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A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 2 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 2.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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A five-pack of NFL Week 2 bets to take to the bank.
We’re only one week into the 2023 NFL season and there already are teams nearing panic mode at the prospect of starting the year 0-2. While not a death sentence, it certainly puts them in a hole to dig out of.
For this week, we’re looking at a mixed bag of bets. We have a home dog on the moneyline, a big favorite to cover, a big favorite not to cover, a high-points game to hit the Over, and a high-points game to hit the Under. It’s a little something for everyone.
Note: All odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Your comprehensive betting guide for NFL Week 2 action.
In Week 1, a shocking number of games went under the projected Over/Under totals (12 went Under, three went Over and one was a push). As we come to Week 2, there is a different anomaly that is taking place.
Of the 16 games on the Week 2 slate of games, nine road teams are favored. That may not seem like a big disparity, but it’s saying that home-field advantage isn’t what it used to be. The truth is the road favorites are not going to go 9-0. The challenge will be picking the right home dogs to win.
It’s only mid-September, but this game has a Halloween feel to it. Lincoln Financial Field is a house of horrors for Minnesota. They’ve been clubbed hard there, and the line reflects a repeat performance with the Eagles as a solid favorite (6.5 points at -110 for both). The Vikings defense isn’t equipped to stop Jalen Hurts’ rushing ability. That will open everything up in the pass game. Take the Eagles and lay 6.5 points (-110).
The Chargers get a lot of love from the oddsmakers despite sketchy results. Maybe it’s Justin Herbert‘s flowing mane that gets them. The Chargers are solid road favorites (3 points at -105 Chargers, -115 Titans). But this has the look of Derrick Henry‘s fingerprints being all over this. If the Chargers can’t stop him, Tennessee has the ball for more than 35 minutes and dictates pace, and they may win outright — much less getting 3 points. Take the Titans plus 3 points (-115).
The Packers went on the road to beat the Bears – what’s new? – but this will be a much better test of where the Packers are as a team in the post-Aaron Rodgers era. The Packers are given their due respect as a road favorite (1.5 points). The Falcons have a running game that, against the right opponent, can dominate time of possession. The Packers look to be one of those teams. Take the Falcons on the moneyline (+105).
Two of the most enigmatic rookie quarterbacks meet for the first time in this divisional battle. The Colts are a mild favorite (1.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Texans are in a much deeper rebuild than the Colts (even without Jonathan Taylor) but Anthony Richardson is going to be the real deal. It has already started and Week 2 may cement that thought. Take the Colts and lay 1.5 points (-110).
The Seahawks laid an egg in Week 1 at home, while the Lions pulled off a big upset at Kansas City the previous Thursday. The bet to look at here is the Over/Under projection (47 points at -110 for the Over and Under). That’s a stiff number, but the Seahawks have the offensive weapons on a dry track that can do damage and Lions defense is no great shakes. Detroit will likely win, but it will be a back and forth battle. Take the Over of 47 points (-110).
The point spread isn’t a Bucs endorsement (2.5 points at +100 Bears, -120 Buccaneers), but Chicago’s defense is awful and will likely not get a quick fix in one week. The Bucs may be the worst 2-0 team in the league, but their run through the NFC North will continue. Take the Buccaneers and lay 2.5 points (-120).
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One of my admitted weaknesses is tending to back the big-point favorite – which Buffalo is (9.5 points at -100 for both the Raiders and Bills). Buffalo squandered a golden opportunity in Week 1. The Raiders in the early window of games (a 10 a.m. PT start time) against an angry team with Super Bowl intentions just doesn’t sound like a recipe for not getting blown out. Take the Bills and lay 9.5 points (-110).
The thought of the defending champs being 0-2 is a bitter pill to swallow. As such, we won’t go there. The Jags have an offense capable of competing with the Chiefs, which is why this is the biggest Over/Under number of the week (51 points at -110 for both). The Chiefs are going to score their share required, and the young, potent Jags are going to do their part. Take the Over of 51 points (-110).
The Bengals were brutalized in Week 1, and they are likely not going to drop to 0-2. That said, the Ravens aren’t going to get pushed around. The Over/Under number makes you think the Bengals are going to get things right (46 points and -110 for both). This number has gone Under in the last three meetings and five of the last seven. This has a field position and field goal feeling more than a ton of touchdowns. Take the Under of -110.
It’s rare when a team that lost by 40 points is a significant road favorite (5.5 points). But these are the Cardinals. I’m intrigued by the Over/Under (39.5 points at -110 for both). There’s no reason to believe either offense can provide enough firepower to hit the Over. Take the Under of 39.5 points (-110).
