites at home and should handle the Bengals’ defense.
• Bengals, as +6 underdogs, are a risky but potentially rewarding play if they keep it close.
• Chiefs should cover -6 with Mahomes leading the offense.

Moneyline: CIN +210 / KC -258

• Chiefs at -258 are expected to win, but the price is high for minimal return.
• Bengals at +210 offer value for those who believe in Joe Burrow keeping it close.
• Safer bet: Chiefs to cover the 5.5-point spread is a more balanced play than the moneyline.

Total: 48

• With both teams capable of explosive plays, the Over seems like a good bet.
• Consider the Over if you expect a Mahomes vs. Burrow shootout.

Betting Trends:

• Chiefs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as home favorites.
• The Over has hit in 4 of the last 5 games between these teams.
• Bengals are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.

Prediction: Chiefs -5.5, Over 48
Best Bet: Chiefs -5.5 (-115)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos Odds 

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos has the lowest over/under of Week 2 at 36.5 points, and justifiably so. Both offenses struggled in Week 1, and it’s fair to assume they’ll continue to have a tough time putting points on the board moving forward.

The Broncos only lost by 6 at Seattle in Bo Nix’s NFL debut, but the offense looked ragged throughout. Nix averaged a woeful 3.3 yards per attempt on 42 passes and finished with just 138 yards. He supplied a late rushing touchdown but also threw a pair of interceptions. He didn’t get much help from the running game, as Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin both finished with averages south of 3 yards per carry.

Defense has always been the Steelers’ calling card under Mike Tomlin, and we can expect more of the same this year. Pittsburgh held the Falcons to just 10 points last week, and that was no small feat given all the talent in the Atlanta offense.

We’ll see if the Steelers’ offense can muster enough to keep them competitive. 16 points was enough last week, and it may well be enough this week, too. It sounds like Justin Fields will be in line for a second straight start with Russell Wilson dealing with an injury. Fields brings a useful rushing element from the QB spot to this group, and he was able to make enough timely throws to get Pittsburgh across the finish line a week. ago.

Even with the low total, I have a hard time seeing this game going over.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos Predictions

Spread: Steelers -3 (-105)

• Steelers are slight favorites on the road with their strong defense.
• Broncos at +3 are a good value bet if you trust their defense to keep it close.
• Pittsburgh should cover -3 if their offense clicks, but expect a close one.

Moneyline: DEN +136 / PIT -162

• Steelers’ -162 moneyline is modest, but safer than the spread in a tight matchup.
• Broncos at +136 offer value if you expect their defense to disrupt the Steelers.
• Safer bet: Pittsburgh to cover -3 feels secure in a close, defensive battle.

Total: 36.5

• With both teams relying on defense, the Under seems like a smart play.
• Lean Under if you expect a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair.

Betting Trends:

• Steelers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as home favorites.
• The Under has hit in 4 of Pittsburgh’s last 5 home games.
• Broncos are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games.

Prediction: Steelers -3, Under 37
Best Bet: Under 36.5 (-110)

Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans Odds 

The Sunday Night Football extravaganza will pit the Chicago Bears against the Houston Texans in Space City. This is a matchup between 2 of the NFL’s brightest young QBs, and Houston is predictably a heavy favorite at home. While both teams are 1-0, they took starkly different routes to their triumphs last week.

The Texans’ vaunted offense was as advertised. CJ Stroud spread the ball around between his elite receivers, while newcomer Joe Mixon stole the show on the ground. Mixon decimated the Colts’ defense for 159 yards on 30 carries with a touchdown. If he can stay healthy, he’ll give Houston’s offense a dimension it lacked a season ago.

The defense was a different story. Houston looked vulnerable to big plays through the air, though it remains to be seen whether this Bears offense is capable of such things. Defense and special teams carried Chicago to victory last week against Tennessee, and you can bet Stroud won’t make the same silly mistakes Levis did in the Titans’ collapse.

