It's Week 2 of the NFL, and we're being treated to two Monday Night Football games. Both of these matchups are divisional games. The Panthers host the Saints in the first game. Shortly after they kick off, the Browns and Steelers get started in Pittsburgh. Let's take a closer look at both of these matchups and some plays that I like.
NFL Week 2 Monday Night Football Best Bets
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
The Bryce Young era in Carolina got off to a rough start in their loss to the Falcons in Week 1. Offensively, they struggled to move the ball against Atlanta. Young managed just 3.8 yards per pass attempt and threw two interceptions. He may have another rough outing against a Saints defense that shut down the Titans last week. Ryan Tannehill didn't have much success and turned the ball over three times. Tennessee wasn't able to score a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Derek Carr dazzled in his New Orleans debut. We weren't really able to see what Carolina has on their pass defense, as they only attempted 18 passes but completed 15. Carolina's CB Jaycee Horn is out for this matchup, and that will only help the Saints. New Orleans will likely rely on developing the passing game until RB Alvin Kamara returns from suspension. If Carolina allows Carr to get going, things could get ugly quickly.
Road division games are some of the most difficult games on a team's schedule, and it's rarely a good idea to back a road division favorite. In this case, however, it's warranted. Carolina should get better throughout the season, but right now, the Saints are head and shoulders above them.
Pick: Saints -3 (-110)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts