Week 2 of the NFL season showed us plenty of what to expect the rest of the season.
There were some surprises and some things we’ve grown to expect in the NFL.
With the week almost completed, the betting guide went 2-1 against the spread, making the overall season total at 5-1, and the Lockness Monsters for week 2 went 5-0 against the spread, running the season total to 7-3.
Here’s three things we learned after week 2 of the NFL season.
Dallas Cowboys are money on the road
Dallas entered this week’s road game against Philadelphia as 5-point underdogs.
That’s a prime opportunity to jump on the Cowboys with your wallet. Dallas is now 9-1 against the spread on the road in the last two years, including the playoffs, with its win against Philadelphia on Sunday.
Dallas also is winning those games, going 8-2 straight up in that same time period. The Cowboys are winning by an average of 9.4 points during that time, and finishing at more than an average of plus-10 points per game against the spread.
During that same time period, Dallas is 3-8 against the spread at home. Oddsmakers may begin to make the adjustment, but as long as the Cowboys are being undervalued on the road, they’re worth a bet.
Back-to-back road games wear on teams
Five teams played back-to-back road games to open the season. Baltimore, Miami, Detroit, Seattle and Tennessee were all losers on Sunday, and they all failed to cover the spread.
This was explained earlier this week as back-to-back road games are tough on NFL teams. Last year from week 1 to 2, three teams were on the road during the first two weeks, and the combined record was 1-5.
This season, the Ravens, Seahawks and Lions are now 0-2, while Miami and Tennessee are 1-1.
Being on the road two consecutive weeks is especially tough on teams in the early part of the season. This is a trend to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Relax and don’t overreact
St. Louis would easily win against Washington. Tampa Bay, Oakland and Jacksonville would again compete for a top pick in the NFL draft. And Tennessee and Buffalo were the new “it” teams.
Then week 2 happened.
The NFL is all about matchups and what happens one week isn’t guaranteed to be a trend.
There are a few items that shouldn’t be overlooked during the first two weeks, though. Chicago’s defense still has so many holes that it will be difficult for the Bears to compete on a weekly basis. Chicago is now 0-2 straight up and against the spread, with both games coming at home.
New Orleans started to show problems last season, with the offense not as explosive in years past. That offense still has problems, and it appears Drew Brees’ best years are behind him.
No matter what has changed, the Patriots are still the class of the NFL. The offense is still good enough to put up plenty of points, and the defense will be good enough to help New England once again compete for an AFC East crown.
Also, Philadelphia’s offense will be something to watch during the course of the year. Chip Kelly put his coaching life on the line in the offseason, by retooling the roster. So far, the offense has been abysmal, and if it doesn’t get better, his seat will get hot.
