NFL Week 2 Odds, Overview and Predictions

The opening week of the 2018 regular season in the National Football League brought some expected results — and some thrilling surprises. We thought that Baltimore would take down Buffalo, but we didn’t expect that 47-3 final score, even with Nathan Peterman at the helm for the Bills’ offense. Chicago gave Green Bay a lot more of a fight than we thought, although Aaron Rodgers came out of the locker room and delivered three touchdown passes in the second half to lead a big comeback win. Cleveland avoided a season-opening loss for the first time since 2004, although they didn’t win either, as they mounted a furious comeback to play the Steelers to a 21-21 tie. What can sports betting enthusiasts expect in the week ahead? Check out our NFL Week 2 betting predictions for this week. As always, home teams are in all caps.

NFL Week 2 Odds, Overview and Predictions

.@packers unsure of Rodgers’ status for Week 2: https://t.co/24W3VruDc3 pic.twitter.com/oOQ9OwuJKw

— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2018

Thursday, September 13, 8:20pm ET

Baltimore (PK) over CINCINNATI

The Ravens delivered a thunderous rout of the Bills in Week 1. Cincinnati has a better offense and defense than the Ravens do, but Cincinnati put up all those points against an Indianapolis team that doesn’t play much defense at all. The Ravens take the road win here, shutting down Andy Dalton.

Sunday, September 16, 1:00pm ET

Carolina (+3.5) over ATLANTA

Carolina ground out an impressive win against a tough Dallas defense on Sunday, and the Panthers’ front seven basically shut down the Dallas game and dared Dak Prescott to beat them through the air, and he couldn’t. Is Matt Ryan showing wear and tear? His Falcons could only hang a dozen points on the Eagles in their opener.

L.A. Chargers (-7.5) over BUFFALO

The Chargers’ offense put up 28 points against Kansas City, but their defense was back to the form they showed at the start of 2017. The good news is that they head east to face a Buffalo team that has followed up a wild card berth last year with an apparent housecleaning.

Minnesota (+2.5) over GREEN BAY

Aaron Rodgers was able to lead a thrilling comeback over Chicago in the opener. However, Minnesota has a much better defense, and Rodgers’ knee has him questionable to play at all. I like the Vikings to win on the road.

Houston (NL) over TENNESSEE

Houston looked inconsistent in their loss to New England, but they looked like the better team in the second half and should continue that momentum against a Tennessee team that disappointed against the Dolphins.

NEW ORLEANS (-7.5) over Cleveland

New Orleans scored 40 on Tampa Bay, and the Buccaneers have a better defense than Cleveland. The Saints’ defense didn’t play well — giving up 48 points with the Buccaneers playing a backup quarterback. I think the Saints will fix those defensive issues, or at least enough of them to win this game by double figures.

Miami (+1) over N.Y. JETS

The Dolphins showed grit on both sides of the ball in a lightning-delayed win over Tennessee, and they are a couple of seasons ahead of the Jets in the identity quest.

Kansas City (+5.5) over PITTSBURGH

Can the Steelers play defense when it matters? They let Tyrod Taylor lead a thrilling comeback for the Browns in the season opener, and the Chiefs have a lot more weapons on offense.

Philadelphia (-3) over TAMPA BAY

Another week, another gritty win for the Birds. I don’t think they’ll have nearly as many problems with Ryan Fitzpatrick as the Saints did.

WASHINGTON (-3.5) over Indianapolis

The Redskins showed an unusually stout defensive performance in their win over the Cardinals, and while Andrew Luck is much better than Sam Bradford, I’m not sure the Colts can keep Alex Smith in check.

Sunday, September 16, 4:05pm ET

L.A. RAMS (-10) over Arizona

The Cardinals lost by 18 points at home to Washington, and the Rams are better on both sides of the ball than the Redskins. This game could be ugly by halftime.

SAN FRANCISCO (-3.5) over Detroit

The 49ers held their own in an eight-point loss at Minnesota in their opener, and Jimmy Garoppolo should have a lot more openings to throw the ball down the field against Detroit.

Sunday, September 16, 4:25pm ET

DENVER (-4) over Oakland

The Broncos delivered a thrilling comeback win over Seattle to start their season, and they welcome an Oakland team that will be reeling after a Monday Night Football loss to the Rams.

New England (PK) over JACKSONVILLE

The Jaguars could only put up 20 points against the New York Giants. It’s not like the Pats have a great defense, but it’s not hard to muzzle Blake Bortles.

Sunday, September 16, 8:20pm ET

DALLAS (-3) over N.Y. Giants

Dallas had zero plays in Carolina territory in the first half. The Giants gave up 20 points to Jacksonville, and the Cowboys have just as many questions on offense as the Jaguars. Dallas did play gritty defense and should win a low-scoring home opener.

Monday, September 17, 8:15pm ET

CHICAGO (-3) over Seattle

The Bears looked terrific in the first half against Green Bay, and they learned that you have to play 60 full minutes to win in this league. I see them finishing the job against a Seahawks team that just doesn’t have the defense it used to.