NFL Week 2 Preview and Wicked Wagers

by | Sep 18, 2022 | Football

If you thought NFL Week 1 was fun, well that was just the beginning. We’ve got another full set of games this Sunday, featuring some intriguing matchups. We’ll preview all of them and give our Wicked Wagers for each matchup. Sit back and enjoy.

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NFL Week 2 Preview – 1 PM Games

Carolina Panthers (+107) at New York Giants (-121) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST

Game Preview

The Carolina Panthers visit the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium today. This game features two of the best running backs in the league, both trying to come back after seasons marred by injury.

The Panthers will be coming off a heartbreaking defeat against the Browns. Carolina was down by multiple touchdowns early and was able to come back late in the 4th quarter. However, it was all for naught as Cleveland would go on to kick a last-minute field goal to win the game. The Panthers will be looking to steal this one on the road against a Giants team that still has several question marks.

Carolina Panthers Notable Injuries: Brandon Smith (D)

The New York Giants host Carolina after a surprising win on the road against the Titans. The expectation in Week 1 was that the Giants would get blown out, but instead, we got a tight game where they squeaked out a victory. One of the biggest Week 1 storylines was the re-emergence of Saquan Barkley, and they’ll need him to play well again if they want to win this game. The Giants are banged up at all positions and will feel that in Week 2 against a gritty Panthers team with weapons all over the field.

New York Giants Notable Injuries: Wan’Dale Robinson (O), Kayvon Thibodeaux (D), Aaron Robinson (O)

Fantasy Football Information

For Carolina, this is pretty cut and dry: start CMC. Carolina didn’t use him nearly as much as they could have in week 1, and it might’ve been the reason they lost. Expect McCaffrey to have the ball early and often in this one. DJ Moore is also a great flex start for Sunday.

Saquan Barkley looks like he’s back, and will get the ball early and often in this one. Even with a win last week, there isn’t much to like fantasy wise about this team. Kadarius Toney may be worth a flex spot this week.

Panthers at Giants Prediction

Carolina comes into this game with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. In Week 1, they kept the training wheels on McCaffrey but those come off in Week 2. Expect CMC to run all over a banged-up Giants defense. Barkley will run for 100+ yards and a touchdown as well.

Final Score: Carolina 27 – New York 20

Wicked Wager – Panthers ML (+107)

Wicked Player Prop – Christian McCaffrey Over 66.5 Rushing Yards (-112)

New York Jets (+230) at Cleveland Browns (-275) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST

Game Preview

The New York Jets head into Cleveland to face the Browns, new elf, and all. These teams had wildly different Week 1 results, let’s dive in.

The Jets were embarrassed on their home field in an absolute trouncing from a different AFC North team. New York failed to even score a touchdown until the 4th quarter, and by that time it was too little too late. They will try to bounce back this week against a gritty Browns team.

New York Jets Notable Injuries: C.J. Uzomah (D), George Fant (Q)

The Cleveland Browns had an up-and-down game in Week 1. They led for most of it but allowed Carolina to claw back, and eventually regain the lead. However, last-minute heroics saw a field goal seal the W on the road. This week, they face a bad Jets team that will be starting Joe Flacco in place of the injured Zach Wilson.

Cleveland Browns Notable Injuries: Chris Hubbard (O), Jack Conklin (Q)

Fantasy Football Information

For the Jets, Michael Carter had a solid Week 1, especially in PPR leagues. Breece Hall is also worth a flex spot, but not an RB1 or RB2 slot. All the Jets receivers put up decent points in PPR leagues but in standard leagues, none of them are even a flex option. 

On the Browns side, Chubb and Hunt are the obvious starts. They should both feast today on a bad Jets defense. Cleveland’s defense is also a solid start, they will generate a few turnovers today and a strip sack of Flacco isn’t out of the question.

Jets at Browns Prediction

The Jets are a bad team and were struck a heavy blow when Zach Wilson got injured. They will rally around their star quarterback, whenever he makes his return but that isn’t this week. The Browns showed that they can win even without Deshaun Watson, and that’s exactly what they do again this week.

Final Score: Cleveland 21 – New York 13

Wicked Wager – Browns -6.5 (-114)

Wicked Player Prop – Nick Chubb 2+ Touchdowns (+410)

Indianapolis Colts (-175) at Jacksonville Jaguars (+150) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST

Game Preview

The Colts head into Jacksonville after tying against the Texans in Week 1. The tie left us with more questions than answers, as expectations for this Colts team were much higher. The Jaguars gave the Commanders a run for their money in Week 1 but ultimately landed in the Loss column.

