2018 NFL Week 2 Straight Up Picks

The first week of the 2018 regular season in the National Football League was not kind to head coaches making their debut, as rookie coaches went a combined 0-7 on the week, including both Monday  Night Football contests. Matt Patricia saw his Detroit Lions take a 48-17 whipping from the New York Jets, and then Jon Gruden’s return to Oakland was spoiled in a 33-13 rout at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. We’ve picked out three matchups that we like from a straight up NFL Week 2 betting perspective, so take a look as you plan your wagering strategy for this coming week. As always, home teams are in all caps.

2018 NFL Week 2 Straight Up Picks

1. Rams 2. Ravens 3. Eagles 4. Chiefs 5. Patriots@ColinCowherd ranks the Top 10 NFL teams heading into Week 2 pic.twitter.com/10aZgsZv26

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 11, 2018

Sunday, September 16, 1:00pm ET

Minnesota over GREEN BAY (FOX)

This classic NFC North rivalry resumes — but with more questions for Packers fans than for Vikings fans. Yes, Aaron Rodgers did come back out of the locker room to lead Green Bay back from a 17-0 halftime deficit to a thrilling 24-23 victory, but his knee injury makes him questionable for this week’s contest (so you’ll want to check that injury report before finalizing your wager), and while the Bears looked significantly improved, they don’t have the weapons on offense or defense that the Vikings have. The Packers have dropped four of six at home, but that has a lot to do with Rodgers’ injured collarbone from a year ago. Rodgers is a dangerous weapon, with at least three touchdown passes in five of his last six games, and Randall Cobb and Davante Adams are a dangerous receiving duo. The problems come on defense, as the Packers’ secondary gives up plenty of room to opposing receivers. In come the Minnesota Vikings, who delivered a solid, eight-point win over San Francisco in their opener. Kirk Cousins threw for 244 yards and a pair of scores in his Vikings debut, and the ground game was also impressive, as Latavius Murray and Dalvin Cook combined for 116 yards. The defense, which finished with top honors in the NFL a year ago, was surprisingly pliable against the San Francisco attack, but I expect Mike Zimmer to have those issues squared away and for the Vikings to impose their rhythm on the game. NFL Week 2 Prediction: Minnesota 27, Green Bay 24

Sunday, September 16, 4:05pm ET

SAN FRANCISCO (-5) over Detroit (FOX)

The Detroit Lions took one of the ugliest losses in the opening week of the regular season, falling 48-17 to the resurgent New York Jets at home. Matthew Stafford took a beating from the Jets’ front seven and threw for 286 yards and a touchdown — but also four interceptions. Kenny Golladay caught seven passes for 114 yards, but other than that, the Jets shut down the Detroit offense. The defense surged early with a pick-six on Sam Darnold’s first career pass, but then was overwhelmed by Darnold’s passing down the stretch. Jimmy Garoppolo could take similar advantage of the Lions’ defense in Week 2. However, Garoppolo had a rough first week as well, throwing three interceptions of his own in Minnesota, along with a touchdown. Matt Breida was the leading rusher as the Niners still look to replace Jerrick McKinnon, picking up 46 yards. The 49ers’ loss was much less dispiriting, coming on the round (and with a margin of just eight points). Their defense did a good job against Minnesota for much of the game. They showed significantly better preparation than Detroit — which should carry to Week 2. NFL Week 2 Prediction: San Francisco 27, Detroit 16

Sunday, September 16, 4:25pm ET

DENVER (-5.5) over Oakland (CBS)

The Oakland Raiders got off to an impressive start against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, going into the locker room at halftime with a 13-10 advantage. However, the Rams turned the tables in a big way in the second half, rolling to a 33-13 win. Derek Carr had much to do with the difference, as he executed his play-action calls confidently and found tight Jared Cook over and over again, but he threw two interceptions in the second half (for three total on the night) and looked hesitant when it counted. Jordy Nelson and Amari Cooper, the most talented Oakland receivers, were largely ignored on the night. They visit Denver in an AFC West showdown, and the Broncos are rolling on the momentum of a comeback win over Seattle in their opener. Case Keenum threw three interceptions on the night but redeemed himself late, as his three touchdown passes keyed the win. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders combined for 198 yards of receiving and a pair of scores, and SMU standout Courtland Sutton hauled in a pair of catches in his debut. Denver has more going on both sides of the ball than Oakland does now — and while I’m not sure they cover, I like them to win straight up. NFL Week 2 Prediction: Denver 27, Oakland 23