Bleacher Report’s Week 2 NFL Picks
Bleacher Report’s Week 2 NFL Picks 0 of 16
Bleacher Report
Week 1 in the NFL can be a reality check to remind us how much we don’t know after an offseason of projections.
Now with some game film, stat lines and a small sample size, our panel of experts will look to build more momentum with another week well above .500.
Before we get into our picks against the spread for Week 2, check out the leaderboard with Week 1 results in the books.
ATS Standings
1. Michelino: 9-4-3
T-2. Hanford: 8-5-3
T-2. Knox: 8-5-3
T-2. Moton: 8-5-3
T-2. O’Donnell: 8-5-3
6. Davenport: 6-7-3
7. Gagnon: 4-9-3
8. Sobleski: 2-11-3
Consensus picks: 7-4-1
Lines are from DraftKings as of Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m. ET. Check DraftKings for the latest odds info. Information on public betting trends is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins1 of 16
Bills QB Josh Allen (left) and Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (right)Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Bettors should keep an eye on the injury report for this matchup.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been practicing with a protective glove on his left hand. The team has already ruled out slot cornerback Taron Johnson.
Miami Dolphins tailback Raheem Mostert (chest) won’t suit up, and his running mate De’Von Achane (ankle) will be a game-time decision.
Given the familiarity between these AFC East rivals, we will probably see a nail-biter Thursday.
Our crew split even on their picks for this contest, though O’Donnell went against grain on the recent history between these teams.
“Josh Allen owns the Miami Dolphins. In 12 career games, he is 10-2. Tua, meanwhile, is 1-6 in his career against Buffalo. The disparity is even more gorydamn daunting when looking at Allen’s 33 TDs to seven INTs (and five rushing TDs) to Tua’s six TDs to seven INTs in meetings between these division rivals.
“It would be easy to side with the Bills given the historical dominance and the points here, but that’s my typical play. My track record of late with Thursday Night Football has me wanting to buck a trend, and this seems like a great time do it, given the Dolphins are trying to do the same. So, the home team on a short week sounds great to me.”
Predictions
Davenport: Bills
Gagnon: Bills
Hanford: Bills
Knox: Bills
Michelino: Dolphins
Moton: Dolphins
O’Donnell: Dolphins
Sobleski: Dolphins
ATS Consensus: None
Score Prediction: Dolphins 27, Bills 24
New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys 2 of 16
Cowboys QB Dak PrescottNick Cammett/Getty Images
The Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints cruised in blowout victories last week.
Despite transitioning from former coordinator Dan Quinn, who’s now the head coach of the Washington Commanders, to Mike Zimmer, the Cowboys defense looked dominant in Week 1. Dallas forced two turnovers, and it held the Cleveland Browns to 17 points.
The Saints have a new offensive coordinator in Klint Kubiak, who put together a game plan that worked effectively against the Carolina Panthers in a 47-10 win.
Knox liked what he saw out of the Saints offense with Kubiak, which factored into his decision to side with the road underdog.
“Admittedly, I liked the Saints a lot more in this one when the line was seven, but I’ll stick with the road dog here. Both teams looked terrific in Week 1, and I’m not sure either performance was a mirage. I do, however, expect the Cowboys defense to come back to earth a bit after feasting on a pair of backup tackles and a quarterback who has seemingly forgotten how the game of football is played.
“I keep coming back to new Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who was San Francisco’s passing game coordinator when the 49ers dismantled the Cowboys last season. That was against Dan Quinn’s defense, not Mike Zimmer’s, and the Saints don’t have the collection of playmakers that the 49ers have. However, I think Kubiak will have an actual plan for attacking Dallas’ personnel. New Orleans’ defense is good enough to make this a lot closer than the early line might indicate.”
Predictions
Davenport: Cowboys
Gagnon: Cowboys
Hanford: Cowboys
Knox: Saints
Michelino: Cowboys
Moton: Saints
O’Donnell: Cowboys
Sobleski: Saints
ATS Consensus: Cowboys -6.5
Score Prediction: Cowboys 26, Saints 19
Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens3 of 16
Ravens QB Lamar JacksonScott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the first game of the 2024 season. If Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely wore cleats one inch smaller, he might have had one of the most memorable opening-night performances.
