NFL Week 2 Betting Preview & Top Teams that Dropped Openers
by Bovada Sportsbook Staff | September 12, 2014
You hate to read too much into anything that happens this early in an NFL season, but statistics don’t lie.
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An 0-1 start isn’t insurmountable; about 25% of teams that lose an opener go on to the playoffs. However, another loss in Week 2 makes it very difficult to play postseason football. In the past five seasons, just one team with an 0-2 start team has made it. That was Carolina last year.
Here is a look at Week 2 matchups with teams desperate not to go 0-2.
Jacksonville at Washington (-6): Both clubs are 0-1. The Jaguars dominated Philadelphia for a half in Week 1, leading 17-0, and then they gave up 34 points. Washington, meanwhile, outgained Houston but could only manage six points in the loss. The Redskins are on a nine-game losing streak.
“In the past five seasons, just one team with an 0-2 start team has made it to the playoffs.“
Dallas at Tennessee (-3.5): The Cowboys were the worst defensive team in the NFL last year and didn’t look any better in Week 1 with a 28-17 home loss to the 49ers. The offense didn’t help much with four turnovers, including three picks by Tony Romo. This team struggles to beat anyone when losing the turnover battle.
Arizona at NY Giants (+3): It’s a short week for both teams. While Arizona rallied to win the second game Monday night against San Diego, the Giants were dominated in Detroit. It proves once again that an unbeaten preseason (New York was 5-0) means very little.
New Orleans at Cleveland (+7): Both clubs lost shootouts last week. The Saints in Atlanta and Browns in Pittsburgh. Cleveland has injury concerns with tailback Ben Tate and tight end Jordan Cameron. The Saints are the biggest Week 2 road favorites.
St. Louis at Tampa Bay (-6): These teams struggled offensively in Week 1 losses. The Rams lost in a home blowout to Minnesota, and the Bucs suffered a narrow loss at home to Carolina. The Rams have a quarterback controversy with Shaun Hill, who may have to sit this one out with an injury.
Seattle at San Diego (+6): The Bolts played well enough to win Monday in Arizona but couldn’t get in position for a winning field-goal attempt. Good luck avoiding 0-2; they now face the Super Bowl champs.
Houston at Oakland (+3): The Raiders’ David Carr was the only rookie quarterback to start Week 1. He didn’t embarrass himself, but the team only managed 158 total yards to the Jets.
NY Jets at Green Bay (-8.5): The Packers didn’t look like they belonged on the same field as
Seattle in the 2014 Kickoff Game. Green Bay was gashed on the ground. Running back Eddie Lacy suffered a concussion but will play Sunday. The Packers haven’t started 0-2 in eight years.
Kansas City at Denver (-13): The Chiefs might have had the worst opener. They were blown out 26-10 at home by the mediocre Titans. The Chiefs lost Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Johnson and starting defensive tackle Mike DeVito to season-ending injuries. The Broncos are by far the biggest favorites of Week 2.
Philadelphia at Indianapolis (-3): The Colts suffered a devastating injury in their opening loss at Denver. Pro Bowl linebacker Robert Mathis, who led the NFL in sacks last year, was supposed to miss the first four games due to suspension. Now his season is over after tearing an Achilles’ tendon while working out.
