NFL Preseason Week 2 Betting Guide: Odds & Matchups
Week 1 of the NFL preseason went about as expected. We saw plenty of rookies on the field with No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward presenting himself well in his pro debut. Ward led a touchdown drive in his two series, but the Titans did what they managed to do a lot last season; they lost to Tampa Bay 29-7. It’s not about wins and losses during the preseason rather getting guys snaps after months of inactivity and seeing what rookies can do in their first taste of NFL action. Several teams that could be contending for a Super Bowl title this season had starters and regulars in street clothes on the sideline to avoid risks. We’ll likely see more of the same in Week 2 of the exhibition slate, which starts with a pair of games on Friday. Ward and the Titans get the week started with a visit to the Atlanta Falcons as an early 4-point favorite on the NFL betting line.
NFL Preseason Week 2 Preview
There is no standard playbook when it comes to preseason games. What teams do is largely dependent on the motivation of their coaches. For instance, the Bengals have been notoriously slow starters the past several seasons losing their first three games and four of five to open last season. They also dropped their first two games the season before failing to reach the playoffs both times. They opened 0-2 in 2022 but rallied to reach the AFC Championship. In an attempt to get his starters some work ahead of the regular season, Zac Taylor trotted out his first team offense in the preseason opener with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase looking in mid-season form. The Bengals close out the betting week with a Monday night contest against Washington where they’re laying 4.5-points on the opening line. There are higher over/under numbers for Week 2 of the NFL preseason with five games opening with a total at or above 40. Last week, with only one game total in the 40s, the OVER cashed in 13 of the 16 games. Ironically, Arizona beat Kansas City, 20-17, in the lone Week 1 game with a total in the 40s. Monday’s contest between Cincinnati and Washington has the highest opening total with the number at 43.
NFL Preseason Week 2 Schedule and Odds
Friday, August 15
Tennessee Titans (-4, 38) at Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5, 41.5) at Seattle Seahawks
Saturday, August 16
Green Bay Packers at Indianapolis Colts (-6, 40)
New England Patriots (-2.5, 39.5) at Minnesota Vikings
Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans (-2.5, 38)
Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 39)
Miami Dolphins (-4, 37) at Detroit Lions
San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders (-6, 40.5)
New York Jets at New York Giants (-3, 39)
Los Angeles Chargers (-4, 37) at Los Angeles Rams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5, 39) at Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore Ravens (-2.5, 36.5) at Dallas Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos (-7, 40)
Sunday, August 17
Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5, 39.5) at New Orleans Saints
Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears (-2, 38.5)
Monday, August 18
Cincinnati Bengals (-4.5, 43) at Washington Commanders
NFL Preseason Week 2 Preview
Betting on the Baltimore Ravens in the preseason has been a profitable endeavor over the years. Since becoming the team’s head coach John Harbaugh has posted a 45-17 record in exhibition contests with 42 of those covering the spread. And the Ravens continued that trend in Week 1 with a 24-16 win over Indianapolis as a 6-point underdog. Baltimore sat most of its starters and regulars and will likely do so again when visiting Dallas as a 2.5-point favorite on Saturday. The storyline for the Ravens is replacing standout kicker Justin Tucker. Tyler Loop is the only kicker in camp right now but hasn’t been guaranteed the job. He missed his first field goal attempt then countered with a made 52-yarder while hitting all three PATs.
Why the Ravens elected to sit starters in the preseason was evident in their first contest. Rookie cornerback Bilhal Kone, who was fighting for a roster spot, exited the field on a cart after sustaining ligament damage ending his season. Also, Miami’s Alexander Mattison will miss the season due to a neck injury sustained in the Dolphins exhibition game with Chicago on Sunday. Injuries are a part of the game but getting shelved in the preseason is another argument for eliminating the games altogether.
Several teams still have a quarterback competition as we navigate through the preseason and the races will continue to play out through Week 2. The Browns have the biggest decision to make with veteran Joe Flacco the favorite to start on opening day. However, Shedeur Sanders was sharp, getting most of the reps in Week 1 due to injuries. Sanders threw two TD passes on 14 of 23 passing for 138 yards directing three scoring drives in Cleveland’s 30-10 win over Carolina. Also, keep an eye on what’s happening with the Colts, Saints and Giants.
NFL Preseason Week 2 Prime Free Picks
The Week 2 slate of games gets started Friday night in Atlanta with the Titans and Falcons hooking up. It doesn’t seem like an appealing game but it’s another chance for Cam Ward to show off why Tennessee selected him first overall. Ward had a solid debut going 5 of 8 for 67 yards and showing elusiveness to extend plays in two series. He’s likely to get another start against a team reluctant to put starters on the field. The Titans would like to enjoy the taste of winning, even in a preseason game, and they get it in Week 2 covering the spread. For more NFL betting tips check out his handy sports betting guide.
