Early look at Week 2 spreads for the NFL

The first week of NFL football was fun and (hopefully) profitable. We identified several key lines early last week and were able to bet as sharps. We’re looking to do the same for Week 2 NFL spreads.

After studying the lines and key trends from across the NFL, I’ve found five games with spreads that are simply too attractive to not jump on. We’ll have you covered throughout the 2021 NFL season with weekly spread picks as we look to profit all year long.

Week 2 NFL betting picks

Below are my five favorite Week 2 NFL spread lines along with a brief breakdown of why I’m leaning each direction. All odds are courtesy of our friends at DraftKings Sportsbook. 

Cincinnati Bengals at Chicago Bears betting pick

Bengals (+3, +100, DraftKings Sportsbook)

We hit on the Bengals in Week 1 as we saw the schematic advantages Cincinnati brought to the table. Joe Burrow played as well as expected, and the Bengals unleashed the nasty trio of Joe Mixon, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Bengals may have issues with their pass defense, but that’s not an area that’ll hurt them too much against Chicago.

The Bears should move to Justin Fields sooner than later. Andy Dalton‘s limitations were glaring against the Rams’ defense. And the Bears’ defense is far from the unit we knew a few years ago. Chicago’s weak cornerback play and conservative scheming will cost them against a hungrier Cincinnati roster.

Los Angeles Rams at Indianapolis Colts betting pick

Rams (-4, -115, DraftKings Sportsbook)

What a debut for Matthew Stafford and the Rams. Everything looked relatively easy for the Rams against a weak Chicago secondary. Even Darrell Henderson‘s explosiveness stood out, making the Rams one of the scariest offenses in the NFL.

Meanwhile, Indianapolis was just OK on offense and not nearly good enough on defense to get a win at home against the Seahawks. Carson Wentz took three sacks, and the rushing game was a non-factor. The Colts lack playmakers and quality quarterback play. 

The biggest risk for the Rams not covering is they’re traveling far. But they’re a vastly superior team.

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers betting pick

Saints (-3, -115, DraftKings Sportsbook)

The Panthers won’t roll over and die like the Packers did in Week 1, but they’re outmatched from a roster standpoint. The Saints have one of the stronger rosters in the league and Jameis Winston‘s playmaking was a welcomed breath of fresh air after seeing the offense bog down with Drew Brees last year. Winston has to be consistent, but the Saints are dangerous again.

Meanwhile, I like the Panthers. But something was still missing against a young, mediocre Jets roster. Sam Darnold needs to move the chains with accuracy instead of relying on the occasional big play to overcome his deficiencies. This team isn’t ready to compete at the highest level yet. 

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New York Giants at Washington Football Team betting pick

Giants (+4.5, -110, DraftKings Sportsbook)

I like the value of the Giants here even after they lost big against Denver. Washington doesn’t quite have the playmaking corps the Broncos have, and they don’t really have a quarterback either. It’s insane the Football Team relied on 38-year-old Ryan Fitzpatrick this year, and now he’s hurting with a hip injury — Taylor Heinicke will get the start. 

The Giants have their own quarterback questions with Daniel Jones, but the rest of this team is average or better. This will be a close, grinding game that is ugly to watch. I’d also look for the under here as an early NFC East slog is exactly the brand of the division. 

Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens betting pick

Chiefs (-2.5, -110, DraftKings Sportsbook)

Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid continue to be money for the Chiefs. We hit on the Browns covering, but the Chiefs’ comeback win was filled with the usual formula. Their star-studded roster gives fits to even the best rosters in the NFL. 

Baltimore has struggled with Kansas City because they can’t rely on Lamar Jackson the same way when it matters the most. Plus, the Ravens are already banged up and missing surrounding talent needed to help Jackson. The Chiefs should be bigger road favorites.