NFL Week 2 Sunday Picks and Bets

Zak Drapeau

10 hours ago

4 min read

by Zak Drapeau

Sportz Nation - 9/19/2026

Photo Credits to Justin K. Aller via Getty Images

Carolina Panthers

@ Atlanta Falcons

(CAR -2.5)

The Falcons plan to start Cooper Rush again, meanwhile the Panthers' offense looked great last week and should easily do it again. This may be the easiest bet of the week.

Prediction: Panthers -2.5

Pittsburgh Steelers

@ New England Patriots

(NE -5)

A great defense in Pittsburgh against a Patriots team with decent-to-good offense and defense, playing at home and in the rain. This one should be low scoring but I'm pretty confident the Pats win.

Prediction: Patriots ML

Cincinnati Bengals

@ Houston Texans

(HOU -2.5)

The Texans were weird last week, offense was great and defense didn't show up. I think they get back to their defensive ways but that might not be enough against Joe Burrow and the new Bengals' D.

Prediction: Bengals +2.5

Cleveland Browns

@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(TB -8.5)

The Buccaneers are back home after losing Week 1 and I think their defense will show out against a Browns team that allowed 5 sacks just last week. The Browns defense has it's upside though and might allow them to cover.

Prediction: Buccaneers ML

Philadelphia Eagles

@ Tennessee Titans

(PHI -7)

I just ranked the Titans 32nd in my latest power rankings so even though they're opening up Nissan Stadium this week, I think the Eagles should be able to run the ball up and down their field easily.

Prediction: Eagles -7

New Orleans Saints

@ Baltimore Ravens

(BAL -8.5)

I know Tyler Shough showed a lot against Detroit last week but I am still ALL IN on the Ravens. 8.5 scares me a bit but I not only believe in the offense but am bullish on the defense this year.

Prediction: Ravens -8.5

Green Bay Packers

@ New York Jets

(GB -3)

Here we go boys, are the Jets legit? Are the Packers really that bad without Josh Jacobs? Everything in my brain and in the past says this should easily be Green Bay -3 but I'm going with the dogs, give me the JETS.

Prediction: Jets +3

Photo Credits to David Banks via Imagn Images

Minnesota Vikings

@ Chicago Bears

(CHI -4.5)

Game of the week happens in Chicago between two NFC North rivals that came out of the gate firing in Week 1. Vikings defense was awesome and the Bears offense may be the best in the league, put this one in Chicago in heavy rain and I like the Bears.

Prediction: Bears ML

Las Vegas Raiders

@ Los Angeles Chargers

(LAC -6.5)

I really believe last week was a fluke EXCEPT for the Chargers' offensive line. Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye might have a day but the Chargers will be MUCH better than last week. Even still, I don't want to touch the spread.

Prediction: Chargers ML

Photo Credits to Corey Perrine via Florida Times-Union

Jacksonville Jaguars

@ Denver Broncos

(DEN -2.5)

Okay I may have spoke too soon, this might be the game of the week. Jaguars looked amazing last week but it was against the Browns. Now they have to go to Denver and play Sean Payton's team that laid an egg on Monday Night. Denver should be chomping at the bits and as long as they do better running the ball they might even win.

Prediction: Broncos ML

Seattle Seahawks

@ Arizona Cardinals

(SEA -4)

Okay so this one is VEEEEEEERY interesting. The Seahawks should be bigger favorites but they're starting Drew Lock, the Cardinals played great last week and are at home. It's a divisional game too which makes me think it'll be close. Another one that's telling me everything points to the obvious but I'M GOING WITH THE DOG!

Prediction: Cardinals +4

Washington Commanders

@ Dallas Cowboys

(DAL -4)

I like the Cowboys offense and seeing as how the Commanders gave up a bad 1st half this week, I think they do the same in Dallas but don't get a chance to recover on the road.

Prediction: Cowboys ML

Miami Dolphins

@ San Francisco 49ers

(SF -13)

Yup... anytime you see an NFL game with a spread over 10 you automatically want to take the points but I don't really see a way the 49ers don't cover unless something drastic happens.

Prediction: SF -13

Indianapolis Colts

@ Kansas City Chiefs

(KC -6.5)

I'm a Colts fan... I'm more so saying that to myself because this season may be tough and seeing what the Chiefs did last week, this might be the toughest one.

Prediction: Chiefs -6.5

New York Giants

@ Los Angeles Rams

(LAR -7)

The Rams played WAY below their abilities last week and I entirely blame their travel arrangements. They're now back at home and playing a Giants team who definitely will be great, but might have too much hubris.

Prediction: Rams ML