Week 2 NFL Picks Against the Spread: Underdogs That Will Cover Your Bet

The Chicago Bears will not be blown out by the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 2, and the underdog will cover the 5.5 point spread, ensuring you of winning your bet. 

The Bears aren't the only team ready to beat the odds in Week 2 of the 2012 NFL season, either. We will highlight four NFL teams that are set to cover your bet in Week 2. 

Note: All betting info taken from FootballLocks.com.

Cardinals at Patriots -13.5

The New England Patriots are heavily favored to win this game, and it's the right call. That said, the Arizona Cardinals won't lay down and let the home team have its way.

Last season, with much of the same pieces in place, the Cardinals stayed within 13.5 points of their opponents in 14 out of their 16 total games. This team is better on defense than many give it credit for, and given the Patriots' struggles on the offensive line, I expect to see Brady hit the turf quite a few times in Week 2. 

The Patriots will win, but they won't blow out the Cardinals. 

Buccaneers at Giants -7.5

The New York Giants look just like they did a year ago at this time: terrible. For whatever reason, during Tom Coughlin's tenure as head coach, the Giants don't get off to hot starts.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off of an impressive, disciplined win over the Carolina Panthers that saw their defense come up with two interceptions against Cam Newton. I expect to see this young defense give the Giants fits throughout the game, and Eli Manning will face a ton of pressure. 

Furthermore, head coach Greg Schiano is clearly going to lean heavily on rookie Doug Martin to keep the chains moving and keep opposing offenses off the field in 2012, and this game won't be any different than what we saw against the Panthers in this regard. 

The Giants may pull out a win, but it won't be by more than a touchdown. 

Browns at Bengals -7.5

The Cleveland Browns proved in Week 1 that they have a stout defense that can get pressure on opposing quarterbacks and force them to make mistakes—something we saw a lot from this unit in 2011. 

If Pat Shurmur doesn't abandon the run, the Browns could actually win this game, but at the very least it will cover the spread. Brandon Weeden isn't ready to be the driving force on offense, and if he doesn't have to throw the ball as much, the Browns will be better off. 

It will be all about running the ball and playing sound defense for the Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2, and the Browns will surely stay within a touchdown.

Bears at Packers -5.5

The Chicago Bears are capable of beating the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, and whether the game turns into an offensive shootout or a defensive struggle, I expect the score to remain close throughout the game. 

The Bears have an awesome one-two punch at the running back position, and I expect Mike Tice to exploit the same weaknesses the San Francisco 49ers did in their victory in Week 1. The Packers are subject to getting manhandled with a power running game. Michael Bush and Matt Forte will have big roles in this game, and the Bears will run the ball down the throat of the Packers. 

Furthermore, the Packers aren't solidified in their secondary at this point, as the game against the 49ers clearly indicates. Brandon Marshall and the rest of the wide receivers will find themselves open on many occasions, and Jay Cutler will find them. 

The one big difference between the 49ers and Bears this year is on defense. Aaron Rodgers and his receivers will have just as many opportunities to make plays as Cutler and his receivers, and I'm expecting this game to be decided late in the fourth quarter. 

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