Free NFL Best Bets & Picks Today – Week 2 (2024)
The 2024 NFL season is finally here, and we’ve got you covered with our free NFL best bets and picks today. In this article, we’ll break down our top free NFL picks against the spread and highlight the best bets for Week 2 action. Plus, we’ll share the top betting targets for your favorite sportsbook. Let’s win some money together.
I know this is overreaction week across the NFL, and in the spirit of that, I cannot help but be worried about the Carolina Panthers. Entering year two under Bryce Young, the franchise also hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales as head coach. Along with this, they also revamped their pass-catching core with the acquisition of Diontae Johnson and the drafting of Xavier Legette.
Nonetheless, dismantled 47-10 by the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the Panthers fell behind 17-0 in the first quarter. Making matters worse, Young struggled mightily, completing just 13 of his 30 passes for 161 yards and two interceptions. Through 17 starts, the Alabama product has now tossed 12 interceptions while eclipsing the 200-yard passing mark just five times. Happy week 2 to all. Coming off a 2-4 start to the season, here are the picks.
Free NFL Best Bets & Picks Today: Week 2
New Orleans Saints (+6.0) vs Dallas Cowboys (-6.0)
Following an offseason littered with question marks, the Saints thumped the Panthers 47-10 last Sunday. Guided by Derek Carr‘s play, the veteran quarterback tossed three touchdown passes, including a 59-yard strike to speedster Rashid Shaheed. The Saints’ defense harassed Young and company by forcing four sacks, three by defensive back Alontae Taylor.
The Cowboys made a statement against the Cleveland Browns in their 33-17 victory to kick off the season. Mike Zimmer’s defense held the Browns to just 230 total yards and a miserable 2-13 on third down. Furthermore, fresh off signing his record four-year $240 million contract, Dak Prescott completed 19 of his 32 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown pass before spending the majority of the second half on the sideline. While the Saint’s offense looked much improved in week one, keeping up with Dallas in its home opener represents a much taller task. Swallow the points and take the Cowboys.
Pick: Cowboys (-6.0)
San Francisco 49ers (-5.5) vs Minnesota Vikings (+5.5)
Despite being without star running back Christian McCaffrey on Monday Night Football, the San Francisco 49ers looked far from a team with a Super Bowl hangover. Jordan Mason rushed for 147 yards, and a touchdown in the first start of his NFL career. Kyle Shanahan’s group dominated the line of scrimmage from start to finish, including scoring on five straight possessions at one point.
In perhaps the biggest surprise of week one, Sam Darnold shined in his Vikings debut. The former first-round pick hit on his first 12 passes while tossing for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Moreover, he also earned the highest grade from Pro Football Focus on passes in which he held the ball for longer than 2.5 seconds. Justin Jefferson should provide a major matchup problem for San Francisco’s secondary. Nonetheless, the 49ers are the top team in the NFC and were able to create chunk plays in every way they wanted against a Jets defense that is far better than Minnesota’s.
Pick: 49ers (-5.5)
Cleveland Browns (+3.0) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (-3.0)
Following a brutal first two seasons in Cleveland, Deshaun Watson once again struggled mightily to kick off year three on Sunday. Down both his starting tackles, the 28-year-old was sacked seven times by a relentless Dallas rush. He did not complete a pass longer than 15 yards downfield. Additionally, the Georgia native threw two interceptions while registering an embarrassing 51.1 QBR.
The Jaguars appeared as if they were going to make a major statement by knocking off the Miami Dolphins last Sunday. Jacksonville built a 17-7 halftime lead after Trevor Lawrence connected with rookie Brian Thomas Jr. on a 14-yard touchdown strike. Instead, Lawrence and company failed to score any points in the second half after Travis Etienne fumbled a ball through the end zone. The Brown’s defense is still one of the elite units in the NFL despite their performance last Sunday. Nevertheless, there is little faith that Watson can lead a team to a road victory.
Pick: Jaguars (-3.0)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+7.5) vs Detroit Lions (-7.5)
With new offensive coordinator Liam Coen now at the helm with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield picked up right where he left off a year ago in their 37-20 blowout win over the Washington Commanders. The former first-overall pick tossed four touchdown passes, including two to Mike Evans, as the Buccaneers scored on their first five possessions.
The Detroit Lions took down Matthew Stafford for the second straight time after dispatching the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round of the postseason. After losing a 14-point second-half lead, David Montgomery found the end zone on a one-yard touchdown plunge in overtime to secure the victory. Detroit has dominated the matchup between these two teams recently, winning the last two contests. However, 7.5 points is too big a number.
Pick: Buccaneers (+7.5)
Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs (O/U 48.5)
Cincinnati fell to the New England Patriots in stunning fashion, 16-10. Doomed by turnovers and their inability to slow down New England’s rushing attack, tight end Tanner Hudson fumbled a ball into the end zone while return man Charlie Jones also muffed a punt. Continuing their recent trend of struggling out of the gate, Zac Taylor’s group is now 1-8 in the first two weeks of the season under Joe Burrow.
Kansas City began its quest for three straight Super Bowl titles by dispatching the Baltimore Ravens on opening night. Lamar Jackson found tight end Isaiah Likely in the end zone with no time remaining. However, the second-year tight end’s foot was out of bounds. Once again, putting together an outstanding performance, Patrick Mahomes threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns. He found Xavier Worthy who also added a rushing score in his NFL debut. Cincinnati is all out of sorts offensively and will likely be without Tee Higgins against a potent Kansas City secondary. Play the under in one of the most compelling games of the weekend.
Pick: Under 48.5
Indianapolis Colts vs Green Bay Packers (O/U 40.5)
Looking to get back in the win column, the Colts fell 29-27 to the Houston Texans. In his return following season-ending shoulder surgery last season, Anthony Richardson threw two touchdowns, including a 60-yard bomb to Alec Pierce. Decimated on the defensive side of the ball, Indianapolis could be down three defensive starters in this one, with Julian Blackmon, DeForest Buckner, and Kwity Paye not practicing during the week.
The Packers lost 34-29 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the first NFL game in Brazil. However, that would not be the biggest loss the franchise endured, as star quarterback Jordan Love suffered a sprained MCL injury. With the second-year starter likely to miss some time, backup Malik Willis is expected to make the start on Sunday after being acquired from the Tennesee Titans in the offseason. Despite Willis likely making the start for the Packers, look for Matt Lafleur to lean on Josh Jacobs to carry the load and supply enough points to push the total over a low number.
Pick: Over 40.5
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