Still, the Ravens battled back from an early 10-point deficit and nearly knocked off the reigning champions. They’re still a Super Bowl-contending team, reflected in the odds for this matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Based on point spread, the Ravens are the biggest favorites in Week 2, and Moton had no problem laying the points with Baltimore.
“This is a terrible spot for the Raiders. They’re coming off a 10-point scoring performance and heading east to play the Baltimore Ravens, who had a few extra days to prepare for this matchup after a loss to the Chiefs in their season opener.
“The Raiders defense looked stout in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers last week, but J.K. Dobbins eventually broke away for big runs in the second half. With key injuries on the edge (Malcolm Koonce and Tyree Wilson), Patrick Graham’s defense may struggle to keep Lamar Jackson in the pocket while he’s running from Maxx Crosby.
“Typically, a team with a stingy defense would cover this massive line, but Las Vegas’ inability to score gives the Ravens a chance to win by a double-digit margin.”
Predictions
Davenport: Ravens
Gagnon: Ravens
Hanford: Ravens
Knox: Ravens
Michelino: Raiders
Moton: Ravens
O’Donnell: Ravens
Sobleski: Raiders
ATS Consensus: Ravens -9.5
Score Prediction: Ravens 26, Raiders 14
Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots4 of 16
Seahawks WR DK MetcalfAlika Jenner/Getty Images
In the biggest Week 1 upset, the New England Patriots beat the Cincinnati Bengals on the road 16-10.
To be a surprise 2-0 squad, the Patriots must turn this contest into a low-scoring battle.
The Seattle Seahawks have the playmakers to win a scoring shootout with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the perimeter and Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet in the backfield.
Last week, the Patriots didn’t even accumulate 300 total yards, though Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown, looks like their offensive engine.
Even though the Seahawks will travel across the country for an early 1 p.m. ET kickoff, our panel believes they come out of this matchup 2-0. Gagnon doesn’t see the Patriots pulling off another upset.
“New England quite simply isn’t a good enough team to put together consecutive strong performances, and the Seahawks look to have more early-season fight than Cincinnati. Look for a big correction here as a Seattle squad with plenty of talent takes care of business.”
Predictions
Davenport: Seahawks
Gagnon: Seahawks
Hanford: Seahawks
Knox: Seahawks
Michelino: Patriots
Moton: Seahawks
O’Donnell: Seahawks
Sobleski: Patriots
ATS Consensus: Seahawks -3.5
Score Prediction: Seahawks 21, Patriots 13
Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers 5 of 16
Colts QB Anthony RichardsonJustin Casterline/Getty Images
The Green Bay Packers tried to rally for a late comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil, and it cost them quarterback Jordan Love for at least a few weeks.
While Love recovers from an MCL sprain, the Packers will start Malik Willis in his place.
In three career starts, Willis has thrown three interceptions and zero touchdown passes. The Packers may try to wear down opposing defenses with their run game until Love returns to action.
Packers running back Josh Jacobs could see a heavy workload against a Colts defense that gave up the most rushing yards last week.
However, Indianapolis can mirror that strategy with Jonathan Taylor against Green Bay’s 23rd-ranked run defense.
Though Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson can showcase his big arm, this matchup may come down to the team that’s most effective on the ground and dominates time of possession.
Our panel sided with the Colts, and Sobleski explained why.
“This battle between Indianapolis and Green Bay is slanted in the Colts’ favor based on the hits taken at different premium positions,” Sobleski said.
“Jordan Love won’t play for at least a few weeks after suffering an MCL sprain in Week 1.
“The Colts, meanwhile, lost their top cornerback, JuJu Brents, to a season-ending knee injury. While Indianapolis’ secondary is suspect, backup-turned-starter Malik Willis isn’t a proven consistent threat as a passer.
“Expect the Colts to load the box against the run and play better in that area than they did against the Texans.”
Predictions
Davenport: Colts
Gagnon: Packers
Hanford: Colts
Knox: Colts
Michelino: Colts
Moton: Colts
O’Donnell: Colts
Sobleski: Colts
ATS Consensus: Colts -3.5
Score Prediction: Colts 23, Packers 17
Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers6 of 16
Chargers RB J.K. DobbinsRonald Martinez/Getty Images
The Los Angeles Chargers started the Jim Harbaugh era with a convincing 22-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Their physical play style in the trenches embodied Harbaugh’s track record. Last week, the Chargers won most of their battles at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
Moreover, running back J.K. Dobbins looks 100 percent a year after tearing his Achilles. He ran for 135 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders and looks like the lead ball-carrier for a ball-control offense.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers may have to be more patient with their new regime. Under head coach and offensive play-caller Dave Canales, second-year quarterback Bryce Young doesn’t look much different than he did while struggling through his rookie campaign.
