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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
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Cletis Cutts

Betting the NFL Line: Week 2

When it comes to betting, those who set the lines want as many bets as possible to hit on both sides. Underdogs win on the point spread just as often as favorites. Scores hit the Over and Under. In an ideal world for those who take bets, an 8-8 week for both in a windfall.

Point spread favorites in Week 1 went 9-7. Over/Under bets hit Over nine times. Neither was a perfect split, but both were close.

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook


Buffalo Bills (+115) at Miami Dolphins (-135)

The Bills have a different look offensively, but it doesn’t show up in the Over/Under (49 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The Dolphins have enough firepower to put up 30 points, but the Bills make enough big plays that this game should be marked by more touchdowns than field goals. Take the Over (-110).


Las Vegas Raiders (+360) at Baltimore Ravens (-500)

The Ravens are the largest favorite of the week (8.5 points at -105 Raiders, -115 Ravens). Baltimore has three more days of rest, and the Raiders are traveling to the East Coast for an early-window game. The Ravens can’t start 0-2, and won’t let up once they get a lead. Take the Ravens and lay 8.5 points (-115).


Los Angeles Chargers (-275) at Carolina Panthers (+220)

The Panthers were awful in Week 1, which explains why they’re such a big home underdog (6 points at -110 for both teams). The Chargers weren’t impressive, but until the Panthers prove they’re a legitimate threat to anyone, their point spread numbers will continue to grow. Take the Chargers and lay 6 points (-110).


New Orleans Saints (+240) at Dallas Cowboys (-300)

The Cowboys are a strong home favorite (6.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Saints dominated in Week 1, but it was at home against the Panthers. On the road against the Cowboys will be a different story. Take the Cowboys and lay 6.5 points (-110).


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+290) at Detroit Lions (-375)

The Over/Under is the biggest of the week (51.5 points at -110 for both). Both teams are capable of putting up big points, but their defenses are capable of keeping the other team out of the end zone with regularity. A 31-20 or 27-24 game remains below the number needed to surpass – which is a lot. Take Under 51.5 points (-110).


Indianapolis Colts (-160) at Green Bay Packers (+135)

Without Jordan Love, the Packers are home underdogs (3 points at -110 for both teams). Without a solid veteran backup plan at quarterback, Green Bay will need to find an identity with an inexperienced QB who hasn’t worked much with most of the starters. The Colts have the weapons to get the job done – and should consider themselves fortunate the Packers are hobbled at Lambeau. Take the Colts and lay 3 points (-110).


Cleveland Browns (+145) at Jacksonville Jaguars (-175)

The Jaguars are standard home favorites for equal teams (3 points at -110 for both). Both teams came off disappointing losses in Week 1 and either could win. But the Browns defense is better and will make enough plays to come away with a road victory. Take the Browns plus 3 points (-110).


San Francisco 49ers (-275) at Minnesota Vikings (+220)

The 49ers are big road favorites (6 points at -110 for both teams). Minnesota has won seven straight home games against the Niners, but eight is not enough. The Vikings looked good in Week 1, but that was against the New York Giants. The 49ers are a favorite to get back to the Super Bowl, and they need to beat teams like Minnesota to build the credibility. Take the 49ers and lay six points (-110).


Seattle Seahawks (-185) at New England Patriots (+150)

The Patriots shocked Cincinnati in Week 1, but are still home dogs (3.5 points at -110 each). Just about everything went right for the Patriots and the Seahawks are making a long road trip, but Seattle has the better team and just needs to not shoot itself in the foot to come away with a win. Take the Seahawks and lay 3.5 points (-110).


New York Jets (-190) at Tennessee Titans (+155)

The Jets are decent road favorites (3.5 points at -110 for both). While this is New York’s second straight road game to start the season and the Jets were trucked by the 49ers, the odds of seeing if Aaron Rodgers can lead the Jets to wins over teams they should beat will be on display and starts this week. Take the Jets and lay 3.5 points (-110).


New York Giants (+105) at Washington Commanders (-125)

The Giants’ humbling loss to Minnesota has them as an underdog against the Commanders (1.5 points at -105 Giants, -115 Commanders). New York is 3-0-1 in its last four games against Washington and, in a division rivalry, that’s significant. Jayden Daniels will eventually turn the tide, but not in his second game. Take the Giants on the moneyline (+105).


Los Angeles Rams (+105) at Arizona Cardinals (-125)

The Cardinals are modest favorites (1.5 points). The Rams are a legitimate contender to make a playoff run – partially based on the Rams’ history in Arizona. The Rams have played in L.A. since 2016 and have never lost in Arizona (8-0). That’s hard to ignore. Take the Rams on the moneyline (+105).


Pittsburgh Steelers (-140) at Denver Broncos (+120)

The Steelers are road favorites (2.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Broncos are testing the water early with rookie QB Bo Nix. The Steelers aren’t a playoff team, but the Steelers defense will do enough to confuse him and will likely repeat the type of struggle Kirk Cousins and the Falcons endured last week. Take the Steelers and lay 2.5 points (-110).


Cincinnati Bengals (+200) at Kansas City Chiefs (-250)

The Chiefs should be bigger favorites than they are (5.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Bengals have more success against Patrick Mahomes than any team has to date, but the current state of the Bengals can’t hang with the champs. Take the Chiefs and lay 5.5 points (-110).


Chicago Bears (+200) at Houston Texans (-250)

The Over/Under is middle of the road (45.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). Both teams have young quarterbacks with a lot of talent assembled around them. If either team gets rolling early, it will force the hand of the other to start throwing the ball around to keep pace. It doesn’t take too many touchdowns to top this number. Take Over 45.5 point (-110).


Atlanta Falcons (+240) at Philadelphia Eagles (-300)

The Over/Under here isn’t as steep as the offensive talent of both teams suggests (47 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The Eagles played last week in Brazil, and the Falcons have a lot more questions than answers about Kirk Cousins leading a new team. The defenses will decide this one; there is the chance the Eagles score more than 30 points and this one still comes short of the points needed. Take Under 47 points (-110).


Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

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