The inaugural week of the NFL season brought thrilling moments. With numerous fourth-quarter comebacks and explosive offenses, the betting favorites dominated, finishing 13-3 straight up and 10-6 against the spread. Our office pool picks didn’t resonate well at the start, ending with a 5-11 record in Week 1. Nevertheless, there are still many games ahead, offering ample chances to improve upon last season’s 142-125-5 record against the spread. All 16 teams will compete in Week 2, so let’s jump into the office pool picks against the spread.
Doc’s Sports provides expert NFL picks for every game on our predictions page.
Washington Commanders (+3.5) vs. Green Bay Packers
Both teams enjoyed straightforward victories in Week 1, but we’re favoring Washington with the points in this short week matchup. The Commanders’ defense, which struggled last season, showcased impressive strength last week. If they can play cohesive football, their potential is boundless. The spread above the key three-point mark makes Washington the optimal pick, and they could potentially secure a win outright. Packers 24, Commanders 23
Baltimore Ravens (-11.5) vs. Cleveland Browns
This spread is hefty for Baltimore, but I anticipate a rout against the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens will enter this game fired up after losing their lead last week, posing a serious threat to the Browns’ defense. This dynamic offense is bound to break away, leaving Joe Flacco and the Browns with a challenging return trip. Ravens 38, Browns 15
Tennessee Titans (+5.5) vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Titans showcased solid defense against a formidable Broncos offense last week, enough to cover against Los Angeles. The Rams’ offense still has uncertainties, making it precarious to justify such a spread on the road at this early stage. After shaking off his Week 1 nerves, Cam Ward will lead this tightly contested matchup. Titans 20, Rams 17
Chicago Bears (+5.5) vs. Detroit Lions
Chicago may be reeling from their Monday Night Football loss, but the Lions shouldn’t warrant a nearly seven-point spread in Week 2. Detroit struggled offensively without Ben Johnson, and their former offensive coordinator will be facing a promising newcomer in Caleb Williams. This game will be close, with the Lions managing to win but failing to cover. Lions 24, Bears 20
Buffalo Bills (-7) vs. New York Jets
Despite the Jets’ solid Week 1 performance, they face a formidable Bills offense. Buffalo typically scores 30+ points in matchups like this, and Justin Fields hasn’t proven reliable enough to count on for 23+ points against Buffalo. Josh Allen and the Bills have claimed eight of the last 10 showdowns against the Jets, seven of which by more than 7 points. This pick may not be my favorite of the week, but we must lay the points. Bills 33, Jets 21
Dallas Cowboys (-5.5) vs. New York Giants
A healthy Dallas Cowboys lineup consistently puts points on the board, particularly at home against a bottom-tier team. The Giants’ defense managed to perform decently against Washington last week, but reasons for optimism are few in New York. Dallas had a solid Week 1 performance and enjoys extra rest. This spread is reasonable for the home team, and the Cowboys’ defense should find confidence by keeping the Giants out of the end zone for the second week in a row. Cowboys 27, Giants 9
San Francisco 49ers (-4.5) vs. New Orleans Saints
The 49ers are dealing with several injuries, including George Kittle, and Brock Purdy’s status remains uncertain. However, if he’s cleared, the 49ers will cover. New Orleans has little offensive capability apart from a few impressive runs by standout Alvin Kamara. Although the spread decreased from 6 to 4.5 points due to Purdy’s injury news, even Mac Jones outshines anyone throwing for the Saints. 49ers 21, Saints 10
New England Patriots (+1.5) vs. Miami Dolphins
Questionable coaching decisions by Mike Vrabel cost the Patriots last week, but a bounce-back is likely in Week 2. Miami is struggling, with Tyreek Hill seemingly on his way out, making it surprising that the Patriots are in the underdog spot. New England possesses a far superior defense, which will trouble Tua Tagovailoa on Sunday. Patriots 17, Dolphins 7
Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Jaguars took care of business against the Panthers and have the tools to cause further issues for the Bengals. Joe Burrow’s offense was stifled by the Browns, needing a special teams miracle to secure victory. This doesn’t suggest a field-goal favorite against a formidable Jaguars team. Jaguars 30, Bengals 24
Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Steelers’ defense may have faltered last week, but it’s expected to revert to form against the Seahawks. With Aaron Rodgers revitalized in the pocket, this spread may justifiably be higher. Seattle looks flat with Sam Darnold at quarterback and lacks a key player in DK Metcalf, now with Pittsburgh. Steelers 27, Seahawks 18
Denver Broncos (-2.5) vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts can’t rely on Daniel Jones channeling prime Peyton Manning every game, presenting a harsh reality check against the Broncos. Denver’s solid defense will disrupt the Colts from the start while playing responsibly on offense. This game will be competitive, but the Broncos will clinch victory with a last-second field goal. Broncos 20, Colts 17
Carolina Panthers (+6.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona appeared vulnerable against a struggling Saints team last week, and the Panthers will pose a more significant challenge in Week 2. The Cardinals lack explosive offensive plays, making this spread tough to justify, but they might still secure a victory. Cardinals 17, Panthers 14
Philadelphia Eagles (ML) vs. Kansas City Chiefs
A Super Bowl rematch unfolds in Week 2. While Patrick Mahomes stands as one of the greatest quarterbacks of our era, a depleted receiving corps hampers his effectiveness. Philadelphia is projected to dominate in the trenches as they did last season, improving to 2-0 while leaving the Chiefs plummeting to 0-2. Eagles 24, Chiefs 21
Atlanta Falcons (+4.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Though impressive, the Vikings’ fourth-quarter comeback doesn’t mask their offensive struggles earlier in the game. Atlanta was unfortunate to lose against Tampa Bay and presents a strong case for a favorable spread with two similar teams. We have to take the points here. Vikings 28, Falcons 24
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2.5) vs. Houston Texans
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers keep finding ways to secure gritty victories, and the Texans will likely be their next target. Houston’s offensive line is lacking, which will allow the Buccaneers to pressure CJ Stroud consistently. I expected Tampa Bay to be slight favorites here, so we’ll gladly take the complimentary points available. Buccaneers 27, Texans 17
Los Angeles Chargers (-3) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Justin Herbert is an elite QB, backed by a strong supporting cast. His decision-making has shown improvement, leading to favorable short-yardage situations rather than pre-snap penalties. Las Vegas is solid but not exceptional, making this modest spread an inviting proposition for the Chargers. Chargers 27, Raiders 19
Season Record: 5-11
Last Season Record: 142-125-5
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