Week 2 NFL Picks Against the Spread – Early Lines to Target Including Bengals vs Chiefs, Saints vs Cowboys
- The NFL Week 2 odds are out and there are a few lines I’m targeting early on
- Coming off the biggest upset of Week 1, the Patriots are home underdogs to the Seahawks
- See my three favorite Week 2 NFL picks against the spread
While Week 1 doesn’t officially wrap up until tonight, when the Jets and 49ers clash on Monday Night Football, the Week 2 NFL odds are out and there is no time like the present to find some vulnerable lines.
The table below lists my three favorite Week 2 ATS picks in chronological order.
Week 2 NFL Picks Against the Spread
| Matchup | Pick | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saints vs Cowboys | Cowboys -6.5 (-115) at BetMGM | Sunday, Sep. 15 (1:00 pm ET) |
| Seahawks vs Patriots | Patriots +3.5 (-108) at DraftKings | Sunday, Sep. 15 (1:00 pm ET) |
| Bengals vs Chiefs | Chiefs -5.5 (-115) at FanDuel | Sunday, Sep. 15 (4:25 pm ET) |
My Week 1 ATS picks are 2-0 heading into the Jets vs 49ers matchup on Monday Night Football, where I’m on the Niners -3.5. Overall, my 2024 NFL picks are 4-2 (+1.64 units).
Odds as of Sep. 9. Download the top NFL betting apps for the 2024 season.
Week 2 ATS Pick #1: Cowboys (-6.5) Over Saints
The Dallas Cowboys were arguably the most-impressive team in Week 1, crushing the Browns 33-17 on the road in Cleveland, a game they led 20-3 at halftime. Dak Prescott wasn’t great in his first game since becoming the highest-paid player in the league, going just 19/32 for 166 yards and a TD. But keep in mind he was facing a top-five defense.
The Dallas defense, meanwhile, was exceptional, generating three takeaways and holding Cleveland to just 237 total yards (137 passing).
Deshaun Watson throws an interception and the Browns continue to be held back by the most overpaid player in NFL history.
— Streameast News Network (@StreameastNews) September 8, 2024
The Saints demolished the league-worst Panthers, 47-10, at home in Week 1 but I expect a week of massive regression from New Orleans QB Derek Carr, who was 19/23 for 200 yards and three TDs against Carolina’s abysmal defense. Carr has never been anything more than a league-average pivot and New Orleans has one of the weaker receiver groups in the NFL.
I expect Dallas, regular-season powerhouse that they are, to win this one going away. Early money is pouring in on the Cowboys, who are getting 93% of ATS handle so far in the Week 2 NFL public betting splits, so don’t hesitate if you want to bet Dallas. This line is going to grow.
Week 2 ATS Pick #2: Patriots (+3.5) Over Seahawks
Anyone who thinks New England’s 16-10 win over the heavily-favored Bengals in Week 1 was a fluke should go back and watch the tape. Yes, New England had the benefit of some timely turnovers, and that’s not sustainable. But the Pats were nonetheless the better team. Their offensive line did a phenomenal job of protecting Jacoby Brissett (one sack) while also opening big holes for RB Rhamondre Stevenson, who finished with 120 yards on 25 carries.
The New England defense caused all sorts of problems for Joe Burrow and company, who were held to just 154 passing yards and 224 yards total.
Bengals fumble right at the goaline 😅
Patriots upset brewing early?
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/uogxLxdG4d
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 8, 2024
The Seahawks took care of business at home against the Broncos (26-20) but now have to fly across the country for a 1 pm ET start, a notoriously difficult trip for west-coast teams. Whether the Pats’ offense plays as well in Week 2 as it did in Week 1, New England’s legit defense will keep this game close. Even during a dismal 4-13 campaign last season, the Patriot defense was top-ten in DVOA, and they’ve only gotten better over the summer.
Week 2 ATS Pick #3: Chiefs (-5.5) Over Bengals
Cincinnati was not ready to play in Week 1, and flipping the switch in Week 2 at Arrowhead is going to be a tall order to say the least. Kansas City started its quest for an unprecedented three-peat with a hard-fought 27-20 home win over the Ravens, a legitimate Super Bowl contender in its own right, and I expect Patrick Mahomes and company to completely shred a porous Cincinnati defense.
Despite little to no deep passing threats, the Patriots were able to run over the Bengals front-seven. If Cincinnati puts eight in the box to contain Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs will pick them apart through the air. The addition of rookie Xavier Worthy has given Mahomes much-needed speed on the outside, and it’s possible Marquise “Hollywood” Brown will be back for Week 2.
Even if he’s not, Rashee Rice (109 yards on seven catches in Week 1) is blossoming into a bona fide star in his own right. I won’t be the least bit surprised if KC wins this game by two touchdowns or more. Already favored in the 2025 Super Bowl odds, KC’s futures are going to get shorter in the coming weeks.
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Sascha has been working in the sports-betting industry since 2014, and quickly paired his strong writing skills with a burgeoning knowledge of probability and statistics. He holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia.
