2018 NFL Week 2 Over/Under Picks

As we look to NFL Week 2 of the 2018 regular season, let’s consider the best NFLbetting picks for each matchup’s point total. You may notice that point totals in the NFL tend to be lower than those in college football, and that has a lot to do with the fact that defenses in the pros are faster and can shut down opposing offenses more readily — which also explains why a lot of college quarterbacks don’t find success on the game’s toughest stage. Take a look at each of our over/under picks for this week’s 16 matchups.

2018 NFL Week 2 Over/Under Picks

The Eagles picked up right where they left off in our NFL Power Rankings. pic.twitter.com/XDaWWcsp0m

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 11, 2018

Thursday, September 13, 8:20pm ET

Baltimore at Cincinnati (44)

Two grinding defenses  take the field here, but these teams combined for 81 points in their openers, suggesting that there is plenty of firepower ready for display. This game takes place on a Thursday, which means a lack of preparation — and the likelihood of fatigue. I think Baltimore wins in a grinder — and the total is under 44 points.

Sunday, September 16, 1:00pm ET

Carolina at Atlanta (44.5)

The Panthers were only able to score 16 points against a stingy Dallas defense — but they only gave up 8, Atlanta scored 12 points in their opening loss to Philadelphia — and surrendered 18. Both the Falcons and the Panthers have stout defenses and offenses with questions to answer, so I’ll take the under here.

Indianapolis at Washington (45.5)

Here we have two top quarterbacks in Andrew Luck and Alex Smith, and at least one defense (Indianapolis) that showed major holes in the opener. Washington wasn’t tested much by Sam Bradford and the Cardinals, but Bradford isn’t anything like Luck. Go with the over.

Houston at Tennessee (NL)

We’re waiting to see who the Titans will start at quarterback here…so I’d probably stay away from this until the Titans decide to go with Mariota or with the backup.

Philadelphia at Tampa Bay (44)

Nick Foles and Ryan Fitzpatrick aren’t the most awe-inspiring offensive names in the list of NFL quarterbacks, and both the Eagles and the Buccaneers play physical defense. However, the Saints hung 40 on Tampa Bay last week, and Philadelphia’s offense is almost as opportunistic. I’m taking the over here.

Kansas City at Pittsburgh (52.5)

The Steelers let Cleveland score 21 in the rain last week, and Kansas City got into a shootout with the Chargers last weekend. Watch the weather forecast before you lock in this bet, but unless there’s a rainstorm I’m taking the over.

Miami at N.Y. Jets (44)

The Jets scored 48 points against Detroit in the opener, although Miami will pose a tougher defensive test. And how about that Jet secondary? Give me the under here.

L.A. Chargers at Buffalo (43.5)

I’m not sure that the Bills will hit double figures, which puts a lot of the scoring on the Chargers here. I’m going with the under.

Minnesota at Green Bay (45)

Will this turn into a track meet or a wrestling match? The Vikings only put up 24 on the 49ers in Week 1, which was surprising. This NFC North classic will stay low-scoring. There are better point totals for your sports betting, but if I have to choose here, I go over — but just barely.

Cleveland at New Orleans (49)

The Saints scored 40 against Tampa Bay. They won’t get that many against Cleveland, but if the Buccaneers could put up 48 in the Crescent City, Tyrod Taylor should be able to find room to operate once again — and there won’t be any rain. Give me the over here.

Sunday, September 16, 4:05pm ET

Detroit at San Francisco (47.5)

The 49ers scored 16 on Minnesota despite three interceptions from Jimmy Garoppolo, and the Detroit defense looks like a laughingstock so far. But can the Niners stop Matthew Stafford? Give me the over.

Arizona at L.A. Rams (45)

The Rams might not let the Cardinals into double figures in this game — but I’m not sure the Rams can get to 40 on their own. Give me the under.

Sunday, September 16, 4:25pm ET

New England at Jacksonville (45)

Jacksonville has a great defense again — but they let the Giants get to 15. I think the Patriots can get at least to the 24 they scored last week. But can Blake Bortles keep up his end up the bargain? Give me the under.

Oakland at Denver (46)

Two defenses with a great deal of flexibility, and two quarterbacks who can turn things up in a hurry, if things are going right. I”ll take the over.

Sunday, September 16, 8:20pm

N.Y. Giants at Dallas (42)

The Giants scored 15 points last week, and the Cowboys scored 8. Both sides have decent defenses, so I’m taking the under.

Monday, September 17, 8:20pm

Seattle at Chicago (43.5)

The Bears scored 17 in the first half against Green Bay and then just scored six the rest of the way, as the pressure turned up. Seattle also gave up a late lead. Is Chicago’s defense better than Denver’s? I think so, so I’m taking the under here.