Matthew Freedman’s NFL Week 2 Projected Spreads, Predictions & Best Bets

by Matthew Freedman |
Sep 15, 2022

My projections and best bets breakdown last week was robust. This weekâ€™s version will be much sleeker.

Because Iâ€™m lazy.

In this article each week Iâ€™ll present 1) my personal spread projections for each game, 2) the bets against the spread (ATS) that I like and 3) the five games that â€” as of writing on Wednesday â€” Iâ€™m most likely to enter into the $1M DraftKings picks contest. On Sunday, Iâ€™ll tweet out my final five for the contest and embed that tweet here as an update.

All odds are from the following sportsbooks.

Check out our BettingPros matchups page, where you can see the percentage distributions of spread, over/under and moneyline bets tracked in the BettingPros App.

Freedmanâ€™s Week 1 Projections Against the Spread

Here are my personal spread projections for each Week 1 game ordered according to when each game kicks off. The consensus lines are pulled from our BettingPros odds page on Wednesday morning and are presented â€” along with my projected lines and edges â€” from the perspective of the home team.

Odds as of Wed., 3:15 pm ET.

Home Team	Road Team	Consensus Line	Freedman Line	Projected Edge
KC	LAC	-4	-6.5	-2.5
NYG	CAR	-2	-1.75	0.25
PIT	NE	2	-0.75	-2.75
NO	TB	2.5	1.5	-1
CLE	NYJ	-6	-5	1
BAL	MIA	-3.5	-4	-0.5
JAX	IND	4	2.5	-1.5
DET	WAS	-1.5	-1.5	0
LAR	ATL	-10.5	-12.25	-1.75
SF	SEA	-9.5	-9.25	0.25
DEN	HOU	-10	-9.25	0.75
LV	ARI	-5.5	-1.5	4
DAL	CIN	8	6	-2
GB	CHI	-10	-10.25	-0.25
BUF	TEN	-10	-10.25	-0.25
PHI	MIN	-2.5	-2.75	-0.25

Based on my current projections, Iâ€™m willing to bet on five teams at their consensus lines right now.

Chiefs -4 vs. Chargers
Steelers +2 vs. Patriots
Rams -10.5 vs. Falcons
Cardinals +5.5 at Raiders
Packers -10 vs. Bears

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

Check out our Chargers at Chiefs matchup page.

Kickoff: Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, 8:15 pm ET
Location: Arrowhead Stadium
TV: Prime Video

Chargers at Chiefs: Consensus Lines

Spread: Chiefs -4
Over/Under: 54.5
Moneyline: Chiefs -200, Chargers +175

Chargers at Chiefs: Betting Percentages

Data from Action Network and as of Sept. 14.

Spread: Chargers â€“ 33% bets, 40% money
Over/Under: Under â€“ 28% bets, 55% money
Moneyline: Chargers â€“ 35% bets, 44% money

Chargers at Chiefs: Key Injuries

Los Angeles Chargers Injuries

WR Keenan Allen (hamstring): OUT
TE Donald Parham (hamstring): OUT
CB J.C. Jackson (ankle): Questionable
Chargers Injury News

Kansas City Chiefs Injuries

CB Trent McDuffie (hamstring, IR): OUT
RT Lucas Niang (knee, PUP): OUT
TE Blake Bell (hip, IR): OUT
K Harrison Butker (ankle): OUT
Chiefs Injury News

Chargers at Chiefs: Notable Trends

Data from Action Network and goes back to 2003. Abbreviations: Against the spread (ATS), return on investment (ROI), moneyline (ML).

Los Angeles Chargers Trends

Teams With Back-to-Back Divisional Games: 32-18-2 ATS (25.4% ROI) in Week 2

Kansas City Chiefs Trends

HC Andy Reid: 33-20-1 ATS (21.8% ROI) in division (with Chiefs only)
HC Andy Reid: 24-13 ATS (27.8% ROI) in Weeks 1-4 (with Chiefs only)
QB Patrick Mahomes: 13-8-1 ATS (19.5%) in primetime (including postseason)

Chargers at Chiefs: Key Statistics

Advanced data from RBs Donâ€™t Matter and Football Outsiders. Basic stats from Pro Football Reference. Regular season only. Abbreviations: Expected Points Added (EPA), Success Rate (SR), Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA).

