In Week 2 of the 2020 NFL season, the lines are fairly tight, with only one team being favored by double-digit points.
For the third consecutive year, Week 1 gave me a .500 record. I should have known better with the Broncos. However, shame on the Lions, Eagles, 49ers and Colts. Shame!
Alright, with a week of tape after a summer of nothingness, I feel better. Let’s roll.
All lines are courtesy OddsShark
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (-6)
The Battle of Ohio. Cincinnati (0-1) showed a pulse Week 1 and Joe Burrow looks quite promising. Conversely, Cleveland (0-1) had no heartbeat, getting beat by 32 points. Still, the Browns are more talented and desperately need a win, at home, and in front of a few fans.
Pick: Cleveland 21, Cincinnati 19
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys (-5)
The Falcons are the only team in Week 1 who didn’t force the opposing quarterback to throw into a single tight window (a defender within less than one yard). Not good when the Cowboys (0-1) have CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup.
Pick: Dallas 34, Atlanta 28
Buffalo Bills (-5.5) at Miami Dolphins
Buffalo (1-0) is very talented on both sides of the ball. Josh Allen was decent in Week 1 and if Miami (0-1) doesn’t get one of those monthly Ryan Fitzpatrick 350-yard specials — big ask against the Bills’ defense — it’s likely a loss in the home opener.
Pick: Buffalo 22, Miami 17
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9)
Everyone is throwing dirt on Tom Brady. The bet here? Brady and Tampa Bay (0-1) get well this weekend against a Carolina (0-1) defense which couldn’t stop Derek Carr at home.
Pick: Tampa Bay 35, Carolina 24
Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7.5)
Pittsburgh (1-0) held Saquon Barkley to six yards. Six. The Steelers are going to choke off Denver (0-1) on the ground, put a ton of pressure on Drew Lock and create some turnovers. This Pittsburgh team is going to be there in late January.
Pick: Pittsburgh 27, Denver 17