NFL Picks Week 2: Games to Bet on Against the Spread

Each week the NFL surprises us, especially when it comes to betting lines. The Cleveland Browns are a perfect example of that, only losing by 1 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, who were favored by 10+ points. 

This week is no different, as some teams are sure to surprise us by keeping it close and other teams by choking away a big lead. No matter the situation, betting the spread is always tricky, because your team might have lost, but as long as they keep it close, they covered the spread.

Here's a few games to bet on against the spread in Week 2. All betting lines are via Bovada.

Oakland Raiders @ Miami Dolphins (+3)

Miami looked putrid against the Texans defense, and there's nothing to suggest they won't struggle against an equally active and blitzing Oakland front.

But games are not always won in the trenches, and Oakland is a direct testament of that. In a winnable game against the San Diego Chargers, special teams blunders cost them field position and points on three consecutive drives in the second half.

And wouldn't you know it, the Dolphins scored a special-teams touchdown against the Texans on opening day. No doubt the Raiders have solved their long snapper situation, but can we be sure that Oakland is ready to cover the Dolphins' special-teams units?

I see a close game and give the edge to the Dolphins to both cover and win. Oakland is 3-16-1 the last 20 times they have been favored to win. Take Miami.

Prediction: Miami 16, Oakland 14

New York Jets (+6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Take the over in this one, too, while you're at it. With two defenses that aren't as dominant as they used to be, the Steelers steaming over giving up 31 to the Broncos and the Jets coming off the high of scoring 48 points in Week 1, something has to give.  

It should be a close one in Pittsburgh, especially if Rashard Mendenhall is healthy and playing. The Jets aren't just going to lay down, though, and they have some offensive firepower on the outside with new Mark Sanchez favorite Stephen Hill.

Pittsburgh gets back Ryan Clark and at home, I think they beat the Jets. But not by a touchdown.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 31, New York Jets 27

Baltimore Ravens (+3) @ Philadelphia Eagles

The Ravens are hot after a Week 1 dismantling of the Bengals, and if Michael Vick plays the way he did against the Browns, this will be a blowout quickly. 

The Eagles always seem to start slow, so I'm going to give the nod on the road to Joe Flacco, Ray Rice and Ray Lewis, who look to be in midseason form.

This is a big test for Flacco, who hasn't been able to win the big road game in his career just yet. I think he gets in done this week, and Baltimore wins outright and against the spread.

Prediction: Baltimore 24, Philadelphia 16