Chargers Offense vs. Chiefs Defense: 2022

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	0.067	11	0.006	14	3
Total SR	45.3%	14	40.3%	8	-6
Total DVOA	11.8%	11	0.5%	16	5

Chargers Offense vs. Chiefs Defense: 2021

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	0.088	5	0.038	23	18
Total SR	47.4%	5	47.1%	29	24
Total DVOA	16.0%	4	4.5%	24	20

Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback Statistics

Data from RBs Donâ€™t Matter, Pro Football Reference, ESPN and NFElo. Abbreviations: Completion Percentage Over Expectation (CPOE), Adjusted Yards per Attempt (AY/A), Adjusted Total Quarterback Rating (QBR), Quarterback Elo Value (QB Elo). 2022 data: Min. 20 plays for EPA + CPOE & Air Yards. Min. 14 pass attempts per scheduled game for AY/A. Min. 20 action plays per game for QBR. 2021 data: Min. 200 plays for EPA + CPOE & Air Yards. Min. 14 pass attempts per scheduled game for AY/A. Min. 20 action plays per game for QBR.

2022: Justin Herbert

EPA + CPOE: 0.206 (No. 5)
AY/A: 10.0 (No. 2)
QBR: 84.8 (No. 3)
ATS Value vs. Average: 3.0 (No. 3)

2021: Justin Herbert

EPA + CPOE: 0.123 (No. 9)
AY/A: 7.6 (No. 10)
QBR: 70.9 (No. 3)
ATS Value vs. Average: 3.3 (No. 5)

Career: Justin Herbert

AY/A: 7.6
QB Elo per Game: 78.4

Chiefs Offense vs. Chargers Defense: 2022

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	0.435	1	-0.125	8	7
Total SR	58.6%	1	42.9%	12	11
Total DVOA	44.5%	1	-33.7%	3	2

Chiefs Offense vs. Chargers Defense: 2021

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	0.14	2	0.044	24	22
Total SR	51.1%	1	46.8%	27	26
Total DVOA	18.1%	3	4.8%	26	23

Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Statistics

2022: Patrick Mahomes

EPA + CPOE: 0.358 (No. 1)
AY/A: 11.8 (No. 1)
QBR: 94.1 (No. 1)
ATS Value vs. Average: 5.2 (No. 1)

2021: Patrick Mahomes

EPA + CPOE: 0.146 (No. 3)
AY/A: 7.6 (No. 11)
QBR: 67.7 (No. 5)
ATS Value vs. Average: 3.9 (No. 3)

Career: Patrick Mahomes

AY/A: 8.7
QB Elo per Game: 120.0

Key Matchup: TE Travis Kelce vs. Chargers Pass Defense

For the first two years of his career, All-Pro S Derwin James â€” within DC Gus Bradleyâ€™s defense â€” effectively erased Kelce in their head-to-head matchups.

2018, Week 1: 1-6-0 receiving | six targets
2018, Week 15: 7-61-0 receiving | nine targets
2019, Week 17: 3-24-0 receiving | five targets

Enter defense-focused HC Brandon Staley with his new scheme in 2021, and all of a sudden Derwin is literally defenseless against Kelce.

2021,Week 3: 7-104-0 receiving | 11 targets
2021,Week 15: 10-191-2 receiving | 13 targets

If the Chargers canâ€™t stop Kelce, theyâ€™re not winning this game.

Bet: Chiefs -4 (-107, PointsBet)
First Recommended: Chiefs -3 (-110)
Personal Projection: Chiefs -6.5
Limit: Chiefs -5.5

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers

Check out our Patriots at Steelers matchup page.

Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, 1 pm ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium
TV: CBS

Patriots at Steelers: Consensus Lines

Spread: Patriots -2
Over/Under: 40
Moneyline: Patriots -126, Steelers +108

Patriots at Steelers: Betting Percentages

Data from Action Network and as of Sept. 14.

