With Week 1 in the books, we now turn our attention towards Week 2 of the 2025-26 NFL season starts. And, this week starts off with an exciting Thursday Night Football matchup as the Green Bay Packers host the Washington Commanders in a battle of two Playoff teams from last season.

From there, the weekend will feature six divisional matchups, DK Metcalf and the Steelers hosting his former team the Seattle Seahawks, and a Super Bowl rematch as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Philadelphia Eagles.

The second week of the season will close with two Monday Night Football games. The MNF opener will see the Houston Texans host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a battle of divisional winners from a season ago.

The second MNF matchup is an AFC West clash as the Las Vegas Raiders host the Los Angeles Chargers in what should be an exciting atmosphere.

Without any further delay, let’s take a look at the NFL Week 2 odds and make our early Week 2 picks. It’s never to early to get your NFL bets in especially if you can identify value on the boards.

NFL Week 2 Schedule

NFL Week 2 Odds

As of this writing, the early NFL odds for Week 2 indicate that the Baltimore Ravens are the biggest favorite as they host the Cleveland Browns. Not only are they listed at -850 odds, but the Ravens also have a -12.5 spread at most sports betting sites.

Surprisingly, it’s the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals that has the highest Total of the weekend at O/U 48.5 points.

Currently, the Kansas City Chiefs are the smallest NFL Underdogs for Week 2 at +105 moneyline and +1.5-point spread. They face the Chiefs in Kansas City.

The Buffalo Bills are the biggest Road Favorite with a -6.5-point spread as they battle AFC East rival the New York Jets. Conversely, that makes the Jets the biggest Home Underdog of the weekend.

If you need some expert assistance in making sense of these early lines or some last-minute help leading up to the Week 2 games, then check out the industry’s best handicapping membership. And, the best part, you can try it for free!

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NFL Week 2 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full slate of NFL Week 2 matchups and make our NFL picks for each game.

Washington Commanders vs. Green Bay Packers Odds

The Green Bay Packers opened their season with a strong win over the Detroit Lions, leaning on a balanced offense and a defense that generated consistent pressure. Jordan Love threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns while avoiding mistakes, which was a big step forward from preseason. The Packers also limited Detroit to just 46 rushing yards, showing how tough their front seven can be.

The Washington Commanders came out of Week 1 with a win over the New York Giants behind a steady ground attack. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 233 yards and a touchdown but also turned it over once. Washington piled up 150 rushing yards between Daniels and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, controlling tempo and wearing the Giants down late.

Green Bay’s biggest test will be slowing that Commanders rushing attack. Micah Parsons and the Packers front made life miserable for Detroit in Week 1, but Washington’s dual-threat quarterback makes the job trickier. If the Packers keep Daniels in the pocket, they’ll force him into obvious passing downs where turnovers can flip the game.

On offense, the Packers should continue to spread the ball around. Josh Jacobs handled 20 carries in Week 1 and kept the chains moving, while receivers like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs chipped in timely plays. Washington held New York in check inside the red zone, but Green Bay has more reliable finishers when they get scoring chances.

This Thursday night matchup comes down to which side wins the battle up front. The Commanders will try to grind possessions with the run game, but the Packers have the edge if Love protects the ball and Parsons disrupts Washington’s rhythm. With home field and a more balanced roster, Green Bay has the advantage in a tight but winnable spot.

Washington Commanders vs. Green Bay Packers Predictions

The Packers come in with serious momentum after that impressive victory over Detroit. At Lambeau, they’ll look to ride that same formula of balanced offense and timely pressure. The confidence from Week 1 makes them a tough out at home.

The Commanders showed they can control the ground game with over 200 rushing yards in their opener. Daniels mixed enough passing with his legs to keep the Giants off balance, and that style can shorten games against better opponents. Even if the Packers have the stronger roster overall, Washington’s ability to eat clock always makes them dangerous against the spread.

Green Bay is the safer bet to win, but Washington has the style to keep this one closer than expected. If the Commanders’ run game finds traction, they can stay inside the number even in a loss. That sets up a split play between moneyline and spread.

Bet: Green Bay Packers -180 ML, Washington Commanders +3.5 (-118), Under 48.5 (-115)

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys Odds

The Dallas Cowboys hung tough against the Eagles in Week 1, falling 24–20 but showing real promise on offense. Dak Prescott threw for 188 yards, and the running back duo of Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders combined for 107 yards on the ground with two scores. CeeDee Lamb picked up where he left off with 110 receiving yards, while George Pickens added 30 more in his first game with the team. However, an uncharacteristic drop late in the game from Lamb may have cost the Cowboys an upset win in Week 1.

The New York Giants never found a rhythm against the Commanders, losing 21–6 and managing only 157 total passing yards with no touchdowns. Russell Wilson completed just 17 of 37 passes and faced heavy pressure, getting sacked twice and throwing for only 4.5 yards per attempt. The run game didn’t offer much relief either, averaging only 3.2 yards per carry across 23 attempts. After such a dismal showing, there are already rumors that head coach Brian Daboll is considering starting rookie Jaxson Dart over Russ on Sunday.

Dallas has the edge in the trenches heading into Week 2. The Giants’ offensive line struggled mightily against Washington, setting up constant long downs that stalled drives. The Cowboys’ pass rush should find similar success, especially at home, making it tough for the Giants to keep pace if they fall behind early.