The Colts acquired Matt Ryan in the offseason and returned most of their solid defensive unit from 2021. Expectations for this team were to win the AFC South, and nothing less. A Week 1 tie didn’t lead them in that direction, but they storm into Jacksonville looking for a different result.

Indianapolis Colts Notable Injuries: Michael Pittman (Q), Shaquille Leonard (Q)

The Jaguars showed in Week 1 that they are a much-improved team from last year. The acquisition of Christian Kirk and another off-season for Trevor Lawrence seems to have given them some offensive firepower. There are some definite questions on this team, and they won’t win any championships, but they could pull off some upsets this year. Bet on it.

Jacksonville Jaguars Notable Injuries: None

Fantasy Football Information

There is a running back on the Colts that you should probably start… Jonathan Taylor? JT? Whatever you call him, he’s a freak and he’ll score twice this week against a soft Jaguars defensive front. Pittman is also a stud and showed that last week, he’ll be Ryan’s favorite target all year. If he plays, start him.

All eyes were on Travis Etienne in Week 1 after a lot of off-season hype. However, a funny thing happened, James Robinson went off instead. A result of healthy backfield competition? Remains to be seen. However, what we do know is that starting Robinson is likely a must until Etienne shows us that he’s got something to give. Christian Kirk also balled out last week, he’s a WR2 or a great flex option, depending on how deep your league is.

Colts at Jaguars Prediction

The Jaguars are a good team and will win some games this year, but this isn’t one of them. The Colts are the better team by far and have something to prove after last week. Neither defense plays particularly well which will lead to high point totals, but the Colts snag a victory in the division.

IF Pittman doesn’t play, this game could flip the other way quickly.

Final Score: Indianapolis 31 – Jacksonville 20

Wicked Wager – Colts -3 (-113)

Wicked Player Prop – Christian Kirk Anytime TD (+175)

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Miami Dolphins (+152) at Baltimore Ravens (-180) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST

Game Preview

Coming off week 1 wins against separate AFC East teams, the Dolphins head to Baltimore for the Ravens home opener. Dolphins fans were pleased with Tyreek Hill’s Week 1 performance. He was targeted 12 times and finished with 8 catches for 94 yards. Hill’s presence also helped Miami’s other receivers. Jaylen Waddle hauled in 4 passes, and finished with 69 yards and a touchdown. The two receivers appear to be a great combo for Tua Tagovailoa, which may give Miami the best pass offense it has had in years. The lack of a rushing game in Week 1 gives Tua more reason to create plays through the air as much as he can. The challenge for the Dolphins in Week 2 will be to protect the left handed quarterback. Last week the Dolphins O-line allowed 3 sacks and 7 QB hits. 

Dolphins Notable Injuries: Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Q), Salvon Ahmed (Q)

For Baltimore it was the pass defense that stifled former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco had 300 yards and a TD but also threw an interception and had a passer rating below 75. The Ravens offense is a bit banged up in the backfield so they relied on Lamar Jackson’s arm in Week 1 as well. Jackson had a passer rating of just below 100 in Week 1 after throwing for 213 yards, 3 TDs, and one interception. Baltimore has 3 strong targets in the passing game with Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, and third-year receiver Devin Duvernay, who caught fantasy football fans’ attention with 2 Touchdowns in Week 1. 

Ravens Notable Injuries: Kyle Fuller (O), Marcus Peters (Q) Marlon Humphrey (Q) Ronnie Stanley (D)

Fantasy Football Information

Both QBs in this game will be worth watching for fantasy. This matchup is going to feature a lot of passing. Tua and Lamar are going to have to battle it out. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are each must starts for Miami, while Mark Andrews is a good start for Baltimore. It might be worth keeping an eye on Duvernay to see how well he does, and possibly putting him in your lineup another week.

Dolphins at Ravens Prediction

Baltimore is a 3.5 point favorite, which is basically a push in a neutral stadium. Look for Baltimore to thrive with their home crowd, and for Lamar to win the QB battle to improve his team to 2-0.

Final Score – Baltimore 27 – Miami 20

Wicked Wager – Baltimore (+3.5) (-105)

Wicked Player Prop – Jaylen Waddle over 5.5 receptions (-110)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-144) at New Orleans Saints (+122) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST

Game Preview

The first matchup between these two teams will determine who will be on top of the NFC South. In Week 1, Tampa Bay predictably took care of business last week against Dallas. New Orleans shocked many football fans by falling behind to a lackluster Falcons team and then rallying back for a comeback victory.