Spread: Patriots â€“ 35% bets, 60% money
Over/Under: Under â€“ 74% bets, 94% money
Moneyline: Steelers â€“ 73% bets, 81% money

Patriots at Steelers: Key Injuries

New England Patriots Injuries

RB Ty Montgomery (ankle, IR): OUT
WR Tyquan Thornton (shoulder, IR): OUT
EDGE Ronnie Perkins (undisclosed, IR): OUT
CB Joejuan Williams (shoulder, IR): OUT
LB Jaâ€™Whaun Bentley (toe): DNP on Wed.
S Adrian Phillips (ribs): LP on Wed.
LG Cole Strange (shoulder): LP on Wed.
QB Mac Jones (back): FP on Wed.
Patriots Injury News

Pittsburgh Steelers Injuries

S Damontae Kazee (wrist, IR): OUT
S Karl Joseph (undisclosed, IR): OUT
WR Calvin Austin (foot, IR): OUT
EDGE T.J. Watt (pectoral): DNP on Wed., projected OUT
RB Najee Harris (foot): LP on Wed.
CB Levi Wallace (ankle): LP on Wed.
LB Robert Spillane (eye): LP on Wed.
C Mason Cole (ankle): LP on Wed.
Steelers Injury News

Patriots at Steelers: Notable Trends

Data from Action Network and goes back to 2003. Abbreviations: Against the spread (ATS), return on investment (ROI), moneyline (ML).

New England Patriots Trends

HC Bill Belichick: 29-24 ATS (8.0% ROI) without QB Tom Brady
HC Bill Belichick: 39-16 ATS (41.7% ROI) off a loss
HC Bill Belichick: 9-4 ATS (40.3% ROI) without QB Tom Brady off a loss

Pittsburgh Steelers Trends

HC Mike Tomlin: 46-23-2 ATS (29.8% ROI) as underdog
HC Mike Tomlin: 38-33 ML (35.9% ROI) as underdog
HC Mike Tomlin: 63-55-3 ATS (4.7% ROI) at home
HC Mike Tomlin: 87-32-1 ML (12.4% ROI) at home
HC Mike Tomlin: 14-3-2 ATS (54.1% ROI) as home underdog
HC Mike Tomlin: 13-6 ML (63.1% ROI) as home underdog

Patriots at Steelers: Key Statistics

Patriots Offense vs. Steelers Defense: 2022

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	-0.201	30	-0.174	6	-24
Total SR	47.3%	11	39.4%	7	-4
Total DVOA	-10.7%	23	-31.9%	4	-19

Patriots Offense vs. Steelers Defense: 2021

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	0.07	10	0.006	16	6
Total SR	48.6%	4	43.5%	12	8
Total DVOA	10.5%	9	-0.6%	14	5

New England Patriots Quarterback Statistics

2022: Mac Jones

EPA + CPOE: 0.064 (No. 16)
AY/A: 6.3 (No. 21)
QBR: 9.7 (No. 32)
ATS Value vs. Average: -0.3 (No. 20)

2021: Mac Jones

EPA + CPOE: 0.114 (No. 12)
AY/A: 7.0 (No. 16)
QBR: 50.9 (No. 16)
ATS Value vs. Average: -0.08 (No. 24)

Career: Mac Jones

AY/A: 7.6
QB Elo per Game: -16.4

Steelers Offense vs. Patriots Defense: 2022

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	-0.117	24	0.051	18	-6
Total SR	34.4%	31	48.3%	24	-7
Total DVOA	-17.0%	26	-2.5%	13	-13

Steelers Offense vs. Patriots Defense: 2021

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	-0.051	23	-0.063	4	-19
Total SR	40.2%	30	42.5%	7	-23
Total DVOA	-11.0%	25	-12.8%	4	-21

Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Statistics

2022: Mitchell Trubisky

EPA + CPOE: -0.013 (No. 30)
AY/A: 5.6 (No. 24)
QBR: 48.0 (No. 18)
ATS Value vs. Average: 0.4 (No. 12)

2021: Mitchell Trubisky

EPA + CPOE: N/A
AY/A: N/A
QBR: N/A
ATS Value vs. Average: N/A

Career: Mitchell Trubisky

AY/A: 7.6
QB Elo per Game: -15.9

Key Matchup: Steelers Run Defense vs. Patriots Run Offense

Last year, the Patriots had one of the best rushing offenses in the league, and the Steelers had a mediocre-at-best run defense.

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
Rush EPA	-0.012	7	-0.022	27	20
Rush SR	45.7%	4	41.1%	19	15
Rush DVOA	4.9%	7	-0.8%	27	20
Adj. Line Yards	4.52	9	4.34	19	10

In Week 1, however, the script was flipped.

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
Rush EPA	-0.185	22	-0.175	12	-10
Rush SR	45.0%	15	20.0%	1	-14
Rush DVOA	-9.7%	25	-29.6%	5	-20
Adj. Line Yards	3.88	23	2.92	2	-21

Against the rebuilt Bengals offensive line in Week 1, the Steelers defensive front seven strongly asserted itself, holding RB Joe Mixon to just 3.0 yards per carry on 27 attempts.