The big question is whether New York can move the ball at all against a divisional rival with more firepower. Dallas’ offense looks balanced under its new setup, with the running game creating stability and Lamb providing a go-to option through the air. The Giants will need their defense to bend but not break again, but unless the offense shows drastic improvement, that formula won’t hold up in Arlington.

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys Predictions

Dallas is set up well in this divisional matchup, especially with extra rest after playing last Thursday. The offense was balanced in Week 1, and facing a Giants defense that gave up over 220 rushing yards to Washington, the Cowboys should be able to control the line of scrimmage.

The Giants will look better than they did in Week 1, but protection issues remain a major concern. If Wilson starts again, Dallas’ pass rush could force more stalled drives and missed opportunities. Playing at home, the Cowboys’ defense and run game give them too much of an advantage. Even if Dart takes over, it’s hard to like the Giants’ chances of getting into the win column.

Dallas has the higher ceiling on both sides of the ball and should grab their first win of the year. Expect them to control tempo and wear down New York in the second half.

Bet: Dallas Cowboys -250 ML, Dallas Cowboys -5.5 (-110), Under 44.5 (-110)

Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets Odds

The Buffalo Bills pulled off a wild 41–40 shootout win over the Ravens in Week 1, led by Josh Allen’s 394 passing yards and three touchdowns. Allen spread the ball around to Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Joshua Palmer, and they were ultimately able to overcome a late 15-point deficit to pull off the unlikelist of victories. The Bills also leaned on James Cook in the run game, but it was Allen’s arm that carried them across the finish line.

The New York Jets came up just short in a 34–32 loss to the Steelers but showed plenty of offensive juice. Justin Fields threw for 218 yards with a touchdown and also added 48 rushing yards in his team debut, while Breece Hall topped 100 on the ground. Garrett Wilson led the passing game with 95 yards, and the Jets’ balance kept them in it until the final drive.

Defensively, the Bills had major trouble containing Baltimore’s ground attack, giving up 238 rushing yards. That weakness is a red flag against the Jets, who ran 39 times in Week 1 and will want to control tempo through Hall and Fields. Buffalo’s front seven will need to hold up better or risk letting the Jets dictate pace.

Buffalo’s edge comes from their quarterback play and ability to score in bunches. The Jets’ defense allowed over 30 points in the opener and now faces a Bills offense that looks even sharper. If Allen stays clean in the pocket, Buffalo has too many weapons for New York to keep up over four quarters.

Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets Predictions

The Bills are road favorites for a reason after putting up nearly 400 passing yards on the Ravens. Allen looks in sync with his new weapons, and that firepower should carry into Week 2. Buffalo’s passing game should test the Jets in ways Pittsburgh couldn’t.

The Jets’ run-heavy style could help them hang around, especially if Hall finds success against a defense that just got gashed on the ground. Fields’ mobility also adds pressure to a Buffalo defense that struggled with Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat game. That said, the Jets may not be able to keep pace if they’re forced to throw often.

Buffalo should do enough to pull away, but the Jets can keep the scoreline respectable if they establish the run early. This looks like a spot where the favorite wins but the underdog covers.

Bet: Buffalo Bills -325 ML, New York Jets +7 (-120), Under 46.5 (-110)

Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds

The Baltimore Ravens dropped the aforementioned heartbreaker in Week 1, losing 41–40 to Buffalo in a game where Lamar Jackson looked sharp but the defense couldn’t hold late. Jackson threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns on just 19 attempts while also rushing for 70 yards. Derrick Henry added 169 yards on the ground, showing the Ravens can still dominate on the ground. However, it was Henry’s late lost fumble that ultimately cost Baltimore a win to start their ’25 campaign.

The Cleveland Browns fell 17–16 to Cincinnati in a game the defense largely controlled. Joe Flacco threw for 290 yards and a touchdown but also tossed two interceptions, and the run game managed just 49 yards on 24 carries. The defense did its job, holding Joe Burrow to 113 passing yards and keeping explosive plays in check.

This matchup swings on whether Cleveland’s front can muddy Baltimore’s run game enough to force third-and-longs. The Ravens just gashed the Bills for 238 rushing yards, so early-down fits and tackling are everything for the Browns. If Henry and Jackson are held to singles instead of doubles, Baltimore’s offense becomes far less comfortable.

On the other side, Cleveland needs cleaner possessions. Turnovers kept the Bengals alive and that margin for error shrinks against Baltimore’s pressure and ball skills. Expect the Browns to lean on play-action and quick game to keep Flacco out of obvious passing downs.

Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens Predictions

Baltimore should bounce back at home, but Cleveland’s defense is stout enough to keep this from turning into a track meet. Myles Garrett and the front seven just squeezed Burrow; that physicality travels. If they win on early downs, they can make Baltimore earn every drive.

The Ravens still have the highest upside unit on the field with the Jackson/Henry ground attack and Zay Flowers stretching the field. That edge plus home field points to Baltimore closing it out late. The Browns’ inconsistent rushing and turnovers make an outright upset a tough sell.

Expect an AFC North grinder where the favorite survives but the underdog lands the cover. Drives chew clock, explosive shots are limited, and the scoreboard stays under the mid-40s.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens -850 ML, Cleveland Browns +12.5 (-110), Under 45.5 (-112)

San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints Odds

The San Francisco 49ers come into Week 2 off a hard-fought 17–13 win over the Seahawks that showed both their upside and their flaws. Brock Purdy threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns but also tossed two interceptions, reminding bettors that his decision-making can still swing games. Christian McCaffrey carried the ball 22 times for 69 yards and added 73 more as a receiver, giving him over 140 total yards on the day, but Seattle’s defense kept him from breaking any game-changing runs. The Niners’ defense held up against the pass, allowing only 150 yards through the air, but they weren’t as dominant against the run as expected.

