NFL Week 2 spread picks: Chiefs-Bengals, Eagles-Falcons and more

Week 1 went relatively well for our crew with one exception: Everyone on our panel picked the Miami Dolphins to cover -3.5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Whoops.

Other lessons from last Sunday include never trusting these Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 again and pumping the brakes on the Atlanta Falcons’ resurgence.

Onto Week 2.

Name	Record
Blake Schuster	9-6-1
Christian D’Andrea	9-6-1
Charles Curtis	8-7-1
Cory Woodroof	8-7-1
Prince Grimes	6-9-1
Robert Zeglinski	6-9-1

All odds via BetMGM

Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills (Thursday Night)

Opening Line: Dolphins -1

Blake Schuster: Bills +2.5

Oh wow, I just remembered how much I hate betting TNF. Give me the points, I guess, but I’m hammering the under.

Prince Grimes: Dolphins -2.5

But I’m taking the Bills if it gets up to -3, which I doubt it does.

Charles Curtis: Bills +2.5

Josh Allen doesn’t need big name receivers to win football games. Here, he’ll cover in a divisional short-week matchup.

Cory Woodroof: Dolphins -2.5

The Bills defense is going to have to step up and play better than it did against the Cardinals to slow down this explosive Dolphins offense. However, it’ll be close. Guessing Miami wins on a field goal again.

Robert Zeglinski: Bills +2.5

The Bills’ defense is porous and it’s playing in the South Florida heat. Josh Allen keeps Buffalo respectable nonetheless.

Christian D’Andrea: Dolphins -2.5

I don’t have a ton of faith here. I do think Miami’s secondary is a much tougher ask for the Bills’ depleted wideout corps than Arizona was, however.

Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints

Opening Line: Cowboys -6

Blake Schuster: Cowboys -6.5

The Saints have to be feeling pretty good after dropping 47 points on the Panthers while barely using Chris Olave. That joy is a trap. The Cowboys at home are going to humble New Orleans real quick.

Prince Grimes: Cowboys -6.5

I thought about taking the Saints for a second, because Derek Carr isn’t as incompetent as Deshaun Watson. But then again, anyone can look good against the Panthers. Let’s see him do it in Dallas.

Charles Curtis: Cowboys -6.5

Derek Carr looked a little feistier in Week 1, but the Cowboys will win by 10.

Cory Woodroof: Cowboys -6.5

I’ll take the Cowboys at home against a Saints team that may come down a bit from a stellar Week 1 against the Panthers. But don’t be surprised if this game is close throughout.

Robert Zeglinski: Cowboys -6.5

In this here space, beating the Browns means much more than destroying the NFL’s answer to the Chicago White Sox.

Christian D’Andrea: Cowboys -6.5

I mean Vanderbilt pummeled Alcorn State but they’re probably gonna lose to Alabama.

Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts

Opening Line: Packers -4.5

Blake Schuster: Packers +3.5

I’ve seen this movie too many times. Green Bay will make Malik Willis look like Bart Starr and we’ll all wonder why the Packers were ever home dogs.

Prince Grimes: Colts -3.5

Maybe Matt LaFleur can make Malik Willis look like an actual quarterback, but I’m going to have to see it first.

Charles Curtis: Colts -3.5

Malik Willis stinks. That’s it.

Cory Woodroof: Colts -3.5

Indy gets its first win against a Green Bay team without Jordan Love. Malik Willis will play better than expected, but it’ll still be a Colts win.

Robert Zeglinski: Colts -3.5

Malik Willis isn’t an NFL-caliber quarterback and the Colts’ big-play offense was built to exploit defenses like the Packers.

Christian D’Andrea: Packers +3.5

Yeah, Malik Willis isn’t ideal. But he’s got a ton of targets who can lift him up and I don’t like the idea of the Packers laying more than a field goal at home.

Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Opening Line: Lions -6.5

Blake Schuster: Buccaneers +7

Lions win at home, but they don’t make it fun for anyone and we all have to start talking about Baker Mayfield as the best QB in the NFC South

Prince Grimes: Lions -7

Detroit beat Tampa by an average of 11 in two games last year, including an eight-point win in the playoffs after pulling away in the fourth. They love those late covers.

