NFL Betting News and Notes for Sunday, September 17th, 2017

NFL Week 2

Titans (0-1) @ Jaguars (1-0) — Hurricane Irma disrupted life in Jacksonville this week. Home side won last six series games; teams have split series last 8 years. Titans lost last three visits here, by 8-6-21 points. Tennessee won its last four road openers SU, all as an underdog, allowing 12 pts/game- under is 16-3 in their last 19 AO’s. Home side won last six series games; Titans lost last three visits here, by 8-6-21 points. Average total in last three series games, 64.7. Jaguars lost last five home openers, losing 4 of 5 games by 11+ points. Under is 8-4-1 in their last 13 HO’s. Jax is 5-4 as a home underdog the last two years- since 2011, they’re 7-14 vs spread coming off a win. Last three years, Titans are 0-2-1 as a road favorite.

Browns (0-1) @ Ravens (1-0) — Since 2012, Baltimore is 13-18-1 as a home favorite; last there years, they’re 11-11 coming off a win. Ravens forced five turnovers (+4), allowed only 221 yards in 20-0 win at Cincy LW. Browns are 1-15 SU on road, 6-10 as road underdogs last two years; they lost home opener 21-18 to Pitt- they were 3-17 on 3rd down, had punt blocked for TD. Cleveland lost its last five road openers, is 1-10 in its last 11; over is 8-4 in their last 12 AO’s. Ravens are 10-2 in last 12 home openers; three of last four stayed under. Ravens won five of last six series games; Browns lost 8 of last 9 visits here. Baltimore swept series 25-20/28-7 LY. Over is 4-2-1 in last seven series games. First road tilt for rookie QB Kiser, who was sacked 7 times by Steelers LW.

Bills (1-0) @ Panthers (1-0) — Buffalo ran ball for 190 yards in 21-12 win over Jets LW; they were 8-17 on 3rd down, had 8 plays of 20+ yards, TD drives of 77-64-80 yards. Bills are 9-6 vs spread in last 15 road openers, 3-5 SU in last eight. Over is 4-2 in their last six AO’s. Carolina won its opener easily at SF; red flag is their two TD drives were just 42-28 yards- they held 49ers to 217 yards, started three drives in SF territory. Panthers won four of last five home openers, covered five of last six; under is 3-1 in their last four. Buffalo is 5-1 in this seldom-played series, winning both visits here, 30-14/20-9. Carolina’s only series win was in 2005. Last three years, NFC South home teams are 17-25-2 vs spread as a non-divisional home favorite.

Patriots (0-1) @ Saints (0-1) — Last three times New England lost in Week 1, they won Super Bowl that year- they went 2-1 in Week 2 those years. Last four years, NE is 10-2 vs spread coming off a loss; they were 6-1 as a road favorite LY, after being 4-12 from 2013-15. Short week for Saints coming off 29-19 loss in Minnesota; NO drove to red zone five time in eight drives Monday, but had only one TD, kicked four goals- they miss WR Snead (suspended) in red zone. Patriots won five of last six road openers; they were underdog in last two. Patriots are 9-4 in series, winning four of five visits to Bourbon Street- they lost last visit here, 38-17 in 2009. Saints are 2-3 in last five home openers; under is 5-2 in last seven.

Cardinals (0-1) @ Colts (0-1) — Indy has severe QB issues until Luck returns; he is out here. They haven’t said if Tolzien/Brissett will start; to me, Brissett is better choice. Colts offense was outscored 16-9 by LA’s defense LW. Colts are 8-2 as home underdog under Pagano. Arizona is 10-5 as a road favorite under Arians; they turned ball over four times (-3) in Detroit LW, ran ball for only 45 yards, scored only 16 points in 4 red zone drives. Arians returns to Indy, where he was interim coach for Colts when Pagano was ill a few years back. Indy won four of last five series games, losing last matchup 40-11 in desert in ’13. Redbirds lost last three visits here; their last win in Indy was in 1984. Colts are 0-3 in last three home openers; over is 7-5 in their last 12— they lost last four Week 2 games.

Eagles (1-0) @ Chiefs (1-0) — Andy Reid hosts his old team here. Last 15 years, NFL teams coming off the Week 1 Thursday game are 17-13 vs spread in Week 2; Chiefs rang up 537 yards on Patriots in Foxboro; five of their six TD drives were 75+ yards. KC is 6-10 as a home favorite the last two years; they lost S Berry for year (achilles) in Foxboro. Eagles are 11-10 as road dogs the last four years; they’re 10-2 vs spread vs AFC teams, 14-20 coming off a win. Wentz is 2-7 as a road starter; their road drives last week were 56-39 yards. Philly is 4-3 in series where road team won five of seven games- they’re 3-1 in four visits to Arrowhead. Chiefs are 3-6 in last nine HO’s (over 4-2 in last six)- last six years, they’re 1-5 in Week 2.

Vikings (1-0) @ Steelers (1-0) — Short week off a win for Viking squad that gained 470 yards with no turnovers in 29-19 home win Monday nite; they had 10 plays of 20+ yards. Under Zimmer, they’re 15-6 vs spread coming off a win, 11-6 as road dogs. Last five years, Steelers are 19-12 as home faves, 28-17-1 coming off a win- they had 7 sacks LW. Pitt won three of last four series games; Vikings won last meeting 34-27 in London 4 years ago. Vikes lost last two visits here, 21-16/27-17. Minnesota is 4-9 in last 13 road openers; under is 5-2 in last seven. Steelers are 13-1 in last 14 home openers, 9-3 vs spread in last 12— under is 6-2 in their last eight. Big Ben was 11-11/182 targeting Brown LW; he was 12-25/73 with all his other passes. Vikings will try and take Brown away.

Bears (0-1) @ Buccaneers (0-0) — Hurricane Irma disrupted things in Bay Area, but game will go on as scheduled. Bucs didn’t play LW; they’re 2-8 vs spread as a home favorite last three years, 1-2 under Koetter. Chicago is 7-7-1 as a road underdog under Fox; they’re 9-11-1 coming off a loss. Bears had chance to win opener- they had ball on 10-yard line down 23-17 in last 30 seconds. Tampa Bay (+2.5) waxed the Bears 36-10 here LY, ending 3-game skid vs Chicago. Teams split last six series games played here. Chicago is 2-4 in last six road openers; under is 11-2 in their last 13. Tampa Bay is 3-8 in last 11 openers; they lost last four home openers, and were favored in last three. Under is 8-4-1 in their last 13 HO’s.

Dolphins (0-0) @ Chargers (0-1) — Dolphins practiced in Oxnard all week after re-gathering after their makeshift bye week; Fish are 3-1 in last four season openers. Miami is 15-17 SU on road last four years, 7-10 as road underdog since ’14. Short week for Chargers after their late rally in Denver fell just short Monday nite. LA ran ball for just 64 yards; 2 of their 3 TD drives started in Denver territory. Home opener for Bolts in their new, smaller temporary home venue. Miami won three of last four series games; they lost three of last four visits to San Diego. Home side won six of last seven series games. Miami is 3-9 in last 12 road openers; under is 13-2 in their last 15. Bolts are 6-1 in last seven HO’s, covering last five, but this is a new home for them.