Knox sided with the consensus in favor of the Chargers because he’s not seeing encouraging signs in Young’s development.
“I had high hopes for Bryce Young in Year 2, but a new head coach and an improved receiving corps haven’t made him a better NFL quarterback. He had no answers for the Saints defense in Week 1, but, more alarmingly, he struggled to handle pressure, deliver accurate passes or hit receivers in stride. Those are issues that aren’t going to disappear in a week.
“Under Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are going to lean on the run, and that’s a sound strategy against a Panthers defense now missing Derrick Brown. This pick, though, is really about Young. Until he shows he can be a reliable signal-caller, it might be worth backing any opponent who isn’t a double-digit favorite over Carolina.”
Predictions
Davenport: Chargers
Gagnon: Chargers
Hanford: Chargers
Knox: Chargers
Michelino: Panthers
Moton: Chargers
O’Donnell: Panthers
Sobleski: Chargers
ATS Consensus: Chargers -6.5
Score Prediction: Chargers 27, Panthers 17
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings 7 of 16
49ers RB Jordan MasonThearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
In 2023, the San Francisco 49ers won 11 of their 12 regular-season games by double-digit margins. They carried that trend into the 2024 campaign with a 32-19 victory over the New York Jets on Monday.
Even more impressive, the 49ers ran through the Jets defense without Christian McCaffrey, who’s dealing with calf and Achilles injuries. After an offseason of extensive negotiations with the team, wideout Brandon Aiyuk only played 60 percent of the snaps on offense and had a couple of uncharacteristic drops.
On a short week, the 49ers will go on the road to face the Minnesota Vikings, whose offense looked mostly sharp with Sam Darnold at the helm in a 28-6 win over the New York Giants.
While most of our panel believes the 49ers will continue to steamroll their competition, Gagnon stands alone with the Vikings.
“The 49ers are a little banged up coming off a short week, and they’re on the road for an early kickoff against a team with relatively little to lose that looked strong in Week 1. With that in mind, this is too many points. The upset is on the table, but I expect a field-goal game either way.”
Predictions
Davenport: 49ers
Gagnon: Vikings
Hanford: 49ers
Knox: 49ers
Michelino: 49ers
Moton: 49ers
O’Donnell: 49ers
Sobleski: 49ers
ATS Consensus: 49ers -5.5
Score Prediction: 49ers 28, Vikings 20
New York Giants at Washington Commanders 8 of 16
Commanders QB Jayden DanielsKevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Even with head coach Brian Daboll taking over play-calling duties, the New York Giants offense couldn’t find its rhythm last week, and quarterback Daniel Jones threw two interceptions, one for a pick-six.
The Giants offense looks hopeless. They’re basically in a pick-em game with a team that enters Week 2 with one of the worst statistical scoring and total defensive units.
While the panel reached a consensus in favor of the Commanders, O’Donnell noticed a pattern between these NFC East rivals since Jones has been under center in New York.
“The Giants are a bad football team,” O’Donnell said. “Not just right now. They’re built to be a bad football team for most, if not all, of this season. But this is one of those games that transcends that brutal reality and sets up nicely for one of the three or four wins they’ll notch this year.
“Daniel Jones has a winning record against only three NFL teams. Take a guess which one he’s beaten the most: Washington (5-1 record with 10 TDs to three INTs). Throw in the fact that Big Blue’s brass did extensive work on Washington’s rookie QB this draft cycle, and I’ll ride with the team that only has so many wins in them. The points are an added bonus.”
Predictions
Davenport: Commanders
Gagnon: Commanders
Hanford: Commanders
Knox: Commanders
Michelino: Giants
Moton: Giants
O’Donnell: Giants
Sobleski: Commanders
ATS Consensus: Commanders -1.5
Score Prediction: Commanders 24, Giants 21
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans9 of 16
Jets QB Aaron RodgersBrooke Sutton/Getty Images
Aaron Rodgers played through his first full game in a New York Jets uniform, but Gang Green came up short in a disappointing loss.
