National Football League

NFL Week 2: Picks Against the Spread

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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After a wild, unpredictable first week of the 2016 season, here are our NFL Week 2 picks against the spread for all 16 games

If there’s one thing that you can predict like clockwork about the first week of any NFL season, it’s that things are going to be unpredictable. Sure, we know the personnel in place for each team, but we don’t know what it’s going to look like until the games are played. Once again, this proved to be true in Week 1 of the 2016 NFL season. Consequently, things are only further complicated heading into NFL Week 2.

Looking back on the first week of the season, who could have predicted that Carson Wentz would be the savior of football in Philadelphia right from his first start? Moreover, everyone was 100 percent justified in not giving the New England Patriots a shot against the Arizona Cardinals with no Rob Gronkowski and with Jimmy Garoppolo starting. Yet here we are, having seen those things in more through one week.

Now comes the second week of the season where we try to make sense of everything. It becomes a balancing act of not overreacting to certain things while also assessing what you should be banking on moving forward. Subsequently, Week 2 can be every bit as trick to predict as the first week. Yet, that’s what I’ll try to do.

Though there were no picks from me in Week 1, we’ll start with a 0-0 record in Week 2. Here are the NFL Week 2 picks against the spread for all 16 games on the schedule.

Note: All lines are via Westgate Las Vegas

Sep 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) points at the Cincinnati Bengals defense in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Jets 23-22. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets (EVEN) at Buffalo Bills

After a missed Nick Folk field goal ultimately cost the New York Jets in Week 1, there are plenty of people already souring on them. And make no mistake, there were several things that weren’t pretty for New York in their opener. Their inability to find Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker in the passing game coupled with Darrelle Revis getting torched is cause for concern. However, they still only lost by a single point despite their shortcomings.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s a good chance that the Buffalo Bills, who the Jets will be visiting on Thursday night, aren’t good at all. Even if you think the Baltimore Ravens are going to be good in 2016, Tyrod Taylor posting just over 100 yards of offense with no touchdowns isn’t a promising sign for the Bills. Moreover, he’s now going to be up against one of the best front-fours in the NFL with Sheldon Richardson returning.

As this line sits at even odds heading into the Thursday Night Football matchup, this is a game that you shouldn’t get cute with. Maybe the Jets are on the road and maybe they didn’t look quite like the team from 2015 in their Week 1 loss. However, they looked better than the Bills by a mile. And that’s all that will matter in Buffalo.

Pick: Jets (EVEN)

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) in the huddle in the first quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins (-2.5)

On the surface, the Dallas Cowboys traveling to take on the Washington Redskins isn’t a matchup that needs much of an introduction. It’s one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL adding another chapter. However, there are far more layers to consider as these two teams get set to square off in Week 2 of the 2016 season.

Both the Cowboys and Redskins enter the second week of the season at 0-1 and off of less-than-stellar performances. Dallas suffered a tough ending against the Giants thanks to a Terrance Williams mental-error, but it’s hard to say that Dak Prescott throwing five-yard passes all day was all-that inspiring. The same, though, can be said of Kirk Cousins and Washington as he crumbled when the ball was served into his court. Meanwhile, the Redskins defense got toasted by the Steelers.

Thus, this could be an early crossroads for these NFC East rivals on Sunday at FedEx Field. It’s hard to have a lot of confidence either way. With what the Washington defense looked like on Monday night, though, I think that Dallas has enough firepower with their offensive line to break off chunks of yardage all night long. Expect a breakout game from rookie Ezekiel Elliott and the road underdogs to prevail.

Pick: Cowboys (+2.5)

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts following a third down incomplete pass in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (-13.5)

It’s not every week in the NFL that you see a team win by four touchdowns one week and then be near-two touchdown underdogs the next week. However, it’s not every week that the San Francisco 49ers get to play the Los Angeles Rams and then go on the road against the defending NFC champs in the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers, too, are coming off of a season-opening loss. In an opening week that felt full of such instances, Carolina was another victim of a missed game-winning field goal attempt at the end of the game. Graham Gano gaffes aside, though, the Panthers had their share of hiccups against the Broncos in Week 1. Cam Newton took his fair share of shots and the Denver defense once again largely had their way. Meanwhile, the 49ers dominated a Rams team that might go .500 in the CFL—or so it appeared.

As much as any double-digit line frightens me in the modern NFL and with the underdog coming off of a victory, I have to go with the home team in this matchup. Across the board on both sides of the ball, the Panthers have the perceived advantage. I think that will be good for a blowout victory where they easily cover the 13.5-point spread.

Pick: Panthers (-13.5)

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks to pass the ball in the second half of the gameagainst the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts by the score of 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions (-6)

Many people were curious to see what the Detroit Lions offense would look like without Calvin Johnson this season. Sure, they came on strong last season once Jim Bob Cooter took over as offensive coordinator, but losing a future Hall-of-Famer in Megatron was sure to slow them up, right? Apparently not so much.

Granted, the Lions benefitted from playing an atrocious and banged-up Colts defense in Week 1. However, Cooter had Matthew Stafford and the offense humming and having everyone saying, “Calvin Who?” Marvin Jones fit right into the offense on the outside while Theo Riddick might be the best offensive weapon that no one’s talking about. Now they are favorites at home in Week 2 against a Tennessee Titans team that struggled against the Minnesota Vikings, showing their youth.

While I still think Marcus Mariota and the Titans have upside this season, I don’t think it’s going to matter on Sunday. Detroit’s defense is solid enough to still disrupt what Tennessee is going to try and do. Moreover, the Titans don’t yet have the defensive talent or depth to hang with the offense that the Lions are putting on the field with Cooter at the helm. The spread is definitely in a tricky position, but I still have Detroit winning by more than a touchdown on Sunday.

Pick: Lions (-6)

Aug 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Mario Williams (94) and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys defeat the Dolphins 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-6.5)

Whew. The Jimmy G hype train is already out of control. That’s not to say that the young New England Patriots quarterback doesn’t deserve a fair amount of credit. How he handled the offense against one of the best teams int he NFC was undoubtedly impressive on Sunday Night Football. He made some strong decisions and great throws throughout the night. However, don’t be fooled by thinking he wasn’t helped out by the New England defense and a lethargic Arizona first half.

Contrarily, I’m not sure enough people are talking about or giving the Miami Dolphins credit for their Week 1 performance. Their record might read 0-1 under new head coach Adam Gase, but this looked like a different team entirely under this new regime. Ndamukong Suh and the defense played with more energy than they did at any point last season. Meanwhile, Ryan Tannehill and the offense weren’t abysmal against the vaunted Seahawks defense.

Subsequently, this line is just way too high and screams of everyone hopping on the Garoppolo bandwagon. I think he’ll be fine and far from a disaster in his second start, but I think the Dolphins will perform much better than most people are expecting. I think this game is ultimately decided by a field goal either way. Thus, I’m taking the road underdogs again.

Pick: Dolphins (+6.5)

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) reacts after catching a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. New York won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints at New York Giants (-4.5)

I know I said that there would be no overreacting to what happened in Week 1, but how do you not come out of the first slate of games thinking that the New York Giants are the NFC East favorites by a wide margin. On both sides of the ball in comparison to last season, the Giants are leaps and bounds better and more dangerous. They have a full complement of receivers around Eli Manning while Olivier Vernon and the defense looked energized and hungry in Week 1.

Of course, that defense won’t have a walk in the park come Sunday. The New Orleans Saints offense hummed just as loudly as you always expect them to. Drew Brees was 1,000 flame emojis in the season-opener, even with New Orleans suffering the loss. Even if you think the Raiders secondary isn’t very good, this Saints offense is going to torch most teams in this league.

That said, I think the Giants showed enough to make me believe that they can at least occasionally slow New Orleans’ offense down. Moreover, their offense against the Saints’ so-called defense should be able to put a big number on the scoreboard. Thus, I think the home fans at MetLife Stadium go home happy and, quite frankly, I don’t think it’s close at all.

Pick: Giants (-4.5)

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) looks for an open receiver during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans (-2.5)

Every now and then, there’s a team that comes out of a game and no one has any more indication of if they’re good or not than when the game began. Unequivocally, that dubious honor belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs after their come-from-behind overtime win against the Chargers in Week 1. While they looked quite good at times, their defense struggled at times as well. Moreover, it’s hard to ignore how much they benefitted from the Keenan Allen injury and the head coaching stylings of Mike McCoy.

While Bill O’Brien may not be Vince Lombardi, the Houston Texans offer a much more formidable opponent for the Chiefs in this Week 2 matchup. The Brock Osweiler era is officially underway in Houston. Denver’s one-that-got-away showed flashes of real brilliance in his first Texans start, picking up the win. With weapons like DeAndre Hopkins and rookie Will Fuller V, this offense is going to be humming. Then, of course, this is a defense that has J.J. Watt—enough said.

Anyone buying into the Chiefs right now I think is buying into fool’s gold. To me, they were more lucky than good in their opening win. This one could ultimately bite me when it comes down to it. However, I don’t think there’s any logical reason to not take the home team in this matchup when they’re favored by less than a field goal.

