NFL Week 2 Odds & Picks: Best Early Bets (2024)
We think we know everything heading into Week 1. But once Week 1 plays out, we start to realize that we don’t.
The Cincinnati Bengals lost to the New England Patriots to start the season. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns still look awful with Deshaun Watson under center. Oddsmakers favored the Browns against the Cowboys, but that’ll never be the case again with Watson under center.
Finally, the Carolina Panthers didn’t get better. Throw that narrative out the window.
With one week done in the NFL, here’s an early look at my top early picks for Week 2.
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NFL Top Early Week Picks (Week 2)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKingsFanDuel Sportsbook)
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Las Vegas Raiders lost their first game on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders added just ten points in the loss, and head coach Antonio Pierce made a poor analytical decision late in the fourth quarter, which ultimately cost them the game.
Pierce elected to punt the ball and hope his defense could get a stop late in the fourth quarter, down 16-10. After the punt, the Chargers went eight plays and 92 yards for a touchdown to make it a two-score game. When Gardner Minshew and the Raiders got the ball back and wanted to be aggressive, they threw an interception and lost the game.
On the other hand, the Ravens came close to knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. For one, the Ravens will get extra rest. Secondly, the Ravens were inches away from potentially defeating the Chiefs late in the fourth quarter. The Ravens won’t want to start the season 0-2, and with a home game against Pierce and the Raiders, Baltimore will likely get its wish.
John Harbough will coach circles around Antonio Pierce, and Lamar Jackson should have a field day at home. Take the Ravens -8.
Pick: Ravens -8 (-110)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Carolina Panthers
The Chargers have already moved from -3 to -5. However, I think you can still take them at -5 and be fine.
In Week 1, there weren’t many high-scoring games. Yet, the New Orleans Saints scored 47 points against Carolina to begin the season. The Saints converted 22 first downs and added just under 380 total yards of offense. But more importantly, the Panthers were held to ten points after two Bryce Young interceptions and only 193 total yards of offense.
On the other hand, the Chargers controlled the line of scrimmage against the Raiders, holding Las Vegas to 71 rushing yards last week. Los Angeles also added 176 rushing yards of their own, averaging 6.5 yards per rush. The passing game was weaker without Keenan Allen or Mike Williams around. But the Chargers’ style doesn’t need Herbert to throw the ball around anymore. They just need him to protect the ball and add long drives down the field.
That said, the Chargers will likely break out for a couple of big rushes this weekend. The Saints rushed for nearly five yards a carry against Carolina and still scored 47 points despite ten penalties that cost them 95 yards. The Chargers will be way more prepared for this game against Carolina.
Pick: Chargers -5.5 (-110)