The New Orleans Saints had their own struggles in a 20–13 loss to the Cardinals at home. Second-year QB Spencer Rattler completed 27 of 46 passes for 214 yards but failed to throw a touchdown. Alvin Kamara led the rushing attack with 45 yards while also contributing in the passing game, but the Saints never established a rhythm. Despite 214 yards through the air, New Orleans only managed one touchdown, and their inability to finish drives kept them stuck in catch-up mode. Facing a much tougher front in San Francisco is a big step up in difficulty.

One of the key matchups here is the Saints’ offensive line against the 49ers’ front seven. The Cardinals sacked Rattler five times and pressured him consistently, and now he faces a San Francisco defense that thrives on forcing young quarterbacks into mistakes. If McCaffrey and the offense provide a lead, the Niners’ pass rush will have a chance to pin their ears back and take over. New Orleans will need Kamara and Kendre Miller to churn out yards early to keep the pass rush honest, but that’s easier said than done against a physical defensive front.

On offense, San Francisco has the firepower to put this one away if Purdy avoids turnovers. Ricky Pearsall’s breakout performance with 108 yards on four catches gave them another weapon in the passing game. They’ll need him, as George Kittle is already sidelined by a hamstring injury, while Brandon Aiyuk is still out.

New Orleans’ defense was solid against the pass last week, holding Arizona to just 163 yards through the air, but it can still give up explosive plays. The Niners’ depth on offense and ability to spread the ball around make them a difficult matchup for a Saints team still trying to find its offensive identity.

San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints Predictions

The 49ers are deserved road favorites after showing they can win on the road in Seattle, and the matchup lines up well against a young quarterback in Rattler. San Francisco’s defense should create turnovers if the Saints are forced into passing situations, and their offense has enough weapons to consistently move the chains.

The Saints have the defense to hang around, especially at home, but their offensive struggles make it tough to back them against a contender. Rattler’s season debut was shaky, and against a pass rush led by Nick Bosa, mistakes are almost inevitable. Kamara will get touches, but unless New Orleans can hit a few big plays downfield, they’ll be chasing points most of the way.

This sets up as another game where the Niners control tempo with their running game and suffocating defense. Expect San Francisco to cover the number and the under to cash if the Saints’ offense continues to sputter.

Bet: San Francisco 49ers -250 ML, San Francisco 49ers -6.5 (-108), Under 43.5 (-110)

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

The Cincinnati Bengals escaped Week 1 with a 17–16 win over Cleveland, but the box score tells the story of a team that didn’t look sharp offensively. Joe Burrow went just 14-of-23 for 113 yards with a touchdown and a pick, rarely pushing the ball downfield. Chase Brown carried 21 times but produced only 43 yards, leaving the Bengals with a 2.0 YPC average on the night. The defense bailed them out with timely stops and turnovers, but for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the offense looked flat and uninspired.

The Jacksonville Jaguars showed a lot more balance in their 26–10 win over Carolina. Trevor Lawrence threw for 178 yards and a score while spreading the ball to Brenton Strange, Dyami Brown, and Travis Hunter. Travis Etienne Jr. looked explosive, breaking off a 71-yard run and finishing with 87 yards on just nine touches. Jacksonville racked up 200 yards on the ground as a team, and that physical running style complements their defensive identity well. Etienne fared so well that the Jags wound up trading Tank Bigsby to the Eagles on Monday.

This matchup is all about which offense shows up. The Bengals are the more talented team on paper, but Burrow looked rusty, and the line gave him little help. Against a Jacksonville defense that limited Bryce Young to 154 passing yards, the Bengals won’t be able to simply lean on Chase and Higgins unless the protection improves. On the flip side, the Jaguars’ run game poses a real problem for a Bengals defense that just allowed Cleveland to stay in the game despite being completely one-dimensional.

The Bengals do have home-field advantage, and their defense deserves credit for holding the Browns to 16 points despite Flacco throwing for 290 yards. Still, the performance raised more questions than answers about whether this team is ready to find its stride offensively. Jacksonville’s ability to win up front and generate explosive plays could tilt this toward a coin-flip matchup, with bettors needing to decide whether Cincinnati’s pedigree outweighs its current form.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

The Bengals are rightly favored at home, but the way they looked in Week 1 doesn’t inspire confidence. Burrow was inaccurate, the run game was non-existent, and the offensive line once again looked like a liability. That makes it difficult to back them to cover a significant number against a Jacksonville team that just rolled to 200 rushing yards.

Jacksonville’s physicality and balance give them a path to control tempo. If Etienne finds lanes early and Lawrence avoids turnovers, the Jaguars have the formula to keep this game close into the fourth quarter. The Bengals’ stars may make just enough plays to hold on, but it doesn’t project to be a comfortable win.

Expect another grind-it-out game where Cincinnati squeaks by, but Jacksonville cashes tickets at the window. This one leans toward the under, as neither team’s offense looks ready to fully fire.