Pick: Texans (-2.5)

Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) at Cleveland Browns

In case you didn’t pick up on it when talking about the Jets-Bills pick, my belief is that the Baltimore Ravens’ 13-7 win over Buffalo in Week 1 had a lot more to do with the Bills being bad than the Ravens being good. Joe Flacco looked quite shaky at times throughout the contest. And while the defense certainly stifled their opponents, that seems like more of an indication that we should bail off the Tyrod Taylor bandwagon as soon as possible.

However, the Ravens get the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. The fact that Cleveland is the home team in this matchup and are still underdogs by 6.5 points speaks volumes about this Browns team. Sure, I too am in the camp that the offense will be better with Josh McCown at the helm than it was or would’ve been with Robert Griffin III under center. However, that doesn’t change the fact that there are high school teams that could score on this defense. Nor does it change the fact that the inexperience of Cleveland is rampant on both sides of the ball.

Subsequently, I think the Ravens cover this line quite easily. Even though I think we’re still talking about fool’s gold with this team now and after they move to 2-0, there aren’t many teams in the NFL that I’m not going to be taking when they’re playing the Browns—regardless of how many points they’re giving.

Pick: Ravens (-6.5)

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) does a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5)

Both the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers figure to be in contention to win the AFC this season. What we saw from these AFC North rival in Week 1 gave us no indication to the contrary. However, this matchup is still going to be tricky for a number of reasons. There’s no denying the talent of either team, but the real question is what’s going to happen when these two teams are trying to exploit the other’s weakness.

There’s probably not a defense in the league that can stop Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and the Steelers offense. However, the Bengals might be able to slow them down. However, it’s almost exactly the same situation with the Cincy offense and Pittsburgh defense. The Steelers young defensive unit looked to be ready to come into their own against Washington in Week 1. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green offer much more of a test, but this should be a fun one to watch.

Ultimately, I don’t think this game turns into a shootout like I’ve seen some people predicting. I think this one comes as a grind-it-out type of affair where one empty possession changes the game. How I see it, I think the conservative approach of Marvin Lewis costs his team here. The Bengals kick a field goal, but the Steelers score a go-ahead touchdown to win by four and cover.

Pick: Steelers (-3.5)

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) carries the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals (-7)

To say that the Arizona Cardinals were disappointing in their Week 1 loss to a short-handed Patriots team would be understating the fact. This is a Super Bowl favorite that couldn’t even beat Jimmy Garoppolo and the Pats without Gronk on the field. However, that doesn’t take away the level of talent that they have on both sides of the ball as they welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to town in Week 2.

Tampa was certainly impressive for their part in Week 1. Jameis Winston is the absolute truth and anyone saying otherwise is blind or in denial. He’s going to be a superstar quarterback in this league and he’s already showing flashes of that. However, the Cardinals defense coming off of a loss is an entirely different monster than the Falcons defense that Winston got to square up against in the opener.

While I like the Bucs this season as a potential Wild Card team out of the NFC—a dark horse, if you will—this week isn’t pretty for them in my eyes. I think Bruce Arians lights a fire under this Arizona team and they come out throwing haymakers. That’s when this Cards team is at their best, which ultimately spells a blowout in favor of the home team.

Pick: Cardinals (-7)

Sep 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks (-6) at Los Angeles Rams

As an injured Russell Wilson leads the Seattle Seahawks on the road for an NFC West matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, there’s a buzz that’s starting about a possible upset. After all, this Seahawks offense isn’t the same if Wilson isn’t making plays with his feet. So him nursing a high-ankle sprain going into Week 2 would logically indicate his team being in jeopardy. Of course, that doesn’t factor in the fact that the Rams look like hot garbage.

Even against an assumed bottom-feeder in the 49ers for their season-opener, the Rams were torched (by Blaine Gabbert, no less) for four touchdowns. To make matters worse, they also were unable to manage a touchdown of their own. Case Keenum looked like he should be selling cars somewhere and the offensive line was a turnstile with a vendetta against Todd Gurley. It was just bad all around.

I certainly buy into the fact that the Seahawks may not be dominant in this game as they’re on the road with their star quarterback hobbled. However, the notion of an upset still seems inherently ludicrous to me. I don’t think this Rams offense is capable of scoring on the Seattle defense. Thus, I think a single touchdown from the defense could get the job down for the visiting Seahawks, giving them the win and an easy cover.

Pick: Seahawks (-6)

Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at EverBank Field. Green Bay Packers won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers (-3)

There has to be something that I’m missing here. Did the San Diego Chargers not blow a massive lead in their Week 1 matchup against the Chiefs? Were they not robbed of their best wide receiver in Keenan Allen due to a torn ACL? And was Mike McCoy not flexing his questionable-coaching muscles during that loss? What’s more, those are only the questions about the Chargers. Across the sideline from them in Week 2 is a Jacksonville Jaguars team that lost by just four points to an NFC favorite in the Green Bay Packers.