Like the Bengals, the Patriots significantly altered their offensive line this offseason. They traded RG Shaq Mason and lost LG Ted Karras in free agency. They move OT Trent Brown from the right side to the left, and they moved OT Isaiah Wynn from the left to the right. They moved OL Michael Onwenu from right tackle in 2020 and left guard/right tackle in 2021 to right guard this year. And they drafted LG Cole Strange in the first round.

On top of that, they shifted away from a gap-heavy power rushing attack and toward a Shanahan-style zone-blocking scheme this offseason, and the results were not positive in Week 1, as RBs Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson and Ty Montgomery combined for just 71 yards on 19 carries.

EDGE T.J. Watt (pectoral) â€” the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year â€” is out with an injury, and his presence certainly impacts the game: He might be worth 1.5 points against the spread.

But the Patriots offense is based on the running game, and Wattâ€™s value is primarily as a pass rusher (65 sacks in 2018-21), not as a run defender. With DTs Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Chris Wormley and Tyson Alualu on the interior, the Steelers still could challenge the Patriots in the trenches.

Bet: Steelers +2.5 (-107, PointsBet)
First Recommended: Steelers +1.5 (-110)
Personal Projection: Steelers -0.75
Limit: Steelers +1.5

Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams

Check out our Falcons at Rams matchup page.

Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, 3:05 pm ET
Location: SoFi Stadium
TV: FOX

Falcons at Rams: Consensus Lines

Spread: Rams -10.5
Over/Under: 46.5
Moneyline: Rams -600, Falcons +430

Falcons at Rams: Betting Percentages

Data from Action Network and as of Sept. 14.

Spread: Falcons â€“ 60% bets, 76% money
Over/Under: Under â€“ 38% bets, 91% money
Moneyline: Falcons â€“ 7% bets, 64% money

Falcons at Rams: Key Injuries

Atlanta Falcons Injuries

LB Deion Jones (Shoulder, IR): OUT
LG Jalen Mayfield (Back, IR): OUT
CB Isaiah Oliver (knee, IR): OUT
DT Marlon Davidson (knee, IR): OUT
RB Damien Williams (ribs): DNP on Wed.
Falcons Injury News

Los Angeles Rams Injuries

RB Kyren Williams (ankle, IR): OUT
G Logan Bruss (knee, IR): OUT
LB Travin Howard (groin, PUP): OUT
C Brian Allen (knee): DNP on Wed.
LT Joseph Noteboom (knee): DNP on Wed.
LS Matthew Orzech (calf): DNP on Wed.
WR Van Jefferson (knee): DNP on Wed.
Rams Injury News

Falcons at Rams: Notable Trends

Data from Action Network and goes back to 2003. Abbreviations: Against the spread (ATS), return on investment (ROI), moneyline (ML).

Atlanta Falcons Trends

HC Arthur Smith: 5-3-1 ATS (15.4% ROI) on road
East Coast Teams: 115-94-8 ATS (6.3% ROI) on West Coast for afternoon game

Los Angeles Rams Trends

HC Sean McVay: 8-3 ATS (42.6% ROI) in Weeks 1-2
HC Sean McVay: 28-22-1 ATS (9.3% ROI) against non-playoff teams
HC Sean McVay: 11-6 ATS (25.8% ROI) off a loss

Falcons at Rams: Key Statistics

Falcons Offense vs. Rams Defense: 2022

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	0.003	20	0.175	30	10
Total SR	51.4%	5	52.6%	30	25
Total DVOA	20.3%	5	20.1%	27	22

Falcons Offense vs. Rams Defense: 2021

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	-0.076	27	-0.025	9	-18
Total SR	41.2%	27	44.5%	15	-12
Total DVOA	-17.1%	28	-8.5%	5	-23

Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Statistics

2022: Marcus Mariota

EPA + CPOE: 0.062 (No. 17)
AY/A: 6.5 (No. 20)
QBR: 57.9 (No. 10)
ATS Value vs. Average: -0.7 (No. 23)

2021: Marcus Mariota

EPA + CPOE: N/A
AY/A: N/A
QBR: N/A
ATS Value vs. Average: N/A

Career: Marcus Mariota

AY/A: 7.2
QB Elo per Game: -11.3

Rams Offense vs. Falcons Defense: 2022

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	-0.251	31	0.131	28	-3
Total SR	40.3%	24	52.6%	30	6
Total DVOA	-45.5%	31	15.0%	25	-6

