NFL Office Pool Picks Week 2 with Expert Analysis and ATS Predictions

by Sean Barnard - 9/15/2022

NFL office pool picks Week 2 Carson Wentz Washington Commanders

It was an eventful opening week to the NFL season. Both of last year’s Super Bowl participants (Rams and Bengals) as well as both No. 1 playoff seeds (Packers and Titans) lost outright. The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up the upset with the largest moneyline payout in the opening week, with the Giants and Bears closely behind them. Overall favorites were 9-6-1 outright and 7-9 against the spread. The slates will be reset in Week 2 with a new opportunity for each team to change their fates.

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Kansas City Chiefs (-4.5) over Los Angeles Chargers

In the opening week, the Chiefs made a statement that they still should be considered legitimate title contenders in their 44-21 win over the Cardinals. However, the Chargers also will come in 1-0 after their victory over the Raiders. This is set to be a litmus test for the type of talent Justin Herbert is as he will face off with Patrick Mahomes in prime time. This matchup will be a challenge for both teams. Expect it to be a high-scoring affair but for the Chiefs to cruise to a 2-0 start as the offense has not missed a beat following the loss of Tyreek Hill. Count on the Chiefs to win by at least a touchdown and cover the 4.5 spread.

Detroit Lions (-1.5) over Washington Commanders

The full Carson Wentz experience was on display for the Washington Commanders in Week 1. He threw for four touchdowns and two interceptions but did enough to drive the team to a win. The Lions put up a scrappy effort against the Eagles, and if a surprise onside kick had gone their way they may have come out on top. With Detroit facing a more turnover-prone offense and maintaining their unwavering competitiveness, look for the Lions to pick up their first win. Expect the Lions to win a tight game, with 27-21 as my score prediction.

Cleveland Browns (-5.5) over New York Jets

The Browns managed to spoil the Baker Mayfield revenge tour in Week 1 and took down the Panthers on a field goal with 8 seconds to play. The Jets struggled to move the ball a great deal and did not tally a touchdown until the game was already decided. With Joe Flacco continuing to be the starter, expect the Browns to get off to their first 2-0 start since 1993 and cover the spread. Browns by 10.

New Orleans Saints (+2.5) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers secured a 19-3 win against the Cowboys in the opening weekend, but this was more of an indictment of the sloppy play of Dallas rather than Tampa Bay’s success. The Saints also struggled to put away the Atlanta Falcons, and it took a 17-3 fourth-quarter comeback to come out on top. Expect an improved performance for both teams but for the Saints to find a way to win outright in front of their home crowd. Saints over the Bucs 31-24.

Carolina Panthers (+1.5) over New York Giants

The Giants narrowly squeezed past the Titans in Week 1 by a score of 21-20, while the Panthers were unable to beat the Browns. While the return of Saquon Barkley was impressive and greatly changes the ceiling of the team, expect them to struggle in this matchup. Look for the Panthers to get back on top and win this one outright. Baker Mayfield had some ups and down in Week 1 but seemed to find his moxie by the end of the matchup. Pencil in the score for 24-13 and for the Panthers to win outright in what could be one of the less exciting matchups.

New England Patriots (-1.5) over Pittsburg Steelers

The Patriots have traditionally struggled against the Miami Dolphins, and this was the case in Week 1 as Miami secured the 20-7 win. In contrast, the Steelers had the biggest upset of the opening week in their victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, although the loss of TJ Watt is extremely notable. This will be a tight matchup that might be better to stay away from. However, if there needs to be a pick, I would take the Patriots to win and cover in enemy territory. Mitch Trubisky was solid in Week 1, and the lingering back injuries to Mac Jones are a concern. However, expect an improved effort from New England as they cruise to a 27-21 victory.

Jacksonville Jaguars (+4.5) over Indianapolis Colts

The Week 1 tie the Colts picked up against the Texans in Week 1 was an incredibly disappointing result. The team was expected to have no issue with Houston, but this did not prove to be the case. The Jaguars also did not get off to the start they hoped for and fell at the hands of the Commanders, 28-22. The Colts are the more complete team and found their stride late by outscoring the Texans 17-0 in the fourth quarter. Look for them to build off this and secure a tough win over the Jaguars this week. I expect the Colts to win but for the Jaguars to cover with a 24-21 final score.

Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) over Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins’ 20-7 victory over the Patriots is a great start to their season. However, the Ravens had a more convincing win over the Jets. Both quarterbacks are playing with a chip on his shoulder as Tua Tagovailoa looks to prove his place as the franchise quarterback and Lamar Jackson looks to earn his long-term lucrative deal. Baltimore’s defense was solid in Week 1 and could give the Dolphins trouble. Expect the Ravens to come out on top in this matchup by a comfortable margin and secure the double-digit win.

Los Angeles Rams (-10.5) over Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons were a surprise team in Week 1 and managed to hold a lead until late in the game. While the 27-26 is a disappointing loss, the performance still exceeded expectations coming into the game. In contrast, the Rams underperformed in their opening matchup and lost 31-10 at the hands of the Bills. Expect the defending champions to get over their Super Bowl hangover and to take it out on the Falcons this week. Look for the Rams to cover the 10.5-point spread and win by a minimum of two touchdowns.

San Francisco 49ers (-9.5) over Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a shocking opening week win in which they ruined Russell Wilson’s potential revenge game. In contrast, the 49ers had a frustrating opening game with inches of rain on the field and limited ability in what they could do. Expect the 49ers to be looking for revenge and make a statement in this matchup. The emotions of the Seahawks will not be as high this week, and the holes in the roster have not been covered. Count on the 49ers to make a statement and secure the double-digit victory. 49ers win 35-17.

Cincinnati Bengals (-7.5) over Dallas Cowboys

The Cincinnati Bengals had a Week 1 wakeup call following last year’s Super Bowl run as they lost in overtime to the Steelers. Luckily, they have a great chance to get back to their winning ways as they will be traveling to Dallas to face the Cowboys with Cooper Rush as the starting quarterback. Look for the Bengals to shake off the rust and cruise to a double-digit victory in this matchup. Bengals by 17.

Denver Broncos (-9.5) over Houston Texans

The Denver Broncos have an excellent chance to bounce back from the controversial and frustrating Week 1 loss at the hands of the Seahawks. The Texans had an impressive start to their season and likely are content with the tie to the Colts. However, their hot start did not keep up as the Colts outscored them 17-0 in the fourth quarter to tie it. Expect the Broncos to get a bounce-back victory and cover the 9.5-point spread. Broncos 38, Texans 17.

Arizona Cardinals (+5.5) over Los Vegas Raiders

Each of these teams is coming off tough losses to impressive opponents in the season's opening week. The Cardinals lost handily to the Chiefs, while the Raiders fell 24-19 at the hands of the Chargers. Expect the Raiders to come out on top in front of the home crowd and continue to sour the start of Kyler Murray’s season. Take the Raiders to win, but expect this one to be close and for the Cardinals to cover the 5.5. Raiders 24, Cardinals 21.

Chicago Bears (+9.5) over Green Bay Packers

The Chicago Bears had a thrilling Week 1 matchup where their wet and wild performance was enough to upset the 49ers. Justin Fields impressed greatly, and the Bears team showed an impressive amount of fight. In contrast, the Packers suffered a disappointing 23-7 loss at the hands of their divisional rival Minnesota Vikings. The team never got it going, and the Vikings made a statement with their strong play. Expect the Packers to come out and get back on the winning track but for the Bears to find a way to cover. The fight in this Bears team will be enough to keep it a one-possession game. Packers 24, Bears 17.

Buffalo Bills (-9.5) over Tennessee Titans

Despite the sky-high expectations coming into the season, the Bills more than met these in the opening matchup. Josh Allen looked to have further developed and was sharper with his decision-making in Week 1. Expect this momentum to continue and for it to take them past the Titans, who suffered a 21-20 loss in Week 1 at the hands of the Giants. The spread of 9.5 points may seem like a lot against the Titans, who are a solid team, but this Buffalo team looks unstoppable and seem to be on a mission this season. Bills 35, Titans 20.

Minnesota Vikings (+1.5) over Philadelphia Eagles

This game may very well come down to the trenches as the Eagles allowed 181 rushing yards in the opening matchup and will now face off against Dalvin Cook. Expect this to be too much to overcome and for the Vikings to secure the outright win in Philadelphia. While Jalen Hurts had a solid Week 1, and the Eagles have an overall complete roster, this Vikings team is a legitimate contender, and this victory will be the next step in proving that. Count on Minnesota to win by a touchdown or more.

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