Jets (0-1) @ Raiders (1-0 )— Jets are 2-5-2 as road underdogs under Bowles; they ran ball for only 38 yards, were outgained 408-214 LW in 21-12 loss at Buffalo. Last 2+ years, Gang Green is 12-16 vs spread coming off a loss. Raiders gained 359 yards, didn’t turn ball over in 26-16 win at Tennessee LW. Oakland is 4-5 as home favorite under Del Rio- this is first time since ‘03 they’ve been a double digit favorite. Home side won last four series games; Jets lost last three visits to Oakland, by 3-10-14 points. Jets’ last win in Oakland was in ’03. Raiders won last two home openers; they’re 7-2-1 vs spread in last ten. Over is 12-5-1 in their last 18 HO’s. Since 2010, Jets are 3-1-1 against the spread as a double digit underdog.

Redskins (0-1) @ Rams (1-0) — Sean McVay worked for Washington the last six years, so lot of familiarity here. Redskins allowed 298 PY to Eagles LW, were outgained 356-264 as Philly was 8-14 on 3rd down. Skins are 11-11 as road underdogs under Gruden, 9-4 coming off a loss the last two years. Rams threw for 310 yards LW, held Colts to 0-10 on 3rd down, but that was vs backup QB’s. Since 2013, LA is 7-6 as a home favorite; they’re 10-14 vs spread coming off a win. Teams split last six meetings; 5 of last 7 series totals were 36 or less. Washington is 2-7 in last nine road openers; over is 6-2 in their last eight. Rams had a 13-yard edge in field position last week- their TD drives were 69-58-57 yards.

Cowboys (1-0) @ Broncos (1-0) — Dallas held Giants to 233 yards, 3 points in opening win LW; Cowboys are 7-3 as road favorite the last three years- they’re 16-7-1 in last 24 games vs AFC foes. Dallas had only one TD, kicked four FG’s last week, a red flag. Short week for Broncos after they held on for 24-21 win after almost blowing 24-7 lead; Denver is 3-1 as a home underdog the last four years- they’re 14-6 vs spread in last 20 games vs NFC teams. Denver won last five series games, winning last one 51-48 in 2013, but that was with now-retired Manning at QB. Cowboys lost four of last five visits here, with last Mile High win in 1992. Dallas covered its last six road openers (4-2 SU); four of last five stayed under total.

49ers (0-1) @ Seahawks (0-1) — Under Carroll, Seattle is 25-14-1 vs spread coming off a loss, 26-15 as a home favorite- last three years, they’re 8-3 as a double digit favorite. Seahawks’ D held Rodgers to 17 points LW; one of the two TD’s was a 6-yard drive. 49ers gained only 217 yards, had 73 penalty yards in 23-3 home loss to Carolina; Niners are 5-10 as road underdogs the last two years. Seattle won its last eight home openers (7-1 vs spread); under is 13-2-1 in their last 16. Seahawks won last seven series games; 49ers lost last last six visits here, with four of six losses by 16+ points. Seattle is 10-1-1 vs spread in last 12 series games. 49ers lost three of last four road openers; over is 8-5-1 in their last 14. 49ers are 1-5 as a double digit underdog the last two years.

Packers (1-0) @ Falcons (1-0 )— New dome opens in Atlanta. Falcons beat Green Bay twice LY, 33-32, 44-21, both in GeorgiaDome— home side won last four series games. Falcons threw for 392 yards in the 44-21 playoff win. Green Bay held Seattle to 225 yards LW; the last four years they’re 3-8 as a road underdog. Last three years, Pack is 17-12-1 vs spread coming off a win. Atlanta held on at end to win its opener in Chicago; they’re 6-16 as home favorites the last four years, 3-10 under Quinn. Average total in last three series games is 70. Packers won last two road openers (31-23/27-23); over is 9-2 in their last 11. Falcons won/covered 8 of last 9 home openers, but this is a new home for them.

NFL Best Bets - Week 2 Sides
Vegasinsider.com

The opening Week of NFL action in 2017 was basically a wash for my best bets on the point spreads as Arizona crumbled in the 4th quarter against Detroit, while Carolina cruised from start to finish in San Francisco.

A 1-1 ATS start is not bad to start a NFL campaign, but it's nothing to write home about either, so now that we've got a week's worth of action in the books, hopefully current data can help me exploit some situations and get on a nice run over the next few weeks.

Week 2 brings plenty of rather large spreads for bettors to navigate through, as there are seven games where the spread currently sits at -6.5 or higher. Those are the games where plenty of bettors will be teasing a lot of those teams (up or down) to try and cash a nice ticket, but none of them are making my best bet board for Week 2.

Let's get right to the picks:

Best Bet #1: Philadelphia Eagles +5.5

Philadelphia is in Kansas City this week to take on their old friend Andy Reid, and despite opening up the year 1-0 SU after beating Washington, the Eagles are like a forgotten team already in this game. That's because the Chiefs dominated the Week 1 headlines after their 42-27 in New England on opening night. QB Alex Smith looked like a Hall-of-Famer in throwing for nearly 400 yards and 4 TD's, while rookie RB Kareem Hunt had 3 TD's himself and accounted for 246 yards from scrimmage. Beating up on the defending champs like that is a surefire way to make a statement in the betting world, and bettors have definitely taken notice. About 70% of the point spread wagers on this contest have come on the Chiefs according to VegasInsider.com, pushing the line up to -5.5 after opening up in the -4 to -4.5 range.

Yet, I can't help but feel like this is a gross overreaction to ONE very good game played by the Chiefs. Alex Smith was more willing to take shots down the field that day because as heavy underdogs the Chiefs had nothing really to lose in that regard, and Smith knows is #1 job isn't as secure as it once was when KC drafted Patrick Mahomes 10th overall. Smith was forced to step out of his comfort zone in that scenario and KC flourished because of it. However, don't expect that to be the norm going forward, especially when the Chiefs are favorites at home.

Furthermore, Week 1 overreactions tend to burn many a bettor in Week 2 every year and backing the Chiefs this week is the best candidate in that regard. Philly had nearly as strong a day from their own QB Carson Wentz, and the Eagles defense forced four Washington turnovers (1 INT and 3 fumbles) to get a double-digit victory themselves. The Eagles are also on a 15-5 ATS run in games following a divisional battle with Washington, while the Chiefs are an abysmal 1-5 ATS after winning by 14+ points, and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 at home.

Philly didn't have the same national audience that KC had in Week 1 and in a sense that's helped push this line to a point where it's more valuable to take the points. Remember, this game is sandwiched between that season opener in New England and a division road game vs the Chargers next week for KC, and if they do manage a SU victory, it won't be by more than a FG.

Best Bet #2: L.A Chargers -4

Speaking of those Chargers, they are coming off a short week and hosting a Miami team that's yet to play a game. L.A had a rough stretch of football in the middle of their MNF loss, but the way they were able to battle back in the 4th and get a chance to tie it was admirable in the sense that A) it covered the point spread for early bettors who got +3.5 with the Chargers, and B ) gave the team plenty of positive vibes heading into Week 2. Getting those early season kinks out of their game is always a plus, and that's something the Dolphins haven't had the opportunity to do so yet.