Rams Offense vs. Falcons Defense: 2021

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	0.082	8	0.08	28	20
Total SR	46.6%	9	48.2%	32	23
Total DVOA	10.6%	8	11.3%	30	22

Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Statistics

2022: Matthew Stafford

EPA + CPOE: 0.023 (No. 21)
AY/A: 3.0 (No. 33)
QBR: 23.6 (No. 28)
ATS Value vs. Average: 0.9 (No. 8)

2021: Matthew Stafford

EPA + CPOE: 0.129 (No. 6)
AY/A: 8.2 (No. 5)
QBR: 69.2 (No. 4)
ATS Value vs. Average: 0.6 (No. 11)

Career: Matthew Stafford

AY/A: 7.2
QB Elo per Game: 22.2

Key Matchup: WR Cooper Kupp vs. SCBs Dee Alford & Mike Ford

You know who Kupp is.

Heâ€™s the guy who last year led the league with an obscene 191 targets and 37 red-zone targets, which he leveraged into a Triple Crown 145-1,947-16 receiving stat line (per our Advanced Wide Receiver Stats Report). In 17 games, only thrice did Kupp have fewer than 10 targets (per our Weekly Target Report). And then in Week 1 he ran a route on 100% of QB Matthew Staffordâ€™s dropbacks, played on 100% of the offensive snaps and went 13-128-1 receiving on 15 targets against a Bills defense that last year was No. 1 in pass DVOA (-23.0%).

Kupp is good.

And the Falcons defense is horrible in pass defense. Last year, it was No. 29 in pass DVOA (20.2%). Last week, it was No. 30 (5.3%).

In our internal FantasyPros unit power rankings, we see the Rams pass catchers as having a significant edge over the Falcons secondary.

Rank	WRs & TEs	Opp Secondary	Secondary Rank	Edge
5	LAR	ATL	17	12

The Falcons have strength on the perimeter with CBs A.J. Terrell and Casey Hayward, but Kupp lines up most in the slot, where CBs Dee Alford (undrafted rookie) and Mike Ford (journeyman, 9.9 yards per target for career) played in Week 1.

Bet: Rams -10.5 (-110, DraftKings)
First Recommended: Rams -10.5 (-106)
Personal Projection: Rams -12.25
Limit: Rams -11

Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders

Check out our Cardinals at Raiders matchup page.

Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, 3:25 pm ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium
TV: CBS

Cardinals at Raiders: Consensus Lines

Spread: Raiders -5.5
Over/Under: 51.5
Moneyline: Raiders -225, Cardinals +195

Cardinals at Raiders: Betting Percentages

Data from Action Network and as of Sept. 14.

Spread: Raiders â€“ 52% bets, 59% money
Over/Under: Over â€“ 77% bets, 92% money
Moneyline: Cardinals â€“ 39% bets, 96% money

Cardinals at Raiders: Key Injuries

Arizona Cardinals Injuries

WR DeAndre Hopkins (suspension): OUT
WR Antoine Wesley (groin, IR): OUT
G/T Cody Ford (ankle, IR): OUT
CB Antonio Hamilton (foot, PUP): OUT
S Charles Washington (chest, IR): OUT
QB Colt McCoy (calf, IR): OUT
TE Zach Ertz (calf): DNP on Wed.
WR Andy Isabella (back): DNP on Wed.
WR Rondale Moore (hamstring): DNP on Wed.
EDGE J.J. Watt (calf): DNP on Wed.
S Jalen Thompson (toe): DNP on Wed.
CB Trayvon Mullen (toe): LP on Wed.
LG Justin Pugh (neck): LP on Wed.
Cardinals Injury News

Las Vegas Raiders Injuries

CB Anthony Averett (thumb, IR): OUT
RT Brandon Parker (triceps, IR): OUT
EDGE Jordan Jenkins (knee, IR): OUT
LB Micah Kiser (leg, IR): OUT
C Andre James (concussion): DNP on Wed.
LB Denzel Perryman (ankle): DNP on Wed.
S Treâ€™von Moehrig (hip): DNP on Wed.
RB Brandon Bolden (hamstring): DNP on Wed.
Raiders Injury News

Cardinals at Raiders: Notable Trends

Data from Action Network and goes back to 2003. Abbreviations: Against the spread (ATS), return on investment (ROI), moneyline (ML).

