Week 1 of the NFL season brought surprises, upsets, and plenty of talking points. Now, with Week 2 upon us, the pressure is on. Some teams are already facing questions about their season trajectory, while others look poised to capitalize on early momentum. Let's dive into some bold predictions and betting picks for this crucial week of NFL action.
The Miami Dolphins, after a disastrous Week 1 performance, find themselves in a precarious position. Tua Tagovailoa's accuracy was severely lacking, and the defensive secondary was shockingly porous. Facing a formidable opponent in Week 2, their chances of a turnaround seem slim. However, home-field advantage and a potential surge in team pride could offer a glimmer of hope.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants, following their loss to the Washington Commanders, are also facing scrutiny. While Russell Wilson's performance wasn't disastrous, the offensive line struggled, and the run defense proved vulnerable. Yet, a narrow defeat against a playoff contender suggests they're not entirely out of the running. This week presents an opportunity to prove their resilience.
This week's matchups present a mix of intriguing possibilities. The Packers, fueled by the excitement surrounding their new additions, are predicted to continue their strong start. The Dolphins, despite their Week 1 struggles, are expected to muster a better performance at home. The Jaguars, aiming for redemption after a subpar Week 1, look to defeat the Bengals.
Other key matchups include the Ravens' anticipated defensive rebound against the Browns, the Giants facing off against the Cowboys (with a focus on their defensive line performance), and the Titans seeking a win against the Rams. The Jets' battle against the Bills and the Lions' challenge against the Bears also promise exciting gameplay. The Seahawks face a tough test against the Steelers, while the 49ers will test the Saints. The Panthers face off against a less predictable Cardinals defense, and the Broncos take on the Colts.
The Chiefs, despite facing their share of challenges, are picked to prevail against the Chargers, while the Falcons are expected to put up a strong fight against the Vikings. Finally, the Buccaneers are predicted to edge out the Texans. The Ravens, Steelers and Broncos defensive units are highlighted as having strong bounce-back potential.
**Best Bets:** This week, the emphasis is on strong defensive performances, with the Ravens, Steelers, and Broncos predicted to dominate. The Lions are expected to make a statement against their old offensive coordinator, while the 49ers are forecast to dominate against the Saints.
**Upset Special:** A surprising pick for a potential upset is the Giants, who could pull off a win against the Cowboys, capitalizing on a positive point spread.
These predictions offer insight into the potential outcomes of Week 2, but remember, the NFL is unpredictable – anything can happen on game day! Enjoy the action!
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6614309/2025/09/11/nfl-week-2-picks-predictions-betting-2025/
