We ended last week at -2.68 pts. All three main bets could have landed. One did; with the Ravens running out comfortable winners in Miami. Lamar Jackson definitely reduced my concerns about his passing ability and if he can produce at even half that level for the season, the Ravens will be in with a real chance this year.
The Eagles let in a garbage time TD to let the Redskins get a backdoor cover. That hurt, especially with there only being 2 seconds left. The Redskins also converted two fourth and longs on that drive. It just wasn’t meant to be.
The underdog bet was also very close. We picked the 49ers to win correctly - as an underdog - but the points total finished agonisingly close; 48 scored versus the Over 50 we predicted.
We move on and go again. I would suggest the same as last week regarding stakes. It will take until week 4 or 5 before we can confidently know where each team stands. This weeks slate of games looks tricky but hopefully we can pull a winner or two from the list.
BEST BETS
This week I’ve decided to go split my best bets section to two teams at 2 pts each.
Cowboys @ Redskins
The Cowboys looked dangerous last week. Really dangerous. Dak was slinging the ball around in Jerryworld last Sunday reminiscent of days gone by in Dallas. He became the first Cowboy this century to post a perfect passer rating.
Obviously Dak won’t produce like that every week but it looks like he may be have a very good season ahead of him. Zeke came back from his preseason holdout to aid in the rushing game, but I expect him to come on with the game time he accrued in Week 1.
The Cowboys have an edge on both sides of the ball. Their defensive front seven is among the best in football, they also boast a talented back end defence.
I think Keenum may have some issues this week against this defence, especially if they are made to chase the game.
Verdict: Cowboys -5 @ 10/11
2pts
Jaguars @ Texans
I’ve watched the highlights of New Orleans and Houston so many times since Monday night. I don’t know how the Texans lost. I wasn’t as high on them this season as a lot of people were but they definitely gave me food for thought on Monday night. They went into the Superdome and practically bet the Saints. It was a game they should have won and I’d say it feels like one that got away for them. They will be looking to right that wrong when the face Jacksonville this week at home. One of the teams I thought had a great upside before the season started. But the NFL can be cruel. Nick Foles is set to miss significant time recovering from surgery. A.J. Bouye, Marquise Lee, Ngakoue and Ogbuehi are all out also. Tough start to the season for the Jags roster.
The Texans could be a force to be reckoned with, especially if their defence takes a step forward which I expect it to do this week. I think this will be a significant home win.
Verdict: Texans -7.5 @ 10/11
2pts
OTHER SELECTIONS:
Cardinals @ Ravens
Kyler Murray, Kliff Kingsburry and the Cardinals managed a tie at home against a team not too many people were high on before week 1 kicked off. They now face Baltimore in Baltimore for what is their home opener. This is a much much tougher test than last week. This Raven’s defence is for real. Murray could face serious growing pains this week as he looks to throw against what is one of the best secondary units in the NFL. The home crowd are going to be in fine fettle and ready to go after last weeks performance against Miami. It’s a decent amount of points to lay, but lay the 12.5.
Verdict: Ravens -12.5 @ 10/11
1pt
UNDERDOG OF THE WEEK
Vikings @ Packers
This could be a statement game for Mike Zimmer & Co. Going into Lambeau and winning is not easy. But the Vikings were very good on both sides of the ball last Sunday. Dalvin Cook looked healthy and to be playing with zero fear. Minnesota’s OL looks like the best it has had for years and the defence held what is regarded as a high power Falcons offence scoreless into the 4th quarter. The Packers look to have come on leaps and bounds on the defensive side of the ball, however in unusual fashion last week, it was their offence that struggled. Granted that was against a good Bears defence in Soldier field but I feel that the Vikings can pose similar issues to Aaron Rodgers as he gets acquainted with Matt Lafleur's offence. Take the road underdog here.
Verdict: Vikings Moneyline @5/4
1pt
ACCUMULATOR:
COWBOYS -5 (@ Redskins)
TEXANS -7.5 (v Jaguars)
RAVENS -12.5 (v Cardinals)
STEELERS -4 (v Seahawks)
EAGLES -2 (@ Falcons)
@ 24.36/1
.5pt
Week 2 Total Staked: 6.5 pts
P/L Year: -2.68 pts
COVER PHOTO: Sports Illustrated
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