Arizona Cardinals Trends

HC Kliff Kingsbury: 17-6-2 ATS (40.5% ROI) on road
HC Kliff Kingsbury: 18-8-2 ATS (32.5% ROI) as underdog
HC Kliff Kingsbury: 13-3-2 ATS (53.1% ROI) as road underdog

Las Vegas Raiders Trends

QB Derek Carr: 13-23-1 ATS (23.4% ROI for faders) as favorite
QB Derek Carr: 1-6-1 ATS (57.1% ROI for faders) as favorite vs. playoff team
Home Favorites: 342-404-25 (5.4% ROI for faders) off a loss

Cardinals at Raiders: Key Statistics

Cardinals Offense vs. Raiders Defense: 2022

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	0.006	19	0.067	22	3
Total SR	40.3%	24	45.3%	18	-6
Total DVOA	-14.4%	24	9.6%	20	-4

Cardinals Offense vs. Raiders Defense: 2021

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	0.079	9	0.061	25	16
Total SR	46.8%	7	44.5%	15	8
Total DVOA	3.2%	15	0.6%	17	2

Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Statistics

2022: Kyler Murray

EPA + CPOE: 0.058 (No. 17)
AY/A: 6.9 (No. 17)
QBR: 52.9 (No. 13)
ATS Value vs. Average: 1.4 (No. 7)

2021: Kyler Murray

EPA + CPOE: 0.123 (No. 8)
AY/A: 7.9 (No. 8)
QBR: 63.2 (No. 7)
ATS Value vs. Average: 2.8 (No. 7)

Career: Kyler Murray

AY/A: 7.2
QB Elo per Game: 64.7

Raiders Offense vs. Cardinals Defense: 2022

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	-0.125	25	0.435	32	7
Total SR	42.9%	21	58.6%	32	11
Total DVOA	-30.5%	29	47.0%	32	3

Raiders Offense vs. Cardinals Defense: 2021

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	-0.001	20	-0.062	6	-14
Total SR	45.2%	13	43.9%	14	1
Total DVOA	-3.4%	19	-8.2%	6	-13

Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback Statistics

2022: Derek Carr

EPA + CPOE: 0.014 (No. 23)
AY/A: 5.4 (No. 25)
QBR: 26.9 (No. 26)
ATS Value vs. Average: -0.8 (No. 24)

2021: Derek Carr

EPA + CPOE: 0.105 (No. 16)
AY/A: 7.4 (No. 12)
QBR: 58.4 (No. 14)
ATS Value vs. Average: 0.0 (No. 16)

Career: Derek Carr

AY/A: 7.1
QB Elo per Game: 13.5

Key Matchup: QB Kyler Murray vs. Raiders Coverage Unit

Say what you want about his perennial second-half falloff: Murray is a top-10 quarterback â€” especially early in the year, before he has accumulated all the hits that come with the NFL season.

Yes, heâ€™s without perimeter WRs DeAndre Hopkins (suspension) and Antoine Wesley (groin, IR). He might also be without slot WR Rondale Moore (hamstring).

But the Raiders also have issues. In Week 1, they allowed Chargers QB Justin Herbert to go off with 279-3-0 passing on a 76.5% completion rate and 10.0 AY/A. They were No. 30 in dropback EPA per play (0.483). And itâ€™s not as if they were great last year in pass defense, rankings No. 26 in dropback EPA per play (0.167).

Part of the challenge for the Raiders is that theyâ€™ve experienced heavy turnover this offseason at cornerback, and so their back-end unit has little cohesion.

Last year, the Raiders top perimeter corners were Casey Hayward, Trayvon Mullen, Brandon Facyson and Desmond Trufant.

Theyâ€™re all gone.

Replacing them are CBs Rock-Ya Sin and Anthony Averett (thumb, IR), the second of whom is already out with an injury, which means that last yearâ€™s No. 5 perimeter corner, Amik Robertson, is now starting. Yikes.

Returning from last year is slot CB Nate Hobbs, a 2021 fifth-rounder who has allowed an 81.4% completion rate for his career.

At safety the Raiders have the mediocre duo of Johnathan Abram and Treâ€™von Moehrig (hip), who didnâ€™t practice on Wednesday. And LB Denzel Perryman (ankle), the teamâ€™s main off-ball coverage backer, also missed practice on Wednesday due to injury.

