Coming out of the NFL’s opening week of the 2022 regular season, we’ve heard a lot more about the upsets than we have about the expected winners. The Baltimore Ravens headed up I-95 to take on the New York Jets (and to face their former starting quarterback, Joe Flacco) and kept the hammer down for a 24-9 win despite a throwback performance from Flacco, who threw for 307 yards. The Los Angeles Chargers welcomed the Las Vegas Raiders and held on for a five-point win, even though the Chargers’ offense failed to generate 10 yards per possession over their last five drives. The Washington Commanders were able to fight off a tough performance from the Jacksonville Jaguars and win by six to start their season. What are the sure NFL betting winners for Week 2? We have some suggestions for you.
NFL News: Sure Winners for Week 2
→ Sunday, September 18
Green Bay Packers (-10) at Chicago Bears
(8:20 pm ET, NBC)
After the Bears beat San Francisco by nine at home in Week 1, and the Packers got undressed by Minnesota on the road, this is an interesting point spread. However, it is unlikely that Soldier Field will turn into a giant slip-and-slide two weeks in a row, and we also remember that the Green Bay Packers got routed in Week 1 a year ago by New Orleans and still ended up winning 13 games and the NFC North. So I expect a much better performance out of the Packers’ offense, particularly by the line. The Vikings were chasing Aaron Rodgers around all day, and the Vikings’ secondary also forced several coverage sacks. I don’t see the Bears’ defense having similar success, even with Davante Adams gone from the Packer attack. Sammy Watkins and Allen Lazard give Rodgers some solid targets down the field.
The Bears benefited from the mobility of quarterback Justin Field last week, and David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert pounded the ball on the ground. Their goal will be to slow down the rhythm of the game once again and keep Rodgers off the field. The problem with that approach is that, even if the Bears are up late, Rodgers still has the ability to lead a few scoring drives in the fourth quarter and turn things around in a hurry. I see the Bears’ lack of talent on defense catching up with them in this game. Packers to win and cover.
Arizona Cardinals (+3.5) at Las Vegas Raiders
(4:25 pm ET, CBS)
The Cardinals surely won’t look as bad as they did in Week 1, but the Raiders will also get more out of their running game than they did against the Chargers. The Raiders also did not incorporate Hunter Renfrow much in their offense, preferring to go through Davante Adams. This ended up limiting their success last week, as the Chargers could focus on Adams.
Arizona only got 193 passing yards out of Kyler Murray in the opener, although he also ran for 29 yards on five caries. Playing from behind against Kansas City meant that Murray had to throw a lot, and the Chiefs were able to sit back and defend his attempts down the field. The Raiders’ passing attack can be as electric as the Chiefs’ if the Cardinals don’t do a better job of getting pressure on Derek Carr. Raiders to win and cover.
→ Monday, September 19
Tennessee Titans (+10) at Buffalo Bills
(8:15 pm ET, ESPN)
The Tennessee Titans blew a chance to get a 1-0 start against one of the teams with low expectations in the NFC East – the New York Giants. Saquon Barkley had one of his best days in the NFL carrying the ball, helping to compensate for inconsistent play from quarterback Daniel Jones. The Titans also didn’t get a dominant performance out of Derrick Henry, who is attempting to come back from a fractured foot.
Next up is a visit to Buffalo, who went into halftime last Thursday tied with the Rams at 10 points apiece before absolutely unloading on offense, scoring three unanswered touchdowns to win running away with a 31-10 laugher. Josh Allen increased his aggressiveness, and the Bills’ defense stayed focused, harassing Matthew Stafford into three interceptions. The Bills showed a pattern of losing focus from time to time, though, and I also expect the Titans to be better on defense than they were a week ago. I think the Bills win this one, but that point spread seems high. Titans to cover.
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