Bet: Cincinnati Bengals -165 ML, Jacksonville Jaguars +3.5 (-108), Under 40.5 (-105)

Los Angeles Rams vs. Tennessee Titans Odds

The Los Angeles Rams head to Nashville with momentum after a 14–9 win over the Houston Texans that wasn’t flashy but showcased their offensive firepower. Matthew Stafford was sharp, completing 21 of 29 passes for 245 yards and a touchdown, finding Puka Nacua 10 times for 130 yards and Davante Adams for 51. Even without gaudy point totals, this offense looked balanced and efficient. Kyren Williams added 66 rushing yards, keeping the ground game viable enough to keep Houston honest. The Rams racked up 369 total yards and controlled the game, and while they settled for just two touchdowns, the potential is clearly there.

The Tennessee Titans, on the other hand, fell 20–12 to Denver in a game where their offense struggled to find rhythm. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward completed only 12 of 28 passes for 112 yards, often facing heavy pressure behind a line that allowed six sacks. Tony Pollard ran hard for 60 yards on 18 carries, but the Titans averaged just 3.4 yards per rush as a team. Tennessee’s defense fought to keep them in the game, but giving up 151 rushing yards to the Broncos wore them down as the game went on. For an offense breaking in a new quarterback, the lack of efficiency was glaring.

This matchup pits a Rams team with a proven quarterback and an elite receiving tandem against a Titans squad still searching for offensive identity. The Titans will want to lean on Pollard and keep the game low-scoring, but Los Angeles just held Houston to nine points and looks poised to make life difficult for another young passer. Ward will need to get the ball out quicker and test the Rams’ secondary, but if his protection is anything like Week 1, turnovers are in play. Stafford, by contrast, should have time to pick his spots against a Tennessee defense that did not generate enough pressure against Denver.

The deciding factor here may be tempo. If Los Angeles establishes rhythm early with Nacua and Adams, they can stretch Tennessee thin and force Ward to play from behind – a situation that strongly favors the Rams. Tennessee’s best hope is to turn this into an ugly, possession-heavy slugfest, but Los Angeles has too much talent across the board to get dragged into that kind of game for four quarters.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Tennessee Titans Predictions

The Rams enter this matchup as the clear favorite and with good reason. Stafford is playing with confidence, his top targets are in mid-season form, and the defense just held C.J. Stroud and the Texans under 200 yards passing. This is a bad matchup for a rookie quarterback coming off a shaky debut.

The Titans showed they can hang defensively, but without explosive plays on offense, it’s difficult to picture them keeping pace. Pollard is steady but not dynamic enough on his own to change the game script. Unless Ward makes a massive leap in Week 2, Tennessee will likely struggle to top 14 points.

Expect Los Angeles to cover and keep the scoreline relatively modest. Their efficiency on both sides of the ball makes them the safer bet, while the Titans look like a team still searching for an offensive pulse.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams -250 ML, Los Angeles Rams -5.5 (-108), Under 42.5 (-112)

Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions Odds

The Chicago Bears opened the season with some promise under new head coach Ben Johnson, but they couldn’t hold a second-half lead against Minnesota. It was a frustrating outcome considering Johnson’s history in Detroit, where he was celebrated as one of the league’s top offensive coordinators before taking the Bears job. Chicago flashed early signs of progress on both sides of the ball, but the lack of consistency proved costly. Caleb Williams showed poise at times, throwing for 210 yards and a touchdown, but he also struggled with accuracy as the offense sputtered down the stretch. The return to Ford Field now gives Johnson a chance to coach against many of the players he once helped develop into one of the league’s most explosive units.

The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, made a statement by handling Green Bay in Week 1, pulling away in the second half for a 27-13 win. The offense looked out of sync in their first game without Johnson, and that’ll be something to watch moving forward. The Lions’ defense limited the Packers’ run game and applied steady pressure, holding them to just 200 passing yards despite 39 attempts. Detroit’s home-field advantage has been one of the strongest in football, with the team averaging more than 33 points per game in Ford Field last year, and that carries into Week 2 against a Bears squad still adjusting under a first-year coach.

The matchup pits Detroit’s continuity and offensive firepower against Chicago’s potential but unpolished execution. While the Bears have intriguing young playmakers in Williams, D.J. Moore, and D’Andre Swift, the offensive line issues and lack of defensive depth remain concerns. Chicago’s defense allowed over 270 total yards to Minnesota’s offense and struggled to generate turnovers. That doesn’t bode well against a Lions team that spreads the ball around effectively, with weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta thriving in the system Johnson himself once designed.

This Week 2 tilt feels like another measuring stick game for Chicago, while Detroit has its sights set on building early momentum in the NFC North. The Bears should have enough offense to stay competitive, especially early, but the Lions’ balance and superior roster depth give them the edge. Johnson’s return to Detroit adds intrigue, but unless his defense can find ways to slow down Goff and the Lions’ tempo, this game could slip away late once again.

Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions Predictions

The Lions come in as the clear favorite, and the point spread reflects their established advantage at home. Detroit’s offense is difficult to stop when it’s in rhythm, but we saw very little of that las week. That said, the talent is still there. With weapons at every level and a reliable quarterback in Goff, Detroit has multiple ways to attack this Bears defense. Backing the Lions on the moneyline is the safest angle.

The Bears, however, showed enough flashes in Week 1 to make the spread more interesting. Williams’ ability to extend plays and Moore’s explosiveness on the outside give Chicago a chance to generate chunk plays. If the Bears can avoid costly turnovers, they could keep this within the number. Detroit may still win outright, but the Bears have value as a spread play.