But what may be more important to the Chargers here is the notion of playing a great first game in their new home. Coming out and crapping the bed the first time in front of their L.A fans will not do much for gaining support in their new city going forward, and everyone knows L.A sports fans prefer to get behind a winner. Getting to host a Miami team that's yet to play a real game and dealt with all the uncertainty and travel they did a week ago, bodes well for this Chargers team to assert their will early on and force a rusty Dolphins squad out of their comfort zone.

Finally, this is a bit of a revenge game for the Chargers after they lost 31-24 to this Miami team a year ago up in San Diego. It was the first time in the last seven games between these two organizations that the road team prevailed, and QB Philip Rivers 4 INT's had a lot to do with it. Eliminate all of those turnovers and it's a dominating win for the Chargers, heck even eliminate one or two and Rivers and company likely come away with a 7+ point win.

Nothing dramatic has changed for either side in terms of roster construction – except the Dolphins QB got worse with Jay Cutler under center. With the Chargers 5-0 ATS the last five years in home openers, 4-0 ATS after playing Denver the past few seasons, and the Dolphins 9-20 ATS in their last 29 against an AFC foe, those “kinks” Miami needs to work out in their season opener will end up costing them in the same fashion all those INT's Rivers threw in this game a year ago.

NFL Best Bets - Week 2 Totals
Vegasinsider.com

Week 1's Best Bets on totals split the board as the Pittsburgh/Cleveland game failed to surpass it's number, while the Philadelphia/Washington game just stayed under it's number by a single point.

Starting off the year with a 1-1 record on totals isn't bad at all, especially when you consider that many bettors – specifically 'over' bettors got taken behind the woodshed on totals in Week 1 with the plethora of 'unders' we had on Sunday.

There was a lot of sloppy football that day as there were plenty of turnovers in the redzone, but now that 30 of the 32 teams have that initial game under their belt, fans and bettors should expect the quality of play to pick up a bit.

Whether that leads to more 'overs' cashing at the window in Week 2 remains to be seen, but there are two games I do believe will see their current totals surpassed.

Best Bet #1: Minnesota/Pittsburgh Over 45.5

Although backing an 'over' in a Steelers game last week burned me, I've got no problem going back to the well in Week 2 with the Steelers now at home. Pittsburgh averaged more than a TD more per game at home compared to on the road a year ago (28.4 at home vs. 20.8 on the road) and with 21 points scored in Week 1 away from home, they are holding true to their averages.

The Steelers are still a loaded team on offense, and while the big names they've got didn't fight the endzone a week ago, that should all change this week. WR Antonio Brown's 182 receiving yards (caught 11 passes on 11 targets) last week bodes well for him to find paydirt in Week 2, and everyone should expect much more production from a “rusty” LeVeon Bell this week.

The Vikings defense gave up plenty of yards to the Saints a week ago, New Orleans just couldn't convert all their early opportunities into TD's. Pittsburgh shouldn't have a problem with that this week with all the options they've got, as a 30+ point afternoon is definitely within reach.

Minnesota will do their part to pull their weight for this 'over' play as well, as QB Sam Bradford looked much more comfortable throwing the ball downfield in Year 2 of being in this offense. The Vikings are also 6-2 O/U on Sunday's after being involved in a MNF game, and the entire team knows they'll have to be ultra-aggressive if they want to beat the Steelers on their home field.

Finally, AFC vs NFC games are ones that tend to be on the higher scoring side of things for the better part of the past decade, and the only game that fit that scenario a week ago was the 46-9 drubbing the Rams put on the Colts. This game is one of six AFC/NFC tilts in Week 2 and in my opinion it's got the best shot of holding true to that 'over' trend. With VegasInsider.com's betting percentage numbers showing about 80% on the 'under' right now, being in the minority here doesn't hurt either.

Best Bet #2: San Francisco/Seattle Over 42

This is another game that has already attracted a majority of 'under' bets according to VegasInsider.com with just below 80% of the ticket count coming in on the low side. It's not hard to figure out why that's the case as this is a divisional matchup between two teams that have an extended history of playing low-scoring games, and neither team managed to score a single TD in Week 1. San Francisco managed just one FG in their loss to Carolina, while Seattle kicked it through the uprights three times (although they did have a defensive TD called back) in a 17-9 loss at Green Bay.

But while many will point to last week's offensive shortcomings and selectively remember the “glory years” of this rivalry earlier this decade when the 'unders' did rule the day, I'm quick to point out that the last three meetings between these two have all cashed 'over' tickets. In each of those three games the Seahawks were double-digit favorites like they are this week, and each time they put up at least 25 points.

In fact, last year's game in Seattle finished 37-18 in favor of the Seahawks and it had similar parameters to this week's game. Seattle was at home, laying double-digits, and the closing total on the game was 42 points. Coincindence? Yes, but that doesn't mean that the result won't be the same once again.

For one, both offenses have to be extremely frustrated with how they performed in Week 1 and will do everything they can to make getting into the endzone feel as routine as possible this week. Talk in Seattle all week has been about how poor their offensive unit was – especially the O-line – but getting to face a poor team like the 49ers could be exactly what they need to right the ship. The Seahawks ar 4-0 O/U after passing for less than 150 yards in their last outing, and 4-1 O/U after gaining less than 250 total yards in any fashion.

Meanwhile, San Francisco understands that they are in the early stages of a rebuilding program there (as they were a year ago), and when they travel away from home plenty of points (usually allowed) tend to go along with them. The 49ers are 7-2 O/U in their last nine road games, and they were last in the league in points allowed on the road with 33.8/game being that number. If they give up that many to Seattle here, just one TD and a FG by the 49ers offense will be enough to cash this 'over' bet, and that's something I can't be thrilled about if I was already in the majority group holding 'under' tickets on this game.

Based on the early betting percentages and with more bettors likely following suit on the 'under' as the week goes on when they review the lack of offense both teams had in Week 1, oddsmakers are going to want to see plenty of points scored here and I've got no quarrels about being on the same side as the 'books.

NFL's Biggest Betting Mismatches: Week 2
By: Monty Andrews
Covers.com

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-7.5, 40)

Browns’ shoddy pass protection vs. Ravens’ elite pass rush

Sunday's NFC North Divisional showdown between Cleveland and Baltimore pits two teams that had vastly different season openers. The perennially rebuilding Browns put up a game effort last week before ultimately dropping a 21-18 decision to the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Ravens executed a perfect game plan in a 20-0 drubbing of the Cincinnati Bengals. This week's game could very well hinge on Cleveland's ability to protect its rookie quarterback - and that could be a significant challenge.

Coming off a season that saw the Browns finish as the only team in the league with an opponent sack rate above 10 percent, Cleveland was no better at pass protection last week - surrendering seven sacks to the Steelers' vaunted front seven. Only the Houston Texans allowed a higher sack rate last week than the Browns (18.9 percent), who will need to do a much better job of protecting QB DeShone Kizer and giving him time to find his receivers.

There's just one problem with that: The Ravens were even more ravenous than the Steelers last week, obliterating Cincinnati's offensive line to the tune of five sacks and four interceptions. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton was hounded all afternoon - particularly on third down, where Cincinnati converted on just 4-of-13 chances. Cleveland has plenty of work to do if it hopes to keep its quarterback upright - and the Ravens won't be doing them any favors.

