NFL Week 2 Odds: 5 best bets against the spread
By Brad Rowland
Happy Sunday! Week 1 of the 2015 NFL season is in the books, and we had some success with a 4-1 handicapping week. Have no fear, though, we will never rest on our laurels, and the Week 2 slate presents a unique challenge with a small amount of information coupled with a great deal of overreaction, both from the public and (sometimes) the bookmakers.
As always, “fade the public” is the general principle of this column, and if there is anything to indicate that the “sharper” investment leads toward one direction, we will usually be the first to pounce on it, even if it requires some ignorance to reality and public perception. Before we get to the picks, let’s look at where we stand for the season after that splendid opening performance:
- Last week: 4-1
- Season: 4-1
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at this week’s selections!
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+10) over New Orleans Saints
It would be difficult to play worse than the Bucs did in their season opener against Tennessee, and that opens up an opportunity for us in Week 2. Prior to the season, the Saints would have been a solid favorite in this game of about a touchdown, but this line would not have approached double-digits, meaning that we’re getting some free value.
On the field, the Saints weren’t terribly impressive in losing to Arizona, and their defense remains an enormous question mark. It may not be pretty, but Jameis Winston can’t possibly be worse than he was in his NFL debut, and the Bucs still have talent at the skill positions offensively. Give me the extra candy, simply because the Saints shouldn’t be laying double-digits against anyone in the NFL.
Next: 49ers-Steelers and Lions-Vikings