After a fun filled and Miami-tank dumpster fire fueled Week 1, it’s on to Week 2 in the NFL. Don’t worry, I know it says game picks, I’ll still be doing my fantasy start them/sit them. I’m simply doing it in two separate parts. Now you have time to make a sandwich between articles, quickly google Antonio Browns latest scumbaggery, figure out exactly why Odell Beckham Jr is wearing a watch literally worth as much as a house during a football game, or contemplate exactly how much longer two days without football seems now that the season has started. There’s plenty of intriguing storylines going into Week 2, so let’s get right into it. Maybe this will get us started to a nice watch.
Lay The Points, Lock It In
Chargers -2.5
Now we’re going to start seeing this as the standard line for most games. The Chargers offense looked just fine against Indianapolis and anytime an offense that can score points goes into a dome, it’s only helpful. Austin Ekeler (he did so much better than I expected, I’ll admit that) looks more than capable to lead the backfield, and Rivers is still laser focused in clutch time and the red zone. Detroit did what Detroit does, fail to finish games. They had a commanding lead heading late into the game against Arizona and completely crumbled. Well, mostly crumbled. To a tie. Which is just gross. When games are going to be close, a field goal usually wins it. I’m trusting Rivers in that scenario over Stafford.
Eagles -1.5
There was a lot of nervousness surrounding Philadelphia’s start against Washington, but they got back on track and looked like a playoff team should. Carson Wentz is back to full health, and the Eagles took care of business. As long as Pederson is at the helm on offense, Philly will be a force to be reckoned with, and it’s essentially a pick’em line. You know, except for a tie. Still gross. You know who looked horrible? Atlanta. I mean, yikes. They were just flat out terrible. Devonta Freeman was a ghost, Matt Ryan only did well in garbage time, and the run defense provided zero resistance. Now, I think returning home will help, but not enough to get a win.
Titans -3
Tennessee is looks like an old school squad. I love it and it will serve them well. They went into Cleveland, a team who had Super Bowl aspirations and hordes of media attention, and just beat the hell out of them. So they don’t have a QB with a cannon, so what. They have Derrick Henry, who is breaking off long touchdowns as well as running over everyone. They controlled the game in every aspect, including the pass rush, which pummeled Baker Mayfield. The Titans came out of the game with something to prove, and if they keep that attitude, they could be a surprise playoff team. As for Indianapolis, they put up a good fight last week, but ultimately, they just don’t have an identity yet. It’s not entirely their fault, considering the abrupt retirement of their franchise QB Andrew Luck, but I don’t think they’re ready for the physicality of Tennessee this week.
Take The Points, Make Money
Saints +2.5
New Orleans is being given points. Think about that. Drew Brees, Michael Thomas, and Alvin Kamara are being handed free offense. As if they needed it, but I for one will absolutely take it. It’ll be an absolute shootout, with a ton of points and players to choose for daily fantasy (everyone go say hi to Max. He’s a DraftKing genius) so the Saints getting points here is just too good to pass up. The Rams are one of the better teams in the NFL, but they did get exposed last week, and they have a glaring weakness. They struggle against running backs in and out of the backfield. McCaffrey and Kamara are on the same elite tier of skill at the position, and have Sean Payton running the show. You better believe he’s going to capitalize on that. I like New Orleans for Week 2.
Arizona +13.5
This line is a product of the Miami Tanks. Yes, Baltimore looked like absolute world beaters and they scored at will. Lamar Jackson threw the ball and got praised. However, a lot of that was a product of a complete lack of effort, wide open receivers and no desire to compete on the Tanks end of things. Arizona also isn’t a bad football team. They’re probably not making a playoff push yet, but Kyler Murray is utilizing Larry Fitzgerald and rallying his team from behind (almost all the way. Again, ties suck) already. It’s incredibly difficult to cover double digits in the NFL, just see the Seattle/Cincy game as proof of that. This game isn’t going to be a two touchdown blowout. The Cardinals are going to make sure of that by controlling the clock with the help of David Johnson and limit possessions. Also, they have a secret intelligence weapon: Terrell Suggs. I think he knows a thing or two he can share with Arizona about how the Ravens work.
Seahawks +4.5
So, Seattle stumbled their way to a win last week. However, they ultimately did the most important thing and secured the victory. Chris Carson did remarkably well (gee, who could’ve seen that coming) and Russell Wilson is back to his winning ways in crunch time. Pittsburgh on the other hand looked just pathetic. They had absolutely no hope of winning last week, nor did they look like they did anything to plan for life after Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. If all the Seahawks need to do is double team JuJu Smith-Schuster to make the Steelers implode, that’s very easy to scheme for. So when you look at it, what’s easier to do? Completely overhaul your offensive strategy after faceplanting on national television, or double teaming one wide receiver? Yeah, it’s the latter. Take the points, and don’t be surprised if Seattle wins the game outright.
Now. I know what you’re thinking. Who are you taking in the New England game, Nick?? At the moment, the line is at Miami +19.5 which is the biggest spread I’ve ever seen or probably ever will see. Personally, I’m not touching that game with money. It’s just too unknown and there are so many factors that can play into it. New England could easily call off the dogs if Belichick wants to help out his former assistant Brian Flores, who now coaches Miami. The Tanks could easily roll over and just give up completely, or they can say screw winning, were just going to try to hit Tom Brady really hard. If I had to absolutely choose a side, I have to take the points. It’s three scores in professional football. That’s incredibly hard to win by, let alone cover a spread. It’s a wacky game for gambling, I’d stay away from it, there’s plenty of other interesting action.
College Bonus Picks
I’d like to take this opportunity to say ouch. Kansas losing to Coastal Carolina is just flat out bad. I’m not happy about it, but that doesn’t mean I’ve learned my lesson. I’m counting on the Jayhawks to cover +21 on Friday against Boston College. Why? I think Les Miles is absolutely embarrassing his team in practice this week. He’s going to challenge them. If his team has any competitive spirit at all, I think they answer the bell and at least make it a game. That being said, they’re probably going to lose now by 35 and I’ll be laughed at. That’s how wild the college game has been this season. The University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks damn near beat Florida State this weekend and Army was any semblance of a passing game away from beating the Michigan Khaki Pants. If you’re following along on Twitter, you can see my weekly picks there, but here are some bonuses for my loyal readers. Because you all deserve extra stuff. Like I’m virtually high-fiving you all for continuing to read and support me in my weekly ramblings.
- Army -17
- Kansas State +8
- Oklahoma -23.5
- Michigan State -14
- SUPER BONUS: Pittsburg State over Emporia State
So those are my game picks for Week 2 in the NFL. I really appreciate you all reading, always open to conversing with you all on Twitter, hit me up at @Rellihan51 and look for my fantasy start them/sit them coming very soon. Have a great week everyone. Except for the Raiders. The Chiefs are ruining your pathetic excuse of a personal “Super Bowl” and are going to win 42-21.
See you all soon!
Nick Rellihan
