NFL Week 2 picks against the spread
By Nick Villano
Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-5)
Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers almost lost to the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. They came back in Week 2 and blew the doors off the Minnesota Vikings. I have to think the oddsmakers were thinking of what happened last year when making this line.
The Chiefs looked amazing last week. Despite using very little of Kareem Hunt and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs scored 38 points against the exciting Chargers defense (without Joey Bosa, but still). Tyreek Hill was insane, and Patrick Mahomes was as advertised.
So, why does my gut say go with the Steelers? Mike Tomlin always coaches this team up after a bad loss. Yes, a tie with the Browns is a loss. Ben Roethlisberger plays lights out at home, and is trash on the road. It makes no sense, but it’s the truth. The Chiefs should get more respect in this line, but put the cash on the Steel City.
Pittsburgh 38, Kansas City 31
Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets (-3)
What a difference a week makes. Seven days ago, the Dolphins and Jets were underdogs against playoff contenders. Now, they both come off impressive (if not extremely long for Miami) wins.
Both theses teams have to show more before they get the benefit of the doubt. Sam Darnold looked awesome, but the Lions may be a bad team and we don’t know it. Matthew Stafford was Nathan Peterman level bad on Monday night. The Jets were impressive, but will need to string together great performances before getting advantages from the sports books.
Despite all that, it might be the right move to put your money on the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets. Darnold will be able to play well versus the Dolphins defense. Tannehill needs to put up numbers when the opposing team doesn’t have a six hour halftime. Go with the Jets, but don’t feel really good about it.
New York (J) 21, Miami 17