Forecaster Frank's NFL Week 2 Picks: Second Impressions
A solid Week 1 saw me post a record of 10-5-1.
Thursday Night
- Mia -2.5 (o/u 48.5)
- Dolphins 24 Bills 20
Hopefully, the Dolphins do not have any police interactions coming into the stadium this week, as they face a critical early game against the Bills. They have won just one of their last 12 games against Buffalo, but they tend to play better when they wear their throwbacks. Look for the Dolphins to come out strong and win.
Sunday at 1:
- Bal -8.5 (o/u 41.5)
- Ravens 27 Raiders 10
The Ravens came within a toenail of beating the Chiefs in the Thursday night opener. Expect them to come out strong in their home debut, as the Raiders' lack of a quarterback will continue to be a glaring hole in a team with a strong defense but little else.
- LAC -6 (o/u 39)
- Chargers 37 Panthers 17
The Panthers are a mess. After posting the worst record in the NFL, without a first-round pick, they were blown out in Week 1. Expect more embarrassment in their home debut as the Chargers, coming off a strong effort in their opener, win a laugher against the laughing stock.
- NO +6 (o/u 47)
- Cowboys 20 Saints 17
Each team had impressive wins in Week 1. The Saints stomped Carolina, while the Cowboys down the Browns. This game should be competitive, with the Cowboys winning their home opener by a late field goal.
- TB +7.5 (o/u 51)
- Lions 24 Buccaneers 20
The Lions showed they can win close, tight games, rallying to force overtime and winning the first series against the Rams last week. Baker Mayfield led the Bucs to a strong start against the Commanders. This game will be close, with the Lions getting to 2-0.
- Ind -3 (o/u 40.5)
- Colts 23 Packers 10
The Packers started the season with a loss in Brazil as Jordan Love suffered a knee injury. Fortunately, Love should be back in a few weeks instead of suffering a season-ending injury. The Colts' Week 1 struggles continued despite a strong game from Anthony Richardson. Expect Richardson to continue to impress as long as he can stay on his feet, as the Packers' offense looks lost with Malik Willis.
- Jax -3 (o/u 41.5)
- Jaguars 20 Browns 13
Deshaun Watson had a terrible game last week, as the Browns' offense could not get anything going. If those struggles continue, don't be shocked if Jameis Winston gets on the field. The Jaguars know they should have beat the Dolphins in Week 1 and cannot afford a loss in their home debut.
- SF -5.5 (o/u 45.5)
- 49ers 27 Vikings 16
The 49ers won on Monday despite Christian McCaffery being a late scratch. McCaffery is not expected to play this week, putting pressure on Brock Purdy again. The Vikings won their opener as Sam Darnold played well, but against the Niners, that will be a taller task.
- NE +3.5 (o/u 38.5)
- Patriots 13 Seahawks 10
The Patriots shocked the world by beating the Bengals in Week 1. Their defense was impressive, frustrating Joe Burrow all day. Coming home, expect another big defensive effort as they improve to 2-0 by shutting down Geno Smith.
- NYJ -3.5 (o/u 41)
- Jets 27 Titans 9
Despite their Monday night loss, there were positives for the Jets against the 49ers. The Titans' collapse against the Bears shows there is not much hope in Tennessee this year. Look for the Jets to get an impressive road win as they enter the soft part of their schedule.
- Was -2 (o/u 43)
- Commanders 20 Giants 13
The only thing uglier than the Giants' uniform last week was Daniel Jones' performance at quarterback. The Giants have problems all around as the seats in the GM and coach's office are getting turned up. Look for Jayden Daniels to play well and lead Washington to a win in his home debut.
Sunday Late Games:
- LAR +1 (o/u 48.5)
- Rams 26 Cardinals 13
The Rams have owned the Cardinals since 2016, winning 13 of their last 15 games. They could have gotten a win last week in Detroit, but lost in overtime. They won't need overtime this week, as Kyler Murray''s struggles continue against a strong Rams defense.
- Pit -2.5 (o/u 36.8)
- Steelers 23 Broncos 6
This could have been a juicier matchup if Russell Wilson was healthy. Wilson's time in Denver was a disaster as his career took a sudden and shocking nose dive. It would not matter if he played or not, as the Steelers defense will once again get the win, with T.J. Watt eating Bo Nix for breakfast.
- KC -5 (o/u 47.5)
- Chiefs 31 Bengals 13
Joe Burrow's wrist could be an issue, as the Bengals' quarterback struggled in the opener against the Patriots. He would need to be 100% if the Bengals were to have a chance to win in Arrowhead. Look for the Chiefs to cruise to an easy win.
Sunday Night
- Hou -6 (o/u 45.5)
- Texans 37 Bears 13
Caleb Williams struggled in his Bears debut. It will take time, but if Chicago is able to exercise patience, things should improve in a few weeks. The Texans, meanwhile, are looking strong with C.J. Stroud, who is ready to shine in primetime and take Caleb to school.
Monday Night
- Phi -6.5 (o/u 47)
- Eagles 30 Falcons 20
The Eagles were happy with Saquon Barkley in his debut as he scored three touchdowns in Brazil. Coming home, look for more Barkley as the Eagles soar to a quality Monday night win against the hapless Falcons.
