After a tough opening week (0-2-1 against the point spread), we’re moving on to Week 2 with three more NFL underdog ATS picks, accompanied by quick and dirty thoughts on each matchup.
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Best NFL bets Week 2 underdogs: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+7.5 BetMGM) at Detroit Lions
It’s a Week 2 playoff revenge spot for Baker Mayfield and the Bucs as they return to the scene of their 31-23 divisional round loss this past January.
And while it’s still tough envisioning Tampa Bay going on the road beating an improved Lions team straight up Sunday, most signs point to Tampa putting up another strong fight.
Since Week 13 of last season, Mayfield and Co. have won seven of nine games, including a 32-9 thrashing of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 wild-card round and a 37-20 season-opening rout of the Washington Commanders last Sunday.
Overall, the Bucs have been one of the league’s top underdogs (9-4 ATS) since the start of last season.
Tampa outgained Detroit 408-391 in the playoff loss and if not for an 0-2 turnover deficit, four sacks and a missed field goal, the Bucs had a real shot at the road upset.
Best NFL bets Week 2 underdogs: Los Angeles Rams (+1.5 DraftKings) at Arizona Cardinals
It’s the Cards’ home opener, and Sunday also marks the first time they’ve been favored in their last 27 games, dating back to Week 9 of the 2022 season.
The Rams are beat up early, putting a pair of offensive linemen and second-year standout wide receiver Puka Nacua on injured reserve just this week.
But until proven otherwise, I’m siding with a Sean McVay-coached Rams squad that’s owned this NFC West series of late, going 13-2 SU and 12-2-1 ATS over the last 15 meetings.
We’re also shading an Arizona team that’s compiled the league’s worst home winning percentage (10-22) since the start of the 2020 season.
Best NFL bets Week 2 underdogs: Chicago Bears (+6.5 FanDuel) at Houston Texans
Sunday night offers an intriguing matchup between 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud and the Texans against 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams and the Bears.
Houston deservedly is a near-touchdown home favorite in this meeting of 1-0 teams.
But with only the backing of the Texans’ surprisingly shaky 10-10 ATS record, including only 3-6 as a favorite, since the start of last season, I’m largely going on a hunch taking the visiting Bears and the points.
To get there, Williams will need to improve from a rough Week 1 outing and underrated Chicago defense and special teams units to shine through as they did in the opening week rally to stun (and cover against) the Tennessee Titans.
