Andrew Wilsher
NFL action returns on Sunday as we get into the meat and potatoes of Week 2. Week 1’s Sunday slate was one heck of a rollercoaster, as we saw the Packers dominate the Lions, the Steelers and Jets contest an unexpected shootout, and a potential game of the year between the Bills and Ravens. Now this week, we have the likes of Bears vs Lions, Bills vs Jets and Jaguars vs Bengals to get excited for, and here at Pickswise, we’ve got you covered on all of them! You can find out our NFL picks for EVERY Week 2 matchup after our experts went 22-10 on their side and total predictions in Week 1! But for now, we’re breaking down our NFL best bets from our experts. Let’s dive in.
NFL best bet: Jaguars vs Bengals Under 49.5 (-115)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing.
Shockingly, Cincinnati’s offense was utterly anemic in Week 1. It averaged a horrendous 2.9 yards per play. Simply nothing worked either on the ground or through the air. Fortunately for the Bengals, their defense stepped up. That’s not saying much given that the Browns were the opposition in question, but holding anyone to 16 points is good for a much-maligned Cincy defense that was awful in 2024. Thank goodness Trey Hendrickson ended his holdout and signed an extension. Both Hendrickson and BJ Hill had 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss apiece in the season opener.
Jacksonville can also feel good about its defense. The unit limited Carolina to 4.2 yards per play while inducing 3 turnovers (2 interceptions, 1 fumble) out of Bryce Young. On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars may be able to move the ball this weekend. If they do, though, their drives could be run-heavy slogs like they were against the Panthers. Even if points are put on the board, the clock should be moving. All things considered, 49.5 is too high of a number — at least until the Bengals’ offense gets on track, which probably won’t happen in Week 2.
Read our full Jaguars vs Bengals predictions
NFL best bet: Bears +6 over Lions (-110)
Odds available at Fanatics Sportsbook at time of publishing.
It may be too early to say that 2 teams are in a must-win spot, but the loser of this Chicago/Detroit matchup falls to 0-2 overall and 0-2 in division play. The Lions’ offense certainly looked different after offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to take the head coaching job in Chicago. Detroit lost at Green Bay 27-13 as the lone touchdown came in the final minute of regulation. QB Jared Goff completed 31 passes but totaled 225 yards for the Lions, while the running game was held to 46 yards.
The Bears blew a 17-6 lead in the 4th quarter on Monday night in a 27-24 home setback to the Vikings. QB Caleb Williams threw for 210 yards and rushed for 58 yards, but Chicago’s offense scored 1 touchdown in the final 3 quarters. The Bears picked off Minnesota QB J.J. McCarthy and returned the interception for a score to grab a 17-6 advantage before the Vikings’ rally.
Now, Johnson takes the Bears into Ford Field in this critical divisional matchup trying to beat the offense he helped lead the last 3 seasons. Chicago finished last season with a 1-7 record on the road that extends to 2-12 dating back to 2024. Detroit went 7-2 at home in the regular season before losing to Washington in the divisional playoffs. The Lions captured each of the 2 meetings last season, even though Detroit edged Chicago 23-20 at Ford Field as 10-point favorites on Thanksgiving. In the 2 matchups, Williams put up 5 touchdown passes and 0 interceptions. There will no doubt be a lot of public sentiment for the Lions, but the Bears are worth a strong look in spite of the tough Monday night loss to Minnesota.
Read our full Bears vs Lions predictions
NFL best bet: Rams -5.5 over Titans (-110)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
The Los Angeles Rams could be in good shape to start the season 2-0 when they visit the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 on Sunday afternoon. Los Angeles opened with a 14-9 home win over the Houston Texans last weekend. It was not a spectacular performance by any means, but keep in mind that the Rams probably won’t have to be spectacular to beat Tennessee — widely expected to be one of the worst teams in the league going into this year. My Rams vs Titans prediction is for the visitors to win and cover. That is in part due to quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose back injury appears to be a thing of the past. Stafford completed 21 of 29 attempts for 245 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions against Houston.
Tennessee put up a decent fight while losing at the Denver Broncos 20-12 this past Sunday. However, there was not much to like about the offense. Cam Ward, the #1 overall pick this spring, went 12-of-28 for 112 with no touchdowns, no interceptions, no rushing attempts and 1 fumble lost. Ward obviously has plenty of future potential, but there will likely be some growing pains in 2025. It’s hard to see the Titans suddenly becoming a well-oiled machine in Week 2. It doesn’t help that Ward and company have to face a Rams defense — led by Jared Verse at outside linebacker — that had no trouble containing Houston’s CJ Stroud in the season opener.
Read our full Rams vs Titans predictions
NFL best bet: Falcons vs Vikings Over 44.5 (-110)
Odds available at Caesars Sportsbook at time of publishing.
The Falcons couldn’t translate 317 yards into enough points to win their game against the Bucs last week, and it won’t be an easy road again on Sunday Night Football. At the same time, there’s something to be said about redemption. When an 0-1 team approaches their next battle, particularly against a 1-0 team, there’s usually an obvious difference in motivation. We’re not entirely sure if that will be the case against the Vikings, a program that’s as well coached and buttoned up as any in the NFL, but it makes us feel better about the Falcons’ offensive potential.
Sure, the Vikings’ defense is overflowing with talent and they’re an aggressive group, led by one of the most feared defensive coordinators in the NFL. But the Bears, despite their many mistakes, still found a way to produce last weekend (317 yards). Atlanta suffered through the same execution issues as the Bears, failing to translate 3rd-down conversions and therefore points after long drives, but that will be a point of emphasis in practice and their play-calling choices this weekend. In a dome, an environment they’re adapted to already, a speedy, explosive Atlanta offense can get to 20 points against any resistance.
On the other side, we love the chances that JJ McCarthy and the Vikings’ offense picks up right where they left off. At just 22 years old, McCarthy showed his resilience and maturity in Week 1, never giving up on the task at hand and showing confidence in his coach’s tutelage. In plain sight, we witnessed the magic that can happen when a coach and quarterback are on the same page. The result was a 27-point outing, with one big play after another in the quarter that mattered most.
McCarthy’s ability to settle down and trust his coach’s process will only elevate his chances of succeeding again in his 2nd start, especially at home with a friendly crowd behind him. And while Atlanta’s offense has some kinks to work through, they have the talent and speed to bait the Vikings’ aggressive offense into mistakes. We love an over.
Read our full Falcons vs Vikings predictions for SNF