So to have the Chargers favored—even as the home team—in this matchup feels criminal. Their offense is going to be significantly worse without Allen on the field as their receiving core is thinner than you might expect behind him. I don’t know about you, but trusting in Travis Benjamin isn’t something I want my offense doing. Moreover, their defense is suspect still, even if improved from 2015.

Meanwhile, I think the Jags are for real. This could really serve as a statement win in that regard. Not only am I taking the points here, but I’m calling for the Jacksonville win outright. Take it all the way to the bank.

Pick: Jaguars (+3)

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs onto the field before their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders (-5)

Anyone who watched the Falcons play in Week 1 can tell you that there’s not much about this defense that is improved coming off an abysmal 2015 season. They were absolutely ransacked by Jameis and the Bucs in Week 1. And now they have to come up against another high-profile attack in their second matchup of the year, taking on the now-confident Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders were a dark horse pick by many people heading into the season and they didn’t give any reason to think otherwise in Week 1. Though their defense looked like a unit still trying to become cohesive, their offense was clicking against a bad NFC South defense. Now the football gods have blessed them with more of the same in that regard and you best believe that Derek Carr and company are ready to exploit that.

At home with a matchup that works in their favor, I think the Raiders look even better than they did last week. The five-point spread seems even a little low to me as I think Oakland at home covers without even breaking a sweat, winning by at least two scores.

Pick: Raiders (-5)

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) drops back to attempt a pass in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos (-6)

Trevor Siemian is not a good NFL quarterback. He may be 1-0 as the starter for the Denver Broncos, but that has very little to do with the throws he made or didn’t make. Much like in Super Bowl 50, the Broncos defense carried them. However, I think there are going to be plenty of people lauding Siemian’s performance after Week 2 as he gets to take on the Indianapolis Colts defense.

Holy hell is this Colts defense horrible. They’re going to be bad no matter what, but they are currently playing without arguably their best defensive asset in Vontae Davis. Thus, it’s even harder to think that they can offer any resistance against an NFL offense. With C.J. Anderson running the ball alone, the Broncos can put that on the field.

Though Andrew Luck looks like he’s back, I think the Broncos have the ability to make enough noise at disrupting the Colts offense that the home team should be able to cover. Once again, don’t buy into the Siemian hype afterward, but Denver moves to 2-0 with the youngster as their starter.

Pick: Broncos (-6)

Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers strong safety Morgan Burnett (42) is congratulated by inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) after he made a sack on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) (not pictured) during the second half at EverBank Field. Green Bay Packers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers (-2.5) at Minnesota Vikings

There are many people looking at this NFC North rivalry matchup for Week 2 trying to figure out what to make of it. The “lowly” Jaguars competed with the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, only falling by four points. Meanwhile, the Shaun Hill-led Minnesota Vikings were able to pick up the big win against the Tennessee Titans in their opener. Thus, we’re left trying to decipher what’s real and what’s a mirage.

As far as things to take to the bank, I think you have the offense of the Packers and the defense of the Vikings. Aaron Rodgers was in alien-mode on Sunday in the opener, thus carrying his team to a win. The same can be said for the entirety of the Minny defense, which dominated and disrupted for all 60 minutes of action. Thus, the two sure-fire strengths of these teams will collide On Sunday Night Football this week.

Even on the road, though, I think the deciding factor here is that the Vikings offense won’t be able to score on the Packers defense. If you call it a wash between the Green Bay offense and Minnesota defense, that leaves the Packers with the advantage on the flip side of the ball. That’s enough of a reason for me to take them when they’re favored by less than a field goal.

Pick: Packers (-2.5)

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) looks to pass against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears (-3)

I made it through 15 games without fully overreacting, but now it’s time to go all-in on the hyperbole: Carson Wentz is a future Hall-of-Famer and the absolute truth. There; I said it. Whyle that may be overstating the situation, the Philadelphia Eagles rookie was nothing but impressive in his regular season debut. He looked confident, poised, and skilled. That’s not just because they beat a Browns team, but just the film of him makes him look like a possible star in this league.

Meanwhile, I’m not sure why the Bears are favored in this matchup, even playing at home. They looked hapless at times and mildly competent at others in their opener against the Texans. I think Houston is a good football team, but being mildly competent as a peak for your team’s performance isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement.

With the Eagles defense also showing that they can be a force, I think Wentz and company have another big day. There are certainly going to be speed bumps along the way in his rookie year. However, I’m already a believer in the No. 2 overall pick and don’t think that the Bears will offer any resistance. I’ve got Philly as the underdog getting the outright win on the road.

Pick: Eagles (+3)

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