NFL Picks Against the Spread and Over/Under: Week 2 (2020)
After a successful Week 1 of NFL picks, let’s look to run it back with five more great ones for Week 2. We already got to see an exciting AFC North showdown on Thursday Night Football. While he came up short, Joe Burrow became the first rookie in NFL history to pass for over 60 attempts without an interception. If this game was any sign of what is to come this week, we should be in for an exciting slate of games.
Let’s jump right into the best NFL picks of Week 2!
View consensus odds from all major sportsbooks for Week 2 of the NFL >>
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (-6)
I liked the Packers last week because they faced a Vikings defense that had a poor pass rush, combined with weak cornerback play. Run the same narrative because this week, except we also need to take away the team’s top pass-catcher. The Lions allowed Mitchell Trubisky to have 2.99 seconds to throw last week, which was the fourth-most among starting quarterbacks. If they do this against Rodgers, we will see a repeat performance from the Packers offense.
Pick: Packers -6
San Francisco 49ers (-7) at New York Jets
There are some key injuries on both sides of this game. For the Jets, they will be without Le’Veon Bell, which means they are going with the two-headed attack of Frank Gore and Kalen Ballage at running back. The 49ers’ receiving corps is decimated with injuries. However, they should return electric rookie Brandon Aiyuk to the field. If we consider the 49ers’ biggest weakness is the passing game, then good thing they have this matchup. The Jets were graded as the worst team in pass coverage for Week 1 by PFF, and that was against the Bills.
When there are a bunch of injuries, games like this can be decided by game plan and coaching. I’ll take Kyle Shanahan over Adam Gase. Even if the 49ers score only 20 points, I think it’s enough to cover.
Pick: 49ers -7
Buffalo Bills (-5.5) at Miami Dolphins
When looking at these two teams, the discrepancy in pure talent is obvious. In Week 1, the Bills ranked No. 7 in total DVOA, according to Football Outsiders, while the Dolphins ranked No. 30. Ryan Fitzpatrick passed for 191 yards and three touchdowns for Miami, while the Dolphins defense gave up 75 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground to Cam Newton. Josh Allen can do damage with his legs as well, running for 57 yards and a touchdown last week, but he also passed for 312 yards and two touchdowns.
On top of this, Buffalo travels well. They were better on the road last season, covering the spread in 85.7 percent of games, which ranked second in the league. Look for them to do it again here.
Pick: Bills -5.5
Kansas City Chiefs (-8.5) at Los Angeles Chargers
Let’s start this by looking at a couple of trends. First Kansas City has covered the spread in 65.6 percent of their games since 2013 (year Andy Reid became coach) when they were a road favorite, which is the best in the league. They have covered the spread in 56.5 percent of games that they have a rest advantage, over the same span.
Now, the Chargers defense is legit. However, the offense left a lot to be desired in Week 1, scoring just 16 points against the Bengals. While the Chargers have two solid cornerbacks, in Casey Hayward and Chris Harris Jr., they are not speedy players. We know Kansas City is the fastest offense in the league, and I think these guys get caught chasing.
Simply, the Chargers did not show last week that they have enough offense to keep up with the Chiefs. With extra days to prepare, Kansas City should come out and put a beating on their divisional foe.
Pick: Chiefs -8.5
New Orleans Saints (-5.5) at Las Vegas Raiders
No Michael Thomas, no problem. Of course, losing Thomas is a massive loss for this offense. However, the Saints were miles ahead of the Raiders in the first place. In Week 1, the Raiders struggled to defend the pass, as was the case all last season. They allowed Teddy Bridgewater to pass for 270 yards and a touchdown while sacking him just once. Facing the Saints, the Raiders will need to defend against a tougher quarterback, and the Saints offensive line will be even tougher to generate pressure against.
The Saints would win this game no matter what day it was, but the fact that it is a Monday night game should mean even greater things out of Brees. The veteran passer has completed over 70 percent of his passes for an average of of 302.2 yards on Monday nights for his career. Look for him to step up yet again, utilizing all of the other weapons he has around him.
Pick: Saints -5.5
Week 1 Results: 4-0-1
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Zach Brunner is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Zach, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyFlurry.