The NFL continues with Week 2 on Thursday, so make sure to check out the Week 2 NFL Picks Breakdown!
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Prediction NFL Picks 9/12/24
Bills at Dolphins at 8:15 PM ET
The Buffalo Bills approach this contest with the intention of building on their recent season-opening triumph, which saw them defeat Arizona 34-28. Josh Allen showcased his skills by throwing for 232 yards and achieving 2 touchdowns, completing 18 of his 23 passes, while also contributing 39 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. James Cook was the leading rusher with 71 yards, and Keon Coleman recorded 4 receptions for a total of 51 yards. Khalil Shakir added to the offensive success with 42 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Mack Hollins also caught a touchdown pass. Defensively, Terrel Bernard stood out with 11 total tackles, including 10 solo tackles, and Greg Rousseau led the team with 3 sacks, complemented by a sack from Von Miller.
The Miami Dolphins are set to build on their recent success, having secured a 20-17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tua Tagovailoa delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 338 yards and one touchdown on 23 completions out of 37 attempts. In terms of rushing, Jeff Wilson Jr. gained 26 yards, while De’Von Achane added 24 rushing yards and a touchdown. Tyreek Hill emerged as the top receiver with 7 catches for 130 yards and a touchdown, while Jaylen Waddle recorded 5 receptions for 109 yards, and Achane contributed 7 receptions for 76 yards. On the defensive front, David Long Jr. led with 8 total tackles, including 7 solo tackles, while Emmanuel Ogbah, Jaelan Phillips, and Calais Campbell each registered a sack.
The Pick:
The Bills have maintained a strong upper hand against the Dolphins in recent years, and the absence of De’Von Achane removes a critical element from the Dolphins' offense. I must commend Josh Allen for his impressive performance with a newly assembled receiving group, and I believe the Bills will prevail in this away game. I am backing the Bills to cover a +2.5 spread in this matchup.
San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
49ers at Vikings at 1 PM ET
The San Francisco 49ers secured a victory against the Jets in the opening week. The team aims for their third 2-0 start in the past four years. Quarterback Brock Purdy has achieved a completion rate of 65.5 percent, accumulating 231 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions. Receivers Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel Sr. have collectively garnered 118 receiving yards on 10 receptions, while Kyle Juszczyk has contributed with 2 catches. The 49ers' rushing attack is averaging 180 yards per game, with Jordan Mason leading the charge, having recorded 147 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Minnesota Vikings emerged victorious against the Giants in the opening week. They are aiming for their first 2-0 start since the 2016 season. Sam Darnold has been performing exceptionally well, completing 79.2 percent of his passes for 208 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have collectively achieved 94 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Josh Oliver has recorded 2 receptions. The Vikings' rushing offense is averaging 111 yards per game, with Aaron Jones at the forefront, contributing 94 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Pick:
I must see more from the Vikings before I can confidently support them, especially their offense, which is directed by a quarterback who has faced ongoing difficulties since joining the league. The 49ers are the most injury-affected team in the league, including a hobbled Christian McCaffrey; however, their offense still contains playmakers, and their defense is among the top in the league. A six-point lead is significant for an away game in the NFL, but I have a solid grasp of what to expect from the 49ers, regardless of their injury situation. Conversely, I cannot make the same claim about the Vikings. As we continue to assess the teams, I will choose to back those I have confidence in until a more definitive assessment is available. I will go with the 49ers at -6.
Seattle Seahawks vs New England Patriots Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Seahawks at Patriots at 1 PM ET
The Seattle Seahawks began their season successfully, holding a 1-0 record after defeating the Denver Broncos 26-20 in their inaugural game. Although they were behind 13-9 at halftime, the Seahawks rallied in the second half, scoring the first 17 points to secure the victory. They did allow a touchdown with around two minutes left, which led to some anxious moments as the game concluded. In terms of performance, Seattle outgained Denver with a total of 304 yards to 231, won the turnover differential at 3-2, and converted 4 of 12 third-down opportunities. Quarterback Geno Smith passed for 171 yards, achieving one touchdown and one interception, while running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 103 yards and one touchdown on 20 attempts.
The New England Patriots have started the season with a record of 1-0, following their recent victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, which concluded with a score of 16-10. The Patriots excelled defensively, achieving a shutout in the first half and holding a 13-0 lead late in the third quarter. Despite being outscored 10-3 in the closing stages of the game, they managed to secure an unexpected win. Offensively, New England outperformed Cincinnati, accumulating 290 total yards against their opponent's 224. The team also forced two turnovers and successfully converted 6 of 15 third-down opportunities. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett recorded 121 passing yards on 15 completions, while Rhamondre Stevenson contributed significantly with 120 rushing yards and one touchdown from 25 attempts.
The Pick:
New England enters this matchup with a strong sense of confidence following their victory over the Bengals in their opening game. However, the question remains whether their defense can withstand the challenge posed by a competent Seattle offense. The Seahawks secured a win against Denver in their first week and appear to be solid defensively, particularly since the Patriots' offense does not present a significant concern. Conversely, I believe that Geno Smith and his team will be able to produce sufficient offensive output to secure a victory in this contest, and I anticipate that the Seahawks will win and cover the -3.5 spread.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Buccaneers at Lions at 1 PM ET
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started the season strong, boasting a 1-0 record following their 37-20 victory over Washington in their latest game. The Buccaneers led 16-7 at halftime and increased their advantage to 23-14 by the third quarter, before scoring the initial 14 points of the fourth quarter to clinch the game. In terms of offensive performance, Tampa Bay outgained Washington with a total of 392 yards to 299, did not commit any turnovers, and successfully converted 9 of 13 third-down opportunities. Baker Mayfield delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns, while Chris Godwin recorded eight receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown.
The Detroit Lions currently hold a record of 1-0 for the season following their victory over the Rams, which concluded with a score of 26-20 in overtime last week. The Lions had a commanding lead of 17-3 in the third quarter; however, they required a field goal with just 17 seconds remaining to extend the game into overtime. After winning the coin toss, the Lions successfully advanced down the field to secure the game-winning touchdown. Nevertheless, relinquishing a two-touchdown advantage in the second half raises concerns. In terms of statistics, the Lions were outgained 387-363, committed one turnover, and converted 6 out of 13 third-down attempts. Quarterback Jared Goff recorded 217 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception while running back David Montgomery achieved 91 rushing yards and one touchdown on 17 carries.
The Pick:
In week one, Detroit was fortunate to emerge victorious, even though their offense largely took a backseat in the second half. Nevertheless, their defensive performance was quite solid. While they allowed nearly 400 yards, they successfully limited the Rams to only 20 points and made several pivotal plays in the closing stages. Tampa Bay delivered a commanding performance against Washington in their first outing, and although Detroit will pose a greater challenge, I believe the Buccaneers will keep the game competitive. I foresee that Detroit may face offensive struggles at times, which will enable Tampa Bay to stay close. I am backing the Bucs to cover the +7 spread.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Baltimore Ravens Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Raiders at Ravens at 1 PM ET
The Raiders are grappling with significant issues, as highlighted by their struggles in the first game of the season. The offense could only muster 10 points, leading to a loss against the Chargers. They managed to hold a slight advantage of 7-6 at halftime, but their offensive performance faltered as the game progressed. In the fourth quarter, the defense surrendered 13 points, which was pivotal in their defeat. The defensive unit faced considerable challenges against the run, with JK Dobbins rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts. It is crucial for the defense to enhance its performance moving forward. Gardner Minshew, the quarterback for the Raiders, completed 25 of his 33 passes for 257 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception.
In a dramatic finish against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Ravens were just inches away from tying the game, but Isaiah Likely stepped out of bounds, leading to a 27-20 loss. Despite outscoring the Chiefs 10-7 in the fourth quarter, the Ravens fell short. Mark Andrews is listed as the primary tight end on the depth chart; however, Likely appears to be performing at a higher level. During the first game, he achieved nine receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown. Lamar Jackson completed 26 passes out of 41 attempts, totaling 273 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.
The Pick:
The Ravens are poised to execute their game plan effectively in this matchup. The Raiders lack a viable solution in Gardner Minshew, who is likely to struggle significantly. The Ravens' offense is expected to excel in accumulating points, with Lamar Jackson successfully completing the passes he previously missed in the opening week. It is anticipated that the Ravens will score a minimum of 35 points, leading to a decisive victory. I am backing the Ravens to cover the -9.5 spread.
LA Chargers vs Carolina Panthers Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Chargers at Panthers at 1 PM ET
The Los Angeles Chargers secured a win against the Raiders in their opening week and are now set to compete against the Steelers. They are aiming for their first 2-0 start since the 2012 season. Justin Herbert has completed 65.4 percent of his passes, amassing 144 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston have together achieved 77 receiving yards and one touchdown, while Hayden Hurst has recorded two receptions. The Chargers' rushing offense is averaging 176 yards per game, with J.K. Dobbins leading the team with 135 yards and one touchdown. On the defensive front, Los Angeles is allowing an average of 10 points and 296 yards per game.
The Carolina Panthers began their season with a defeat against the Saints and are now set to face the Raiders. The team aims to prevent a third consecutive 0-2 start. Quarterback Bryce Young has completed 43.3 percent of his passes, accumulating 161 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Receivers Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo have collectively garnered 89 receiving yards on five receptions, while Xavier Legette has recorded four catches. The Panthers' rushing attack is averaging 58 yards per game, with Miles Sanders leading the effort, totaling 22 yards on five attempts.
The Pick:
In their season opener, the Carolina Panthers displayed a lackluster performance that brought to mind the difficulties faced in the prior season. Bryce Young struggled significantly, the offensive line continued to raise doubts, and the defense was unable to stop the opposition. The Panthers have a concerning record of 2-10 against the spread in their last 12 outings as underdogs of six or more points. This assessment primarily reflects a decision to bet against the Panthers. I will be backing the Chargers along with the -6.5 spread.
New York Jets vs Tennessee Titans Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Jets at Titans at 1 PM ET
In the Jets' primetime opener on Monday night against the 49ers, they trailed 16-7 at halftime and did not manage to threaten a comeback, concluding the game with a 32-19 loss. Aaron Rodgers ended the match with 167 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Allen Lazard was a standout performer, recording six receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns.
In their Week 1 encounter, Tennessee faced the Bears, establishing a significant 17-3 advantage by halftime. However, the Titans were unable to maintain their lead, being outscored 21-0 in the second half, ultimately resulting in a disappointing 24-17 defeat. Will Levis recorded 127 passing yards, along with one touchdown and two interceptions. Tony Pollard emerged as the leading rusher, accumulating 82 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries.
The Pick:
It is imperative for the Titans to deliver a well-rounded performance in this contest. In their initial defeat against the Bears, Tennessee faltered in the second half, recording a total of 244 yards (104 passing), incurring eight penalties, and committing three turnovers, while achieving a dismal 3-of-14 conversion rate on third downs. In contrast, the defense effectively limited Chicago to only 148 total yards (64 passing), 11 first downs, and a 2-of-13 success rate on third downs. Nonetheless, a pick-six and a touchdown from a blocked punt significantly hampered their overall efforts. Meanwhile, the Jets seemed to be at a disadvantage from the first half, unable to halt San Francisco's offensive momentum. New York's defense allowed 401 total yards (221 passing), 25 first downs, and permitted 6 out of 13 third-down conversions. The offense also struggled, with two turnovers, 266 total yards (198 passing), and merely 14 first downs. It is anticipated that the Jets may face another relatively dull road game in this scenario. Go with the Titans at +4.
Indianapolis Colts vs Green Bay Packers Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Colts at Packers at 1 PM ET
The Indianapolis Colts approach this game after a tight 29-27 loss to the Houston Texans in their first game of the season. Anthony Richardson passed for 212 yards, achieving two touchdowns and one interception with a completion rate of 9 out of 19, while also rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown. Jonathan Taylor contributed 48 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 attempts. Leading the receiving corps, Alec Pierce tallied 125 receiving yards and a touchdown on three catches. Furthermore, Ashton Dulin also caught a touchdown pass, and Michael Pittman Jr. made four receptions totaling 31 yards.
The Green Bay Packers enter this matchup seeking to recover from a 34-29 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles in their season opener. Quarterback Jordan Love recorded 260 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, completing 17 of 34 attempts. However, he sustained a significant lower leg injury in the final moments of the game, which will sideline him for a minimum of four to six weeks. Running back Josh Jacobs was the leading rusher for the Packers, accumulating 84 yards on 16 carries, while Emanuel Wilson contributed an additional 46 rushing yards. In the receiving department, Jayden Reed stood out with four receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown, along with a 33-yard rushing touchdown. Romeo Doubs also made four catches for 50 yards, and Christian Watson recorded a touchdown reception in the losing effort.
The Pick:
Although this option could emerge as a highly favored choice, my support lies with the Colts. The gap between Jordan Love and Malik Willis is considerable, and while the Packers are likely to perform better than they did on that inadequate field in Brazil, I doubt it will be sufficient. I expect the Colts' defense to excel in this game, resulting in a comprehensive victory for the Colts. Go with the Colts at -3.5.
New York Giants vs Washington Commanders Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Giants at Commanders at 1 PM ET
The New York Giants are set to take the field with the intention of recovering from a challenging start to the season, following a 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Daniel Jones managed to throw for 186 yards but faced difficulties, resulting in two interceptions, completing 22 out of 42 passes. Devin Singletary was the top rusher for the Giants, gaining 37 yards on 10 carries. Malik Nabers led the receiving corps with 66 yards on five receptions, while Wan’Dale Robinson recorded a team-high six receptions for 44 yards.
The Washington Commanders arrive at this game following a disappointing 37-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their first match of the season. Jayden Daniels had a productive outing, passing for 184 yards with a completion rate of 17 out of 24, in addition to rushing for 88 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Brian Robinson Jr. also made his mark with 40 rushing yards and one touchdown. In the receiving category, Austin Ekeler was the standout with four receptions totaling 52 yards, while Brian Robinson Jr. contributed an additional 49 receiving yards.
The Pick:
The Giants have a rich history of success against the Commanders, yet I find myself increasingly worried about the Giants this season. Daniel Jones's role as a starting quarterback appears uncertain, and there are several pressing concerns I have regarding the team's performance. On the other hand, while the Commanders still need to address certain aspects, they boast a competent roster with promising elements. I am confident that Jayden Daniels can leverage his skills, both in throwing and running, to lead Washington to a win and cover the -2 spread.
Cleveland Browns vs Jacksonville Jaguars Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Browns at Jaguars at 1 PM ET
In their opening game of the season against the Cowboys, the Browns found themselves trailing 20-3 at halftime. Although Cleveland improved their performance in the second half, they ultimately suffered a significant defeat, finishing the game at 33-17. Quarterback Deshaun Watson recorded 169 passing yards, along with two interceptions and one touchdown. Jerome Ford was the leading rusher, accumulating 44 yards and one touchdown on 12 attempts.
In the opening game of the regular season against the Dolphins, the Jaguars established a 17-7 lead by halftime. Nevertheless, they faltered in the second half, allowing 13 points without reply, culminating in a 20-17 loss. Trevor Lawrence's performance included 12 completions out of 21 attempts for 162 yards and one touchdown. Leading the rushing offense was Cartavious Bigsby, who recorded 73 yards on 12 carries.
The Pick:
The Jaguars experienced a significant decline in performance following halftime during their opening game against the Dolphins. Jacksonville recorded a total of 267 yards, with 139 yards coming from passing, and achieved 17 first downs. However, they struggled on critical third-down attempts, converting only 2 out of 10. Conversely, the defense allowed 400 total yards, including 319 passing yards, and permitted the Dolphins to convert 8 out of 16 third downs. In contrast, Cleveland managed a modest 230 total yards, with 137 yards from passing, in their defeat against Dallas. The Browns were unsuccessful on third downs, converting only 2 out of 15 attempts, and incurred 11 penalties throughout the game. While I anticipate a more disciplined performance from Cleveland in this matchup, I do not believe they will be able to cover the spread. Back the Jags to do it at -3.5.
New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Saints at Cowboys at 1 PM ET
In the first week of the season, the Saints faced the Carolina Panthers and encountered minimal resistance. By halftime, New Orleans had surged ahead with a score of 30-3 and continued to find the end zone in every quarter, ultimately winning 47-10. Derek Carr's performance included 200 yards and three touchdown passes. Alvin Kamara was the standout in the rushing department, amassing 83 yards on 15 attempts, along with one touchdown.
During the Week 1 matchup, the Dallas Cowboys took on the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys maintained a strong offensive performance, scoring in each quarter and transforming a 20-3 halftime advantage into a final score of 33-17. Dak Prescott achieved 179 passing yards and one touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott had ten receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown, while CeeDee Lamb recorded five receptions for 61 yards.
The Pick:
Following a decisive victory last weekend, New Orleans demonstrated strong performance; however, it is essential to recognize that some of this success stemmed from the Panthers' shortcomings on both sides of the field. The Saints amassed a total of 379 yards, with 199 yards through the air, achieved 22 first downs, and maintained possession for 36 minutes and 39 seconds. The only negative aspect was the 10 penalties committed by New Orleans, resulting in 95 yards lost. On the other hand, the Cowboys recorded 265 total yards, with 163 yards passing, in their win, but they converted only 4 of 14 third-down opportunities. Their 11 penalties for 85 yards also proved to be a setback. Although Dallas is likely to gain an advantage from playing at home in Week 2, I anticipate that New Orleans will manage to cover the +6.5 spread.
LA Rams vs Arizona Cardinals Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Rams at Cardinals at 4:05 PM ET
The Cardinals' offense showcased its capabilities in the season opener, scoring 28 points against the Buffalo Bills. However, the defense struggled significantly, conceding 34 points, which ultimately resulted in a six-point loss. At halftime, the team held a 17-10 lead, but the defense failed to make crucial stops in the second half, contributing to their defeat. Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 21 of 31 passes for 162 yards, achieving one touchdown without any interceptions. Additionally, he recorded five carries for 57 yards. Greg Dortch emerged as the leading receiver with six receptions totaling 47 yards. Rookie Michael Harrison Jr. managed only one catch for four yards, indicating a need for increased offensive contributions from him moving forward.
On Sunday night football, the Rams engaged in a competitive match against the Detroit Lions but fell short in overtime. Matthew Stafford had an impressive outing, successfully completing 34 of his 49 attempts for 317 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception. Kyren Williams also made a notable impact, recording 18 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown. The Rams' wide receivers showcased their talent, particularly Cooper Kupp, who amassed 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. Interestingly, Blake Corum's minimal touches were surprising, as many expected him to take away some carries from Williams.
The Pick:
While a total of 49 points appears considerable, it should not deceive you, as the actual scoring is expected to be significantly higher. Matthew Stafford exhibited remarkable form on Sunday night, and I foresee no challenges for him against a Cardinals defense that I find untrustworthy. Furthermore, Kyler Murray is poised to have an impressive outing, likely captivating the audience. This contest has the potential for both teams to exceed 30 points, which would not be unexpected. I advise backing the Over in this scenario.
Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Bengals at Chiefs at 4:25 PM ET
The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a defeat in their opening match against the Patriots. They are eager to prevent a third consecutive 0-2 start to the season. Joe Burrow has achieved a completion rate of 72.4 percent, accumulating 164 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions. Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas have collectively garnered 88 receiving yards from 9 receptions, while Tanner Hudson has contributed with 2 catches. The Bengals' rushing attack is averaging 70 yards per game, with Zack Moss leading the team with 44 yards and 1 touchdown.
In the opening week, the Kansas City Chiefs triumphed over the Ravens. They are now seeking to achieve their second 2-0 start in the last three seasons. Patrick Mahomes has completed 71.4 percent of his passes, totaling 291 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. The duo of Rashee Rich and Xavier Worthy has combined for 150 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Noah Gray has made 3 receptions. The Chiefs' ground game is averaging 72 yards per game, with Isiah Pacheco at the forefront, amassing 45 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Pick:
It is reasonable to consider that the Bengals possess greater capabilities than what was demonstrated in their initial match against the Patriots. However, it is important to note that the Bengals ultimately suffered a defeat in that game. Additionally, the team is still navigating the ongoing situation with Chase, while Higgins' status remains uncertain. In contrast, the Kansas City Chiefs face significantly fewer uncertainties and have had additional time to prepare for this upcoming contest. The Chiefs have also successfully covered the spread in their last seven games, dating back to the previous playoffs. The Bengals must prove their worth on the field. I will reserve my judgment until I witness their performance. Therefore, I will confidently place my bet on the Chiefs, giving up the 6 points at home.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Denver Broncos Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Steelers at Broncos at 4:25 PM ET
The Pittsburgh Steelers began their season on a positive note, achieving a 1-0 record following their 18-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in their inaugural game. A field goal at the end of the first half allowed Pittsburgh to reduce the score to 10-9. In the second half, they dominated Atlanta, scoring 9 points without reply to clinch the win. The Steelers outperformed the Falcons in total yardage, recording 270 yards against Atlanta's 226, while also forcing three turnovers and converting 8 out of 17 third-down opportunities. Justin Fields passed for 156 yards on 17 completions, and Najee Harris contributed with 70 rushing yards from 20 carries.
The Denver Broncos find themselves at 0-1 this season after a 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in their inaugural game. The Broncos led at halftime with a score of 13-9, but they surrendered the first 17 points of the second half, which made it difficult to recover. In terms of offensive performance, Denver was outgained by a margin of 304 yards to 231, committed three turnovers, and achieved a mere 5 out of 18 conversions on third down. Quarterback Bo Nix threw for 138 yards, recorded two interceptions, and added 35 rushing yards along with one touchdown. Additionally, Josh Reynolds made five receptions for a total of 45 yards during the game.
The Pick:
Pittsburgh successfully opened the season with a favorable win against Atlanta in week one; however, they are still in pursuit of their first touchdown of the season. Denver exhibited a reasonable level of play in their opening game but ultimately lost to Seattle after leading at halftime. The Broncos had three turnovers during the contest, yet I believe Bo Nix performed admirably and will offer them a chance to secure victory in this game. Russell Wilson is likely to miss this matchup, but irrespective of his status, I remain apprehensive about the Pittsburgh offense. I do not have confidence in either quarterback option for the Steelers, which leads me to refrain from placing a field goal wager on the road. I recommend backing the Broncos at +3.
Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Prediction NFL Picks 9/15/24
Bears at Texans at 8:20 PM ET
The Bears managed to secure a victory against the Tennessee Titans, although first-overall draft pick Caleb Williams did not perform exceptionally well. Williams completed 14 out of 29 passes for a total of 93 yards and rushed five times for 15 yards. As it was his inaugural start in the NFL, some difficulties were to be expected. Had the Bears not emerged victorious, the focus would have been solely on his performance. The contributions from the special teams and defense were crucial in this match, playing a significant role in achieving the 24-17 win. They limited Will Levis to 19 completions out of 32 attempts for 127 yards and intercepted him twice.
In their season opener, the Texans faced the Indianapolis Colts in a divisional contest, achieving a narrow victory of 29-27. The Texans' fourth-quarter surge, which yielded 14 points, was pivotal in clinching the win. CJ Stroud showcased his skills by completing 24 passes out of 42 attempts, amassing 324 yards along with two touchdown passes. Joe Mixon made a significant impact on the game, finishing with 30 carries for 159 yards and one touchdown. Furthermore, Nico Collins had a notable performance with six receptions totaling 117 yards, while Stefon Diggs also contributed with six catches for 33 yards and two touchdowns.
The Pick:
Although Caleb Williams encountered difficulties during his first game, he has moved past that experience and is ready to make a strong comeback. The Texans' defense proved to be a formidable obstacle in the previous game, and it is anticipated that they will continue to be a challenge in this matchup. The Bears' offense is likely to achieve a quick start with ease. The Texans will find it hard to counter, enabling the Bears to keep the game tightly contested. I recommend backing the Bears to cover the +7 spread.
Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Prediction NFL Picks 9/16/24
Falcons at Eagles at 8:15 PM ET
The Atlanta Falcons were defeated by the Steelers in their opening game. They are looking to avert their fourth 0-2 start in the last five years. Kirk Cousins has a completion percentage of 61.5, with 155 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. Ray-Ray McCloud III and Bijan Robinson have together achieved 95 receiving yards on 9 receptions, while Kyle Pitts has recorded 3 receptions. The Falcons' rushing offense is averaging 89 yards per game, with Robinson leading the charge with 68 yards on 18 carries.
The Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious against the Packers during the opening week of the season. They are now striving for their third consecutive 2-0 start. Jalen Hurts has a completion percentage of 58.8, with 278 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions to his name. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have together achieved 203 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Dallas Goedert has recorded 4 receptions. The Eagles' rushing offense is averaging 144 yards per game, with Saquon Barkley at the forefront, having accumulated 109 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Pick:
It is justifiable to conclude that the Philadelphia Eagles are the superior team, and their home-field advantage certainly contributes positively to their prospects. Furthermore, if Cousins maintains this level of performance, the Falcons may be in serious trouble. Nevertheless, the conclusion of last season left me with a lingering dissatisfaction regarding the Eagles, and I believe it will take more than one game to change that sentiment. The Eagles have a record of 1-7-1 against the spread in their last nine outings, and they are 2-7-1 against the spread in their last ten games when favored by seven points or more. Consequently, I am willing to take a chance on the Falcons and back them at +7.
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