And the players are adjusting to a new scheme under DC Patrick Graham.

Within our FantasyPros unit power rankings, we see Murray as having a significant edge against the Raiders defense in general and the secondary in particular.

Rank	Quarterback	Offense	Opp Defense	Defense Rank	Secondary Rank	QB-Def Edge	QB-Sec Edge
9	Kyler Murray	ARI	LV	23	26	14	17

In the offseason market, this line was Raiders -2.5. In the Thursday lookahead market last week, this number was still -2.5. The market reopened at -3 on Sunday night, the line quickly moved to -3.5 and within 24 hours it was at -5.5 and even -6, where it met resistance and was bet back down to -5.5.

This line is an overreaction to how badly the Cardinals looked against the Chiefs in Week 1. If Murray can be his usual self against a subpar Raiders secondary, the Cardinals will have a good chance to cover.

Bet: Cardinals +5.5 (-107, PointsBet)
First Recommended: Cardinals +5.5 (-110)
Personal Projection: Cardinals +1.5
Limit: Cardinals +3.5

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

Check out our Bears at Packers matchup page.

Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, 8:20 pm ET
Location: Lambeau Field
TV: NBC

Bears at Packers: Consensus Lines

Spread: Packers -10
Over/Under: 42.5
Moneyline: Packers -475, Bears +360

Bears at Packers: Betting Percentages

Data from Action Network and as of Sept. 14.

Spread: Packers â€“ 37% bets, 74% money
Over/Under: Under â€“ 50% bets, 91% money
Moneyline: Bears â€“ 61% bets, 68% money

Bears at Packers: Key Injuries

Chicago Bears Injuries

CB Tavon Young (leg, IR): OUT
G Dakota Dozier (knee, IR): OUT
OT Alex Leatherwood (illness, PUP): OUT
WR Nâ€™Keal Harry (ankle, IR): OUT
WR Velus Jones (hamstring): LP on Wed.
OT Riley Reiff (shoulder): LP on Wed.
Falcons Injury News

Green Bay Packers Injuries

LB Krys Barnes (ankle, IR): OUT
LG Jon Ruynan (concussion): DNP on Wed.
LT David Bakhtiari (knee): LP on Wed.
RT Elgton Jenkins (knee): LP on Wed.
WR Allen Lazard (ankle): LP on Wed.
Packers Injury News

Bears at Packers: Notable Trends

Data from Action Network and goes back to 2003. Abbreviations: Against the spread (ATS), return on investment (ROI), moneyline (ML).

Chicago Bears Trends

QB Justin Fields: 4-7 ATS (23.1% ROI for faders) overall
QB Justin Fields: 3-7 ATS (35.4% ROI for faders) as underdog
QB Justin Fields: 0-2 ATS (92.2% ROI for faders) vs. Packers

Green Bay Packers Trends

QB Aaron Rodgers: 65-34-4 ATS (27.1% ROI) at home
QB Aaron Rodgers: 48-30 ATS (20.4% ROI) in division
QB Aaron Rodgers: 26-12 ATS (33.6% ROI) at home in division
QB Aaron Rodgers: 20-7 ATS (44.8% ROI) vs. Bears
QB Aaron Rodgers: 38-27-2 ATS (13.2% ROI) in primetime
Teams With Back-to-Back Divisional Games: 32-18-2 ATS (25.4% ROI) in Week 2
Teams With Back-to-Back Divisional Games: 17-4-1 ATS (58.9% ROI) in Week 2 off a loss

Bears at Packers: Key Statistics

Bears Offense vs. Packers Defense: 2022

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	-0.004	22	0.096	26	4
Total SR	32.7%	32	41.9%	11	-21
Total DVOA	-14.8%	25	25.3%	31	6

Bears Offense vs. Packers Defense: 2021

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	-0.087	29	0.02	19	-10
Total SR	41.4%	26	46.6%	26	0
Total DVOA	-13.6%	26	3.6%	22	-4

Chicago Bears Quarterback Statistics

2022: Justin Fields

EPA + CPOE: 0.011 (No. 28)
AY/A: 6.8 (No. 18)
QBR: 42.1 (No. 22)
ATS Value vs. Average: -1.8 (No. 31)

2021: Justin Fields

EPA + CPOE: 0.014 (No. 34)
AY/A: 5.8 (No. 28)
QBR: 31.4 (No. 31)
ATS Value vs. Average: -2.3 (No. 41)

