NFL odds/picks for Week 2: Bet on the underdogs
Week 1 of the NFL season was as exciting as it gets. We saw two overtime games and plenty of close games that were thrillers.
To start Week 2, we have an AFC West matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. After a fantastic Week 1 going 3-0 in our plays, we look to keep that momentum going as we head into Thursday night.
Let’s take a look at Jets X-Factor’s best bets for Week 2’s card.
All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
The Chargers come into this prime-time game after playing well defensively in Week 1. Los Angeles held the Raiders to 19 points and only gave up 320 yards including just 64 on the ground.
Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack were in the backfield all game as the Chargers racked up 6 team sacks. I expect them to be able to get to Patrick Mahomes and slow down this potent Chiefs offense.
The Chiefs defense also played very well against the Cardinals in Week 1. They only allowed 7 points through the first three quarters but allowed two touchdowns in the fourth quarter when the game was a blowout. Kansas City’s defense only gave up 282 yards all day and had an answer for everything the Cardinals threw at them.
Even though both offenses in this game are two of the best in the NFL, I believe their defenses are better than people think. With that, I expect this game to stay under the massive total.
The Play: Under 54
Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants
The New York Giants are coming off an emotional comeback win in Tennessee last week. The Giants were down 13 points at halftime and came back to win 21-20 at Nissan Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Panthers lost their Week 1 battle to the Cleveland Browns on a 58-yard field goal with 13 seconds left to play.
I think the two of these teams are pretty evenly matched. Both teams are probably on the outside looking in when the playoffs come around but they should be pretty competitive throughout the season.
To me, Baker Mayfield and this Panthers offense has the edge over the Giants’ offense. However, the Giants’ defense has the edge over the Panthers and has a chance to be underrated all season. They have some talented young players that will only continue to get better.
The biggest reason I like the Panthers in this spot is I think this could be a massive letdown game for the Giants. After an emotional win like they had, their spirits might be a little too high. Also, the Panthers are playing with more urgency as no team wants to start 0-2.
I expect the Panthers to keep this game close and get the win on the road.
The Play: Carolina Panthers +2
Tennessee Titans @ Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills demolished the Los Angeles Rams on the road last week, 31-10, and it probably could have been worse. The Bills showed they are the best team in the NFL right now and everyone is very high on them.
As discussed above, the Titans played probably the worst game they will play all season in a Week 1 loss to the Giants. Now, the public and Vegas oddsmakers are very low on the Titans and it shows with them being 9.5 point underdogs.
I think the Titans are better than people believe they are. They won 12 games last year and finished with the number 1 seed in the AFC. They traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles but replaced him with first-round pick Treylon Burks. He had a nice first career game hauling in 3 catches for 55 yards.
The Titans also beat the Bills 34-31 in a Week 6 contest just last season. Tennessee has a very similar team and I expect them to keep this one close.
The Play: Tennessee Titans +9.5
