One win, two losses and one push in Week 1 of our NFL betting tips to make for a break-even week but we’ll be looking to go a few better this week as we present our NFL Preview & Betting Tips for Week 2 below.
NFL Week 2 Betting Tips
Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals (Friday 10.25am AEST)
The Bengals and the Texans put up a combined seven points in week one in some pretty average performances but will both get the chance to get a win on the board in the Thursday night (Friday morning AEST) marquee game. The Texans will likely start rookie QB Deshaun Watson for the matchup after Week 1 starter Tom Savage had an average game against the Jags on the weekend.
Houston’s defence was supposed to be a force again this season with the return of JJ Watt from injury but allowing 29 points to the Jags in Round 1 raises some questions. The Bengals on the other hand are suffering from a greatly undermanned offensive line, which was the main factor in QB Adny Dalton throwing four interceptions on the weekend and adding a fumble.
With two very lacklustre offences on display here points will most likely be in short supply. The total match points is at a lofty 38 points and this game has a 14-7 type of score line written all over it, especially if the Houston defence can resemble what it was last season.
TIP: Total points UNDER 38 - $1.92 at Sportsbet
New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints (Monday 3am AEST)
New England suffered a shock home defeat to the Chiefs in the opening game of the season as their defence looked terrible after the loss of star linebacker Donte Hightower in the 2nd quarter. The Chiefs put up 42 points on the Patriots and the Saints with Drew Brees and a host of talented skilled position players arguably have a better offence than Kansas City.
One thing the Saints don’t boast, however, is a good defence. It was a similar case last season and they made minimal moves to improve it in the offseason. Tom Brady lost another one of his offensive weapons on the weekend in Danny Amendola but still managed to put up 27 points in a game that totalled 69 points.
Both offences should be slinging here and the total point line of 55 should be in danger with the struggling defences.
TIP: Total points OVER 55.5 - $1.91 at Ladbrokes
Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons (Monday 10.30am AEST)
The Packers were extremely impressive in Week 1 against the Seahawks and will be looking to go 2-0 here against the Falcons. Aaron Rodgers was dominant in the win, sharing the all-around to his array of quality receivers and throwing for 311 yards. He has some serious weapons now with the return of Jordy Nelson from injury and the additions of some quality tight ends in Martellus Bennet and Lance Kendricks.
Last season’s runner up, the Atlanta Falcons also secured a week one win, downing the Chicago Bears by six points. The Falcons looked less than convincing in the win, although last season’s MVP Matt Ryan still put up 321 yards.
Tough game to call here but based on Week 1 results we have to give the slight edge to the Packers. They are away from home but we think there are some serious cracks in the Atlanta defence and there’s no better player to exploit them than Aaron Rodgers. At $2.25 the Packers represent good value here.
TIP: Green Bay Packers to win - $2.25 at Ladbrokes
Detroit Lions at New York Giants (Tuesday 10.30am AEST)
There might not be a more important player for any team in the league than Odell Beckham Jr is to the New York Giants. Without his star receiver in action, Eli Manning was only able to put up three points against the Cowboys in week one and while their defence was pretty good in restricting Dallas to just 19 points, they couldn’t get anything going on the other side of the ball.
While Beckham’s status is still in question for this weekend’s match, the bookies have opened with the Giants as $1.50 favourites, so that suggests he will suit up. The Lions were great in week one, claiming a 12-point win over the Cardinals as Matt Stafford threw for 292 yards and 4 TD’s.
If Beckham is indeed playing we like the Giants to cover a smallish 3-point line here.
TIP: New York Giants -3 - $1.87 at Sportsbet
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