Career: Justin Fields

AY/A: 5.8
QB Elo per Game: -100.5

Packers Offense vs. Bears Defense: 2022

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	-0.192	29	-0.19	5	-24
Total SR	45.8%	13	40.6%	10	-3
Total DVOA	9.7%	14	-17.0%	7	-7

Packers Offense vs. Bears Defense: 2021

Metric	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense Edge
EPA per Play	0.136	3	0.032	22	19
Total SR	48.9%	3	44.5%	15	12
Total DVOA	20.2%	2	-0.9%	13	11

Green Bay Packers Quarterback Statistics

2022: Aaron Rodgers

EPA + CPOE: 0.013 (No. 27)
AY/A: 4.4 (No. 29)
QBR: 16.1 (No. 29)
ATS Value vs. Average: 2.8 (No. 5)

2021: Aaron Rodgers

EPA + CPOE: 0.176 (No. 1)
AY/A: 8.8 (No. 2)
QBR: 74.1 (No. 1)
ATS Value vs. Average: 4.1 (No. 2)

Career: Aaron Rodgers

AY/A: 8.4
QB Elo per Game: 82.0

Key Matchup: QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Bears Secondary

The Packers scored only seven points in Week 1, and Rodgers looked horrible with 22-of-34 for 195-0-1 passing, but the Packers were without LT David Bakhtiari (knee), RT Elgton Jenkins (knee) and No. 1 WR Allen Lazard (ankle), all of whom practiced on Wednesday and have a chance to return in Week 2.

The Packers suffered an embarrassing 38-3 road loss to the Saints in Week 1 last year â€” and then they went 13-3 the rest of the way and captured the No. 1 seed as Rodgers won his second straight MVP. The Packers are at Lambeau Field, plus â€¦

â€¦ theyâ€™re facing the Bears.

I donâ€™t think thereâ€™s a question as to whether Rodgers will bounce back in this game. The question is how big the bounceback will be.

The Bears enjoyed a great, weather-aided 19-10 victory as home underdogs to the 49ers last week, holding QB Trey Lance to 13-of-28 for 164-0-1 passing.

But thatâ€™s Lance â€” not Rodgers â€” and that happened in the pouring rain.

In our FantasyPros power rankings, Rodgers has a clear edge over the Bears defense in general and secondary in particular, both of which are bottom-four units.

Rank	Quarterback	Offense	Opp Defense	Defense Rank	Secondary Rank	QB-Def Edge	QB-Sec Edge
7	Aaron Rodgers	GB	CHI	30	29	23	22

The Bears specifically have two rookies starting in their secondary: SCB Kyler Gordon and SS Jaquan Brisker.

I expect to see Rodgers attack them heavily with Lazard and TE Robert Tonyan â€” perhaps his two most-trusted pass catchers.

Bet: Packers -10 (-105, DraftKings)
First Recommended: Packers -9.5 (-110)
Personal Projection: Packers -10.25
Limit: Packers -10

Freedmanâ€™s 5 ATS Picks for Season-Long Contests

The five spreads Iâ€™ve highlighted above are the ones that right (right now) Iâ€™m leaning toward in the DraftKings picks contest.

Note: The lines for this contest can vary from those highlighted above.

Chiefs -4.5 vs. Chargers
Steelers +1.5 vs. Patriots
Rams -10.5 vs. Falcons
Cardinals +5.5 at Raiders
Packers -9.5 vs. Bears

Also in consideration are:

Panthers +2.5 at Giants
Saints +2.5 vs. Buccaneers
Jaguars +4.5 vs. Colts
Cowboys +7.5 vs. Bengals
Bills -9.5 vs. Titans

In this expanded list, the Jaguars, Saints, and Panthers most catch my eye.

My personal projection shows some value on the Cowboys â€” especially through the key number of +7 â€” but Iâ€™m highly skeptical of backup QB Cooper Rush and the injured offensive lines.

Look for my tweet update on Sunday before kickoff.

UPDATE (9/18): Hereâ€™s the tweet.

Week 1 Record

Picks in articles and tracker: 5-3 (+1.75)
Picks in $1M DraftKings picks pool: 3-2

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Freedmanâ€™s Week 1 Projections Against the Spread

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers

Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams

Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

Freedmanâ€™s 5 ATS Picks for Season-Long Contests

Week 1 Record