Week 1 of the NFL season has concluded, paving the way for the Week 2 matchups. Making your betting decisions early can significantly influence your success rate over the season, as even slight movements in the odds can have major implications. All 16 teams return to action, providing fans with plenty of exciting games to contemplate early in the week. Although we didn’t maximize our opportunities in Week 1, we aim to bounce back after finishing last season with a respectable 32-20-2 record against the spread. Before diving into our Week 2 predictions, let’s take a look at the major developments from a thrilling Week 1 of NFL action.
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- Shifts in the AFC West? The Chargers managed to narrowly defeat the Chiefs in Brazil, marking a strong start to their season, while the Raiders and Broncos both secured victories. Though it’s premature to jump to conclusions, it seems the Chiefs’ long-standing dominance in the division may be waning.
- Daniel Jones’ remarkable feat: Daniel Jones became the first quarterback in NFL history to score on all seven possessions in the Colts’ decisive 33-8 win. He demonstrated efficiency and composure, establishing himself as a reliable starter in Indianapolis.
- An unexpected shootout in Pittsburgh: The Steelers have enjoyed success through solid defense and trench play, but their Week 1 matchup was anything but typical. Aaron Rodgers excelled in his debut for the Steelers, showcasing a team to watch if defensive adjustments can be made.
- Is a win truly a win? The Bengals ended their Week 1 losing streak with a critical victory over the Cleveland Browns. Although starting 1-0 is crucial, being outgained 327-141 against a struggling team casts doubt on their performance, especially after narrowly escaping with a 17-16 win.
- Packers showing strength: The Packers’ victory over the 15-2 Lions in Week 1 stands out, particularly how they executed their game plan. Green Bay dominated on both offense and defense, leaving the Lions looking lost. With Micah Parsons contributing significantly, the Packers appear to be frontrunners in the NFC North.
- High-stakes Sunday Night Football: The much-anticipated matchup between the Bills and Ravens exceeded expectations, with Buffalo making a stunning 15-point comeback in the final minutes to win 41-40.
In the NFL, every victory counts equally, whether it’s in Week 2 or Week 16, and early-season games are critical as playoff aspirations begin to take shape. The following three matchups hold significant value this week, but they should be locked in immediately due to potential shifts in the betting lines prior to kickoff.
Game 1: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Opening Line: Dallas Cowboys (-5)
While neither NFC East competitor found success in Week 1, one team showcased a markedly better performance. Dallas held their own against the reigning Super Bowl champions and kept it close against the Eagles until the end. In contrast, the New York Giants were overwhelmed by the Washington Commanders, failing to score at all. Considering the home-field advantage and three additional days of rest for Dallas, this spread appears favorable. Dak Prescott seemed confident, effectively delivering passes to talents like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Had Lamb not dropped critical passes late in the game, the Cowboys might have upset the Eagles. For the Giants, a struggling Russell Wilson could not compensate for a subpar offensive line, and Dallas is expected to look more formidable defensively than they truly are. Although Dallas has its own defensive challenges, its offensive strength is likely enough to outpace inferior teams. Even if neutral, this spread reflects the disparities between the two teams’ offensive capabilities; however, the combination of rest and home-field advantage signals a strong opportunity. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this line move closer to a touchdown before kickoff, so make your move promptly.
Pick: Dallas Cowboys (-5)
Game 2: Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts
Opening Line: Denver Broncos (-2.5)
The Broncos enter as road favorites against the Colts in Week 2, and this line is well-justified. Indianapolis scored impressively with seven touchdowns on seven possessions against the Dolphins, largely due to multiple turnovers by Tua Tagovailoa. Expect the Broncos to exercise greater control over the football. Now is not the time to get swept up in Daniel Jones’ hype; while he performed well against a hapless Miami defense, this doesn’t elevate him to elite status. Denver boasts the superior defense in this matchup and faced minimal threats against the Titans. Despite their offensive struggles, Bo Nix and the Broncos secured an 8-point win, courtesy of a stout defensive performance. I anticipate similar effectiveness from Denver’s defense, which should keep Jones and the Colts at bay. With a spread under a field goal, we’ll take the Broncos to cover.
Pick: Denver Broncos (-2.5)
Game 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans
Opening Line: Houston Texans (-2.5)
Houston’s offensive line has been a weak point, leading to skepticism about their ability to perform as favorites against decent NFL teams. In Week 1, they managed just 9 points against the Rams, with CJ Stroud frequently scrambling under pressure. The trade of franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil has left the Texans short-handed, exacerbated by a pair of early-season injuries. Stroud lacks the offensive weapons necessary to make an impact, with Tank Dell and Joe Mixon still sidelined. Without adequate protection, he faces immense challenges, and the strong Buccaneers defensive line is poised to capitalize on this. Tampa Bay excels in the trenches and wields a capable offense led by Baker Mayfield, who led a comeback against the Falcons last week. It’s surprising to see the Buccaneers as underdogs in this matchup; Houston’s roster holes due to injuries and unfulfilled potential may result in difficulties not only securing a win but also covering this line.
Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2.5)
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