NFL Week 2 Picks Against The Spread 2021: Predictions ATS, Betting Odds, Matchups

Making NFL predictions after opening weekend can be tricky. Taking in all the information from Week 1 while not overreacting to a small sample size isn’t easy, especially since nine underdogs won their 2021 season openers.

Here are picks against the spread for every game in Week 2, as well as updated betting odds. Betting lines come from FanDuel Sportsbook.

New York Giants (+3.5) at Washington Football Team

This has all the makings of an ugly, low-scoring game. It’s a matchup between a pair of division rivals on a short week after they were both held below 17 points. Daniel Jones is 4-0 against Washington in his career.

Prediction ATS: New York

Las Vegas Raiders (+5.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers

With possibly the NFL’s best defense, the Steelers are built to win a lot of close games. Ben Roethlisberger’s 188 passing yards and Najee Harris’ 45 rushing yards in Week 1 weren’t exactly promising signs for the Pittsburgh offense. The Raiders were impressive in their win over the Ravens, though winning in Pittsburgh will be difficult.

Prediction ATS: Las Vegas

Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5) at Chicago Bears

With Andy Dalton under center for Chicago, Cincinnati has a much more explosive offense. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase could take advantage of a Bears secondary that gave up multiple 50-plus-yard touchdown passes.The Bears won’t have much of a home-field advantage if Dalton struggles and the crowd turns on the quarterback, frustrated that Justin Fields is on the bench.

Prediction ATS: Cincinnati

Houston Texans (+12.5) at Cleveland Browns

A victory at home against the lowly Jaguars doesn’t change the fact that Houston is one of the league’s worst teams. Cleveland was impressive in defeat against Kansas City. After ranking last in opponents' yards per carry in 2020, the Texans have little hope of stopping Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

Prediction ATS: Cleveland

Los Angeles Rams (-4) at Indianapolis Colts

The Rams have the advantage in just about every key area with a better quarterback, receiving corps and pass rush. The Colts’ offensive line might not be as dominant as it has been under Frank Reich in recent years. That could be an issue against Aaron Donald and Los Angeles’ defense, which limited Carson Wentz to no passing touchdowns and two interceptions a season ago.

Prediction ATS: Los Angeles

Buffalo Bills (-3) at Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins might be a legitimate threat to win the AFC East. Miami’s defense led the NFL in takeaways a season ago and beat New England on the road in Week 1 by forcing a pair of key fumbles. Buffalo’s 23-16 loss against Pittsburgh could be a sign that the Bills' offense will regress in 2021.

Prediction ATS: Miami

New England Patriots (-5.5) at New York Jets

Zach Wilson was sacked six times in Carolina. The rookie won’t fare much better without his best offensive lineman against Bill Belichick’s defense. At this point, Mac Jones is the better quarterback in a much better position to succeed.

Prediction ATS: New England

San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) at Philadelphia Eagles

This line would’ve been close to a touchdown had it been a Week 1 matchup. Let’s see if Jalen Hurts can have another strong performance against San Francisco’s front seven.

Prediction ATS: San Francisco

New Orleans Saints (-4.5) at Carolina Panthers

Everything went right for the Saints in their 38-3 win over the Packers. Jameis Winston set a record with just 148 passing yards to go along with his five touchdowns. The quarterback won’t have nearly the same amount of success Sunday.

Prediction ATS: Carolina

Denver Broncos (-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars

It’s hard to pick the Jaguars against any playoff contender when they are getting fewer than seven points, no matter where the game is played. Jacksonville is 0-16 since winning the 2020 season opener. Following a three-interception game, Trevor Lawrence has to face arguably the league’s best secondary.

Prediction ATS: Denver

Minnesota Vikings (+3.5) at Arizona Cardinals

This game is essentially a tossup. Minnesota and Arizona entered the season with the same win total. Chandler Jones won’t match his five-sack performance from Week 1. The Vikings’ defense presents Kyler Murray with a more difficult challenge than the Titans did in the opener.

Prediction ATS: Minnesota

Atlanta Falcons (+12.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A banged-up secondary could prevent Tampa Bay from turning this one into a laugher. The Bucs allowed Dak Prescott to throw for 403 yards in the opener. Expect a high-scoring game with Tom Brady and Co. pulling away late in the fourth quarter.

Prediction ATS: Atlanta

Dallas Cowboys (+2.5) at Los Angeles Chargers

Given the size of the two fan bases, this could feel like a home game for the Cowboys. Dallas’ offense will be incredibly difficult to slow down if the coaching staff remains committed to passing at such a high rate. Dak Prescott leads the league in passing yards per game, by a good margin, since the start of last season.

Prediction ATS: Dallas

Tennessee Titans (+5.5) at Seattle Seahawks

Don’t overreact to Tennessee’s Week 1 blowout loss. The offense is bound to play much better after being held to 13 points. Russell Wilson will probably find a way to win at home, but Seattle is known for playing close games. Over the last two seasons, 75% of Seahawks games have been decided by one score, including 11 contests decided by five points or fewer.

Prediction ATS: Tennessee

Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) at Baltimore Ravens

The Chiefs have beaten the Ravens in three straight years, and Baltimore isn’t better than it was in any of those seasons. Patrick Mahomes has never lost or thrown an interception in September. Kansas City is a poor matchup for Lamar Jackson, who has completed just 52.6% of his attempts against the Chiefs.

Prediction ATS: Kansas City

Detroit Lions (+11.5) at Green Bay Packers

The Lions aren’t very good, but they will probably compete hard under Dan Campbell, as evidenced by their Week 1 comeback attempt. Detroit usually plays Green Bay tough, only losing to the Packers by double digits once since 2015.

Prediction ATS: Detroit

Season Record: 5-10-1