Fansided

NFL betting guide: 5 best wagers for Week 2

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots gestures at the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots gestures at the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 06: Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) warms up before the NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles on September 06, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 06: Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) warms up before the NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles on September 06, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Bet against Matt Ryan’s health

The Falcons haven’t played since Thursday night so it’s easy to forget just how much Matt Ryan struggled in that game. If we’re being perfectly honest, he didn’t look healthy. That’s a big problem against the Panthers defense.

Even if you believe Ryan’s arm strength is going to bounce back, the Carolina front four is going to give him lots of problems. Kawaan Short was borderline dominant against the Cowboys. Add that to the cadre of edge rushers the Panthers have at their disposal and it’s going to be tough for Atlanta to move the ball consistently. Julio Jones will get his numbers, but he might be the only guy who enjoys success for the Falcons offense.

The more interesting matchup comes when the Panthers have the ball. They managed to score 16 points against the Cowboys, but the group wasn’t firing on all cylinders. There will be a lot of pressure on Cam Newton to play better against the Falcons.

We’re betting that he’ll look better against a pretty ordinary Atlanta pass rush. The Panthers have their own issues along the offensive line, but they aren’t going to line up against any likely Pro Bowlers this week. Look for Newton to do just enough to get the Panthers the win. If he does, Carolina will easily cover with the six points they’re getting from the oddsmakers. Take the Panthers +6 on Sunday.