The first week of the 2020 NFL season brought some surprises, such as the Tennessee Titans missing three field goals and an extra point but still beating the Denver Broncos, and the Arizona Cardinals going to San Francisco and delivering a road win over the defending NFC West champions. There were other outcomes that were not a surprise, such as Aaron Rodgers outdueling Kirk Cousins yet again and the Dallas Cowboys, despite having a new head coach, failing to come up with plays when they need them and losing another one-score game, a situation in which they were 1-6 a year ago.
Take a look at our NFL betting picks for each of the Week 2 matchups.
NFL Betting News:
Week 2 SU Picks for the 2020 NFL Season
Thursday, September 17
Cincinnati at Cleveland
8:20 pm ET
NFL Network
We thought that Cleveland would be a lot better than they looked in Game 1, but their secondary already has a number of injuries, and let’s face it — Baltimore was going to blow out whoever showed up in Week 1 after losing that divisional playoff game at home. Cincinnati was on the brink of a comeback win against the Chargers last week, as Joe Burrow looked confident at quarterback.
Even so, I’m taking Cleveland to win.
Sunday, September 20 | Early Games
N.Y. Giants at Chicago
CBS
The Bears lost late to Detroit in Week 1, while the Giants had an early lead on Pittsburgh but saw the Steelers dominate the second half. Chicago’s defense should be able to stifle the G-men on offense, so I like
Chicago to win. | Check the Odds
Atlanta at Dallas
FOX
Did Dallas blow another winnable game last week? Yes, yes they did. Did Atlanta get rocked at home by the Seattle Seahawks? Yes. So we have two teams that already have questions to answer in Week 2. I see the Cowboys restoring some order (and torching the Atlanta secondary).
Dallas to win. | Check the Odds
Detroit at Green Bay
FOX
Aaron Rodgers continues to wow Packer fans and football observers. He led the Packers to 43 points in a barnburner in Minnesota in Week 1, and now he brings the Packers home to face a Lions team that edged out the Chicago Bears in their opener. The Green Bay offense is just too good to lose at home to Detroit.
Green Bay to win. | Check the Odds
Jacksonville at Tennessee
CBS
Gardner Minshew completed 95 percent of his passes as the Jaguars knocked off the Indianapolis Colts in a Week 1 upset. The Tennessee Titans can’t be all that happy with their signing of kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Thankfully, he made his fourth field goal attempt of the day to give the Titans a two-point win over Denver. I see the Titans putting together a better offensive day at home.
Titans to win. | Check the Odds
Minnesota at Indianapolis
FOX
Philip Rivers is still looking for his first win as a Colt after a disappointing finish to their game against Jacksonville in Week 1. The Vikings had a poor beginning on offense against the Packers but ended up hanging 34 on the Green Bay defense. The Vikings should be able to move the ball against Indy too.
Minnesota to win. | Check the Odds
Buffalo at Miami
CBS
Buffalo rolled over the Jets in their opener, while the Dolphins could only score 11 against a New England defense that did not have Dont’a Hightower at linebacker, since he opted out. Buffalo also has a stout defense, and their offense was terrific.
Buffalo to win. | Check the Odds
San Francisco at NY Jets
FOX
San Francisco lost by four to Arizona in their home opener, while the Jets went to Buffalo and had their offense largely shut down. The 49ers bring another formidable defense east, but can they keep Sam Darnold from finding holes in their secondary?
49ers to win. | Check the Odds
L.A. Rams at Philadelphia
FOX
The Rams were only 9-7 last year, but against Dallas they showed how they look with a healthy offensive line. The Eagles went up 17 on Washington on the road before Carson Wentz fell apart.
Rams to win. | Check the Odds
Denver at Pittsburgh
CBS
Pittsburgh’s defense was the real deal all night long against the Giants, and once the Steelers’ offense started clicking, New York didn’t have a chance. The Broncos put up 14 points on Tennessee at home; I’m not sure they can score more than that against the Steelers.
Pittsburgh to win. | Check the Odds
Carolina at Tampa Bay
FOX
There were times in Week 1 when Tom Brady looked every bit of 43 years old, but there were other times when he played with vigor and energy. Carolina put up 30 points on Las Vegas…but gave up 34 points at home to a Raiders team that had a hard time scoring consistently last year.
Tampa Bay to win. | Check the Odds
Late Games
Washington at Arizona
FOX
The Cardinals made a big statement with their win at Levi’s Stadium in Week 1 over the 49ers. So did Washington, mounting that big comeback against Philadelphia. I like the Cardinals’ offense even more than I like the Eagles’, though.
Cardinals to win. | Check the Odds
Kansas City at L.A. Chargers
CBS
The Chiefs looked in sync in their Week 1 win over Houston last Thursday, while the Chargers almost coughed up a game in Cincinnati.
Chiefs to win.
Baltimore at Houston
CBS
The Ravens moved the ball at will against the Browns in their opener, and Houston’s defense did not offer much resistance against Kansas City in Week 1.
Ravens to win. | Check the Odds
Sunday Night Football
New England at Seattle
8:20 pm ET
NBC
Seattle’s defense is better than Miami’s, and while Ryan Fitzpatrick had beaten New England while starting for each of the other three AFC East teams, the Dolphins’ offense looked lost in their opener. Seattle impressed with an Eastern time zone win in the early time slot over a Falcons team that can move the ball but struggles on defense.
Seattle to win. | Check the Odds
Monday Night Football
New Orleans at Las Vegas
8:15 pm ET
ESPN / ABC
How about Las Vegas putting up 34 points in their season opener? That was impressive, but New Orleans hit the same number against Tampa Bay, and the Saints have established themselves as a regular 12+ game winner.
Saints to win. | Check the Odds