Moreover, aside from an early touchdown drive, Rodgers had a pedestrian outing, throwing for 167 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
While it’s too early for the Jets to panic about their offense, head coach Robert Saleh is focused on fixing the defense, which gave up 147 rushing yards and a touchdown to Christian McCaffrey’s backup, Jordan Mason.
Moton believes the Jets can right the ship with a strong defensive outing against the Tennessee Titans, who turned the ball over three times in a loss to the Chicago Bears.
“The 49ers embarrassed the Jets with Mason, who had a career rushing performance Monday night,” Moton recalled. “Saleh seemed to take that personally when he told reporters that the team would fix it.
“Fortunately for the Jets, they won’t face a prolific offensive play-caller like Kyle Shanahan this week. Titans lead skipper Brian Callahan is calling plays for the first time in his coaching career.
“Though the Titans racked up 140 yards and scored on the ground against the Bears last week, quarterback Will Levis contributed 36 yards, and running back Tony Pollard gained 26 yards on one run in the first quarter.
“Gang Green’s defense will capitalize on Levis’ mistakes to gain some confidence after an abysmal performance.”
Predictions
Davenport: Jets
Gagnon: Titans
Hanford: Titans
Knox: Jets
Michelino: Jets
Moton: Jets
O’Donnell: Jets
Sobleski: Titans
ATS Consensus: Jets -3.5
Score Prediction: Jets 22, Titans 17
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars 10 of 16
Jaguars QB Trevor LawrenceMegan Briggs/Getty Images
The Cleveland Browns couldn’t get much going against the Dallas Cowboys last week. Though quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled, throwing for one touchdown and two interceptions with a 53.3 percent completion rate, the Browns won’t have much offensive success with backup tackles.
Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin missed the season opener because of knee injuries. If they’re back in the lineup Sunday, the Browns should have more offensive productivity. Still, our panel, except for Knox and Moton, doesn’t like their chances of covering against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sobleski explained why he sided with the Jaguars, emphasizing Watson’s inability to push the ball downfield.
“Right now, Deshaun Watson is the worst quarterback in the NFL,” Sobleski pointed out. “The question isn’t whether he’ll ever return to form; the Browns simply want him to play average football. He’s not even close to doing so.”
“In Week 1, Watson didn’t complete any of his 10 pass attempts of 15 or more yards downfield, per CBS Sports’ Doug Clawson. It was the worst effort by any quarterback since air yards began to be tracked in 2006. Until Watson or some other Browns quarterback starts to show signs of life, the rest of what’s a talented roster won’t be viewed as enough.”
Predictions
Davenport: Jaguars
Gagnon: Jaguars
Hanford: Jaguars
Knox: Browns
Michelino: Jaguars
Moton: Browns
O’Donnell: Jaguars
Sobleski: Jaguars
ATS Consensus: Jaguars -3.5
Score Prediction: Jaguars 26, Browns 20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions11 of 16
Lions QB Jared GoffCooper Neill/Getty Images
The Detroit Lions had some hiccups in their season opener, but they still pulled out a 26-20 win in overtime in a tough battle with the Los Angeles Rams. Jared Goff only threw for 217 yards, a touchdown and an interception, and the Lions defense gave up 387 yards.
Some would say a team that beats a playoff contender on an off-night has the potential to go the distance for a title.
The Lions should feel confident about a bounce-back offensive performance as they prepare to face an injury-riddled Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary.
Because of a cluster of injuries at cornerback and the absence of All-Pro defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr., the Buccaneers may struggle to keep pace with the Lions.
Michelino believes Detroit’s ability to attack on the ground and through the air will overwhelm Tampa Bay’s defense.
“These teams faced off twice last year, once in the regular season and again in the divisional round of the playoffs in a back-and-forth slugfest,” Michelino recalled. “The Lions emerged victorious both times in what’s become a budding rivalry.
“Look, I have a ton of respect for what the Buccaneers have done with Baker at the helm since taking over for the GOAT. It’s been a perfect marriage, and the Bucs were again impressive with a decisive Week 1 victory against the Commanders.
“But for me, the Lions are the class of the NFC and only getting better. Their defense is improved and their dominant offensive line enables Campbell’s signature ground-and-pound style that should grant them the advantage in time of possession.
“And don’t forget about the long-awaited arrival of Jameson Williams to go along with Amon-Ra St. Brown if this becomes a shootout (as indicated by the total). The Lions won by eight points last time, and having home-field advantage here gives me confidence they’ll do it again.”