New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints (+6.5, 55)

Patriots' pass D struggles vs. Saints' Superdome sizzle

Are the Patriots vulnerable? That's the question football fans and bettors alike are wondering this week after the Chiefs hung 42 points on them in their own stadium in last week's season curtain raiser. A New England defense that was torn apart both through the air and on the ground will face an equally stiff test this week against a Saints unit that has enjoyed one of the most significant home-field advantages in the league - and is also coming off a bitter Week 1 loss.

It isn't bad enough that New England lacks for quality pass rushers, but after losing one of their top defensive options in D'Onta Hightower late in the third quarter, things really went south. With Hightower in the game, New England allowed 6.6 yards per play to the Chiefs; after he left with a knee injury, the Patriots went on to surrender more than 12 yards per play the rest of the way. Worst of all, they allowed noted game manager Alex Smith to post an absurd 148.6 QB rating - the highest of the week.

New England shouldn't look for relief in what is, at least as of Tuesday, the game with the highest Vegas total. The Saints are coming off a disappointing 29-19 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, a game in which quarterback Drew Brees didn't really get going until the final 15 minutes. But New Orleans was the second-highest scoring home team in the league last season, averaging 31 points at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. They also averaged 32.4 points at home in 2015. Good luck, Patriots pass defense.

Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts (+7.5, 44.5)

Cardinals' decimated run game vs. Colts' elite run D

The Cardinals and Colts come into Sunday afternoon's showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium each looking to atone for Week 1 defeats. But the depth of Arizona's loss is much deeper than a 35-23 setback to the Detroit Lions last weekend; with running back David Johnson on the sidelines indefinitely with a dislocated wrist, the Cardinals will need to rely on a committee of far less talented options to move the chains on the ground. And that could prove challenging against a surprisingly stout Colts run defense.

Johnson isn't just a significant part of the Cardinals' offense - he is the Cardinals' offense. The do-it-all back produced more than 71 percent of Arizona's total rushing yards (1,239) while finishing second on the team in receptions (80) and targets (120). The three players aside from Johnson who had at least one carry Sunday finished with a combined 22 yards on seven attempts. Johnson also had nine targets despite seeing limited action - and it's anyone's guess where those targets will go.

With Arizona's running game now in tatters, what was a slight advantage becomes a major mismatch for the Colts, who did exactly one thing right in last week's 46-9 annihilation at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. The interior defender duo of Al Woods and Margus Hunt helped limit the Rams to just 63 rushing yards on 33 attempts; both players earned Pro Football Focus grades above 80 for their efforts. Given how Carson Palmer threw last week, the Cardinals could find themselves in a battle Sunday.

Washington Redskins at Los Angeles Rams (-2.5, 46)

Redskins' pass problems vs. Rams' sensational secondary

The Redskins opened as slight favorites in this one, but with bettors left impressed by the way the Rams trucked the Colts in Week 1, the home side is now favored by nearly a field goal. Much will be made of Los Angeles' ability to move the ball at will against an overmatched Colts defense, but the real focus in this one will be how the Rams follow up a truly impressive defensive effort as they tangle with a Redskins offense that laid an egg in the opener.

It was a bad week for Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins, who found himself scrambling a lot more than he probably wanted. Per Pro Football Focus, Cousins faced pressure on 19 of his 47 dropbacks, while completing only 42.9 percent of those passes. Top target Terrelle Pryor Sr. hauled in just six of the 11 targets he saw, while the right side of the offensive line allowed nine quarterback pressures; RT Morgan Moses was responsible for three of Cousins' four sacks on the afternoon.

Cousins won't find much comfort in traveling to Los Angeles for a date with the relentless Rams, who took advantage of some truly dreadful quarterback play by Colts starter Scott Tolzien. LaMarcus Joyner and Trumaine Johnson both came away with interceptions and provided the kind of lock-down secondary defense that prevented Indianapolis from doing anything on offense; both players finished with PFF grades north of 89. It could be another week of Cousins running for his life.

NFL Underdogs: Week 2 Picks and Predictions
By: Jason Logan
Covers.com

A few years ago, I was shopping in a second-hand store while trying to make my oldest kid a Bane costume (Bad guy from The Dark Knight Rises. Talks funny. Little too much protein) for Halloween.

While cruising through leather purses, which I would eventually chop up and turn into kick-ass body armor, I spotted a dancing Caddyshack Gopher still in the box. I immediately snatched it up and hunted for the price tag. $10.

“Yep, you’re coming with me.”

There was zero thought or contemplation put into this purchase. It was a gift from the thrift gods, one not to be questioned. And it still sits prominently on my desk and entertains/scares my toddlers whenever they’re brave enough to push the gophers’ little red button.

The Packers getting points is a similar gift. Different gods, but very much in the same vein.

The Cheeseheads were underdogs four times last regular season, covering in three of those games including a Week 8 33-32 loss at Atlanta as 3-point pups (then got beat 44-21 in the NFC Championship, but that's the postseason). Since Aaron Rodgers took over for Brett Favre under center in 2008, the Packers are 23-18-1 ATS when getting the points - 7-3 ATS as dogs the last two years.

Is Green Bay +3 a smart purchase? We’ll find out.

Does my wife still give me shit for buying a mechanical rodent that pumps out Kenny Loggins while dancing like your half-buzzed dad at a wedding reception? You bet she does.

Pick: Packers +3

Could these teams be ripe for a betting upset in NFL Week 2?
There was no shortage of stunners in Week 1 and Week 2 could follow suit, with some underdog teams holding solid value. We look at three matchups that could go against the odds this Sunday. Don't sleep on these potential betting upsets.

Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7, 44.5)

The Steelers were their own worst enemy in last Sunday’s nail-biter against the Browns (that felt strange to type). Pittsburgh was whistled for 13 total penalties which equaled 144 yards against, and a good chunk of those came from offensive holding infractions which sucked all the air out of the scoring attack like someone bringing up politics at a raging kegger.

If the Steelers can’t handle Cleveland’s pressure, what the hell are they going to do against the Vikings? Minnesota’s pass rush pushed Drew Brees out of the pocket (the most awkward scramble in the NFL. It’s like he has a sunburn on the bottom of his feet) on almost every snap last Monday, keeping 2016’s passing leader off the board for all but two minutes in garbage time.

The Vikings stop unit is a nasty bunch and forced 21 offensive holding calls and 20 false starts in 2016 for a total of 279 freebies, along with 41 sacks. The Browns did a good job taking away the Steelers' deep ball in Week 1 and Minny will march out a stronger secondary. Corner Xavier Rhodes is nursing a hip injury but I’m making this selection with the confidence that he’s going to go Sunday.

This line has been anywhere from +5.5 to +7, with a touchdown still on the board at SportsInteraction.com. With that key number up for grabs and the fact that there will be more laundry on the floor than my 12-year-old son’s bedroom (the hamper is RIGHT THERE!), I’m purple in Week 2.

Pick: Vikings +7

Detroit Lions at New York Giants (-3.5, 43.5)

We all owe the Detroit Lions an apology.

At some point in your football fandom, you’ve been wrong about the Lions. Admit it. I am part of this guilty group. When Calvin Johnson called it a career, I thought Detroit quarterback Matt Stafford would be exposed for being a below-average arm with an incredible receiver.

