NFL point-spread underdogs certainly had their day in Week 1 and a record one at that, covering in 12 of 16 games with an amazing nine outright winners. We took full advantage here in underdog corner as all three of our selections (the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins, who were all getting 3.5 points) notched straight-up wins, including two by double digits.
Certainly, a week to rejoice, but we know it’s not going to be that fruitful every week. We are wagering on the NFL (Not For Long) after all. Below, we assess the odds and matchups and offer up our three best NFL underdog picks and predictions for Week 2.
NFL underdog predictions: Week 2
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET.
Carolina Panthers +3.5 (-112) vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
The Saints surprised many by notching one of the most shocking wins of Week 1, routing reigning MVP QB Aaron Rodgers and the favored Green Bay Packers 38-3 in a neutral-site game in Jacksonville.
The win, though, came with a cost as three starters — CB Marshon Lattimore, DE Marcus Davenport and C Erik McCoy — went down and will miss time due to injuries.
Also, a mini-COVID-19 outbreak has since struck the organization with six assistant coaches among eight in all testing positive so far. In addition to the inconvenience of practicing and staying in the Dallas area after being displaced by Hurricane Ida, the Saints now will be operating under the league’s enhanced COVID mitigation protocols this week.
The Panthers, meanwhile, have no such distractions playing at home for the second straight week after opening with a 19-14 win over the New York Jets. Carolina also covered in five of its last seven games against the Saints as an underdog, and given all the above, we’ll say that grows to six of eight with an outright PANTHERS (+3.5, +155 ML) win Sunday.
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Minnesota Vikings +3.5 (-107) at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET
QB Kyler Murray and the Cards also pulled off a Week 1 stunner, routing the field goal-favorite Tennessee Titans 38-13 on the road.
The Vikings didn’t fare nearly as well in their season opener in Cincinnati, falling 27-24 on the last play of overtime.
We see things evening out, though, Sunday afternoon in the desert as these still look to be two equally-matched teams. Take the VIKINGS (+3.5).
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Dallas Cowboys +3.5 (-122) at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET
This will be the Bolts’ home opener — and their first game at SoFi Stadium with fans; however, given the Chargers’ lack of serious L.A. backing, that only means the sparkling new stadium will mainly be filled with Cowboys fanatics.
On the field, second-year Chargers QB Justin Herbert certainly looks to be the real deal but QB Dak Prescott and the Cowboys should’ve beaten the defending-champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, losing 31-29 late in the league’s season opener.
Dallas is still getting more than a field goal against a lesser foe, so get down on the COWBOYS (+3.5).
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