Well that was fun, wasn't it!? Week 1 brought tons of excitement and surely didn't disappoint. And after going 10-5 on our picks against the spread, we're looking to keep things rolling here in week 2.
Rams at Colts
The Rams took care of business last week against a flailing Bears team while the Colts dropped their opener to Seattle. Aaron Donald is an all-world talent and will likely be able to take care of an injured Colts offensive line. Injuries are already playing a factor for Indianapolis and I think the Rams are just getting started on offense. Indy's defense should still be able to hang in this one, but I think Los Angeles pulls away late.
Our Pick: LA -4
Patriots at Jets
I was pretty high on New York coming into the season. Mekhi Becton looked like he had the makings of a future hall of famer plus the additions of Elijah Moore, Michael Carter and, of course, Zach Wilson got me excited. Unfortunately, Becton will be sidelined for the next few weeks with an injury and Wilson didn't look ready to will his team to victory. That said, 6 points is a lot to lay for a team coming off a loss in a divisional game.
Our Pick: NYJ +6
Texans at Browns
Cleveland is certainly one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, and rightfully so. They have talent across the board and had a chance to beat Kansas City at the end of last week's contest. Houston also showed well against a far inferior opponent, but nevertheless it counts as a win. Tyrod Taylor will keep the offense (somewhat) on schedule (I think?) but the Browns might have too much firepower to make it interesting. I expect the Browns to handle Houston but by 2 touchdowns? Probably not.
Our Pick: HOU +13.5
Bills at Dolphins
This is definitely one of the matchups I'll be keyed in on tomorrow at 1:00. I think the Dolphins are for real. And even at their worst, they always play well at home in September. Buffalo needs this win more than Miami. But Miami is playing with less to lose. I think the Dolphins end up winning the division this year and a win here against Buffalo will go a long way in helping make that happen. We'll see if Buffalo can contain Jaylen Waddle enough to win, but either way I think it's a close game.
Our Pick: MIA +3.5
Saints at Panthers
Famous Jameis and his friends down in NOLA were eating some THIC W's last sunday after they feasted Green Bay's defense. Although they didn't move the ball for a ton of yards, the Saints found the end zone when they had the chance and didn't give Rodgers anything at all to work with. As for the Panthers, they took care of the Jets with a staunch defense of their own and were able to take advantage of their playmakers. I think both teams stack up fairly similarly and feel compelled to take the points in what feels like a close divisional game. Jameis Winston is 7-14-1 against the spread (ATS) as a favorite and I think that number goes to 15 after today.
Our Pick: CAR +3.5
Bengals at Bears
Remember when we spent the entire preseason worrying about Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense? Those concerns were assuaged week 1 against Minnesota. Cincinatti moved the ball well downfield and Joe Mixon looked like one of the best running backs in the league. Andy Dalton should keep this one close for the Bears, but I think the Bengals have a pretty good chance to go in to Soldier Field and steal one on the road.
Our Pick: CIN +2
Raiders at Steelers
What. A. Game Monday night. The Raiders proved they have guts, and if they put up another solid performance against Pittsburgh, they'll be tough to bet against moving forward. The Steelers are coming off a great win of their own against the Bills - one of the favorites to come out of the AFC - and should be able to handle Derek Carr and Co. No Josh Jacobs means the Raiders run game takes a hit; and while I think the Raiders ultimately lose, I think they keep it within a touchdown.
Our Pick: LV +6
49ers at Eagles
Is Jaylen Hurts for real? Will Trey Sermon get 25 touches? Mom I know it's past my bedtime can you please stop yelling at me? I love the conspiracy theories surrounding Kyle Shannahan and the 49ers offense. Most revolve around the idea that Aiyuk and Sermon will be back in action after an informal punishment for missing curfews during the preseason. But even if San Fran's offense is firing on all cylinders, it might not be enough to keep pace with Philly. Devonta Smith is dangerous and the Eagles OLine looked like one of the best in the league last week. This is another intriguing matchup that I'm having a tough time predicting.
Our Pick: PHI +2.5
Broncos at Jaguars
Teddy Bridgewater and the Denver Broncos pulled away late against a Giants team destined to lose last week. Their defense looked solid; and although they lost WR Jerry Jeudy to an ankle injury, Tim Patrick will look to step in and fill the gap. The Jaguars on the other hand looked like the worst team in the league last week against Houston. Trevor Lawrence looked like a
rookie and the defense couldn't stop a nosebleed. I think Denver gets it done by more than a touchdown.
Our Pick: DEN -6
Vikings at Cardinals
The Cardinals defense looked unbelievable last weekend against the Titans. Chandler Jones recorded 5 sacks and should have had more. It was just a terrific performance all around for Arizona, and they'll look to keep it rolling at home against the Vikings. It's tough to bet against the Cardinals when they have their defense playing like that and Kyler has the offense moving. 4 points feels like the right line here and I feel like this could go either way. I'd avoid playing this game if possible, but I'll keep my faith in Arizona.
Our Pick: ARI -4
Falcons at Buccaneers
One of the best teams in the league faces off against, what looked like, one of the worst. That's a way of saying 12.5 points seems like a reasonable line for this divisional faceoff. You'd think two rivals would manage to keep it close but if the Falcons can't move the ball against Philadelphia, I don't think they'll have a better chance doing so against Tampa Bay. I think Tampa holds them to at least 17 and can probably score 30 points again. I don't like laying this many points in a divisional game, but you can't go wrong betting on the GOAT.
Our Pick: TB -12.5
Cowboys at Chargers
Dallas showed well against Tampa in the season-opener. Dak looked like the man again and was
able to keep them in the game against the defending champs. The Cowboys defense, though, still looked quite suspect. Herbert and the fellas managed to take down a solid Washington team last week and they'll get Dallas here at home. I think Keenan Allen gets active in this game and Zeke starts to concern us with a lack of production.
Our Pick: LAC -3
Titans at Seahawks
It feels like this game should be more competitive than a 6 point line suggests. But then you go back and realize how bad the Titans looked against Arizona last week and it sort of makes sense. Seattle has an underrated pass rush and we all know what their offense can do. It's only week 2, though, and I don't love overreacting to week 1 performances. I'll bank on Tennessee bouncing back.
Our Pick: TEN +6
Chiefs at Ravens
It's 8:10 pm on the East Cost. You and the fellas are 6 IPAs deep and the pizza you ordered just arrived. Your soul is filled with a bevy of great games and the best one has yet to come. I mean what a matchup this Sunday night. Chiefs vs Ravens? Grow up! Remember last year when the Ravens were favorites to win an early matchup against Mahomes? Yeah that was a mistake. The Chiefs are rightfully favored in this one and will be blowing Baltimore out of the water.
Our Pick: KC -3.5
Lions at Packers
Another 12 point spread for a divisional matchup. The Lions managed to cover their 8 point spread against San Fran last week; meanwhile, the Packers? Well they did not cover against the Saints. I don't understand where these 12 points are coming from in this one. Are we just banking on the Packers bouncing back in a big way after
one of their worst losses in recent memory? I guess so, but I'm not taking the cheese. Get it? I think Green Bay ends up winning because they simply have to, but I think Detroit keeps it close again.
Our Pick: DET +12
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