This is a big point spread for a road favorite (8.5 points at -105 49ers, -115 Rams). The simple fact of the matter is that the Rams offense did nothing against the 49ers last year in the changing of the guard in the NFC West, losing 24-9 and 31-14. Without Cooper Kupp, the trend continues. Imagine what will happen when the Niners start playing home games. Take the 49ers and lay 8.5 points (-110).
Yeah, the A-Rodg Jets are dead, but the defense isn’t. The Cowboys are an embarrassingly heavy favorite (9 points at -110 for both teams). The Jets aren’t going to get blown out like the Giants were. This spread is a little too high given the acumen of the Jets defense and the added weapons on offense for New York. Take the Jets plus-9 points (-110).
The Broncos lost at home last week, so there is a reason why they are minimal home favorites (3.5 points at -110 for both). Football is a game of corrections, and the Broncos will make the needed changes to dictate the pace of a field-possession-filled game to win. Take the Broncos and lay 3.5 points.
Few teams are better at making defensive changes to adapt to the situation than the Patriots. Miami is coming off a huge road win and are looking to go 2-0 before it plays its first home game. The Patriots won’t lay down. The Over/Under number plays into the mindset of the Dolphins winning (46.5 points at -110 for both). Miami may drop the Pats to 0-2, but they won’t blow them out. Take the Under of 46.5 points (-110).
The Saints struggled in their opener against the Titans, but the Panthers are a different animal completely. Carolina is in rebuild mode, where the Saints are not. If this game was later in the year, it may be a different story. New Orleans is a mildly significant road favorite (3 points at -115 Saints, -105 Panthers). The veterans on the Saints roster win the day. Take the Saints and lay 3 points (-110).
Given the Browns’ domination of the Bengals and the Steelers being humbled at home by the 49ers, Cleveland being installed as a 2.5-point road favorite on the road on Monday night makes some sense. However, betting against the Steelers at home – much less against a Browns team they have beaten in three of their last four home games – the chances of the Steelers going 0-2 at home isn’t likely. Take the Steelers on the moneyline (+115).
Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
New BetMGM customers can sign up today and get a First Bet Offer up to $1,500 using bonus code USAT. Just download the BetMGM app, deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. If your first bet loses, you will receive bonus bets in the amount of your bet (up to $1,500). Just make sure you use bonus code USAT when you sign up. Bet Now!
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MS, NJ, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, New York or Ontario.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 1 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 1.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
It’s not just the games that bettors can get a piece of each week of the NFL season. There are more than 1,000 prop bets that can be made each week.
With most teams as healthy as they’re going to be all season, we selected five players to shine the spotlight on. They include one of the league’s best running backs in an in-state rivalry, a pair of quarterbacks with contrasting rushing styles, a quarterback who was most successful mixing in the run a lot, and a wide receiver scoring a touchdown against one of the worst pass defenses in the league.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
These bets are among the smartest wagers to make in Week 1.
Our long NFL slumber since the days when winning or losing meant something – on the field or in your online account – is over. This weekend will be the first full-table feast, and we’ve picked out five betting matchups to keep your attention throughout the afternoon – a game to go Over, a game to go Under, a couple of Super Bowl-caliber teams putting their foot on the neck of a lesser team, and a moneyline cash grab.
Your NFL betting guide for all of the top wagers of Week 1.
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After the long wait since February, every team is starting fresh and looking to make a statement in Week 1. For half the teams, panic will set in as they look to avoid starting 0-2 and digging themselves an early hole. But for now, every fan base is looking for brighter days ahead – starting with a statement win in Week 1.
New BetMGM customers can sign up today and get a First Bet Offer up to $1,500 using bonus code USAT. Just download the BetMGM app, deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. If your first bet loses, you will receive bonus bets in the amount of your bet (up to $1,500). Just make sure you use bonus code USAT when you sign up. Bet Now!
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MS, NJ, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, New York or Ontario.
The Lions are the darlings of the prediction crowd and are getting a lot of respect from the gambling crowd, who have made the Chiefs a smaller-than-expected home favorite (4.5 points at -110 for both the Lions and Chiefs). While I agree the Lions are going to likely finish the year as division champs, they’re going to start the season losing to the defending world champs in their yard. Take the Chiefs and lay 4.5 points (-110).
The Panthers went on a fire sale before the trade deadline and a lot has changed since. Both teams made splash picks early in the 2023 draft – Carolina using the first pick on Bryce Young and the Falcons adding All-World running back Bijan Robinson at No. 8. The Over/Under is the second-lowest of the week (39.5 points at -110 Over, -110 Under). It makes sense. Young isn’t going to take chances, and the Falcons are going to run the ball a lot. This game has 20-16 written all over it. Take the Under of 39.5 points (-110).
