Photo Courtesy of Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Week 1 Review: (3-4)
Bills -2.5 (Hit)
Saints -5.5 (Miss)
Ravens -7.5 (Hit)
Panthers -1.5 (Miss)
49ers -6.5 (Miss)
Titans -5.5 (Miss)
Vikings +1.5 (Hit)
Week 2:
Washington Commanders +1.5 (-105)
I liked what I saw from the Commanders in week 1. Carson Wentz had a few mishaps, but for the most part, the passing attack was working well, and the run game was able to move the ball up the field. Defensively, they made enough impact plays to win the game, including many from Darrick Forrest, including a game-sealing interception. The Lions got it going in the 2nd half of their week 1 matchup offensively, but the defense had trouble defending the run and AJ Brown in the passing game. I believe the Commanders are the better team and could win, and ultimately cover this thin spread.
New Orleans Saints +2.5 (-108)
Since Tom Brady has arrived in Tampa Bay, the Saints are 4-1 against him, with the most recent game being a 9-0 shutout where Sean Payton was unable to coach, so current head coach Dennis Allen had to step in. Allen and the Saints defense have been able to slow down Brady and find ways to beat him. The Saints are a difficult matchup for the Buccaneers, and it is a divisional matchup, so there is A ton of tension heading into this week 2 battle. Offensively, The Saints were able to win the two games last season with Jameis Winston, Trevor Siemian, and Taysom Hill as their QBs, as well as a lack of weapons. This season, Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, and Chris Olave are added to the weaponry to work with Jameis Winston, providing more of a threat to the Bucs defense. I like the Saints to cover in this matchup and possibly win outright, as well.
Jacksonville Jaguars + 4.5 (-115)
I liked some of what I saw from the Jaguars and not much of what I saw from the Colts in week one. The Jaguars showed flashes of explosiveness on offense, with Doug Pederson calling the plays and Trevor Lawrence at QB, but they have to put it all together. Offseason addition Christian Kirk played well in week 1 and Travis Etienne should be utilized more. The Colts struggled with the Texans and have a lack of weapons outside of Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. Two other factors to pay attention to in this matchup are that the Colts have not beat the Jaguars in Jacksonville in their last seven tries and the head coaching matchup is between Pederson and Frank Reich, who coached together on the 2017 Eagles Super Bowl winning team and know each other well. I think the Jaguars keep it close and cover the 4.5 point spread at home.
Los Angeles Rams -10.5 (-106)
This is a large spread for an NFL game, and based on last week, the Falcons actually looked better than the defending Super Bowl champions. The Rams got embarrassed at home on national television and have a redemption game ahead of them. Sean McVay and the many star players on his team are destined to come out hot this week and prove they are still a difficult matchup. The Falcons almost stole a week one win, but they are the less talented team in this matchup. The Rams will cover, and I have a feeling it could potentially be a rout.
Arizona Cardinals +5.5 (-110)
Both teams head into this matchup 0-1 and need a win to get on track, as they will both likely end up in crowded races to win their divisions or earn A playoff spot. The Raiders looked good at times last week but were inconsistent. Although, they were able to make it close with a talented Chargers team. The Cardinals, on the other hand, got their doors blown off by the Chiefs, who are arguably the best team in the league, but regardless, it was not a good showing. Kliff Kingsbury needs to get his team in order quickly, or he is going to be on the hot seat. The Cardinals should be able to respond from last weeks’ performance and be able to cover the 5.5-point spread.
Minnesota Vikings +1.5 (-104)
I liked what I saw from the Vikings offense last week with much more creative looks than in years past. Justin Jefferson was moved all around the field and had a stellar performance, Kirk played well, and the run game was also good. Defensively, the pass rush was able to get pressure and do damage. The Eagles defense was not good in the 2nd half last week and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has not proved himself to be a great play caller. Also, when Jordan Davis was off the field, the Lions ran for 10 yards per carry, but he will not play 100% of the snaps, so the Vikings could take advantage of that. This matchup will be very close and a great one to watch, and I believe the Vikings will squeak out a win on the road.
Always remember to bet responsibly.
*All spreads and odds are courtesy of FanDuel SportsBook as of September 15, 2022