With a couple of games in the books for the NFL’s 32 teams, we have started to see trends developing and those will base this week’s picks.
We have a couple of underperforming running backs who will continue to struggle, an explosive rookie not getting the attention he deserves, the most dominant tight end in the game showing why he’s dominant, and a red-zone mismatch who will come away with a touchdown.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
5
Seattle Seahawks WR DK Metcalf scores a touchdown (+100)
Metcalf creates mismatches every time he steps on the field, but those mismatches against smaller defensive backs get more pronounced when Seattle gets near the end zone. The Carolina Panthers are struggling badly on offense and that lends itself to giving their opponents more opportunities to string together scoring drives of their own. The Seahawks haven’t played with a lot of consistency, which is why Metcalf needs to step up.
4
Minnesota Vikings RB Alexander Mattison UNDER 51.5 rushing yards (-120)
Mattison has struggled badly in his attempt to take over the lead running spot in the post-Dalvin Cook era in Minnesota. Things have become so bad so quickly that the Vikings traded for Cam Akers to provide an upgrade. This may be Mattison’s final shot at holding on to the primary running back job. Given the Vikings’ struggles to run the ball effectively, they may abandon it again if Sunday’s game with the Los Angeles Chargers turns into a scoring fest through the air.
3
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner UNDER 56.5 rushing yards (-120)
The Cardinals are going up against a Dallas Cowboys defense that terrorized the New York Giants and New York Jets. The Cowboys are one of the best teams in the league and, if they get an early lead, will likely make the Cardinals one-dimensional on offense to try to stay with them as long as they can. If Arizona has to abandon the run, which is likely, Conner may not get the number of carries needed to surpass this number.
2
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce OVER 6.5 receptions (+100)
The Chiefs offense has yet to hit its stride and part of the reason was that Kelce was missing in Week 1 and not 100 percent in Week 2. He’s back to being himself, and that typically means big things in the Chiefs offense. The Chicago Bears defense is awful, and Kelce will get a lot of opportunities to take advantage of those weaknesses. Seven receptions is a lot to ask, but Kelce is capable of getting that every week.
1
Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson OVER 69.5 rushing yards (-115)
If you haven’t seen Robinson play in either of his first two games, you’re missing out. He’s averaging 6.2 yards a carry and is facing a Detroit Lions team that is still trying to finds its defensive identity. The Falcons are the most prolific rush offense in the league and won’t change what they do. If Robinson gets 15 carries, it will be extremely difficult to keep him under this number.
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