NFL Betting Predictions: Week 2 Opening Line Report and Best Bets

by Spencer Toth - 9/14/2026

NFL betting predictions Week 2 opening line report Baker Mayfield

One of the most effective ways to stay ahead of the sportsbooks is by finding closing line value, and taking advantage of the opening NFL lines is the perfect way to do so. By the time Sunday rolls around, the NFL spreads will have gotten millions on each side and will be incredibly sharp. However, by locking in our Week 2 bets early in the week, we can potentially secure a better line and stay ahead of the sharps. Last week, we went 1-2 on our picks to kick off the year. The Atlanta Falcons were forced to play without both Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa due to injury and failed to cover the three-point spread. For our second pick, we took the Lions (-6.5). Detroit jumped out to a 21-0 lead before narrowly holding on in overtime but failing to cover the spread. Finally, we got a win with the Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5), as Joe Burrow and company took advantage of four fumbles for the Week 1 win and cover. Before we jump into the Week 2 picks, here are the biggest storylines from around the league after an exhilarating opening week.

No Super Bowl Redemption: The New England Patriots looked to be cruising to a season-opening win when Sam Darnold went down with injury, but the Seahawks defense came up clutch. Just like in the Super Bowl, Seattle made the stops they needed to hold on for a 13-10 win.
Jetlag is Real: The Los Angeles Rams’ aggressive Australia travel plan backfired as they withered away in the second half of their 27-7 Week 1 defeat. To make matters worse, Myles Garrett landed on IR, and all three other NFC West teams claimed victory.
Lions Hold On: Detroit built a 21-0 third-quarter lead over the Saints and were well on their way to a Week 1 victory at home. However, the Saints forced overtime and found the endzone, but Detroit got the stop they needed on the crucial two-point try.
Where Is Shedeur Sanders: The Cleveland Browns started Deshaun Watson at quarterback in Week 1, only for him to throw an interception on the fifth snap of the game. Watson ended up finishing with a respectable statline, but the score was far from that as Jacksonville won 34-10 on the back of four Trevor Lawrence touchdowns.
Party in New York? For the first time since 2022, both the Jets and Giants have a winning record. The Jets got it done on the back of a strong defensive showing in Tennessee, while the Giants claimed a 28-20 victory over Dallas on Sunday Night Football. It’s only Week 1, but there could be meaningful football in New York this year.
Chicago Hangs 59 on Carolina: Caleb Williams played a near-perfect game while the Bears amassed 292 rushing yards en route to putting up 59 points on the Carolina Panthers. The game was tied at 31 early in the third, but the Bears eventually pulled away for a statement win.
Allen for MVP? Josh Allen led the Bills to a 36-31 victory in Houston, picking apart a strong Texans defense. It came down to the wire, but the Bills finally got a stop to hold on in a Week 1 thriller.
Chargers Fizzle out: Los Angeles was supposed to cruise to a Week 1 win against the lowly Arizona Cardinals, but Jacoby Brissett had other ideas. The Cardinals didn’t turn the ball over once compared to the Chargers five turnovers (three on downs), pulling off the biggest upset of the week.

Now that Week 1 is in the books, it is time to look ahead at Week 2. All 16 teams are in action once again, giving us plenty of options to choose from. Make sure you lock these picks in immediately, as there is no guarantee these prices will be available when kickoff rolls around on Sunday.

Doc’s Sports offers NFL expert picks for every game on our NFL predictions page.

Game 1: Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Opening Line: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8.5)
Both of these teams had disappointing Week 1 defeats, and an 0-2 start would be catastrophic for their respective playoff hopes. Cleveland was embarrassed by the Jaguars, scoring their first

points when the game was already out of reach, while Tampa Bay went behind 18 points early, and couldn’t mount a comeback. The Buccaneers have the advantage in this one as they are at home, and have legitimate playoff aspirations in a winless NFC South. Baker Mayfield is the type of quarterback who can come up with big plays when he needs to, and a physical Tampa Bay side can match the Browns in the trenches. While I certainly agree the Buccaneers deserve to be favored in this one, assuming a double-digit victory is quite the stretch. Sure, Watson turned the ball over during the Browns opening drive, but he otherwise had a respectable game. The Browns averaged 5.6 yards per play, and if it weren’t for their turnovers, the scoreline would’ve been much tighter against Jacksonville. The Jaguars proved they are a legitimate threat in the AFC, but this spread still suggests the Browns will once again get steamrolled. Is Tampa Bay the better team? Yes. Are they as good as the Jaguars? I’m willing to bet not. The Buccaneers feel like they are one bad play away from completely imploding, and the Cleveland defense will be motivated to make that happen. It’s an ugly one, but take the points.

Pick: Cleveland Browns (+8.5)

Game 2: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots

Opening Line: New England Patriots (-4.5)

Pittsburgh edged out a Week 1 victory over the Falcons, but I am not buying into them after that win. The Falcons were forced to send out Cooper Rush at quarterback due to a pair of injuries, and kicker Nick Folk missed two field goals, yet it was still a one-score game against the Steelers. The Steelers defense certainly looked good, but they still got shredded on the ground, and their offense was sputtering. Aaron Rodgers doesn’t have what it takes to beat New England if the Steelers only give him 58 rushing yards like they did against the Falcons. Across the field, the Patriots lost their Week 1 game against Seattle, but there was a lot to like about their performance. The defense looked like the same unit that carried them to the Super Bowl last season, and a late-game mistake from Drake Maye was the only reason they lost to the reigning champions. Additionally, the Patriots have an extra four days of rest since they played on Wednesday, and also got off to a slow start last year with a defeat to the Raiders before lighting up the league. The public has been too quick to write off Maye after one bad game, and there are arguments to be made that New England is better on both sides of the ball. A motivated Patriots side is not one I want to step in front of at home, and I could easily see this spread approach a touchdown later this week.

Pick: New England Patriots (-4.5)

Game 3: Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans

Opening Line: Philadelphia Eagles (-7)

What did the Eagles do to deserve this line? They only edged out the Commanders thanks to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty from Stefon Diggs combined with a miserable two-point attempt, yet they are being treated like gods with a touchdown spread on the road. The Eagles offense looked flat for long stretches with seven punts compared to 10 first downs and shouldn’t be expected to pull away. Tennessee got flattened by the New York Jets in their season opener, but their defense played well, and there will be little to separate these two teams down the stretch. This is exactly the type of game the Eagles have been able to win, but not cover over the years, and this looks like the perfect time to buy low on the Titans and sell high on the Eagles. Cam Ward has the weapons he needs to succeed, and he will look much more comfortable in the pocket against the Eagles than he did against the Jets. Look for the Titans to stay competitive throughout this one, and while I do expect them to ultimately lose, it won’t be by more than seven points.

Pick: Tennessee Titans (+7)

2026 Season Record: 1-2

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Start:	September 14, 2026 @ 9:30 PM
Expert:	Vernon Croy
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NFL Betting Predictions: Week 2 Opening Line Report and Best Bets

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