NFL Week 2 picks, predictions and best bets
USA TODAY Sports’ Lorenzo Reyes is back with his NFL best bets for week 2 games of the NFL season.
Week 2 of the NFL season is here with another slate of divisional and intra-conference games. One of the those matchups comes in the AFC with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road again to take on the Denver Broncos.
Pittsburgh opened the season with an 18-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. The Steelers defense took control by allowing just 226 total yards and forcing three turnovers in the opening win. On offense, quarterback Justin Fields is starting again this week after posting 213 total yards against the Falcons.
Denver lost on the road 26-20 to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix went 26 for 42 passing with 138 yards and two interceptions. He did score a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. On defense, the Broncos became the first team since 2017 to notch two safeties in one game.
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Pittsburgh’s looking to start 2-0 for the first time since 2020. Denver’s looking to get Nix his first win as an NFL starter ahead of two more road games. Here’s what to know about the game.
Pittsburgh is favored to get a second consecutive road win to open the season, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
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Bills vs. Dolphins | Raiders vs. Ravens | Chargers vs. Panthers | Saints vs. Cowboys | Buccaneers vs. Lions | Colts vs. Packers | Browns vs. Jaguars | 49ers vs. Vikings | Seahawks vs. Patriots | Jets vs. Titans | Giants vs. Commanders | Rams vs. Cardinals | Bengals vs. Chiefs | Bears vs. Texans | Falcons vs. Eagles | Steelers vs. Broncos
Lorenzo Reyes says: “Mike Tomlin against rookie quarterbacks feels unfair, especially when T.J. Watt is playing at such a high level. I see this being low-scoring and painful for Bo Nix.”
Bill Bender writes: “Pittsburgh has lost its past four trips to Denver, including in the postseason. Yet the Steelers won their opener with a strong defense that forced three turnovers, and Justin Fields was efficient without turning the ball over. Denver rookie quarterback Bo Nix will have to limit the mistakes against that defense in the home opener, and that will be a challenge against J.J. Watt, who had a sack and two tackles for loss in Week 1… Pittsburgh keeps the lead in the AFC North.”
Jeremy Cluff says: “Could Justin Fields wrestle the starting QB job away from Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh? QBs will be the center of attention in this game.”
Chris King writes: “The Broncos lost 26-20 to Seattle on Sunday in rookie Bo Nix’s first start. Predictably — just like his fellow rookie quarterbacks making their first starts — it wasn’t the most efficient performance. However, he showed some grit late in the game, ultimately scoring and covering the spread. Now, he’s back home in a more comfortable environment and can improve in Week 2. Denver will need a plan to block T.J. Watt, and I trust Sean Payton more than the Falcons offensive staff to create that game plan. Nix’s ability to run will be utilized, and I expect the Broncos to keep this close.”