Week 2 was strange for the NFL. After an offensively explosive Week 1, the second week delivered more low-scoring affairs and injury setbacks. Weather wiped out what could’ve been an entertaining Bears-Vikings game in Chicago, and Jaxson Dart’s knee injury took the shine off what might have been a lively Monday night matchup between the Giants and Rams. All in all, not the most enjoyable weekend for football fans.
Our predictions went 7-9 against the spread and 2-3 on best bets. We hit on the 49ers dominating the Dolphins and the Jets keeping it close with Green Bay, but missed on picks like Titans vs. Eagles and Baker Mayfield’s matchup with the Browns — Mayfield is now 0-2 facing his old team. Credit to the CBS Sports research crew for the data and lines below. Odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Current records:
– Top five picks ATS: 5-5
– Overall ATS: 15-17
– Straight-up: 19-13
Houston Texans (-1.5) at Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
I’m backing the Texans here even though they’re 0-2. Their early losses came against elite quarterbacks (Josh Allen, Joe Burrow), and DeMeco Ryans has a track record of slow starts that end in strong seasons; he’s begun 0-2 in three of four campaigns but still finished with double-digit wins in those years. The Texans’ defense hasn’t impressed and the offense failed to score last week, compounded by the absence of Nico Collins. Still, I prefer Houston to Indianapolis.
The Colts hung tough with Kansas City but their defense looks alarming — they’ve now joined a tiny list of teams surrendering 500 yards in both of their first two games. They sit last in total, passing and scoring defense, and Daniel Jones won’t have Alec Pierce available. Notably, Houston has been excellent in recent AFC South road division games (13-1 SU, 10-3-1 ATS). I’ll take the Texans to pull this one out on the road.
Pick: Texans -1.5
Projected score: Texans 27, Colts 21
Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills (-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, Fubo)
The Chargers are off to a baffling 0-2 start, with both losses against teams that went 14- loss last season. Justin Herbert isn’t playing like MVP-level Herbert, but the problems extend beyond him — drops, mental mistakes and defensive breakdowns are piling up. Los Angeles’ defense has struggled to generate pressure and has had coverage lapses; even when they execute, opposing quarterbacks have been able to make big throws.
I don’t trust the Chargers to cover a touchdown at Buffalo, especially with the Bills having extra time to prepare and a raucous home crowd expected. Herbert is under scrutiny from the media, and Buffalo should be ready to impose its will.
Pick: Bills -7
Projected score: Bills 29, Chargers 17
New York Jets at Detroit Lions (-6.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, Fubo)
After backing the Jets in Weeks 1 and 2, I’m switching off them following an embarrassing loss to the Packers. Coaching decisions late in that game — including how the overtime situation was handled — were baffling and costly. The Lions remain potent offensively; Jared Goff should have key linemen returning, and Detroit’s playmakers have been productive (Jahmyr Gibbs’ big early-yardage output and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s hot start stand out).
Detroit will likely outscore New York, and Dan Campbell tends to get his team ready at home after a loss (11-1 SU, 10-2 ATS in such spots). I expect the Lions to cover.
Pick: Lions -6.5
Projected score: Lions 28, Jets 16
Los Angeles Rams (-2.5) at Denver Broncos
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Fubo)
Denver looked awful in Week 1 but bounced back in Week 2 with a comeback win over Jacksonville, highlighted by a dominant defensive front against the Jags’ offensive line. The Broncos’ offense finally showed some rhythm and the team flashed potential that made many believe they could contend last season had injuries gone differently.
The Rams, meanwhile, beat up on a Giants team that suffered a major injury to Jaxson Dart, so that result is hard to fully trust. Davante Adams remains a threat, but the status of Puka Nacua’s hip/groin problem is a concern. I like Denver to keep this close and am taking the points for an upset — the Broncos have an impressive recent track record against NFC teams under Bo Nix.
Pick: Broncos +2.5
Projected score: Broncos 26, Rams 24
Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5) at Chicago Bears
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo)
This line surprised me a bit, but I’ll back Philadelphia. Jalen Hurts faces a veteran backup in Case Keenum, who hasn’t been a regular starter in a while; Caleb Williams is out with a hamstring and Tyson Bagent is in concussion protocol, paving the way for Keenum. Expect the Bears to lean on the run — they currently lead the league in rushing through two weeks — but Chicago’s depth and injuries (Kyle Monangai’s knee issue) are question marks.
Hurts and the Eagles’ offense have shown improvement in situational play, and Philly has a solid road ATS mark after wins (10-3 in the last 13). With Saquon Barkley expected to return from a stinger, I’ll take the Eagles to win and cover.
Pick: Eagles -4.5
Projected score: Eagles 21, Bears 13
Other Week 3 predictions
– Seahawks (-7.5) 23-13 over Commanders
– Chiefs (-10.5) 24-10 over Dolphins
– Browns (+2.5) 23-20 over Panthers
– Bengals (-3.5) 23-16 over Steelers
– Titans (+2.5) 17-14 over Giants
– Jaguars (-3) 24-20 over Patriots
– 49ers 30-23 over Cardinals (+8.5)
– Buccaneers (+1.5) 21-20 over Vikings
– Saints (-3) 27-23 over Raiders
– Ravens 33-30 over Cowboys (+3.5)
Fan Take: Week-to-week swings in injuries and coaching decisions are reshaping narratives early in the season, making each matchup more important for playoff positioning and team identity. Fans should pay attention to how defenses respond and how franchises handle depth issues — those factors will likely determine which teams emerge as real contenders.
Source: www.cbssports.com