The Bears are well-stocked with offensive talent, but it may take time for it all to come together with Caleb Williams under center. He mustered just 93 yards passing and completed less than 49% of his throws last week, and it’s fair to expect the Texans to be more stout defensively than the Titans this season. Williams will also be hitting the road for the first time at the NFL level, which is a factor that will present its own unique challenges.

Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans Predictions 

Spread: Texans -6.5 (-115)

• Texans are favored at home against a Bears team still finding its footing.
• Chicago will need to improve their offense to cover +6.5 on the road.
• Houston’s offense should allow them to cover -6.5 at home.

Moneyline: CHI +235 / HOU -290

• Texans at -290 aren’t offering much value, but they’re expected to win.
• Bears at +235 could surprise if they can make plays on defense.
• Safer bet: Texans covering -6.5 seems safer than risking the moneyline.

Total: 45.5

• Both teams have question marks on defense, so the Over seems like a solid option.
• Game will take place indoors, so the elements won’t be an issue.

Betting Trends:

• Texans are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games.
• Bears are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as road underdogs.
• The Under has hit in 6 of the Bears’ last 7 games.

Prediction: Texans -6.5, Over 45.5
Best Bet: Texans -6.5 (-115)

Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds 

The last game on the Week 2 schedule is an old-fashioned #BirdBattle between the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles in the City of Brotherly Love. The Falcons were one of the most disappointing teams of Week 1, as their retooled offense put just 10 points on the board in a home loss to Pittsburgh.

The addition of Kirk Cousins was supposed to give the Falcons the jolt they needed from the QB position. Unfortunately, the veteran doesn’t appear to be back to full strength after suffering an Achilles injury last year with the Vikings. Mobility hasn’t ever been a part of Cousins’ game, but he looked particularly unathletic on Sunday. His performance suffered, too, as he completed just 16 of 26 attempts for 155 yards with a couple of interceptions.

If Cousins can get back on track, there’s reason for optimism here. Atlanta has talented playmakers at each of the 3 primary skill positions in Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. Robinson and Pitts both showed flashes in Week 1, while London was surprisingly uninvolved.

The Eagles added Saquon Barkley this offseason and wasted no time in putting him to good use. The former Pro Bowler scored 3 touchdowns in his team debut in the Eagles’ win over the Packers in Brazil. The Tush Push may not be quite as reliable for Philly now that Jason Kelce is gone, but the addition of Barkley gives this team a dual-threat playmaker it lacked last season.

The Eagles’ defense took a step back last season after becoming one of the league’s most dynamic units in 2023, but I like their chances of bouncing back this season. There’s simply too much talent for them to be quite as porous as they were in ’23, and I’d expect them to make it a point to get after Cousins early and often in this one.

If Cousins still looks rickety, this could turn into a blowout in Philly’s favor.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles Predictions

Spread: Eagles -6.5 (-115)

• Eagles are big favorites at home and are expected to dominate.
• Falcons at +6.5 have a tough task, but their offense could make things interesting if Cousins looks healthier.
• If you believe in the Eagles’ offense, covering -6.5 is a solid bet.

Moneyline: ATL +240 / PHI -298

• Eagles at -298 don’t offer much value, but they’re heavily favored to win.
• Falcons at +240 are a risky pick for bettors hoping for an upset.
• Safer bet: Philadelphia to cover -6.5 is better than the moneyline.

Total: 47

• With both teams having offensive firepower, the Over looks promising.
• Lean Over if you expect the Eagles to put up big points.

Betting Trends:

• Eagles are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games at home.
• The Over has hit in 4 of the Falcons’ last 5 road games.
• Falcons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as underdogs.

Prediction: Eagles -6.5, Over 47
Best Bet: Eagles -6.5 (-115)

NFL Week 2 Best Bets 

After breaking down the matchups, here are my favorite bets for Week 2 of the NFL season:

• Eagles -6.5 (-115)
• Texans -6.5 (-115)
• Rams ML (+100)

Betting on these three games individually offers solid value, but consider parlaying them for a larger payout. A $100 wager combining these 3 game bets into a parlay would pay out $599.06 if it hits. If you liked this parlay, then check out our Week 2 NFL Parlays for more betting opportunities.