Buccaneers Notable Injuries: Chris Godwin (O), Julio Jones (Q), Breshad Perriman (Q) Donovan Smith (D)

In Week 2 the obvious storyline to watch will be how Tom Brady plays against a team that has had his number in the NFC South. Brady has yet to beat the Saints in the regular season while wearing a Buccaneers jersey, going 0-4 after being 4-1 against them with the Patriots. He’s thrown 8 interceptions in those 4 games and his passer rating was only above 100 in one of those games. In Week 1 the Saints struggled against Atlanta’s run but did contain the passing game.

Saints Notable Injuries: Jameis Winston (Q)

Fantasy Football Information

Don’t look to start either of these quarterbacks in fantasy this week. Starting Brady may be costly if he struggles again vs the Saints or if the Bucs turn to the run. Winston had strong fantasy numbers in Week 1 but they all came late. Running back Leonard Fournette is a must start and WRs Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas are also must starts. For Tampa Bay you may want to consider starting wide receivers Mike Evans and Julio Jones, but it is risky given Brady’s past performances vs the Saints.

Buccaneers at Saints Prediction

The Saints’ magic will be a fun one to watch this season. After going on the road and winning a divisional matchup, look for them to come back and hand Brady his 3rd loss in New Orleans in the last 3 seasons. New Orleans leading the NFC South will be a big headline Monday morning. Who saw that coming?

Final Score – New Orleans 20 – Tampa Bay 16

Wicked Wager – New Orleans Money Line (+120)

Wicked Player Prop – Tom Brady over 0.5 interceptions (-125)

Washington Commanders (-104) at Detroit Lions (-112) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST

After the Commanders won their first game with their new team name, they will have to head to Detroit to take on the 0-1 Lions. Washington won Week 1 with new quarterback Carson Wentz, who was not perfect but ended up with over 300 yards and 4 TDs. He did a great job spreading the wealth, with 7 different players having at least one reception. The Detroit pass defense looked strong against the Eagles in Week 1, so we’ll see how Wentz is able to hold up. 

Commanders Notable Injuries: Brian Robinson (O) Kamren Curl (Q), Wes Schweitzer (Q)

Detroit QB Jared Goff had an up-and-down game. He threw for over 200 yards and 2 TDs but was not able to mount the comeback the team needed against the Eagles. Detroit RB D’Andre Swift was efficient, averaging almost 10 yards a carry, but was only handed the ball 15 times as Detroit had to play most of the game from behind. The Lions will try to lean on him more in this one, as Washington struggled against Jacksonville’s running game last week. 

Lions Notable Injuries: D’Andre Swift (Q)

Fantasy Football Information

Despite looking shaky at certain points, Carson Wentz posted great fantasy numbers in week 1’s contest. He will be a good start this week. Lions’ RB Swift is also a must start. He could easily run for over 100 yards and reach the end zone a couple times if Detroit doesn’t fall behind early. Washington Running back Antonio Gibson is another good start, particularly in PPR leagues. 

Commanders at Lions Prediction

The Commanders will hand Detroit its second home loss in this young season. Washington’s offense is strong and Detroit will have a tough time handling their wide receivers today.

Final Score – Washington 33 – Detroit 21

Wicked Wager – Total Points o49 (-105)

Wicked Player Prop – D’Andre Swift over 59.5 rushing yards (-110)

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NFL Week 2 Preview – 4 PM Games

Seattle Seahawks (+300) at San Francisco 49ers (-375) – Sunday, 4:05 PM EST

Game Preview

Coming off their surprising win over a Russell Wilson led Broncos team, Seattle will head to Santa Clara to take on the 49ers. Last week Geno Smith was the better QB in a matchup where he was completely overmatched on paper. He went for just under 200 yards and 2 TDs, ending the game with a 119.5 passer rating. Receiver DK Metcalf contributed with 7 catches for just 36 yards, while also losing a fumble. RB Rashaad Penny accounted for 60 yards on 12 carries.

Seahawks Notable Injuries: Jamal Adams (O) Justin Coleman (O)

The 49ers will be playing their second game with quarterback Trey Lance as their full-time starter. Lance had only 164 passing yards and one interception last week in a rainy game in Chicago. He was able to add 54 yards on the ground. As a team, the Niners posted 176 rushing yards. On the defensive side of the ball, San Francisco held Chicago to just under 100 yards rushing. They held starting running back for Chicago, David Montgomery, to just 26 yards. 

