These are my picks to win every Week 2 NFL game straight-up, tiered by confidence level and ranked within each tier.
You can bet on any of these games on DraftKings Sportsbook.
NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions: Straight-Up Picks with Confidence Levels
High Confidence
Buccaneers over Browns
The Buccaneers had a tough opening week road game against the Bengals. The offense played well, but the defense struggled to get stops. That shouldn’t be an issue in this matchup against Cleveland, who looked completely lost offensively last week. Tampa Bay shold win in their home opener.
49ers over Dolphins
The 49ers are coming off a huge Week 1 in Australia over the Rams. They are now the only double-digit favorite of this week’s NFL slate. The only reason they aren’t my top pick this week is because of the variable of travelling back from Australia. The 49ers should have way too much offense, though, and win this one easily.
Eagles over Titans
The Eagles didn’t play their best in Week 1 against the Commanders and still got the win. They now play a Titans team that was dreadful last week. Tennessee really struggled on both sides of the ball against the Jets. The Eagles should be able to run the ball effectively and control the game.
Rams over Giants
The Rams lost in Week 1, putting a dagger into their “super team” ideations. However, the travel to Australia was a massive variable in that game, and it’s always a tough divisional battle against the 49ers. This is a good chance for them to bounce back and get a win. The Giants’ defense struggled in their win over the Cowboys, ranking 28th in defensive EPA/play for Week 1. The Rams should move the ball and put points up, and their defense should put up a much better effort than the Dallas defense did.
Ravens over Saints
The Ravens looked great in Week 1 against the Colts, putting up 41 points. The passing game looked in sync and Derrick Henry looked better than ever. The Saints are having to play a second straight tough road game to open the season and the Ravens should have too much firepower for them.
Medium Confidence
Bills over Lions
The Bills got a big Week 1 win on the road against the Texans. They now play their first regular season game in their new stadium in Buffalo on Thursday. Buffalo ranked fourth in the NFL in offensive EPA/play last week and the Detroit defense ranked 18th in defensive EPA/play. The Bills should get it done in primetime.
Bears over Vikings
The Bears’ offense looked incredible in Week 1 against the Panthers. Chicago ranked second in the NFL in offensive EPA/play and should be able to score against Minnesota. The Vikings swapped quarterbacks early in Week 1 and ended up coming back against the Packers. The Bears should be able to prepare better for what Carson Wentz is going to do this week, and the Minnesota defense should not be as successful.
Chargers over Raiders
The Chargers lost as the biggest favorites of the Week 1. They need a nice bounce back and they should get it done against the Raiders.
Chiefs over Colts
The Chiefs looked excellent in a blowout Week 1 win over Broncos. Kansas City appeared set for a big comeback season, with Patrick Mahomes looking like his old self. The Colts’ defense looked dreadful last week and the Chiefs’ offense should keep it rolling.
Cowboys over Commanders
The Cowboys played well offensively, but awful defensively in Week 1. They have one of the best offenses in football and should score against the Commanders. The defense should also improve after that terrible performance. Dallas needs a win here at home and should get it.
Seahawks over Cardinals
The Seahawks got the win in the Super Bowl rematch to start the season. They now are coming off 10 days of rest after playing all the way back on last Wednesday. The Cardinals had a great upset win in Week 1, but it will be hard to pull that off two weeks in a row. Seattle should take care of business here.
Coin-Flip Games
Panthers over Falcons
The Panthers looked great offensively, but couldn’t get stops in Week 1. The offense should keep it rolling in this matchup against the Falcons. The defense should also have a much easier time against Cooper Rush, or whoever is starting at QB for Atlanta, than they did against the Bears. This could be a tight divisional game, but the Panthers should find a way to win.
Texans over Bengals
The Texans have a brutal start to the season, facing the Bills in Week 1 and the Bengals in Week 2. Houston didn’t play poorly last week, the Bills are just the better team at the moment. The Texans should bounceback with a more sound defensive pereformance this week and get the win.
Steelers over Patriots
The Patriots looked lost offensively in Week 1. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh ranked second in the NFL in defensive EPA/play in Week 1. The Steelers could make life hard on Drake Maye and disrupt the New England offense again. Aaron Rodgers should make the winning plays needed to pull off the upset over the Patriots.
Jaguars over Broncos
The Jaguars looked excellent in Week 1, while the Broncos really struggled. This is a big step-up in competition for the Jaguars, but they should get another win. The Denver defense did not look like the unit we’ve seen in the last couple of years, and this Jacksonville offense looked fantastic. Bo Nix is not a serious threat at quarterback and the Jaguars should keep him in check.
Jets over Packers
The Jets played great in Week 1, getting a road win in Tennessee. Now, they are looking to upset the Packers in Week 2. The Jets should have a big crowd for their home opener after the Week 1 victory. The Packers defense struggled to stop Carson Wentz last week and Geno Smith should be able to replicate that success. Jordan Love makes too many mistakes and should struggle to pull off the road win here.
