NFL Week 2 ATS Betting Picks

We got some surprises in the first week of the 2017 NFL regular season — did you expect the Rams to hang 46 on the Colts? Did you think the Jaguars would go down to Houston and rout the Texans? Who thought that the Dallas defense would hold the Giants to a field goal? We also had a few things confirmed — Oakland has the moxie to go on the road and take down a plucky Titans team, and Carson Wentz is the quarterback of the future in Philadelphia. As you consider your NFL betting for week 2, take a look at our takes on each of the 16 matchups.

NFL Week 2 ATS Betting Picks

Just like we all expected. pic.twitter.com/DInbOBllHw

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 11, 2017

Thursday, September 14

Houston (+3) at Cincinnati (8:30pm ET, NBC)

I’m not sure that the Texans and Bengals are what the NFL wants for prime-time ratings on anational broadcast. However, it looks like Deshaun Watson is likely to start, which could give the Texans a jump-start. I see them knocking off the feckless Bengals in a slugfest. Take the Texans.

Sunday, September 17

Cleveland (-7.5) at Baltimore (1:00pm ET, CBS)

The Ravens looked cold and methodical in delivering a 20-0 shutout of Cincinnati in Week One. The Browns would have had enough points to beat Pittsburgh at home if the Steelers hadn’t blocked the Browns’ punt on the first possession and scored a touchdown. The Ravens won’t overlook them. Go with the Ravens.

Buffalo (+8) at Carolina (1:00pm ET, CBS)

The Bills did knock off the Jets at home in Week One, while Carolina went west and took down the 49ers. Carolina’s defense, led by Luke Kuechly, is a lot stouter than New York’s. Take the Panthers at home.

Arizona (-6.5) at Indianapolis (1:00pm ET, FOX)

What’s up with Andrew Luck’s shoulder? Scott Tolzien looked BAD in Week One against theRams. Could Colin Kaepernick go to Indy? Arizona did give up a second-half lead against Detroit, but they won’t do the same with the Colts. Bet on the Cardinals.

Tennessee (-1) at Jacksonville (1:00pm ET, CBS)

Did you see Jacksonville blow out Houston on the road? They have the moxie to take down the Titans at home, especially with Leonard Fournette (with the first 100-yard debut in Jaguars history) carrying the ball. Go with the Jags.

Philadelphia (+4) at Kansas City (1:00pm ET, FOX)

The Eagles were impressive against Washington on Sunday — but Kansas City looked amazing against New England back on Thursday. I like that Chiefs’ defense to do a better job against the Eagles than Washington did. Bet on the Chiefs.

New England (-5) at New Orleans (1:00pm ET, CBS)

The Saints don’t have much going in their secondary — which should give Tom Brady and the New England offense new confidence after that loss to Kansas City. However, the Saints have the offense to torch that Patriot secondary. I see the Patriots winning a barnburner, but take the Saints to cover.

Minnesota (+7) at Pittsburgh (1:00pm ET, FOX)

That’s a big line, given that the Steelers only won in Cleveland by three. The Vikings’ defense is much better than Cleveland’s, and the Vikings have some real weapons on offense, with Sam Bradford and Dalvin Cook keying the pass and the run. Bet on the Vikings.

Chicago (+6) at Tampa Bay (1:00pm ET, FOX)

The Bears only lost to the Falcons by six at home — and the Falcons’ offense wasn’t looking in sync yet. This game will be Tampa Bay’s opener thanks to Hurricane Irma, but I still see them being sharp enough to handle the Bears. Take the Bucs.

Miami (+4) at L.A. Chargers (4:05pm ET, CBS)

I’ll be honest — I’m having a hard time picking Jay Cutler to lead the Dolphins to any wins, unless they’re playing the Jets. The Chargers have a dangerous offense and an inconsistent defense, but I still like them to cover against the Dolphins. Choose the Chargers here.

N.Y. Jets (+14.5) at Oakland (4:05pm ET, CBS)

This is an immense line for an NFL line. But this game could get ugly quickly, with the Raiders’ pass rush forcing turnovers and their video-game style offense running up the points. Bet on the Raiders.

Dallas (-2.5) at Denver (4:25pm ET, FOX)

The Cowboys look like they’ve put a defense together, as they held the Giants to three points in the first game of the season. Denver has a solid defense too, but can they withstand the Dallas O-line? Can Trevor Siemian make headway against a Dallas defense that frustrated Eli Manning? Bet on the Cowboys.

Washington (+2.5) at L.A. Rams (4:25pm ET, FOX)

How did the Rams put up 46 points on the Colts? Will Jared Goff look this amazing against Washington? The Redskins’ secondary definitely has some issues. I like the Rams here.

San Francisco (+12.5) at Seattle (4:25pm ET, FOX)

The Seahawks couldn’t find the end zone against Green Bay in Week One. I see a lot of frustrations being worked out against San Francisco. Put your money on the Seahawks.

Green Bay (+2.5) at Atlanta (8:30pm ET, NBC)

The Packers used a surprisingly stout defense to shut down Seattle at home in the opener, and the combination of Aaron Rodgers and Ty Montgomery did enough to put up 17 against the Legion of Boom. I see them heading to Atlanta and getting some revenge for last year’s postseason against the Falcons. Bet on Green Bay.

Monday, September 18

Detroit (+5.5) at N.Y. Giants (ESPN)

Will Odell Beckham, Jr. play for the Giants? Can the Giants’ defense rein in Matthew Stafford? I see OBJ playing and finding some opportunities against that Detroit secondary. Bet on the Giants at home.