Predictions
Davenport: Buccaneers
Gagnon: Lions
Hanford: Lions
Knox: Lions
Michelino: Lions
Moton: Lions
O’Donnell: Buccaneers
Sobleski: Buccaneers
ATS Consensus: Lions -6.5
Score Prediction: Lions 31, Buccaneers 23
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals12 of 16
Rams RB Kyren WilliamsBrandon Sloter/Getty Images
After a crushing Sunday Night Football overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, the Los Angeles Rams have to prepare for a division rival who’s also trying to avoid an 0-2 start.
In preparation for the Cardinals, the Rams must patch holes in their offense. They have placed Pro Bowl wideout Puka Nacua on injured reserve. Guards Steve Avila (MCL sprain) and Kevin Dotson (ankle) and tackle Joe Noteboom (ankle) suffered injuries in last week’s loss to the Lions.
Meanwhile, Alaric Jackson will serve another week of suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Oddsmakers factored in the Rams’ injuries with this line, but our betting crew isn’t backing off Los Angeles.
Davenport thinks the Rams will find a way to win out of desperation.
“This is actually a fairly intriguing game—the loser will be in deep doodie (come for the hard-hitting analysis, stay for the vocabulary of an eight-year-old) in the NFC West already, and the Rams host the 49ers in Week 3,” Davenport said.
“Desperation can be a powerful motivator, and on the backs of a heavy dose of Kyren Williams and 84 targets for Cooper Kupp, the Rams will pull out the win—and then promptly get waxed at home by the 49ers a week later.”
Predictions
Davenport: Rams
Gagnon: Rams
Hanford: Rams
Knox: Rams
Michelino: Cardinals
Moton: Rams
O’Donnell: Rams
Sobleski: Cardinals
ATS Consensus: Rams +1.5
Score Prediction: Rams 24, Cardinals 23
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs13 of 16
Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy (left) and QB Patrick Mahomes (right)David Eulitt/Getty Images
The Cincinnati Bengals took an embarrassing home loss to the New England Patriots in Week 1. Perhaps a Super Bowl contender, the Bengals scored only 10 points against a team that’s projected to be one of the league’s worst by the end of the season.
In fairness to the Bengals, Ja’Marr Chase missed multiple practices leading up to their season opener, and he popped up on the injury report with an illness late last week.
Also, wideout Tee Higgins sat out because of a hamstring injury.
Assuming Chase gets in sync with the offense for a full week, the Bengals should be able to ramp up their scoring with the aerial attack against the Kansas City Chiefs.
On a not-so-positive note for the Bengals, during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said he would be surprised if Higgins plays against the Chiefs.
Bettors should keep a close eye on Cincinnati’s injury report before the weekend. Our panel favors the Chiefs for this game. Hanford refuses to bet against the reigning champions in the first month of the season.
“Patrick Mahomes is 16-4 in September and 6-2 at home in September for his career. Kansas City is going to have to play well to cover against a Bengals team reeling after an unexpected Week 1 loss, but Steve Spagnuolo’s defense is a tall order if you’re counting on a bounce-back game for Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense.
“Look for Kansas City to slow this game down using Isiah Pacheco after Rhamondre Stevenson ripped off 120 rushing yards against Cincinnati last week and win by a touchdown and an extra point.”
Predictions
Davenport: Chiefs
Gagnon: Bengals
Hanford: Chiefs
Knox: Chiefs
Michelino: Bengals
Moton: Chiefs
O’Donnell: Bengals
Sobleski: Chiefs
ATS Consensus: Chiefs -6
Score Prediction: Chiefs 29, Bengals 22
Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos14 of 16
Steelers QB Justin FieldsRich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
In Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers started Justin Fields in place of Russell Wilson, who’s battling a calf injury, and beat the Atlanta Falcons 18-10 without scoring a touchdown.
Because of Wilson’s lingering injury, he may not be available to face his former team, the Denver Broncos. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters the team is preparing as if Fields will start on Sunday.
The Broncos know Wilson well, but lead skipper Sean Payton acknowledged his offense has a tougher test this week than in Week 1, which means rookie quarterback Bo Nix could have another rough outing.
Though Nix scored a touchdown on the ground against the Seattle Seahawks last week, he threw two interceptions and completed 61.9 percent of his passes.
