NFL Week 2 Odds, Picks & Predictions: Underdog Bets (2024)
It wasn’t hard to see the Cowboys winning as NFL underdogs against the Cleveland Browns last week. But the Falcons losing to the Steelers or the Bengals falling to the Patriots? We certainly didn’t see them coming (especially the Patriots). But therein lies the joy of betting on underdogs - the best ones are those you don’t see coming.
However, that will not stop us from trying to see them coming. We’ve got a few underdogs we think could pull out a win in Week 2.
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Best Week 2 Underdog Bets
(Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Rams (+100) @ Arizona Cardinals (-1.5)
- Sunday, September 15 @ 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX
- State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ
How on Earth did the Cardinals open as the betting favorite for this game? Is it because they appeared to be competitive vs. the Bills in Week 1? It may seem that way since the final score was close, but the Cardinals did not play good football. The defense didn’t slow the Bills down; Buffalo scored on six of their nine drives (not including the end-of-game kneel-down).
Kyler Murray didn’t push the ball downfield and only had 162 yards.
Los Angeles, on the other hand, was one of two teams in Week 1 to throw for 300+ yards. The offense struggled to get on track in the first half but scored 17 points in the second. If the defense could have stopped the run, the offense would have at least had a shot in overtime.
If the Cards were a strong rushing team, it might make sense for them to be favored by a small margin at home - but they aren’t. Their secondary will do no better against Matthew Stafford than it did against Josh Allen.
The Rams aren’t massive underdogs, but technically, they are dogs. Take advantage of this one before it changes.
Pick: Los Angeles Rams (+100)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+295) @ Detroit Lions (-7.5)
- Sunday, September 15 @ 1 p.m. ET on FOX
- Ford Field in Detroit, MI
Fans will remember the meeting between these two teams in the Divisional Round last year, a game the Lions ultimately won 31-23. Several things led to Detroit’s win, among them two Baker Mayfield interceptions; one led to a field goal and the other ended the game. Both QBs threw the ball well in that game. Doing so again will be the key to winning this game.
Between the two quarterbacks, Mayfield is off to a better start this season. If he can pick up where they left off last week vs. the Commanders, Tampa Bay could force the Lions to abandon the best part of their offense - the run game - to play catch-up.
However, if the Lions can take control of the game by running the ball, Tampa Bay loses the edge.
Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+295)
New Orleans Saints (+220) @ Dallas Cowboys (-6)
- Sunday, September 15 @ 1 p.m. ET on FOX
- AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX
With how well the Cowboys played vs. a good Browns team last week, there’s no way the New Orleans Saints even have a chance - right? Not exactly.
Yes, the Dallas defense had a standout game. However, they were not facing an elite running back like Alvin Kamara. They faced second-stringer Jerome Ford. A few years ago, Deshaun Watson looked like the next great quarterback, but that was then. He hasn’t been that guy in years, but the media keeps giving him grace every time the Browns lose, and he had a bad day.
While Dak Prescott is getting paid like a mega-star, he didn’t play like one vs. Cleveland. Ok, so he managed the game well and made no costly errors. The defense gifted him with a short field on three different occasions. He got one first down on two of the drives and had to settle for field goals on all three drives.
The Saints’ defense is not as good as the stat sheet says, but it’s not bad. If they can get the run game on track and force Dallas to become one-dimensional, they could beat the Cowboys. However, it is worth mentioning the Cowboys will have a 16-game home win streak on the line.
Pick: New Orleans Saints (+220)