Last-Minute Odds, Picks Against the Spread for NFL Week 2

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The 2012 NFL regular season quickly moves into its second week, as sports bettors are still looking over box scores and injury reports from the opening round of action.

Quarterback Michael Vick will look to bounce back from a poor statistical effort, as the Philadelphia Eagles are one-point home favorites against the Baltimore Ravens (courtesy of SBR Forum), which happens to be the most heavily wagered on game in the market.

Let's take a last-minute look at the Week 2 pro football betting odds, and make some against-the-spread picks along the way.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants

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The New York Giants are looking to bounce back after suffering a season-opening loss against the Dallas Cowboys, as they sit as seven-point home favorites against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Early action knocked down the opening number of 8.5 to its current level in a manner of 11 minutes.

I'm still going to ride with the defending Super Bowl champions.

Pick: New York Giants -7

Arizona Cardinals vs. New England Patriots

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The New England Patriots are being offered as 13.5- to 14.5-point home favorites in the betting market, which is likely where they'll be at kickoff.

At this stage of the game, I don't anticipate this number reaching north of 15.5, especially with a rematch of last year's AFC championship game on deck.

Pick: Arizona Cardinals +14.5

Minnesota Vikings vs. Indianapolis Colts

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The Minnesota Vikings aren't getting much respect from casual sports bettors around the city of Las Vegas, as they continue to bet the Indianapolis Colts as a home underdog.

I believe a good amount of sharp money has landed on the visitor in this spot, which is why I'll continue to ride Adrian Peterson inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

Pick: Minnesota Vikings -1

New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers

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The Carolina Panthers will likely go from road favorites to home underdogs in the first two weeks, as quarterback Cam Newton aims for his first win against the New Orleans Saints.

I don't see this line moving very much before Sunday's kickoff.

Pick: Carolina Panthers +3

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills

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The Buffalo Bills were one of the more heavily backed underdogs last week, but now they are receiving very little action against the Kansas City Chiefs as home favorites.

I'm going to lay the field goal, and pray.

Pick: Buffalo Bills -3

Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles

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Both teams earned victories last week, but the Philadelphia Eagles struggled mightily against the Cleveland Browns, while the Baltimore Ravens looked Super Bowl-ready in beating the Cincinnati Bengals on ESPN's Monday Night Football.

Sports bettors are getting the Eagles at a bargain price—but can they deliver?

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles -1

Oakland Raiders vs. Miami Dolphins

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The Miami Dolphins aren't getting much respect in the Week 2 NFL betting odds, considering they were 3.5-point home favorites in last year's 34-14 win over the Oakland Raiders.

I'm never one to lay points on the road on a team that's coming off a short week, as the Silver and Black suffered a 22-14 setback at home to the San Diego Chargers on ESPN's Monday Night Football.

Top Pick: Miami Dolphins +3 

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

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I really don't think NFL oddsmakers knew where to place this number, so they established the Cincinnati Bengals as seven-point home favorites, which is a key number in sports betting.

One of the toughest games on the board, but a head coaching trend that's worth taking a look at.

Pick: Cleveland Browns +7

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

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The Houston Texans were the biggest home favorite on the board last week and will likely kick off as the largest road favorite in Week 2.

Sports bettors aren't getting much value in this spot, but the Texans were six-point favorites in last year's meeting in the Sunshine State.

Pick: Houston Texans -7

Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks

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I'm a believer in America's team against the Seattle Seahawks, but I'm a little worried about the betting odds staying at virtually the same level throughout the week.

The Dallas Cowboys have a lot to prove—even if they beat the Super Bowl champions to open up the 2012 NFL campaign.

I don't anticipate this price being available at kickoff.

Top Pick: Dallas Cowboys -3 

Washington Redskins vs. St. Louis Rams

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Robert Griffin III's lights-out performance against the New Orleans Saints added 2.5 points to this line, as the Washington Redskins are laying just north of a field goal on the road against the St. Louis Rams.

Perhaps there's still value on the visitor; I need to see a few more professional snaps.

I don't anticipate the betting odds rising any further Sunday, but a downward move is likely.

Pick: St. Louis Rams +3.5

New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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One of the more difficult games to handicap due to key injuries on both sides, but I left myself an opening if New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis was unable to go.

Unless you're seeking action, I recommend staying away from this game.

Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers -5

Tennessee Titans vs. San Diego Chargers

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The San Diego Chargers fall into one of the more dominating situations of the week, but I wouldn't pull the trigger until the team announces that tight end Antonio Gates is going to start.

If that happens, I anticipate the Chargers kicking off as seven-point home favorites across the board.

Pick: San Diego Chargers -6

Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers

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I'm always a little leery in backing a team after making a statement the previous week, but I just can't ignore the fact that the San Francisco 49ers should finish with a huge rushing advantage in this game.

Late-night NFL chasers will likely land on the host at the end of the day, especially after watching Green Bay handle Chicago with ease on Thursday night.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the 49ers kick off as 7.5-point favorites in some spots.

Pick: San Francisco 49ers -6.5

Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons

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After researching this game in greater detail, I'm jumping off the Denver Broncos and laying the points with the home team.

The Atlanta Falcons are being offered at a discount due to Peyton Manning being on the other side, but they may have taken a step forward themselves by winning as a road favorite to open the season, something they failed to do the previous two years.

I don't anticipate much movement off this key number, especially with the Georgia Dome hosting ESPN's Monday Night Football.

Pick: Atlanta Falcons -3

 

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