Scoring should be the final piece of the puzzle. Both teams have offensive firepower, and Detroit in particular thrives in high-scoring home games. Chicago’s defense isn’t built to slow the Lions down for four quarters, which leans the script toward an Over. Expect the Lions to dictate the pace in a game that ultimately tilts in their favor.

Bet: Detroit Lions ML (-235), Chicago Bears +5.5 (-110), Over 47.5 (-104)

Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened with a 34–32 road win over the Jets behind a vintage day from Aaron Rodgers: 22-of-30, 244 yards and four touchdowns with no picks. He spread it around—DK Metcalf (4/83/1), Calvin Austin III (3/70/1), and Jonnu Smith (5/15/1) all scored—while the run game did just enough with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell combining for 56 yards. The one blemish was protection; Rodgers absorbed four sacks, something to monitor against a defense that likes to heat up the pocket.

The Seattle Seahawks battled but fell 17–13 to the 49ers, and the offense never fully clicked. Sam Darnold finished 16-of-23 for 150 yards with no touchdowns, and the ground game sputtered (84 team rush yards), leaving Jaxon Smith-Njigba to carry the passing load with a huge 9/124 line. Ball security hurt—Seattle fumbled three times (two lost), including a pair by JSN, which erased scoring chances in a game their defense kept within reach.

On paper this is strength-on-strength: a hot Steelers passing attack versus a Seahawks defense that just held San Francisco to 17 points and picked off Brock Purdy twice. Seattle’s pass rush didn’t register a sack, though, and if Rodgers gets clean pockets at home, he can work the intermediate windows to Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, and Austin. Pittsburgh’s weak spot in Week 1 was run defense (Jets piled up 182 rushing yards), but Seattle’s duo of Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III combined for only 67 yards on 22 carries, so that advantage isn’t guaranteed to translate.

Field position and mistakes likely decide it. Pittsburgh was efficient in the red zone with Rodgers, while Seattle’s turnovers flipped the 49ers game. If the Steelers keep Darnold in long-yardage and protect the football, their edges at quarterback and situational offense should carry them at Acrisure.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

Rodgers looks comfortable in this scheme and has multiple trusted targets, which should stress a secondary that didn’t generate much pressure last week. At home, Pittsburgh’s passing efficiency and scripted red-zone looks tilt this matchup their way.

Seattle’s defense is frisky, and JSN can move chains, but the run game hasn’t shown enough to punish Pittsburgh’s front for four quarters. If the Steelers jump ahead, Darnold will be forced into tighter-window throws, where turnovers become a risk.

With Seattle’s offense still choppy and Pittsburgh’s defense set to get the crowd behind it on third downs, this profiles as a tight, lower-scoring grind the home team edges out.

Bet: Pittsburgh Steelers -155 ML, Pittsburgh Steelers -3 (-105), Under 40.5 (-115)

New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins Odds

The New England Patriots enter Week 2 off a disappointing 20-13 loss to the Raiders, where second-year quarterback Drake Maye showed flashes but struggled to finish drives. He completed 30 of 46 passes for 287 yards with one interception, leaning heavily on Kayshon Boutte (103 yards) and Hunter Henry (66 yards, 1 TD) to move the chains. Still, New England managed only 13 points despite outgaining Las Vegas through the air. Maye’s pocket presence was shaky at times, taking four sacks, and that kind of inconsistency will be tested again against Miami’s defensive front.

For the Miami Dolphins, Week 1 could not have gone much worse. Miami was dominated 33-8 by the Colts, with Tua Tagovailoa throwing for just 133 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while facing constant pressure. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle were held in check, combining for only 70 yards, while the running game never got established outside of a couple of big plays from De’Von Achane. That lack of offensive rhythm is a major red flag heading into Week 2, especially against a Patriots defense that forced 11 incompletions and held the Raiders to just 56 rushing yards.

The matchup here comes down to which young quarterback can handle adversity better. Maye looks more capable of keeping his offense on schedule, while Tua needs to bounce back quickly from one of his worst outings in recent memory. New England’s balanced receiving corps and opportunistic defense give them a chance to control the tempo, even if Miami’s speed is the obvious x-factor.

New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins Predictions

Both teams looked shaky offensively in Week 1, and the market is already expecting a low-scoring affair. New England’s defense held its own against Las Vegas despite little help from the offense, while Miami’s inability to protect Tua is still an ongoing concern. The Dolphins’ offensive line allowed three sacks and consistent backfield penetration, and that plays right into the Patriots’ strengths.

Still, Miami’s talent at wide receiver means they’re always one big play away from flipping the game script. Tyreek can change a matchup instantly, but New England showed last week that they can limit deep strikes by forcing quarterbacks into underneath throws. That puts the onus on Miami to string together long, mistake-free drives, something they failed to do against Indianapolis.

Given the matchups, the safer play is backing the Patriots to cover while expecting another grind-it-out game. Scoring opportunities will be limited, and unless Tua finds his rhythm early, Miami could once again stall out in the red zone.

