NFL.com's expert panel – Ali Bhanpuri, Tom Blair, Brooke Cersosimo, Gennaro Filice, and Dan Parr – offer their insightful predictions for every Week 2 matchup of the 2025 NFL season. These predictions, based on meticulous analysis and (as they claim) excessive punctuation, follow their Week 1 results. DraftKings lines are locked as of 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 11th.
**Ravens vs. Browns:** Gennaro predicts a Ravens victory. He highlights Cleveland's impressive defensive performance against Cincinnati but doubts they can replicate that success against a motivated Baltimore team eager to rebound from their Week 1 collapse. While acknowledging Cleveland's potential for a strong showing, he believes Baltimore's home opener will end with a win, despite Joe Flacco's return to Charm City.
**Jaguars vs. Bengals:** Ali favors the Jaguars. He points to Cincinnati's underwhelming offensive and defensive performances in Week 1 as a reason for his prediction. Jacksonville's potent offense, featuring a strong receiving corps and a revitalized Travis Etienne, is expected to exploit Cincinnati's weaknesses, potentially leading to another early-season upset for the Bengals.
**Cowboys vs. Giants:** Brooke anticipates a Cowboys win. She emphasizes the statistical advantage of teams starting 1-1 versus 0-2 and believes CeeDee Lamb will bounce back from his Week 1 struggles. The Cowboys' offensive line needs improvement, while the Giants' defense, which showed weakness against the run in Week 1, needs to contain Dallas's strong rushing attack. She expresses concern over Russell Wilson's recent performance, significantly impacting her confidence in the Giants' chances.
**Lions vs. Bears:** Ali predicts a Lions victory. He highlights the Bears' late-game collapse in Week 1 and questions their coaching and quarterback play. While acknowledging that one game doesn't define a team's season, he believes Detroit, with their history of bouncing back from losses, are better positioned to win this matchup.
**Patriots vs. Dolphins:** Dan selects the Patriots to win. He acknowledges New England's poor recent record in Miami but points to the Dolphins' weak showing in Week 1 as a key factor in his decision. While acknowledging the potential for Tua Tagovailoa to rebound, he believes the Dolphins' current struggles make a Patriots victory more likely.
**49ers vs. Saints:** Gennaro predicts a 49ers win. Despite injuries to key players like George Kittle and potentially Brock Purdy, he emphasizes the strength of Christian McCaffrey and Nick Bosa. He believes these two stars can carry the team to victory against a New Orleans defense facing its own injury concerns.
**Bills vs. Jets:** Tom chooses the Bills. While acknowledging the Jets' impressive performance in Week 1, he believes their comeback victory might mask underlying issues. He doubts the Jets can keep up with the Bills' offensive firepower, predicting a comfortable victory for Buffalo.
**Steelers vs. Seahawks:** Brooke anticipates a Steelers win. This game features several notable storylines, including DK Metcalf facing his former team and Mike Macdonald facing his former divisional rival. She points to Seattle's strong pass rush in Week 1, but worries about their inability to convert pressures into sacks. She believes the Steelers’ offense can exploit Seattle’s defensive weaknesses, leading to a Steelers victory.
**Rams vs. Titans:** Ali predicts a Rams win. He highlights the Rams' dominant performance against the Texans in Week 1, focusing on their strong defensive effort. He expects the Rams' defensive line to overwhelm Titans quarterback Cam Ward, further impacting their potential for success.
**Cardinals vs. Panthers:** Tom selects the Cardinals. He notes the Cardinals' recent success against the Panthers and suggests Carolina’s offense still needs improvement. He believes Kyler Murray will have a strong performance, and that Arizona’s defense will struggle against Bryce Young, leading to a Cardinals win.
**Broncos vs. Colts:** Gennaro predicts a Broncos victory. He contrasts the Broncos' narrow win against the Titans with the Colts' surprising victory over the Dolphins in Week 1, highlighting that Week 1 results can be deceptive. He believes Denver's balanced team and improved defense will prevail against the Colts.
**Eagles vs. Chiefs:** Brooke picks the Eagles. She identifies weaknesses in the Chiefs' offensive line that were exposed in Week 1. She believes the Eagles' strong defensive line, bolstered by Jalen Carter's return, can exploit these vulnerabilities. While acknowledging the Chiefs' overall talent, she opts to believe in the Eagles' overall strength.
**Vikings vs. Falcons:** Dan favors the Vikings. He expresses skepticism regarding Michael Penix Jr.'s ability to overcome his recent struggles, particularly against Minnesota's aggressive blitz packages. The Vikings' defensive pressure, if effective, could lead to a Vikings victory.
**Buccaneers vs. Texans:** Tom picks the Buccaneers. He sees this game as a potential trap, but ultimately trusts Baker Mayfield's experience over the Texans' young offensive talent. He believes that despite Houston's strong defensive players, Tampa Bay has a better chance to secure a close win.
**Chargers vs. Raiders:** Brooke chooses the Chargers. She highlights the anticipated battle between the Chargers and Raiders running backs, as well as the strong quarterback play on both sides. While acknowledging the Raiders' improvement, she ultimately believes the Chargers are a step ahead, predicting a close win for Los Angeles.
**Packers vs. Commanders:** Dan selects the Packers. He expects the Packers' offensive line to provide better protection for Jordan Love than the Commanders' line afforded their quarterback in Week 1. He also anticipates the Packers' defense will contain the Commanders' running game, leading to a Packers victory. Remember to visit ResponsiblePlay.org for information on responsible gambling.
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Originally published at: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-picks-week-2-2025-nfl-season