49ers Notable Injuries: George Kittle (Q), Elijah Mitchell (O)

Fantasy Football Information

QB Geno Smith is going to be a name to watch in the fantasy football world if he can continue to throw for 200+ yards and multiple touchdowns. On the other side, Trey Lance will have to prove himself before he starts entering fantasy lineups. Per usual, WR Deebo Samuel will be a must start this week. DK Metcalf, had a poor Week 1 but don’t bench him for it. If you’re looking to start a different defense in Week 2, picking up the Niners could end up paying off for this week.

Seahawks at 49ers Prediction

Each of these teams had a surprise result in Week 1, but it’s hard to see that happening again. Look for the 49ers to bounce back at home. The Niners secondary will stifle the Seahawks offense and make Geno Smith look mediocre again.

Final Score: 49ers 21 – Seahawks 13

Wicked Wager – under 40.5 total points (-110)

Wicked Player Prop – Trey Lance over 42.5 rushing yards (-115)

Atlanta Falcons (+385) @ Los Angeles Rams (-500) – Sunday, 4:05 PM EST

Game Preview

The defending champs will be huge Week 2 favorites against an Atlanta team with very little expectations this season. Despite the lack of expectations, the Falcons put up a competitive showing last week vs the Saints. Atlanta was in control for most of the game, before collapsing in the fourth quarter and losing the game. Quarterback Marcus Mariota was sharp in his debut with the team, and running back Cordarelle Patterson had a great game. The Falcons offense is going to have to find a way to put together drives against a stout Rams defense.

Atlanta Falcons Notable Injuries: Damien Williams (O)

The Rams suffered an embarrassing Week 1 loss to the Super Bowl favorite Buffalo Bills. Matthew Stafford is reportedly dealing with an elbow injury that may have affected him in Week 1. Stafford threw three picks and did not look very good. The matchup vs the Falcons is one that the Rams are supposed to win, handily. If they don’t there will be cause for concern in LA.

Los Angeles Rams Notable Injuries: Van Jefferson (O), Leonard Floyd (Q)

Fantasy Football Information

You may want to look for alternatives if you had Matthew Stafford in your lineup Week 1. He’s not dependable with his elbow injury. For the Falcons, tight end Kyle Pitts didn’t have a great performance in Week 1, but I would expect him to change that against the Rams.

Falcons @ Rams Prediction

This game will be a lot closer than people think. The Falcons will put up a good fight, but lose on a last-second field goal. The Rams are going to take a few weeks to figure things out. 

Final Score: Rams 27 – Falcons 24

Wicked Wager – Falcons +10 (-110)

Wicked Player Prop – Kyle Pitts Anytime Touchdown Score (+260)

Cincinnati Bengals (-340) @ Dallas Cowboys (+275) – Sunday, 4:25 PM EST

Game Preview

The Bengals came up short in the game of the week this past Sunday against the Steelers. Joe Burrow played the worst game of his career, turning the ball over 5 times. The Bengals will need better performances from him moving forward if they hope to go on another deep playoff run this season. Burrow will have Micah Parsons to worry about this week. Parsons got his second season in the league started by sacking Tom Brady twice last week.

Cincinnati Bengals Notable Injuries: Tee Higgins (Q)

The biggest storyline for the Cowboys was losing Dak Prescott with a thumb injury in last week’s loss to the Buccaneers. Prescott is expected to be sidelined for more than a month, which means the team will now have to turn to Cooper Rush. Rush doesn’t have much experience, but he picked up a big win as the Cowboys starter last year against the Vikings.

Both teams came into the season with big expectations but are now trying to avoid 0-2 starts. It will be critical for each team to find an offensive rhythm early.

Dallas Cowboys Notable Injuries: Dak Prescott (O), Michael Gallup (O)

Fantasy Football Information

Joe Burrow is a start, even after his rough Week 1 performance. Ja’Marr Chase will continue to do his thing for fantasy owners. CeeDee Lamb and Ezekiel Elliott should also be in fantasy lineups this week.

Bengals at Cowboys Prediction

The Bengals offense will look much sharper against the Cowboys. Burrow and Chase will connect for a couple of touchdowns. Cooper Rush won’t find his rhythm until the third quarter. The Bengals will have separated themselves on the scoreboard by then.

Final Score: Bengals 35 Cowboys 20

Wicked Wagers – Bengals -7.5 (-106) / Total Points o41.5 (-112)

Wicked Player Prop – Ja’Marr Chase o75.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

Houston Texans (+385) @ Denver Broncos (-500) – Sunday, 4:25 PM EST

Game Preview

The Broncos began the Russell Wilson Nathaniel Hackett era with a crushing loss on Monday night in Seattle. The controversy came in the final minute of the game when Hackett decided to not call a timeout and then kick a 64-yard field goal instead of going for it. Sunday’s contest against the Texans will be the quarterback/couch duo’s first at home.