Bet: New England Patriots -102 ML, New England Patriots +1.5 (-118),  Under 43.5 (-104)

Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds

The Arizona Cardinals head home off a 20–13 road win at New Orleans that checked a lot of boxes. Kyler Murray was efficient (21/29, 163 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT) and spread it to Marvin Harrison Jr. (5/71) and Trey McBride (6/61). Explosiveness showed up on the ground too, with Trey Benson ripping a 52-yard burst as Arizona averaged 5.4 per carry. Most importantly, the defense traveled—five sacks on Spencer Rattler and only 13 points allowed.

The Carolina Panthers couldn’t get much going in a 26–10 loss at Jacksonville. Bryce Young went 18/35 for 154 yards with two picks, and while he added 40 rushing, the offense stalled in scoring range. Chuba Hubbard was steady (16/57), but Carolina’s best runs came from Young scrambles, not designed stuff. Defensively, the Panthers gave up 200 rushing yards and a 71-yard Etienne blast—bad news heading into another run-game test.

Matchup-wise, Arizona’s front just lived in the backfield and now faces a line that yielded little push last week. If the Cards control early downs again, Murray can work quick game to McBride/Harrison and lean on play-action shots when Carolina squeezes. The one concern is protection—Murray took five sacks—but the ball came out on time, and the turnovers stayed at zero, which keeps the floor high at home.

For Carolina to flip the script, they need clean possessions from Young and chunk gains from Hubbard to keep second-and-long off the table. That’s a tall order against a Cardinals defense that tackled well and closed drives in the Superdome. If the Panthers don’t win on the ground, it becomes a pass-rush problem fast.

Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals Predictions

Arizona’s defense plus Murray’s mistake-free opener makes moneyline the safest angle. The Cards have more ways to win drives—explosive run threat, reliable tight end, and a WR1 who commands attention. That travel-ready pass rush also plays in a lower-variance ML position.

Against the number, Carolina’s run D worries are tough to ignore after allowing 6.3 per carry. If Arizona hits early explosives again, the Panthers will be chasing with a rookie QB who just threw two picks. Laying the small number is reasonable with the stylistic edges.

Total leans Under: the Cards are happy to squeeze possessions with the run game, and Carolina has struggled to finish drives. Another 20s-type game fits both teams’ Week 1 profiles.

Bet: Arizona Cardinals -220 ML, Arizona Cardinals -4.5 (-110), Under 44.5 (-110)

Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

The Denver Broncos come in off a 20–12 win over Tennessee that looked like classic Sean Payton football: protect the ball, lean on the run, and let the defense squeeze. Bo Nix struggled, going 25/40 for 176 yards with a touchdown and a couple of picks, but the ground game churned out 151 yards behind RJ Harvey (6 for 70 with a 50-yard burst) and J.K. Dobbins (16 for 63). Courtland Sutton (6/61) and Troy Franklin (4/44) handled the chain-moving duties, and Denver allowed just one sack while the defense rang up six on Cam Ward.

The Indianapolis Colts throttled Miami 33–8, playing complementary ball all afternoon. Daniel Jones was sharp (22/29, 272 yards, 1 TD) and chipped in as a runner, while Jonathan Taylor paced a 156-yard rushing day (18 for 71). Michael Pittman Jr. (6/80/1) and tight end Tyler Warren (7/76) gave Jones dependable windows, and the defense made life miserable for Tua Tagovailoa, holding him to 133 yards with two interceptions and stuffing Miami’s run game on standard downs.

Matchup-wise, this tilts toward trench play. Denver’s defensive front just handled Tennessee and now faces a Colts offense that wants to live on early-down efficiency and Taylor’s inside zone. If the Broncos stay sturdy on first down and keep Jones out of QB-run red-zone looks, Indy’s scoring ceiling comes down. Conversely, the Broncos’ offense needs another steady rushing script to keep Nix out of must-pass situations against a Colts secondary that tackled well and limited explosives.

Red-zone execution and turnovers likely swing it. Denver was disciplined against the Titans and controlled tempo; the Colts were nearly flawless against Miami but benefited from short fields and miscues. If Denver’s run game travels and the pass pro gives Nix clean pockets on third-and-medium, the Broncos have a slight road edge in a grinder.

Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Predictions

Denver’s profile travels: defense, run game, and low-mistake offense. Payton should be able to lean on Harvey/Dobbins and pick selective shots to Sutton and Franklin. With the Colts coming off a big emotional win, a small regression from last week’s perfection is reasonable.

Indianapolis still has plenty of paths to cover—Taylor can flip drives, and Jones’ legs are a red-zone problem—but Denver’s front just held up against a physical Titans team. If the Broncos win the early-down battle again, they can tilt time of possession and field position.

Both sides point to a slower total: two run-centric approaches and defenses that just smothered opponents. This sets up as a tight, possession game.

Bet: Denver Broncos -138 ML, Denver Broncos -2.5 (-114), Under 42.5 (-105)

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs Odds

The Philadelphia Eagles roll into Arrowhead for a Super Bowl 59 rematch after blasting the Kansas City Chiefs on the sport’s biggest stage — and they look like the same blunt instrument that closed that game out. In Week 1 they ground Dallas down 24–20 with a run-first plan: 38 rushing attempts for 158 yards and three scores, with Jalen Hurts adding 62 on designed keepers and scrambles while Saquon Barkley handled the dirty work between the tackles. Philly didn’t need much through the air (19/23 for 152), but the efficiency was there and the ball rarely hit the ground.

