Last week’s favorites did well for me, other than Arizona’s complete collapse late in the second half.
This week offers some head-scratchers in the favorites realm, with 10 games featuring spreads of at least six points, with two of those as 14-point favorites.
Those are major spreads for only the second week of the season. I tend to favor underdogs at this juncture because of the reactionary betting by the public after week 1. But I still like a few favorites this week.
Here’s three week 2 NFL favorites that will cover the spread.
Overall: 3-2-1 ATS
Favorites: 2-1 ATS
Tennessee (-3) at Jacksonville
What a difference a week makes.
Before the season, the Titans were everyone’s pick to be a dark horse, while everyone was hopping of the Jaguars bandwagon thanks to Blake Bortles not being very good.
Don’t let week 1 cloud your judgment. The Jaguars are going to be better this year with an improved defense. But that offense is scary bad, especially with Allen Robinson out for the year.
Tennessee wasn’t great in week 1, but it squared off against an Oakland team competing for a Super Bowl. Tennessee still has a solid offensive line to go along with a good defense.
You’re getting great value with this game. The Titans should be more than a field goal favorite in this game based on talent and experience alone. — Go Chalk with Tennessee
Cleveland at Baltimore (-9)
I don’t love giving up nine points, but I do love Baltimore’s defense.
DeShone Kizer had a decent opening, but he was still harassed by Pittsburgh’s defensive line. That won’t get any better against Baltimore’s front seven.
This could be one of the best Baltimore defenses in recent years, which is saying a lot. The depth is great and the talent is second to none. That spells disaster for a rookie quarterback making his first road start in the NFL.
The Ravens offense scares me some, too, but the Browns have been terrible against the run for a reason in recent years. The Steelers didn’t even attempt to run the football, but Baltimore looks able and ready.
Joe Flacco should have a better day passing and I expect this game to be low-scoring, with Kizer having a hard time finding the end zone. — Go Chalk with Baltimore
Dallas (-2) at Denver
At some point I need to jump on the Dallas bandwagon. I failed to see their run through teams last year and fell into the same trap in week 1.
So, I’m adjusting my perspective.
The Cowboys were 5-3 against the spread on the road last year, so I’m not scared about giving up the home-field advantage. The Broncos are coming off an emotional Monday Night Football performance, so they have a short week to prepare for one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
Denver relies on getting pressure on the opposing quarterback to stymie offenses. That won’t happen as easily against the Cowboys. Dallas can churn out consistent yards and keep the ball in their possession.
The Broncos aren’t used to that happening, giving the edge to Dallas. I’m finally hopping on the bandwagon and backing Dak and the Cowboys. — Go Chalk with Dallas