Charles Curtis: Buccaneers +7

Weird spread. The Bucs are better than that. Take the points.

Cory Woodroof: Lions -7

The Bucs played the Lions close in the playoffs last year, so I don’t expect this to be a blowout victory. However, Detroit beating a stout Rams team to start the season will leave it sharper than the Bucs getting a gimme win against a rebuilding Commanders team.

Robert Zeglinski: Lions -7

The Lions cruised over Tampa Bay last year without much resistance in two separate games. Why should I believe anything has changed now?

Christian D’Andrea: Buccaneers +7

Tampa Bay out-gained Detroit in its playoff matchup last year. I don’t think that’ll be enough to win, but it should at least keep things close.

Tennessee Titans vs. New York Jets

Opening Line: Jets -4

Blake Schuster: Titans +3.5

Aaron Rodgers looked like a washed up version of himself following the most prep time he’s had for an opponent in years. The Titans had the Bears in shambles before Will Levis handed the game away. Take the points.

Prince Grimes: Jets -3.5

Mostly because I still believe in this Jets defense and they get to bounce back against Will Levis.

Charles Curtis: Jets -3.5

I hate this pick after what we saw on Monday but I also hate what I saw out of Will Levis.

Cory Woodroof: Jets -3.5

The Titans’ defense can cause a lot of problems for Aaron Rodgers, but I’ll go with the veteran against what the Jets’ defense may be able to do to Will Levis.

Robert Zeglinski: Titans +3.5

This Titans defense is no joke, especially up front with Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat.

Christian D’Andrea: Jets -3.5 Again, don’t love laying more than a field goal on the road, but the Jets defense is gonna be maaaaaaaad after getting bullied by the 49ers and now gets to take it out on the Surrender Cobra himself, Will Levis.

Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers

Opening Line: 49ers -6.5

Blake Schuster: 49ers -6

If you thought the Saints felt good after beating the Panthers, imagine how the Vikings feel after demolishing what was left of Daniel Jones’ confidence. Minnesota will come crashing back down to Earth at home.

Prince Grimes: 49ers -6

Sam Darnold revenge game?! I think not.

Charles Curtis: 49ers -6

The Niners look dominant again, and the Vikings just trounced the Giants. Easy call.

Cory Woodroof: 49ers -6

San Francisco just dismantled a vaunted Jets defense, so I don’t think they’ll have trouble with the Vikings. Plus, Sam Darnold starting the year with the Giants probably inflated his value just a bit.

Robert Zeglinski: 49ers -6

The Sam Darnold Redemption Tour makes an expected and extended stop.

Christian D’Andrea: Vikings +6

The Vikings aren’t as talented as the Jets, even with homefield advantage. But they flustered the Niners last year and Sam Darnold can do a passable Kirk Cousins impression, which could be enough to cover in the Twin Cities.

New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks

Opening Line: Seahawks -3

Blake Schuster: Seahawks -3.5

Staying the course with Seattle, even after they pushed at home against the Broncos in Week 1. This team will continue getting better as Mike Macdonald’s defense rounds into shape.

Prince Grimes: Seahawks -3.5

But I don’t think it’s going to be easy, especially if Kenneth Walker has to miss this game.

Charles Curtis: Seahawks -3.5

The Patriots might grind out some covers, but not this week.

Cory Woodroof: Seahawks +3.5

Kudos to Jerod Mayo and company for getting the win against the Bengals, but one of the league’s most impressive defenses from Week 1 in Seattle will bring them back down to Earth a bit.

Robert Zeglinski: Seahawks -3.5

Mike Macdonald put Bo Nix in a blender. Jacoby Brissett should be very wary. This one might be decided by the matchup between DK Metcalf and Christian Gonzalez. For now, give me Metcalf.

Christian D’Andrea: Seahawks -3.5

The Patriots defense can cover up its flaws elsewhere for a while, but Seattle has the receiving depth to eventually find the end zone and create some late separation.

Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants

Opening Line: Commanders -2.5

Blake Schuster: Commanders -1.5

Jayden Daniels is already better than Daniel Jones. The Commanders’ secondary might be the worst the Giants face all year, but New York doesn’t have a QB it can trust to exploit it.