Kansas City is coming off a 27–21 loss to the Chargers that exposed some early-season cracks. Patrick Mahomes threw for 258 yards (1 TD, 1 INT) and led the team in rushing with 57 yards and a score, but the passing game never found explosives outside of Hollywood Brown (10/99). More troubling, the defense generated zero sacks and allowed Justin Herbert to carve them for 318 yards and three touchdowns while Los Angeles receivers consistently won on the perimeter.

That pass-rush lull is a bad setup against this version of the Eagles. When Hurts operates from clean pockets and the zone-read holds edges, the offense stays on schedule and the runway opens for Dallas Goedert and DeVonta Smith on play-action. The other edge: Philly’s short-yardage/goal-line package is already midseason sharp; if the Chiefs don’t win early downs, the Eagles will lean on their bully-ball menu and squeeze possessions.

KC still has the game’s best problem-solver, and Mahomes to Travis Kelce remains a weekly cheat code. If the Chiefs can force Philly out of its comfort zone with a fast start, they’ll give their retooled receiver room (Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton) more one-on-ones. But based on Week 1 form — and the recent history between these teams — the matchup tilts toward Philly’s depth and line play.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs Predictions

Arrowhead is never easy, but the Eagles’ trenches travel. Their rushing floor plus Hurts’ decision-making gives them more stable drive-to-drive offense than KC showed against the Chargers. With KC’s pass rush quiet in the opener, Hurts should be comfortable enough to avoid the negative plays that derail long drives.

Against the spread, taking the points with the more complete team makes sense. Philly’s ability to control tempo and convert in the red zone shortens the game and increases the value of -1.5 in what profiles as a one-score finish either way.

Both teams carry explosive ceilings, and this rematch sets up for a late-game volley once scripted plays give way to quarterback creation. KC will land shots; Philly will answer. That pushes this toward the mid-to-high 40s.

Bet: Philadelphia Eagles -125 ML, Philadelphia Eagles -1.5 (-120), Over 46.5 (-112)

Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds

The Atlanta Falcons arrive off a tight 23–20 loss to Tampa Bay that showed both promise and growing pains for second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Penix pushed the ball efficiently (27/42, 298 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, only one sack) and spread it around, with Bijan Robinson functioning as a true matchup piece — 6 catches for 100 yards and a 50-yard strike — while Drake London (8/65) and Kyle Pitts (7/59) moved chains. The run game, however, never found traction (28 carries for 69 yards; 2.5 per carry), leaving too many second-and-longs and putting Atlanta’s defense back on the field quickly after stalled drives.

The Minnesota Vikings are fresh off a Monday-night comeback in Chicago, 27–24, in J.J. McCarthy’s NFL debut. He looked overwhelmed for long stretches, then settled down late to engineer the rally, finishing 13/20 for 143 yards with 2 TDs and a pick. Kevin O’Connell insulated him with a balanced plan: Jordan Mason paced the ground game (15/68) and McCarthy chipped in key keepers, while Justin Jefferson (4/44/1) and Aaron Jones Sr. (3/44/1) provided dependable red-zone targets. Protection was shaky at times (three sacks), but the rookie’s poise in the final quarter was a meaningful data point.

This matchup turns on early-down efficiency. If the Falcons can nudge their rushing success rate up and keep Penix out of obvious passing spots, their play-action shot game to Robinson/London looks dangerous against a Vikings defense that just surrendered 210 receiving yards to Chicago’s wideouts and tight ends. Conversely, Minnesota’s best lever is repeating the Chicago script: stay balanced, keep McCarthy in rhythm throws, and make Atlanta defend the whole field with Jefferson’s gravity opening space for Hockenson and the backs.

Explosives likely decide it. Atlanta’s offense generated multiple chunk gains through the air but lacked consistency on the ground; Minnesota created just enough late explosives to flip the game. With a short week for the Vikings and a blitz-heavy Falcons front that just hit Baker Mayfield once yet lived in passing lanes, expect a methodical tempo and tighter margins than the number implies.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings Predictions

Atlanta’s passing structure with Penix, Robinson, London, and Pitts should travel, but the run game’s inconsistency and short-yardage issues cap the ceiling. Minnesota’s defense can force longer fields at home, and the crowd helps the pass rush against a second-year QB.

Minnesota’s offense is still going to have rookie volatility with McCarthy, but the run/pass balance and red-zone weapons give them steadier drive-to-drive paths. At home, that’s enough to lean their way straight up while still expecting a one-score game.

Both teams played slower, balanced football in Week 1 and bogged down on early downs. That points to fewer possessions and more field goals than touchdowns.

Bet: Minnesota Vikings ML (-210), Atlanta Falcons +4.5 (-105), Under 45.5 (-110)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans Odds

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened with a gritty 23–20 win in Atlanta. Baker Mayfield was up-and-down but timely (17/32, 167 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) and added chunk yards on the ground, while the passing game leaned on Mike Evans (5/51) and rookie Emeka Egbuka (4/67). The run game never really took over (101 rushing yards, 4.4 per carry buoyed by Mayfield scrambles), but Todd Bowles’ defense tightened in the red zone and held a productive Falcons passing attack to 20 points.

The Houston Texans fell 14–9 at the Los Angeles Rams in a rock fight. C.J. Stroud completed 19/27 throws for 188 yards with one interception and absorbed three sacks behind a protection unit that struggled to sort pressure. Houston did find some balance (27 rushes for 114 yards) and spread targets around — Xavier Hutchinson (2/30), Dalton Schultz (3/28), Justin Watson (2/27) — but stalled repeatedly once across midfield.

