Docs Website

53 Years Strong! A Trusted Leader In Sports Picks, Best Bets and Predictions Since 1971.

Main Menu

NFL Betting Predictions: Week 2 Opening Line Report and Picks

by Spencer Toth - 9/9/2024

NFL betting predictions Week 2 opening line report Cooper Kupp Los Angeles Rams

The first week of NFL action is in the books, and it’s now time to look ahead at Week 2’s opening lines. While the differences between an opening and closing line may only be a point or two, these valuable edges can be the difference-maker when trying to generate a profit throughout the NFL season. By locking in your bet at the best number possible, you can increase your chances when NFL Sunday comes rolling around. 

Before we jump into the Week 2 picks, let’s check in on the biggest storylines from an eventful Week 1. 

  • Chiefs hold on: The Chiefs were a single toe away from blowing the lead in their season opener, but the defending Super Bowl champions did just enough to get over the line and take an early lead in the race for top spot in the AFC. 
  • Nightmare start for Green Bay: Not only did the Green Bay Packers lose their opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but they also lost starting quarterback Jordan Love to injury. Love is expected to be out several weeks, which is a real blow to a Packers team with Super Bowl aspirations. 
  • No Bellichick? No problem: The New England Patriots pulled off the biggest upset of the week, beating the Bengals outright as 8-point underdogs. New head coach Jerod Mayo couldn’t have asked for a better start, while the Bengals are sent back to the drawing board after losing their 3rd straight opening game.
  • Josh Allen is inevitable: The Arizona Cardinals built a 17-3 first half lead against Buffalo, but Josh Allen did what Josh Allen does. He led his team to a 34-28 victory, picking up a crucial win in what will be a tight AFC East race. 
  • Bears find a way to win: Despite not scoring an offensive touchdown, the Bears clawed their way out of a 17-0 hole to beat the Titans in Week 1. It wasn’t the start Caleb Williams was looking for offensively, but this won’t be the first time a strong Bears defense bails him out. 
  • Baker Mayfield is back: There were massive holes in the Commanders defense against Tampa Bay, and Baker Mayfield took full exception. Mayfield went 24/30 with 289 yards and 4 passing touchdowns against Washington, giving the Buccaneers a lead in a wide-open NFC South. 
  • The Lions are here to stay: Detroit tied the game with a late field goal before winning in overtime to spoil Matthew Stafford’s return to MoTown. Detroit was able to limit the Rams on the ground and rallied to start the season off strong. 

Doc’s Sports offers NFL expert picks for every game on our NFL predictions page.

Now that Week 1 is in the rearview mirror, we can look ahead to the Week 2 opening lines. There is no guarantee these lines and odds will still be available at kickoff, and it is crucial to lock in your bets as soon as possible. 

Game 1: Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals

Opening Line: Los Angeles Rams (-1)

The Rams are short road favorites against the Arizona Cardinals, but this line should and will be a few points higher on Sunday. Arizona did well to grab an early lead against the Bills, but their inability to close out the game cannot be ignored. Kyler Murray showed poor game management, and it is clear the Cardinals are still in their rebuilding stage. Meanwhile, the Rams may not have been able to close out the game against the Lions, but their fluid offense will pick apart the Cardinals in Week 2. Matthew Stafford continues to remind the league he is still a force to be reckoned with. And with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua making highlight reel catches, this Rams offense will be humming. It is always dangerous to take a road favorite in a divisional matchup. However, as long as this line stays under a field goal, the Rams are the way to go. Grab them at -1 now, as I guarantee you this line will be at least a point higher on Sunday afternoon. 

Pick: Los Angeles Rams (-1)

Game 2: New York Giants at Washington Commanders

Opening Line: Washington Commanders (-2.5)

Both of these NFC East teams don’t have much to look forward to this season, and this game is as close to a must-win for both teams as Week 2 games can be. Washington’s defense got shredded by Baker Mayfield in their opening game, allowing points on all five first half possessions before losing 37-20. The bright spot was Jayden Daniels, who showed signs of life for the Commanders. Daniels was able to scramble out of the pocket and get his legs involved in that game, and he will do so once again against New York. The Giants got thumped by the Vikings at home, failing to find the endzone with Daniel Jones’ 44.3 QBR. New York lost their cornerstone offensive piece with Saquon Barkley going to the Eagles, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel for the Giants. This spread is still sitting under the crucial 3-point number, and there is little to no risk in locking in the Commanders now compared to later. The difference between a 2.5 and 3.5 spread is massive, and we must avoid that higher price. Even if the line shifts towards the Giants and Washington drops to a -1.5 point favorite, that is a relatively meaningless switch, and the Commanders will still cover with almost any victory. 

Pick: Washington Commanders (-2.5)

Game 3, Sunday Night Football: Chicago Bears at Houston Texans 

Opening Line: Houston Texans (-6.5)

The Texans edged out the Indianapolis Colts in their season opener, but this spread is far too high for two evenly matched, up-and-coming teams. Houston has a dominant offense, with CJ Stroud spreading the ball to Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell. Stroud’s exceptional ability to climb the pocket allows him a few extra seconds to find a receiver. However, they lack the secondary to contain throws over the top, and the Bears will look to activate Caleb Williams in this one. Chicago has a very strong defense that led a 17-0 comeback in Week 1, as the Bears won without scoring an offensive touchdown. Williams didn’t do too much wrong, but he also didn’t do much right. In Week 2, we expect the Bears to loosen the reins on Williams, and to allow the No. 1 draft pick some deeper shots down the field. A 6.5-point spread is too many points for two very similar teams, and the Bears defense gives them an extra edge. This line will drop into the 5-point range by Sunday night, as the Bears will be a very popular underdog pick in Week 2. 

Pick: Chicago Bears (+6.5)

Get NFL picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bet premium picks by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.

 

Most Recent NFL Handicapping

One E-mail A Week Is All You Need!
Our weekly newsletter is loaded with exclusive free picks,insight and advice from our expert handicappers