NFL Picks Against the Spread 2018: Week 2 Games

Before the second Sunday of the 2018 NFL regular season kicks off, let’s have some fun by taking a look at the spreads for today’s games. (Click here for NFL Week 2 picks without regard to the spread.)

Here are suggestions when trying to beat the odds. You can find all of today’s NFL betting lines and more via SB Nation. My season record so far is 6-9-1. Let’s get to the picks.

NFL Week 2 Games

Houston Texans (-2.5) at Tennessee Titans: Deshaun Watson didn’t look so great in Week 1. But even if he doesn’t play well again, I still think the Texans will beat the Titans. Marcus Mariota is dealing with a pinched nerve and apparently we could see more Blaine Gabbert this week. That’s good news for Houston. PICK: Texans -2.5

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (PICK): Given the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ status, this game is off the board entirely in some places. Other outlets have it as a pick ‘em. I don’t love betting against Rodgers but I just don’t know where he’s at health wise right now. And it’s not like he’s going to have the adrenaline going for him taht he had during last week’s comeback. I’ll just go with Minnesota, who looked good in Week 1. PICK: Vikings

Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints (-9.5): Sean Payton and the Saints have to be pretty pissed about last week’s loss to the Bucs. There’s no way this team is losing two straight home games, especially with one being to the Browns. It’s just a matter if New Orleans will cover. Given that their offense scored 40 points last week, I feel good about their chances. PICK: Saints -9.5

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-6): My initial reaction here is to go with the Falcons. It’s tough to feel as great about them, though, given their injury situation. Deion Jones and Keanu Neal have been placed on injured reserve. Devonta Freeman is hurt and won’t play. Matt Ryan looked washed in Week 1. But the problem with taking the Panthers is they’re dealing with some injuries too; starting right tackle Daryl Williams and veteran tight end Greg Olsen are out. This is tough. I think the Falcons win but I’ll say it’s close and the Panthers cover. PICK: Panthers +6

Indianapolis Colts at Washington Redskins (-6): This seems like an easy one to me. Washington has more talent than the Colts do. I don’t think the Indy defense will be able to stop Washington. PICK: Washington -6

Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bucs’ offense are bound to come back to Earth after going absolutely bonkers against New Orleans last week. The Eagles’ defense, thanks to their ability to generate pressure, will prove tougher than the Saints’ unit. On the other side of the ball, reigning Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles is poised to bounce back against a Tampa secondary that’ll be without both of their starting cornerbacks. Eagles win this one by at least four points, if not many more. PICK: Eagles -3.5

Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers (-5): It might seem like a no-brainer to take the Chiefs after the Steelers failed to beat the Browns last week. Be cautious with that because Pittsburgh will play better at home. Just look at Ben Roethlisberger’s career home/road splits (shout out to good friend James Seltzer). With that said, how can you not roll with Pat Mahomes here? His connection with Tyreek Hill is lethal. Andy Reid is a pretty good coach, too. KC will at least make this one close. PICK: Chiefs +5

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (-3): Sam Darnold is the truth and the New York Football Giants are a bunch of dopes for taking a running back over him at No. 2. The Jets will be able to handle the Dolphins at home. PICK: Jets -3

Los Angeles Chargers (-7.5) at Buffalo Bills: The Chargers aren’t bad. As a rookie in his first NFL start, Josh Allen might very well be. PICK: Chargers -7.5

Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers (-6): Amazingly, the Lions managed to look like a team that’s already quit in Week 1. I’m not about to bet on Matt Patricia here. Especially with Detroit playing on a short week. On the flip side, I’m not all in on the Niners. Jimmy Garoppolo looked very mortal last week. But San Fran was also in a tough spot on the road against the Vikings. I think they’ll bounce back at home. PICK: 49ers -6

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (-13): Sam Bradford is going to post some nice garbage time stats after the Rams drop a 40-burger on the Cards. Shout out to Marshall Faulk. PICK: Rams -13

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos (-6.5): The Raiders had some success while they were running their scripted plays early in the game last week. Then Jon Gruden looked totally outmatched the rest of the way. I just have no faith in Gruden in today’s NFL climate. The Broncos still figure to be solid, especially at home. PICK: Broncos -6.5

New England Patriots (-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags figure to be without Leonard Fournette against New England. No Fournette means Blake Bortles has to throw the ball more. Bortles throwing the ball more is bad for the Jags’ chances of winning. I don’t think Jacksonville is going to get their revenge for the AFC Championship Game. Just can’t take Bortles over Tom Brady, especially if it’s basically just a pick ‘em. PICK: Patriots -1

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-3): This is a tough one because I think both of these teams are bad. Dak Prescott is getting exposed for the unimpressive player he truly is. The Giants, meanwhile, looked about as expected in Week 1 as their offensive line struggled to protect a washed Eli Manning. I don’t have a great feel either way, but something is making me lean towards the upset. PICK: Giants +3

Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears (-3): I still need to see more from Mitchell Trubisky before I’m all in on the Bears. But I certainly do like Chicago’s defense. Khalil Mack is going to be a huge problem for a Seattle offensive line that fails to adequately protect Russell Wilson. PICK: Bears -3