This matchup swings on early-down efficiency and protection. Bowles will send heat and spin coverage; if Tampa forces third-and-long, Stroud will again be asked to win from muddy pockets. Conversely, DeMeco Ryans’ defense just kept Matthew Stafford out of rhythm despite Puka Nacua’s volume and looks built to deny explosives to Evans/Egbuka and make Mayfield sustain drives.

Expect a possession game. Both offenses showed field-goal tendencies in Week 1, and both defenses tackled well in space. Houston’s home crowd and front four give them the slightly higher floor, but Tampa’s pressure menu and Mayfield’s mobility should keep it tight to the end.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans Predictions

Houston’s defense plus a cleaner Stroud performance at home tips the moneyline toward the Texans, even if the margin is thin.

Against the number, a low total favors the underdog. Bowles’ pressure and Tampa’s red-zone defense travel, making +3 live even in a Texans win by one possession.

Given how both games played in Week 1 — long drives, bogged red-zone trips, and limited explosives — the under looks like the safest angle.

Bet: Houston Texans -135 ML, Houston Texans -2.5 (-110), Under 42.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Odds

The Las Vegas Raiders opened Pete Carroll’s tenure with a clean 20–13 road win over New England, built almost entirely through the air. Geno Smith carved up the Patriots on timing and intermediate throws (24/34, 362 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) despite a non-existent run game (Ashton Jeanty 19 carries for just 38 yards). The duo of Brock Bowers (5/103) and the ever-reliable Jakobi Meyers (8/97) were constant separators, with Tre Tucker’s 28-yarder and Michael Mayer’s chain-moving grabs rounding out a diverse target tree. Geno even supplied the lone rushing TD. That formula works, but it’s narrow: protection must hold and early downs can’t be wasted on stuffs.

Defensively, Vegas bent without breaking. Drake Maye piled up volume (287 yards) and New England found explosive plays to Kayshon Boutte and Hunter Henry, yet the Raiders kept the ground game in check (60 rush yards) and tightened in scoring territory. The question now is how that pass defense holds up when the windows are smaller and the quarterback play jumps a tier.

That’s exactly what they face against the Los Angeles Chargers, who looked sharp in a 27–21 win over Kansas City in São Paulo. Justin Herbert was in full command (25/34, 318 yards, 3 TD) and he spread the ball beautifully to Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, and Keenan Allen while mixing just enough QB keepers and Omariom Hampton downhill runs to stay balanced (90 team rush yards). Protection wasn’t flawless (three sacks), but the ball was out on time and the red-zone execution was crisp.

Schematically, this is stress on the Raiders’ corners and underneath defenders. L.A. floods zones with speed and option routes; if Vegas can’t generate interior heat, Herbert will live in the 8–18 yard window that New England hit sporadically. On the other side, the Chargers’ rush front is a step up from New England’s—if Jeanty can’t get early-down wins, Geno will again shoulder a heavy drop-back load against a more multiple-pressure plan. Expect plenty of Bowers and Meyers answers, but L.A.’s depth of playmakers makes each drive a higher-degree-of-difficulty trade.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Predictions

L.A. has the cleaner offensive floor right now, with Herbert distributing to three-plus trustworthy options and a run package that keeps them on schedule. In a coin-flip late, we trust the Chargers’ execution more.

Against the spread, the Raiders’ pass game is live enough to trade for four quarters—but the matchup tilts toward L.A.’s receivers versus Vegas’ back seven. Laying a field goal feels justified given the Chargers’ Week 1 efficiency.

Both teams lean pass, both quarterbacks protect the ball, and both rosters have multiple explosive outlets. With red-zone competency on each sideline, the scoring pace supports the Over.

Bet: Los Angeles Chargers ML (-185), Los Angeles Chargers -3.5 (-105), Over 47 (-110)

NFL Week 2 Best Bets

• Los Angeles Chargers -3.5 vs. Raiders (-105)
• Bills vs. Jets Under 45.5 (-112)
• Green Bay Packers Moneyline vs. Washington Commanders (-180)

The Chargers looked the part in Week 1, with Justin Herbert shredding Kansas City and a deep receiver room (Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston) creating separation all game. Brandon Staley’s defense also held up on the back end, and L.A. should have answers for a Raiders secondary that allowed chunk gains and a pass rush that didn’t consistently finish. Geno Smith and Pete Carroll got a feel-good debut win, but stepping up in class on the road is a different ask. L.A. by a touchdown is a fair expectation.

Jets–Bills sets up for an Under. New York ran it 39 times in the opener and will try to shorten the game again while leaning on Breece Hall and a stingy front that hit the quarterback all night. Buffalo, fresh off an emotional win, is happy to play bully ball behind James Cook and a top-tier defense that forced turnovers late. Fewer possessions, red-zone stalls, and field goals keep this one under the mid-40s.

For a moneyline anchor, give me Green Bay at home on Thursday night. Jordan Love protected the ball and pushed it efficiently in Week 1, while the Packers’ pass rush and secondary tightened up in the second half. Washington’s ground game is dangerous, but short-week travel to Lambeau against a fresher front and the better quarterback tilts the outright toward Green Bay.

If you follow our NFL best bets for Week 2 and put all three wagers into a parlay, then at combined odds of roughly +475, you’d turn a $100 bet into about $575 total payout ($475 profit). For more parlay bets, check out our best NFL parlays.