Fansided

NFL Week 2 2020: Picks and predictions for each game

By Matt Verderame

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals rushes with the ball before scoring his first career NFL touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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