Prince Grimes: Giants +1.5

Sorry. I just can’t get myself to pick against the Giants in DC. I’ve seen them be bad and win this game too many times.

Charles Curtis: Commanders -1.5

Daniel Jones. That’s all this poor Giants fan has to say.

Cory Woodroof: Commanders -1.5

This game is going to be a slop fest, but I think the Commanders can do just enough at home with Jayden Daniels’ mobility and a solid defensive line to come out with a close win.

Robert Zeglinski: Giants +1.5

The Giants could thoroughly suck against everyone ever, and they’d still find a way to look competent against Washington.

Christian D’Andrea: Commanders -1.5

I’d like to pretend I’ve learned from my mistakes RE: Daniel Jones.

Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Opening Line: Chargers -3.5

Blake Schuster: Panthers +6.5

I’m betting the Panthers aren’t as bad as they were in Week 1. Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy offense means this should be a much closer contest than what we saw against a pass-happy Saints team (before they called off the dogs).

Prince Grimes: Chargers -6.5

Who’s got it better than the Chargers this week? Nobody.

Charles Curtis: Chargers -6.5

Bryce Young. That’s all I have to say.

Cory Woodroof: Chargers -6.5

Losing like the Panthers did in Week 1 is just brutal, and we’re sure the Chargers will enjoy catching Carolina while it’s down for the count to get a double-digit win. I’m not sure why the line isn’t higher for L.A., even on the road.

Robert Zeglinski: Chargers -6.5

Do the Chargers reach 200 total team rushing yards by the end of the first half or at the end of the third quarter?

Christian D’Andrea: Chargers -6.5

Carolina’s an insta-fade until further notice.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns

Opening Line: Jaguars -2

Blake Schuster: Jaguars -3

I reserve the right to change this pick if Trevor Lawrence actually cuts his hair.

Prince Grimes: Jaguars -3

Might fade the Browns all season on principle.

Charles Curtis: Jaguars -3

Deshaun Watson. Sense a pattern with my picks here?

Cory Woodroof: Jaguars -3

The Jacksonville defense is no joke, and it’s going to have a field day against a Browns offense that looked hapless against Dallas.

Robert Zeglinski: Jaguars -3

I’ve lost faith in the Trevor Lawrence-Doug Pederson Project, but hoo boy nothing could ever get me to believe in these sad-sack Browns.

Christian D’Andrea: Jaguars -3

I don’t have a ton of faith in this defense. But I have even less in Deshaun Watson, who is facing renewed scrutiny following a 27th accusation of sexual misconduct after what the NFL itself described as “predatory behavior” relating to his time in Houston.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Opening Line: Ravens -7.5

Blake Schuster: Ravens -9.5

I’m torn on this line because I certainly don’t think the Raiders are as bad as they looked against the Chargers, but Gardner Minshew taking four sacks in that game has me worried about him facing a much stronger defense in Baltimore.

Prince Grimes: Ravens -9.5

I worry about how the Raiders are going to score in this one more than anything.

Charles Curtis: Ravens -9.5

The Raiders are in for a long afternoon.

Cory Woodroof: Ravnes -9.5

The Raiders catching a ticked-off Ravens team that lost in devastating fashion to the Chiefs to start the season is a tough break for Las Vegas.

Robert Zeglinski: Ravens -9.5

A John Harbaugh team coming off a tough loss to a top rival? Oh my goodness. Please keep Antonio Pierce in your thoughts.

Christian D’Andrea: Raiders +9.5

Las Vegas only has two double-digit losses in the Pierce era. Though he appears to have vacated last year’s momentum, I’m willing to give him another shot to prove the back end of 2023 can be replicated.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams

Opening Line: Rams -2.5

Blake Schuster: Cardinals -1.5

I’m telling y’all, this Arizona team is going to turn heads. The Rams are already pretty banged up, too.

Prince Grimes: Rams +1.5

This isn’t me fading the Cards, though. They’ll be tough all year. I just think the Rams are better.

Charles Curtis: Rams +1.5

A tough game to call but when Cooper Kupp catches like 15 passes, you’ll thank me.

Cory Woodroof: Cardinals +1.5

If the Cardinals can play in all four quarters like it did in the first half against the Bills, a dinged-up Rams team coming off a tough game against the Lions is ripe for an upset.