WRONG!

Stafford had a monster season in Year 1 without Megatron and parlayed the 4,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a Wild Card appearance into a $135 million windfall this offseason.

And when people said Stafford wasn’t good enough to be the game’s highest paid QB, he lit up the Arizona Cardinals for 292 yards and four touchdowns – digging the Lions out of a 10-0 hole – to carry his benefactors to a 35-23 win as 2.5-point home underdogs in Week 1. Cue the Bieber.

But it wasn’t just Stafford that proved doubters wrong. The Detroit defense, which was graded a C- at best in the offseason previews, picked off Cardinals QB Carson Palmer three times, forced two fumbles (recovering one for a near TD), and limited RB David Johnson to 23 yards on 11 carries through three quarters before he exited with a wrist injury.

Despite all that, the Lions are being pooped on again.

Oddsmakers opened Detroit as a 5-point road pup against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 2. That has since dropped near a field goal with rumblings that Giants star wideout Odell Beckham Jr. will sit out again with an ankle injury. But after watching Eli Manning and the G-Men get stymied by a pedestrian Dallas defense, I don’t know if a 75 percent OBJ can make that much of a difference.

This bet is my hand-written apology to the Detroit Lions. I’ll know that they’ve forgiven me if they cover the +3.5 Monday night.

Pick: Lions +3.5

Last week: 1-2 ATS
Season: 1-2 ATS

Essential Week 2 Betting Tidbits
Covers.com

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-8, 39)

Is it just us or did the Cleveland Browns look respectable last week against the Steelers? They covered the spread and extended their ATS win streak to five games – if you include the preseason. The Browns fielded the youngest team in the NFL last week with the average player age of 24.17. Maybe they’re too just to know they’re supposed to be bad this year.

LINE HISTORY: The line opened with the home side giving 7.5 points but the spread is now as high as -9 at some shops. The total opened at 41 and was bet down to 39.

TRENDS:

*The Ravens are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. AFC North opponents.
*The Browns are 1-10-1 ATS in their last 12 games against opponents with winning records.
*The Over is 6-1 in the Browns’ last seven road games.

Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers (-7, 43)

The Panthers would be wise to focus on stopping LeSean McCoy. The Bills are 9-2 straight up and 8-3 against the spread in games the tailback rushes for 100 or more yards dating back to 2015. Former Panthers defensive coordinator and current Bills head coach Sean McDermott makes his return to Carolina where Cam Newton and Crew are 5-1 ATS in their last six home openers.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened with the Panthers as 8-point chalk but it appears sharp bettors are driving the line down. Sportsbooks are now dealing this game at -7.5 or -7. The total can be found between 42.5 and 43.

TRENDS:

*The Panthers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS win.
*The Bills are 1-4 in their last five games following an outright win.
*The Over is 10-3 in the Bills’ last 13 games overall.

Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts (+7, 44)

The Scott Tolzien era has ended in Indianapolis. Former Pats third stringer QB Jacoby Brissett will start under center for the Colts on Saturday. Brissett made two starts last season and the Pats went 1-1 straight up and against the spread in those games.

How much will the Cards miss running back David Johnson who’s out with a bum wrist? He accounted for 36 percent of Arizona’s offensive yards last year.

LINE HISTORY: This game opened with the home team getting as many as eight points and most shops are now down to the key number +7. The total can be found between 44.5 and 44.

TRENDS:

*The Over is 8-0 in the Cardinals’ last eight games overall.
*The Colts are 24-8 ATS vs. teams with losing records.

Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars (+1.5, 42)

Jags rookie running back tallied 100 yards on the ground last week with 61 of them coming after contact according to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. The run game will be even more important to Jacksonville after top receiver Allen Robinson was lost for the year to injury.

Tennessee allowed the second fewest rushing yards in 2016 and gave up 109 to Marshawn Lynch and the Oakland Raiders last week.

LINE HISTORY: The Jags opened as 1-point home dogs and are now getting between 2 and 2.5 points. The total is at 42 – a point and a half lower than the opening number of 43.5.

TRENDS:

*The Titans are 7-19-1 in their last 27 road games.
*The Under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings between these two teams at Jacksonville.

Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs (-5.5, 47.5)

Andy Reid off a bye week is one of the few must bet spots of the NFL season. Reid’s teams are 16-2 straight up and 13-5 against the spread coming off an off week. The success doesn’t transfer coming off a playing a Thursday night game the week prior.

Reid is just 3-4 ATS the week after a Thursday game and 1-3 ATS in his last four times in this spot.

LINE HISTORY: The line has been bouncing around in no one’s land between -4 and -6. Most books have the Chiefs giving 5.5 points heading into the weekend. The total can be found at 47, 47.5 and 48.

TRENDS:

*The Over is 11-2 in the Eagles’ last 13 road games.
*The Chiefs are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall.

New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints (+6, 56)

It’s only Week 1 but injuries are becoming an issue for the defending Super Bowl champions. LB Don’t’a Hightower, super special teamer Matthew Slater and WR Danny Amendola are out this weekend. And of course go-to target Julian Edelman is out for the year with a wrecked knee. The loss in Week 1 brought the Pats’ record to 2-7-1 ATS in games without Edelman since 2013.

LINE HISTORY: Most books opened with the visiting Patriots giving 6 points but most books are at 6.5 or 7 now. The total opened up at 53 and has been bet up three points to 56.

TRENDS:

*The Saints are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
*The over is 10-3-1 in the Saints’ last 14 home games.
*The Pats are 8-1 ATS in their last nine road games.

Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6, 44.5)

It would only be the most Sam Bradford thing ever if he was hurt now after that shining performance on Monday night. NFL insiders are reporting the Vikings QB had an MRI on his knee – the same knee that’s had two ACL surgeries – after it was sore and swollen following the Saints game.

He’s questionable to play and Case Keenum would most likely be the starter if Bradford is ruled out. Keenum started nine games for the Rams last season and the team went 3-5-1 ATS in those games.

LINE HISTORY: Many books opened with this game at Pitt -7 but the number came down as low as Minny +5. The action is now driving the line back up to the original number at -7 – although that could have to do with Bradford’s status.

TRENDS:

*The Vikings are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games following an ATS win.
*The Under is 15-3 in the Vikings’ last seven games following a straight up win.
*The Under is 11-1 in the Steelers’ last 12 games in Week 2.

Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7, 43.5)

The Bucs are itching to play some football again after their Week 1 game was postponed because of Hurricane Irma. Talk is cheap, but this quote from Bucs defensive line Robert Ayers was too good to omit:

“I ain’t worried about about no rust,” he told Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. “I’m worried about the first person I get to lay my hands on.”

LINE HISTORY: The Bucs opened as 5.5-point favorites but have been bet up to 7-point chalk. The total has remained steady around 42.5 and 43.

TRENDS:

*The Under is 5-1-1 in the Bucs’ last seven games overall.
*The Bears are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games in September.

Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers (-3.5, 45.5)

The Chargers never had much of a home-field advantage when they played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. The team was always a bit light on supporters in the outdated field that sat over 70,000 spectators.