Denver Broncos Notable Injuries: Randy Gregory (Q)

The Texans tied this past Sunday to the Colts. Quarterback Davis Mills was able to put up efficient numbers while taking care of the football. They’ll need Mills to continue to take care of the football if they’re going to expect to win many games this year. They’ll have a big test this week vs the new and improved Denver Broncos.

Houston Texans Notable Injuries: Justin Britt (O) 

Fantasy Football Information

The Texans aren’t a hot team for fantasy owners this year. You may want to consider starting Brandin Cooks if you have him on your roster. The receiver had a solid performance in Week 1. As for the Broncos, Russell Wilson should give you good points this week. Cortland Sutton is a start and Jerry Jeudy could be a good Flex option.

Texans at Broncos Prediction

The Broncos get out to an early lead. Davis Mills will put together a few good drives, but he’ll be playing from behind the whole game. Russell Wilson’s home debut with the Broncos will be a 2 score victory.

Final Score: Broncos 31 – Texans 17

Wicked Wager – Broncos -10 (-112) 

Wicked Player Prop – Russell Wilson o246.5 Passing Yards (-110)

Arizona Cardinals (+198) @ Las Vegas Raiders (-240) – Sunday, 4:25 PM EST

Game Preview

The Cardinals will be trying to rebound from a deflating home defeat to the Chiefs. The Cardinals defense wasn’t able to stop Patrick Mahomes and their offense was lackluster at best. Wide receiver Marquise Brown will have to step up in Week 2 in Las Vegas if the Cardinals are going to be able to hang around.

Arizona Cardinals Notable Injuries: Rondale Moore (O), JJ Watt (Q)

The Raiders are going to need any win they can get playing in the stacked AFC West. Week 2 will be one of those matchups, as the Cardinals looked like a team with a lot of weaknesses last week. The Derek Carr/Davante Adams duo already looks strong at the beginning of the season.

Las Vegas Raiders Notable Injuries: Denzel Perryman (O)

Fantasy Football Information

Devante Adams is a great WR1 guy this week. His home debut should go well for him and his fantasy owners. Kyler Murray and Marquise Brown would be fringe starters in 12-team leagues this year. Try to stay away from having many Cardinals players in your lineup this week.

Cardinals at Raiders Prediction

The Raiders are the better team in this one, but penalties and turnovers will hurt them. The Cardinals will hang around for 3 quarters before the Raiders push away in the 4th.

Final Score: Raiders 33 – Cardinals 23

Wicked Wager – Raiders -5.5 (-110)

Wicked Player Prop – Josh Jacobs Anytime Touchdown Scorer (-125) 

NFL Week 2 Preview – Sunday Night Football

Chicago Bears (+350) @ Green Bay Packers (-450) – Sunday, 8:20 PM EST

Game Preview

The oldest rivalry in the sport will get the Sunday Night Football slot in Week 2. The Packers offense was only able to put up 7 points in Week 1 but should be getting some much-needed assistance with the return of Allen Lazard on Sunday. Lazard is likely to be Aaron Rodgers’ #1 weapon this season, so his return should open things up for the Packers offense.

Green Bay Packers Notable Injuries: Allen Lazard (Q), David Bakhtiari (Q)

The Bears picked up a surprise win over the Niners this past Sunday. The game took place in a rain storm so each offense struggled. It was hard to evaluate the Bears offense because of this, but the weather looks like it’s going to be much nicer in Green Bay on Sunday. Despite their Week 1 win and the Packers loss, the Bears will still be big underdogs in this one.

Chicago Bears Notable Injuries: None

Fantasy Football Information

Aaron Rodgers had a rough Week 1, but don’t panic yet. The back-to-back MVP will bounce back. Adam Lazard is a good Flex option this week. He should get a lot of targets in his return to the lineup. The Bears don’t have any guys worth starting this week.

Bears at Packers Prediction

The Packers will run away with this one. Rodgers will pick apart the Bears defense in the first half, and find the endzone 3 times. The Packers will pick up where they left off in the second half and will move to 1-1.

Final Score: Packers 37 – Bears 16

Wicked Wagers – Packers -10.5 (-106) / Total Points o41.5 (-110)

Wicked Player Prop – Allen Lazard Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+195)