NFL Best Bets, Week 2: Bears face tough matchup on Sunday Night Football

Week 1 of the NFL season is incredibly unpredictable, and the challenge of Week 2 is sifting through what is an overreaction and what is a legitimate showing. We were pretty close to sweeping the board last week but had a few teams collapse and lose the cover in the final plays of the game. We have three favorites covering this week, and it’s almost as much about the teams they are facing as it is about them.

Let’s go ahead and dive into the Week 2 picks.

RAVENS -9.5 vs Raiders

This is a brutal spot for the Raiders, who lost to the Chargers in Week 1. They have to travel across the country for a 1 p.m. EST kickoff against a team coming off a loss and extra rest. The Ravens will take their frustrations out on a Raiders team that just does not have enough firepower to keep up. As long as Ronnie Staley learns how to line up properly and Lamar returns to practice this week, I don’t see any concerns with laying the 9.5 points. I think the defense has multiple takeaways, and the Ravens dominate the clock to a 31-14 beatdown.

JAGUARS -3.5 vs Browns

I am a little surprised this line is not higher than 3.5 based on how the Browns looked in their season opener vs the Cowboys. The Jaguars are also coming off a loss. However, they blew an early lead and let Miami steal the victory. They caught an unlucky break with Travis Etienne fumbling at the goalline, which resulted in a touchback. If he hung onto that ball, the Jaguars would have likely won. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was 24 of 45 for 169 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The most alarming statistic was that he failed to complete a throw over 10 yards in the entire game. This is relevant because Miami’s big score was a deep bomb to Tyreek Hill. If Watson can’t complete in a shootout, I don’t think they’ll be able to have much success.

TEXANS -6.5 vs Bears

Until the Bears’ offense shows me they can click as a unit, I can’t give them the benefit of the doubt. Yes, the defense is elite, but CJ Stroud is no Will Levis. I don’t think they can rely on multiple turnovers and special teams touchdowns to stay in this game, which means the offense will have to score some points and move the ball consistently. Caleb Williams and the offense get their first touchdown, but Houston is still a tier ahead of this team. Maybe if these teams played in Week 8, it would be different, but for now, Texans by double digits.