The Bolts were hoping their stay this season at the StubHub Center in Carson and its 27,000 seating would allow for a small but rowdy crowd cheering them on. Well, word on the street is that Sunday’s game, the team’s home opener, still isn’t sold out. Turns out no one cares about the Chargers no matter where they play.

LINE HISTORY: The Chargers opened as 2.5-point faves but have been bet up and over the key number to 3.5. The total has kept steady at 45.5.

TRENDS:

*The Chargers are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 home games.
*The Over is 6-1 in the Dolphins’ last seven games.

New York Jets at Oakland Raiders (-13.5, 43.5)

The Jets are getting almost 14 points and that is significant for the Silver and Black. The Raiders haven’t double-digit chalk since Week 2 in 2003. They haven’t been favored by this many points since Week 4 of the 2001 season.

LINE HISTORY: Oakland opened as a 13.5-favorite and remains there now. Doesn’t appear the sportsbooks are interested in moving the number to the two touchdown spread.

TRENDS:

*The Over is 20-6-2 in the Raiders’ last 28 homes games.

Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos (+2.5, 42)

This is only the third time since the start of the 2013 season the Broncos are getting points at home. The Pats (twice) and Packers have both been road chalk at Mile High Stadium and the Broncos went 2-1 ATS in those games.

LINE HISTORY: Most shops installed the Cowboys as 1.5-point faves for this contest. You can find some Denver +2.5 lines out there heading into the weekend.

TRENDS:

*The Cowboys are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win.
*The Broncos are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games following a straight up win.
*The Under is 14-3 in the Cowboys’ last 17 away games.

Washington Redskins at Los Angeles Rams (+2.5, 46)

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald makes his return to the Rams this weekend. The All-Pro defensive lineman was a training camp holdout and he missed last week’s game against the 49ers. The Rams aren’t revealing how many snaps Donald will get on the field but his presence should be a big boost for St. Louis.

LINE HISTORY: This game opened at Rams +2.5 and that’s where it stands heading into the weekend too.

TRENDS:

*The Redskins are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 away dates.
*The Over is 10-1 in Washington’s last 11 games following an outright loss.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-14, 42)

Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman missed practice this week but is expected to start against the Niners. Seattle will be looking to see improvement from its offensive line. Not sure if the Niners have a pass rush good enough to be much of a test.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened with Seattle giving 13 points but bettors quickly ate up the Seahawks and moved the line up to 14 points. The total has been bet down a few points from 43.5 all the way to 41.

TRENDS:

*The Niners are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
*The Seahawks are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons (-3, 55.5)

The Falcons home opener this season is extra special because this is their first game in their shiny new home – the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s the same spot that hosted the neutral site game between Alabama and Florida State in Week 1 of the college football season.

Since 1987, NFL teams are just 13-10 SU and 10-12-1 ATS playing their first game in a new stadium.

LINE HISTORY: The Dirty Birds opened as 2.5-point chalk and have been bet up to field goal favorites. The total opened around 53.5 and now sits at 55.5 at many shops.

TRENDS:

*The Packers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
*The Over is 7-1 in the Packers last eight games overall.

Pick Six - Week 2
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

Patriots (-6½, 55½) at Saints

New England

Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 9/2

The defending champion Patriots hung their Super Bowl banner last Thursday but were chased out of their home stadium by the upstart Chiefs. New England fell to Kansas City, 42-27 as eight-point favorites to suffer only their second opening week loss since 2004. The good news for the Patriots is they dominated as a road favorite last season by going 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS, while not losing a game away from Foxboro in nine tries. Since 2013, the Pats have covered in six of eight opportunities against NFC opponents on the road, while visiting New Orleans for the first time since 2009, when New England was blasted, 38-17.

New Orleans

Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 80/1

The Saints return home after dropping a 29-19 decision at Minnesota on Monday night. New Orleans has fared well as a home underdog the last two seasons by posting a 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS record, including victories over Carolina and Seattle last season. This will be the only home contest for the Saints until Week 6 against Detroit as New Orleans heads to Carolina next week before facing the Dolphins in London. The Saints have lost their first two games in four of the last five seasons, while owning a 1-5 record in its past six games at the Superdome in interconference play.

Best Bet: Saints +6½

Eagles at Chiefs (-5½, 47½)

Philadelphia

Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 33/1

In Carson Wentz’s rookie season, the Eagles won their road opener at Chicago, but failed to record a victory away from Lincoln Financial Field in their final seven attempts. Philadelphia hopes that trend doesn’t continue in 2017 as the Eagles knocked off the Redskins in D.C. in Week 1 by a 30-17 count as one-point favorites. Wentz threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns to avenge a pair of losses to Washington last season, while the Eagles’ defense limited the Redskins to 264 yards of offense. The Eagles dropped four road games in 2016 by five points or less, while making their first trip to Arrowhead Stadium since 2005 when Philadelphia outlasted Kansas City, 37-31.

Kansas City

Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 16/1

The Chiefs pulled off the biggest stunner in Week 1 by upsetting the Patriots, 42-27. Alex Smith connected on a pair of 70+ yard touchdown passes, while Kansas City racked up 21 points in the final quarter to pick up their seventh consecutive road cover since last October. The Chiefs suffered a huge blow in the secondary as cornerback Eric Berry tore his Achilles tendon and is out for the season. Kansas City has not fared well for bettors as a home favorite the last two seasons by posting a 5-11 ATS mark, including three non-covers last season in wins of six points or fewer.

Best Bet: Eagles +5½

Vikings at Steelers (-5½, 45½)

Minnesota

Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 20/1

The Vikings won their season opener for the third time in Mike Zimmer’s four seasons as head coach by cruising past the Saints on Monday night, 29-19 as three-point favorites. Sam Bradford put together one of the finest games of his career by completing 27-of-32 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns, while rookie Dalvin Cook rushed for 127 yards for the Vikings. Minnesota thrived as a road underdog in 2015 by cashing in all six tries, but reverted back to a 1-3 ATS mark in 2016, with the only victory coming in Week 3 at Carolina.

Pittsburgh

Record: 1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 10/1

The Steelers were one of two teams to pick up a victory and fail to cover as a favorite in Week 1 as Pittsburgh edged Cleveland, 21-18 as 10-point chalk. Although Le’Veon Bell was unimpressive in the opener by racking up only 32 yards on the ground, Antonio Brown lit up the Cleveland secondary for 182 yards on 11 receptions to help Pittsburgh beat Cleveland for the ninth time in the past 11 meetings. The Steelers have won nine of 10 home openers under Mike Tomlin, while going 6-3 in its past nine games against NFC opponents.

Best Bet: Steelers -5½

Dolphins at Chargers (-4, 45)

Miami

Record: 0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS
Super Bowl Odds: 66/1

The Dolphins will finally hit the field after Hurricane Irma wiped out their season opener against the Buccaneers. Coming off a successful 10-6 campaign in Adam Gase’s first season as head coach, Miami will try to duplicate that feat and look for consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 2000-01. Jay Cutler gets the start at quarterback following Ryan Tannehill’s ACL injury in training camp as the Dolphins covered all three games on the west coast last season, including as four-point underdogs in a 31-24 victory over the Chargers.

