The NFL week 2 matchups offer a nice blend of slam dunks, surprise picks and straight-up fun games to watch. Let’s try a few spread picks. Cincinnati Bengals @ Green Bay Packers (-9)
Sunday, September 20, 1:00 p.m. ET
The Packers were impressive last week but for a different reason than expected. Instead of showcasing their juggernaut offense, the Pack unveiled a dominant, athletic young defense that made life miserable for Jay Cutler and the Bears. If they could manhandle the Bears, they shouldn’t have any trouble against a suspect Cincinnati line and a less mobile quarterback in Carson Palmer. Green Bay’s O-line was a concern last week but Aaron Rodgers will find a way to put points on the board anyway. The Packers are safe NFL picks to cover the spread.
Betting software recommends: Packers -9
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons (-6)
Sunday, September 20, 1:00 p.m. ET
Considering how bad Jake Delhomme was against the Eagles last week, turning the ball over five times, it’s amazing that the NFL betting spread is just six points. Delhomme was so atrocious that he affected his entire team indirectly. His turnovers kept the Panther “D” on the field forever, so it tired out and got beat by Donovan McNabb. Because the Eagles didn’t have to respect his arm, they stacked the box against DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, holding them to 72 yards on 25 carries. The same should happen this week, as Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez and the balanced Falcon attack should torch a tired Panther “D” and force a few giveaways.
Betting software recommends: Falcons -6
Baltimore Ravens @ San Diego Chargers (-3)
Sunday, September 20, 4:15 p.m. ET
Were the Chargers a bit rusty last week or is something up? They had a decent amount of trouble getting past Oakland, so that doesn’t bode well for their chances against Baltimore. The Ravens did, however, have an easy opponent in Kansas City, so we have to take their big win with a grain of salt. The key may be Baltimore’s passing game, which looked great against the Chiefs. Joe Flacco and company won’t be that good every week, but they do look improved and the Chargers’ pass defense isn’t anything special. Pick the Ravens.
Betting software recommends: Ravens +3