Robert Zeglinski: Rams +1.5

These two squads are kinda neck and neck but if I was gonna pick someone to start 0-2, it’d have to be Arizona.

Christian D’Andrea: Rams +1.5

Arizona doesn’t yet know how to close games. The Rams do (even if a coin toss cost them this chance in Week 1).

Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Opening Line: Steelers -3

Blake Schuster: Steelers -3

Nah, Mike Tomlin isn’t losing to Sean Payton and Bo Nix in 2024.

Prince Grimes: Steelers -3

Bo Nix won’t be able to sleep without seeing TJ Watt after this game.

Charles Curtis: Steelers -3

This should be like two points larger.

Cory Woodroof: Steelers -3

That Pittsburgh defense is going to put Bo Nix in a blender after what it did to Kirk Cousins last week. Sure, Cousins isn’t himself yet, but Nix is a rookie. Justin Fields will do just enough for Pittsburgh to win by a field goal.

Robert Zeglinski: Steelers -3

Will Justin Fields throw a single pass over the middle of the field? How many passes will Bo Nix attempt beyond the line of scrimmage? STAY TUNED!

Christian D’Andrea: Steelers -3

Oh that man Bo Nix is gonna have to describe TJ Watt to his therapist.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Opening Line: Chiefs -3.5

Blake Schuster: Chiefs -6

Hold on, Bengals fans. It’ll get better in a few weeks.

Prince Grimes: Chiefs -6

Ja’Marr Chase hasn’t been practicing. Tee Higgins is hurt. The Bengals aren’t ready to play at this level yet.

Charles Curtis: Chiefs -6

At some point Joe Burrow will come alive. I don’t see it yet.

Cory Woodroof: Chiefs -6

It stinks we’re getting Chiefs-Bengals when Cincy isn’t at its full power yet, but Kansas City keeps the good times rolling against Joe Burrow and company.

Robert Zeglinski: Chiefs -6

The Bengals are banged up at receiver and Joe Burrow is Arctic cold in September. Bad time for the NFL to showcase a matchup featuring its best rivalry.

Christian D’Andrea: Chiefs -6

Man, how do you balance Cincinnati’s competence against Kansas City against its inability to go more than 15 minutes in September without shooting itself in the foot? I dunno man, I’m going with the team that didn’t just lose to the Patriots.

Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears (Sunday Night)

Opening Line: Texans -3.5

Blake Schuster: Bears +7

This Chicago defense is going to keep the Bears in a lot of games they have no business competing in while Caleb Williams and the offense figures things out.

Prince Grimes: Bears +7

Chicago’s defense keeps it close enough. The Texans should still win but I’ll take the points.

Charles Curtis: Texans -7

Caleb Williams looked just OK in his first start, so I won’t take the points here.

Cory Woodroof: Texans -7

The Bears have the defense to slow down the Texans if all goes right, but the team’s offense isn’t ready for prime time yet. Houston starts the year 2-0.

Robert Zeglinski: Bears +7

Chicago might have the best defense in the game, which will keep it afloat enough against Houston even if Caleb Williams does unsurprisingly struggle again.

Christian D’Andrea: Texans -7

I don’t love it. Chicago has the receiving depth to test Houston. But I also saw Caleb Williams’ first game, so…

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons (Monday Night)

Opening Line: Eagles -4

Blake Schuster: Eagles -6.5

I barely trust Atlanta in a noon kickoff. I certainly don’t trust it in primetime.

Prince Grimes: Eagles -6.5

Kirk Cousins still has a bit of rust to knock off before I trust Atlanta.

Charles Curtis: Eagles -6.5

Kirk Cousins’ Achilles heel was his Achilles heel and may be for some time.

Cory Woodroof: Eagles -6.5

The Falcons are stuck with a post-Achilles tear Kirk Cousins going into a hostile Philadelphia territory in primetime. Atlanta will look better than it did last week, but it won’t be enough to steal the win.

Robert Zeglinski: Eagles -6.5

Kellen Moore seems to be exactly what the Eagles’ offense ordered. They’re actually organized and running in rhythm these days! As for Kirk Cousins for the Falcons? Not so much … for now.

Christian D’Andrea: Eagles -6.5

Get back to me when Kirk can operate under center again.