Los Angeles

Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 80/1

The Chargers make their home debut in L.A. after dropping a three-point decision at Denver, 24-21 last Monday. New city, same old story for the Lightning Bolts, who suffered their eighth loss of seven points or less since the start of 2016, while falling to 1-12 in their past 13 divisional matchups. Luckily, the Chargers go outside the AFC West on Sunday, as they have won nine of their past 15 home games against non-divisional opponents since 2014. However, the Dolphins’ defense intercepted Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers four times in last November’s seven-point victory, capped off by Kiko Alonso’s pick-six in the final minute.

Best Bet: Dolphins +4

Cowboys (-2½, 42½) at Broncos

Dallas

Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS
Super Bowl Odds: 10/1

The Cowboys received great news that running back Ezekiel Elliott would play in Week 1 against the Giants. Elliott rushed for 104 yards in a 19-3 triumph as six-point favorites as Dallas avenged a pair of losses to New York from 2016. Dallas won its first six road contests last season before losing the final two to the Giants and Eagles, while scoring 35 points in each of its two road victories against AFC opponents. Dallas and Denver meet for the first time since an epic contest in 2013 as the Broncos outlasted the Cowboys, 51-48, but Dallas cashed as 7 ½-point home underdogs.

Denver

Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS
Super Bowl Odds: 25/1

The Broncos missed the playoffs last season following a Super Bowl victory in 2015. However, the Vance Joseph era is off to a good start after Denver squeezed past Los Angeles, 24-21 to win its sixth consecutive season opener. Denver hasn’t been listed as a home underdog many times over the years, but the Broncos have cashed tickets in four of their past five opportunities in this role, including a 21-20 win in last season’s opener over Carolina.

Best Bet: Cowboys -2½

49ers at Seahawks (-14, 42½)

San Francisco

Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS
Super Bowl Odds: 250/1

The 49ers are in complete rebuilding mode and it showed in a 23-3 home defeat to the Panthers in Week 1. San Francisco could only muster 217 yards of offense, while losing its 18th straight game to a team not named the Rams since 2015. The Niners have dropped seven consecutive meetings with the Seahawks since the 2013 NFC championship, while losing each of its five visits to Seattle by double-digits. San Francisco hasn’t been worth a look as a road underdog since Jim Harbaugh departed the 49ers after the 2014 season as the team owns a 4-10-1 ATS record in this role the last two seasons.

Seattle

Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS
Super Bowl Odds: 10/1

The Seahawks’ offense was nowhere to be found at Lambeau Field in Week 1 as Seattle lost at Green Bay, 17-9. Seattle didn’t reach the end zone, while the Seahawks put up 225 yards to fall to 3-9 ATS in its past 12 road games since 2015. The Seahawks should get a boost returning home, where they have won 20 of their past 24 games at CenturyLink Field, while going 7-3 ATS in their last 10 opportunities as a double-digit home favorite. In the last five home victories over the 49ers, Seattle has topped the 29-point four times, including last season’s 37-18 blowout in Week 3.

Best Bet: Seattle -14

Total Talk - Week 2
By Chris David
VegasInsider.com

Week 1 Recap

Total bettors leaning to the low side had a very profitable Week 1 as the ‘under’ posted a 10-5 (67%) mark and most of the results were never in doubt. To be truthful there was some ugly football being played and it’s fair to say that the defensive units looked a step ahead of the offense. From a statistical perspective, there were 119 scores in Week 1 and only 65 of them were touchdowns. As you all know, settling for field goals is never great for ‘over’ wagers and we had 54 last weekend. Notable teams to kick away FGs last week included the Cowboys, Saints and Raiders with four a piece while eight others chipped in with three field goals.

Line Moves

Listed below are the largest line moves as of Saturday morning based off the Week 2 openers posted last Sunday at BookMaker.eu.

Tennessee at Jacksonville: 43½ to 41½
Cleveland at Baltimore: 41 to 38½
New England at New Orleans: 54½ to 56½
San Francisco at Seattle: 43½ to 42
Detroit at N.Y. Giants: 43 to 4 ½

We asked Scott Cooley of BookMaker.eu if bettors are reacting to more ‘under’ wagers after the inordinate amount of low-scoring games in Week 1.

He answered, “With the public, possibly, because the perception after one week is that the defenses are ahead of the offenses at this point. Sharps are usually leaning toward the under and that hasn’t changed.”

“Our biggest total liability right now is the Titans-Jaguars game. The wiseguys bet the under in both Jacksonville and Tennessee games Sunday, and they aren’t backing off in Week 2.”

The matchup between Patriots and Saints is one of the few totals that is rising and Cooley offered his thoughts on the inflated numbers on this game and the Packers-Falcons contest on Sunday night.

“We take into account the perceived “offensive” teams by the public when setting a total. And certainly with these two matchups, that was a big factor,” said Cooley.

AFC vs. NFC

There was only one non-conference game in Week 1 and it saw the highest scoring effort as the Rams blasted the Colts 46-9 at the Los Angeles Coliseum but that outcome was helped with 16 points from the L.A. defense.

Week 2 has five AFC-NFC matchups and here are some quick notes to keep an eye on.

Buffalo at Carolina: The Bills went 4-0 in their four games against the NFC last season and they racked up 408 yards last week but left points off the board with an interception and missed field goal. The Panthers defense looked dominating in Week 1’s 23-3 albeit against San Francisco.

New England at New Orleans: The Saints allowed 30.3 points per game vs. AFC opponents last season and made Minnesota look like a juggernaut last Monday. The Patriots defense was also humbled in Week 1 and that appears to be their weakness right night. Make a note that New England rebounded with 33 and 30 points following its only two losses last season.

Philadelphia at Kansas City: The Eagles defense allowed 27 and 32 points in two road games vs. the AFC last season compared to just a total of 13 in the two home tilts. The Chiefs defense (16 PPG) was great at home last season. Since head coach Andy Reid arrived in KC, the club has gone 5-2 SU at Arrowhead Stadium versus NFC foes and the ‘under’ is 6-1 in those games behind a great defensive effort (15.4 PPG). However, the loss of safety Eric Berry (Achilles) won’t be easy to overcome for the Chiefs.

Minnesota at Pittsburgh: The Steelers have had a knack of scoring at home in non-conference games lately, posting 30.8 PPG in their last five encounters from Heinz Field. Minnesota’s offense was sharp last Monday (470 yards, 29 points) and they dropped 25 points twice in two road games against AFC opponents last season.

Dallas at Denver: Tough total to handicap here knowing Dallas posted 35 at the Steelers and Browns last season, yet the ‘under’ has gone 8-2 in their last 10 games against the AFC. Also, Denver is on an 8-1-1 run to the ‘under’ in its last 10 non-conference matchups.

Divisional Action

These matchups went 6-1 to the ‘under’ last week and the lone ‘over’ barely connected in the late-night tilt on Monday between the Chargers and Broncos.

Tennessee at Jacksonville: Even though the professional bettors are banging the ‘under’ on this game, we have seen the ‘over’ cash in the last three meetings between the pair as they combined for 55, 58 and 81 points during this run. However, we must also note that Jacksonville is only averaging 19.8 PPG after a win over the last three seasons and Tennessee hasn’t been able to muster up a lot off offense in divisional road games (16.6 PPG) the last two seasons.