The only double-digit point spread favorite of the week are the Ravens (10 points at -100 for both teams). There’s a reason for that. The Texans are in a rebuild, and the Ravens are healthy (which they haven’t been able to say often the last couple years). Healthy Ravens are dangerous Ravens, especially at home. Take Baltimore and lay 10 points (-110).
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The Bengals have the requirements to win the Super Bowl, but the Battles of Ohio are often bloody. The Over/Under is significant (47.5 points at -110 for both). While both offenses are capable of lighting up the scoreboard, a division battle like this will be more field position and field goals than 60-yard bombs. Take the Under of 47.5 points (-110).
The Jaguars are looking to show they’re ready for the big time, while the Colts are turning the page to a new era. Jacksonville is a solid road favorite (5 points at -110 for both). Anthony Richardson has all the tools to be a great quarterback, but his debut is likely to be a little rocky, and the Colts won’t have Jonathan Taylor. The Jags will take advantage of that. Take the Jaguars and lay 5 points (-110).
Nobody had the run of luck that Minnesota did last year – winning 11 one-score games. The reason the Vikings couldn’t put away opponents like a 13-4 team should have is that their defense was (and is) brutal. Minnesota is a heavy favorite (6 points at -110 for both). While I believe the Vikings will win, don’t give away that many points. Take the Buccaneers plus 6 points (-110).
Most point-spread betting lines when they’re set look to have the same return. The Saints are the biggest investment as a favorite (3 points at -105 Titans, -115 Saints). It won’t be shocking if it goes to 3.5 points before Sunday, because the Saints are the capable of winning by much more than a field goal. Take the Saints and lay 3 points (-115).
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The 49ers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender but are playing a 1 p.m. ET game (10 a.m. local time) against a defense that doesn’t get pushed around. The 49ers should find a way to win, but this one has the potential to be dominated by the defenses. The Over/Under is low (41 points at -110 for both), but it should have been lower. Take the Under of 41 points (-110).
The Commanders are viewed as the last-place favorite in the NFC East, but they’re a huge favorite in this one (7 points and -110 for both teams). That’s because, until further notice, the current version of the Cardinals will be a touchdown or larger underdog most weeks. Take the Commanders and lay 7 points (-110).
The oddsmakers know the story with this rivalry. It’s been like a hammer and a nail for three decades. The faces have changed, but the Packers dominate this series. The Bears are a tepid home favorite (1 point), and it’s because Green Bay’s defense is what will keep them in playoff contention. The dominance continues. Take the Packers on the moneyline (+100).
The fact of the matter is that Bill Belichick is a .500 coach without Tom Brady. Yet, he still gets the respect his legacy has earned, which explains why the Eagles are such small favorites (4 points at -110 for both). The Eagles are a bad opponent with which to change that downward trend. Take the Eagles and lay 4 points (-110).
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The Sean Payton era begins with the hopes of improving the expectations that were crushed last season. The Jimmy Garoppolo era in Vegas begins in unfriendly confines. The Over/Under isn’t absurd (44 points at -110 for the Over and Under). Russell Wilson is a game manager, at best, at this point. That gives you the feeling, barring a couple of Wilson bombs dropping out of the thin Colorado air, this is too high an O/U. Take the Under of 44 points (-110).
This game has the highest Over/Under of the week (51 points at -110 for both). These are two of the most explosive big-play offenses in the NFL and, even if a team gets behind by 17 points, it doesn’t mean the game is over. It may take until late in the game to hit, but take the Over of 51 points (-110).
The Seahawks are solid favorites and it’s more because the Rams are struggling than Seattle is dominant. The Over/Under is up there (46 points at -110 for both). Without Cooper Kupp, a lot of Rams are going to have to step up. Not enough of them will do their part to score enough points. Take the Under of 46 points (-110).
This rivalry is always a physical battle. The Cowboys are road favorites (3 points at -115 Cowboys, -105 Giants). With everyone healthy to start the season, Dallas has more explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball than the Giants. They will make enough big plays to win the night. Take the Cowboys and lay 3 points (-115).
The hype train is going to be crazy for this one. Buffalo has dominated the division but are a minimal favorite (2.5 points at -110 for both teams). Aaron Rodgers makes his Jets debut and will ride the emotion much like Brett Favre did a decade and a half earlier. Buy into the hype … for this game anyway. Take the Jets on the moneyline (+115).
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Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
New BetMGM customers can sign up today and get a First Bet Offer up to $1,500 using bonus code USAT. Just download the BetMGM app, deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. If your first bet loses, you will receive bonus bets in the amount of your bet (up to $1,500). Just make sure you use bonus code USAT when you sign up. Bet Now!
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MS, NJ, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, New York or Ontario.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
