Week 2 Recap:
Week two couldn’t have gone much worse for me or any other NFL gambler. Only 5 of the 16 favoured teams were able to cover the points as the underdogs ruled last weekend. As a result, I went 5-11, but my picks can hopefully only go up from here. This brings my record to 14-17-1. Here’s to a better weekend for everyone.
(-3) Atlanta Falcons (1-1) vs New Orleans Saints (1-1)
New Orleans has been terrible on defence and the Falcons are without two key contributors with Neal and Jones out.
The Falcons have had their number recently winning 3 out of the last 4 contests. History is on Atlanta’s side and they should be able to cover the points at home.
Prediction: Falcons and the Points
(-5.5) Baltimore Ravens (1-1) vs Denver Broncos (2-0)
The Broncos aren’t getting too much respect for being 2-0, especially considering that the Ravens only win was against the Bills.
Although the Ravens had the extra days to rest for the game, I think the Bronco’s defence should be able to smother the Ravens and at least keep this one close.
Prediction: Broncos Cover
(-3) Carolina Panthers (1-1) vs Cincinnati Bengals (2-0)
The Bengals have identical 34-23 wins and are dealing this year. The Panthers haven’t been themselves yet and they don’t have anyone to cover Green who’s coming off a monster game.
Prediction: Bengals Cover
(-6) Houston Texans (0-2) vs New York Giants (0-2)
Even at 0-2, the Giants have played both teams close while the Texans somehow lost to Blaine Gabbert and the Titans last week.
I like the Texans to win but the Giants defence has been shutting down the air attack this year which should keep things close.
Prediction: Giants Cover
(-9.5) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-0) vs Tennessee Titans (1-1)
It’s hard to decide exactly what the Titans are this year after an impressive win last week with their backup quarterback.
The Jaguars aren’t hard to figure out though. They beat the Patriots by 11 points at home which brings their home record to 7-2 since 2017.
With Mariota’s health in doubt, the Jaguars should be able to walk all over the Titans.
Prediction: Jaguars and the Points
(-6.5) Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) vs San Fransisco 49ers (1-1)
The Chiefs look like legitimate contenders this year with Mahomes and company on offence. Kansas City gets this game at home which makes them even more dangerous against the 49ers.
San Fransisco ranks 20th and 23rd in total yards this year and lost by 8 points on the road against the Vikings, which was the only hard team they’ve had to play this year.
Prediction: Chiefs and the Points
(-3) Miami Dolphins (2-0) vs Oakland Raiders (0-2)
The new Jon Gruden era in Oakland has not started off well. Oakland has the 10th best offence but can’t score any points, while the Dolphins have been bad on offence (26th) and defence (18th), but limit the opposition to points while being stout on the run game.
The Dolphins have relied upon their own run game, while the Raiders have given up the second most rushing yards so far in this short season.
Prediction: Dolphins and the Points
(-16.5) Minnesota Vikings (1-0-1) vs Buffalo Bills (0-2)
It’s safe to assume that everyone expects the Bills to lose this game, but can they keep it close? The Bills were able to get it going late against a really good Chargers team, which ended in an 11 point loss.
The Vikings haven’t been able to blow the doors off anyone this year, but no one would be surprised if this was their first of the season.
Prediction: Bills Cover
(-7) Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) vs Indianapolis Colts (1-1)
The Eagles finally get Carson Wentz back, while the Colts will be without four key starters including left tackle Anthony Costanzo.
Even though the Colts have been good so far, the Eagles are a completely different team at home with Carson Wentz. Philadelphia is a combined 12-2 at home with Carson Wentz playing and has been able to win those games by an average of 17.5 points. Only two of those wins have the Eagles failed to win by 7 or more points.
Prediction: Eagles and the Points
Washington Redskins (1-1) vs (-2.5) Green Bay Packers (1-0-1)
This line completely hinges on the health of Aaron Rodgers.
The Redskins lost pretty badly against the Colts and their only win came against the lowly Cardinals.
I’m not saying this can’t be a close game but the Packers are a much better football team and should cover.
Prediction: Packers and the Points
(-7) LA Rams (2-0) vs LA Chargers (1-1)
The Rams have been on cruise control to start the year while the Chargers were shocked against the Chiefs in week one. Both teams are top 10 in offence and defence this year, which has the makings of a close and contested game.
Prediction: Chargers cover
Arizona Cardinals (0-2) vs (-4.5) Chicago Bears (1-1)
The Cardinals have been outscored 58-6 in their two games this year. Until Arizona goes to rookie Josh Rosen, the Cardinals have little chance in any game they play.
Chicago hasn’t been great on offence but does boast the number 8 defence this year, which is led by Khalil Mack who’ll be giving Bradford fits all day.
Prediction: Bears and the Points
(-1.5) Seattle Seahawks (0-2) vs Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
The Seahawks are a one-man show, while not being able to protect that one man. Russel Wilson has now been sacked 12 times in two games and will have to face a fearsome pass rush that’s coming off a six-sack performance of its own.
Dallas has been stout all around on defence and should be able to rely on Elliot and the run game.
Prediction: Cowboys Cover
Detroit Lions (0-2) vs (-7.0) New England Patriots (1-1)
The Lions finally showed some heart after a close loss to the 49ers, while the Patriots had a big loss of their own against the Jags.
The Lions have been able to shut down the air attack this year which should keep things relatively close, while the Patriots haven’t had much success on that side of the ball with the 28th ranked defence.
Prediction: Lions Cover
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) vs (-1.5) Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1-1)
The two best offences will face off on Monday night with a slight advantage for the Steelers. However, the Bucs have the 2nd best run D, while the Steelers give up the third most yards on the ground.
One key difference in the game is the Steelers already a -4 turnover differential in just two games. I like The Bucs to take care of the ball better than their counterpart in this one.
Prediction: Buccaneers Cover
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