Cleveland at Baltimore: As of Saturday morning, this is the lowest total (38 ½) posted on the board for Week 2. The ‘over’ has gone 4-2 in this series the last three seasons and Baltimore has posted decent offensive numbers (26.5 PPG) against Cleveland. Defensively, the Browns looked good against the run last week but the offense wasn’t sharp and they were helped by the Steelers defense, who were tagged with 144 penalty yards. Tough spot for rookie QB DeShone Kizer on the road against a solid defense and the total dropping seems justified.

San Francisco at Seattle: The ‘over’ is on a 3-0 run but that streak was preceded by six straight ‘under’ tickets. Neither of the two clubs looked sharp offensively in Week 1 and I’d be surprised to see San Francisco having much luck at this venue. The number has dropped two points and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the number dip below 40 come Sunday.

Under the Lights

The highest-scoring game of Week 1 was also the first one as Kansas City and New England combined for 69 points last Thursday. Including that result, the ‘over’ went 3-1 in the primetime matchups and you can argue that the two outcomes on Monday were fortunate to go high. This past Thursday, the Texans and Bengals cashed an easy ‘under’ ticket and it’s hard to imagine that trend bucking for either club.

Green Bay at Atlanta: The last three meetings in this series have all gone ‘over’ the number as the pair have combined to score 80, 65 and 65 points. In last year’s NFC Championship, Atlanta blasted Green Bay 44-21 and the total in that game was 59½. This week’s number (55½) is a tad lower and some skeptics are questioning Atlanta’s offense after its Week 1 effort (23-17) at Chicago. I do believe the Falcons defense is underrated and you can say the same thing about Green Bay’s unit. VI expert Micah Roberts points out the crazy ‘over’ runs for Atlanta at home in his preview, plus Green Bay’s run to the high side on the road last season was nuts too.

Detroit at N.Y. Giants: The number is coming down on this total and deservingly so. The Giants have been held under 20 points in seven straight games going back to last season and the ‘under’ is 13-4 in their last 17 regular season contests. Detroit struggled offensively on the road (19.6 PPG) last season and the Giants stifled the Lions 17-6 from Met-Life Stadium last December. New York WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) has been practicing and has been upgraded to ‘probable’ for Monday.

Fearless Predictions

If it wasn't for Cincinnati posting a bagel in Week 1, we could've pulled off the sweep. That effort cost us the teaser but the other plays cashed and that has us ahead ($200) going into Week 2. As always, Press, Pass or Fade but in the end – Good Luck!

Best Over: Miami-L.A. Chargers 45½
Best Under: Washington-L.A. Rams 45½
Best Team Total: Over Oakland 29

Three-Team Total Teaser (8.5-Point, +100)
Minnesota-Pittsburgh Over 36
Dallas-Denver Under 50½
Green Bay-Atlanta Under 64

Sunday Night Football Betting Preview: Packers at Falcons
Covers.com

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons (-3, 55.5)

The last visit to Atlanta is one the Green Bay Packers won't soon forget -- a beating at the hands of the Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in January. With the stakes much lower, the Packers get a chance to avenge that loss to Atlanta on Sunday night in what will mark the first regular-season game at the Falcons' new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Green Bay entered last season's conference title game on an eight-game winning streak but was never in it against Atlanta, falling behind by 24 points at halftime in a 44-21 blowout. "If you're thinking about last year and talking about last year, you're just wasting time and energy," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "To get to the point where you're playing in January and the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl, you've got to focus on what's going on today. That's really what our guys are focused on." The Falcons will be looking to beat Green Bay for the third time in 11 months -- they squeezed out a 33-32 victory at home last October on a last-minute touchdown pass by Matt Ryan. The league's highest-scoring team in 2016 with an average of 33.8 points, Atlanta needed a late defensive stand to escape with a 23-17 victory at Chicago in Week 1.

POWER RANKINGS: Packers (-4) - Falcons (-3.5) + home field (-3) = Falcons -2.5

LINE HISTORY: The Falcons opened as two-point home chalk and by Saturday night that number had been bet up to three. The total hit the betting board at 53.5 and has jumped up three points to 56.5. View the complete line history here.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: ‘The Packers will be looking to spoil the celebration of the new Mercedes Benz stadium in Atlanta when they tackle the Falcons Sunday night . Revenge from a pair of losses suffered last year in this series- including a 44-21 loss in the NFC title game - sets the table for Green Bay. But Atlanta counters with a sterling 8-1 SU and ATS mark in home opening games behind QB Matt Ryan. This game should be played with playoff intensity this evening.’ Covers Expert - Marc Lawrence

WHAT BOOKS SAY: ‘Only public money has showed up for this marquee matchup thus far. Not sure if the sharps will get involved on the side as this appears to be a pretty tight number. We've taken some smart money on the over, and of course the squares are hammering the over every day. Currently, we have 55 percent of the money on Green Bay, and 67 percent on the over.’ Scott Cooley of BookMaker.eu

INJURY REPORT:

Packers - OT Bryan Bulaga (Questionable, Ankle), S Kentrell Brice (Questionable, Quadricep), DT Mike Daniels (Questionable, Hip), OT David Bakhtiari (Questionable, Hamstring), DT Montravius Adams (Questionable, Foot), LB Ahmad Brooks (Questionable, Concussion), OT Jason Spriggs (Questionable, Hamstring), OT Don Barclay (Questionable Week 7, Foot), LB Vince Biegel (Questionable Week 7, Ankle).

Falcons - C Alex Mack (Probable, Back), OL Austin Pasztor (Probable, Chest), S Kemal Ishmael (Questionable, Hamstring), LB Duke Riley (Questionable, Knee), TE Eric Saubert (Questionable, Hamstring), RB Brian Hill (Questionable, Ankle), RB Terron Ward (Questionable, Hamstring).

ABOUT THE PACKERS (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 0-1 O/U): Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 311 yards with one touchdown and one interception in last week's 17-9 victory over Seattle, has a passer rating of 117.0 in seven matchups against Atlanta while throwing for 29 scoring passes against two picks. Running back Ty Montgomery had 93 total yards and a touchdown while wide receivers Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson combined for 16 receptions and a score last week. Green Bay could be in trouble along the offensive line Sunday with left tackle David Bakhtiari battling a hamstring issue and right tackle Bryan Bulaga dealing with illness and a sprained ankle. The Packers' defense limited the Seahawks to 225 total yards and 12 first downs.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS, 0-1 O/U): Ryan connected on an 88-yard scoring strike to tight end Austin Hooper in the fourth quarter and finished with 321 yards passing in the season opener. The league's reigning MVP has put up huge numbers over the past three matchups against the Packers, passing for 1,055 yards with 11 touchdowns against one interception. Wideout Julio Jones, who had four catches for 66 yards last week, torched Green Bay in the NFC title game with nine catches for 180 yards and two scores, and had an 11-catch, 259-yard monster performance against the Packers in 2014. The backfield tandem of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman combined for only 53 yards rushing on 20 carries in Week 1.

TRENDS:

* Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
* Over is 7-1 in Packers last 8 games overall.
* Over is 11-0 in Falcons last 11 home games.
* Over is 7-1 in Packers last 8 games overall.
* Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the road dog Packers at a rate of 60 percent and the Over is picking up 64 percent of the totals action.