If Payton is right, the Steelers may be able to get another win without reaching the end zone.
Hanford doesn’t expect an offensive masterpiece between these teams, but he envisions the Steelers winning a muddied-up game with their defense.
“Fields wasn’t perfect in his Steelers debut last week, but he did torch Denver in Week 10 last season for 335 yards and four touchdowns through the air (yes, he had a critical fumble as well, but we’ll ignore that for this exercise),” Hanford noted.
“Bo Nix struggled in Week 1, and I don’t see things getting any easier for the rookie against T.J. Watt and the Steelers defense this week.
“Expect the Steelers to lean on Najee Harris and the run game against a Broncos defense that was gashed by Kenneth Walker III last week as the defense turns in another dominant effort to move Mike Tomlin to 25-6 all-time against rookie QBs with a seven-point win.”
Predictions
Davenport: Steelers
Gagnon: Broncos
Hanford: Steelers
Knox: Steelers
Michelino: Broncos
Moton: Steelers
O’Donnell: Broncos
Sobleski: Steelers
ATS Consensus: Steelers -2.5
Score Prediction: Steelers 23, Broncos 16
Chicago Bears at Houston Texans15 of 16
Texans QB C.J. StroudJustin Casterline/Getty Images
In Sunday night’s marquee matchup, the Houston Texans, led by 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, will face the Chicago Bears, who will garner headlines all season with No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams leading their offense.
With the Bears’ Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans, Williams became the first quarterback to win in his NFL debut since David Carr in 2002.
That said, Williams struggled in his first pro outing, throwing for just 93 yards with a 48.3 percent completion rate.
Though two of our analysts believe the Bears defense can keep them within a touchdown, Michelino sided with the better team over a squad trying to find its offensive rhythm.
“The Bears’ talented defense certainly lived up to the hype in Week 1, forcing multiple turnovers, including a game-winning pick-six, and securing the victory in Caleb Williams’ highly anticipated debut,” Michelino said.
“There are just two issues looking ahead to SNF.
“One, Williams looked overwhelmed and erratic throughout the afternoon leading stalled drive after stalled drive.
“Two, the Bears won’t face Will Levis again.
“In Houston, new faces Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs had huge debuts, and C.J. Stroud looks as poised as ever in his sophomore season.
“The Texans are well-coached, ascending on both sides of the ball, and the far better all-around team. Don’t overthink it. They’ve earned being a heavy favorite, and I’m confident they’ll come through here.”
Predictions
Davenport: Texans
Gagnon: Bears
Hanford: Texans
Knox: Texans
Michelino: Texans
Moton: Texans
O’Donnell: Texans
Sobleski: Bears
ATS Consensus: Texans -6.5
Score Prediction: Texans 24, Bears 17
Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles 16 of 16
Eagles RB Saquon BarkleyPedro Vilela/Getty Images
Despite the Philadelphia Eagles’ three turnovers and quarterback Jalen Hurts’ 58.8 percent completion rate in Week 1, their offense seems like it’s on the right track after a dreadful finish to the 2023 season.
Running back Saquon Barkley had one of his best career games with three touchdowns, leading the Eagles to a 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Hurts still has to iron out a few wrinkles with new starting center Cam Jurgens, but he connected with his top two receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who recorded 12 receptions for 203 yards and a touchdown combined.
Even with the Eagles’ inefficiencies, our crew sided with them over the Atlanta Falcons for the consensus pick.
Atlanta’s 10-point scoring performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers has raised some concerns among our panelists, and Davenport was the most vocal about it.
“Frankly, I’m a little surprised this spread isn’t bigger after Kirk Cousins looked closer to 76 than 36 in his Falcons debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Davenport joked.
“Yes, Philly’s problems in the secondary don’t appear to have exactly been fixed. But the offense was rolling against Green Bay, and if the front seven can get any pressure on Cousins (he looked less mobile than me a week ago—and that takes some effort), the Eagles defense could take over the game.
“Unless half the Eagles went on a three-day bender in Brazil after beating the Packers, Philadelphia will cruise in prime time in its actual home opener.”
Predictions
Davenport: Eagles
Gagnon: Falcons
Hanford: Eagles
Knox: Eagles
Michelino: Falcons
Moton: Eagles
O’Donnell: Eagles
Sobleski: Falcons
ATS Consensus: Eagles -6.5
Score Prediction: Eagles 27, Falcons 20
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