5 best bets for Week 2 NFL games

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) runs the ball in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Arizona Cardinals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(+6.5) at Arizona Cardinals

FiftyFourPercent:

The Cardinals have lots of firepower, but they had what turned out to be an easy schedule last season, catching a lot of opponents at a good time. The Buccaneers, by contrast, are underrated and dangerous against a more finesse opponent such as this. Carson Palmer is 36 and not exactly inspiring a high degree of confidence after being picked off seven times during the final three games of last season. Arizona was unimpressive in August and struggled at home Week 1 against the Patriots, who were missing Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Pro Bowl offensive left tackle Nate Solder.

The Buccaneers averaged four sacks per game in the preseason. They have one of the NFL’s more respected defensive coordinators, Mike Smith, and more defensive line depth than in previous seasons. Only nine teams yielded fewer yards per game than the Buccaneers last season. Second-year man Jameis Winston had an outstanding rookie season, passing for more than 4,000 yards. He should be even better this year bolstered by having a rejuvenated Mike Evans and a healthy Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

Glauser:

Another contending NFC team coming off another heartbreaking loss to start the season. Another conference foe that may be better than expected. However, I’m not as down on the Cardinals. Bruce Arians is one of the best in the game at getting his players ready for battle, a respectable defense got even more dangerous with the pickup of Chandler Jones, David Johnson is the real deal, and Larry Fitzgerald may have discovered the Fountain of Youth in the off-season.

The Bucs have a nice nucleus of young talent, but I just don’t see them keeping this a one score affair on the road in a bounce-back contest for the Cards.

Next: Tip your hats to the Pats

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