NFL Week 2 Picks: Favorites Guaranteed to Cover the Spread

Now that we're past Week 1, the craziest and least predictable week of the season, bettors can finally expect some logic and normalcy to return to the NFL in Week 2.

A handful of the usual contenders are set to not only win this week, but win in blowout fashion.

Here are Week 2's favorites that are just about guaranteed to cover the spread.  

Cowboys (-3) at Seahawks

The Dallas Cowboys over the Seattle Seahawks is the easiest pick this week. Take out a second mortgage and pony up for the Cowboys, who only have to cover by three.

Just kidding, don't do that. No game in the history of sports is that guaranteed. But for you gamblers out there (legally, of course), the Cowboys are the pick of the week.

There's not very much analysis that needs to go into this one. Both teams played on the road in Week 1. The Seahawks lost to the lowly Cardinals, while the Cowboys toppled the Super Bowl-winning New York Giants in Jersey.  

More importantly, Tony Romo looked absolutely brilliant while Russell Wilson played like a rookie. Wilson looks promising, but his breakthrough campaign will come much later—it definitely won't happen against an experienced and loaded Cowboys squad in Week 2.

After years of "failure," this Cowboys team finally looks like it's starting to come together. The Seahawks' day will come, but it just isn't this Sunday.  

Don't be surprised if the spread moves to 3.5 points prior to Sunday. The Cowboys are simply a far superior team and are set to win by more than a touchdown.

Giants (-7) vs. Buccaneers

It's important to remember that the New York Giants are the NFL's defending champions. An 0-2 start is simply not going to happen, particularly against the mismatched Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

While the Bucs surprised the football world by pulling off a 16-10 upset over the Panthers, the party will end in Week 2. The Giants simply bring too much pass-rushing for Josh Freeman to handle. Additionally, after a poor Week 1 performance, Eli Manning will look to connect with Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz early and often.  

Expect the Giants to come out angry and motivated following last week's loss. A seven-point cover should come with ease. 

Patriots (-14) vs. Cardinals

Picking a 14-point favorite is typically a habit to avoid—unless that pick is Tom Brady against the Arizona Cardinals.

In Week 1, the New England Patriots thrashed the Tennessee Titans 34-13. New England was favored by less than a touchdown in that game, so it's likely that oddsmakers are still underestimating the dominance of this team.

Brady also played every snap, meaning Bill Belichick has no intention to let his foot off the gas if the Patriots take a big lead early.

Finally, the Titans are a much better team than the Cardinals. Arizona doesn't even know who its QB is at this point, so it can't be trusted to put very many points on the board.

If the Pats blew out the Titans on the road, why wouldn't they manhandle the Cardinals at home? Expect a spread-covering blowout in Foxborough.

49ers (-7) vs. Lions

It may be early, but at this point the San Francisco 49ers are the best team in the NFC. They took out Green Bay with ease, making Aaron Rodgers look like a B-level QB. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are struggling and can't be trusted to pull out a win in San Francisco, let alone cover the spread. 

The Lions were more than disappointing in Week 1. They squeaked by the Rams 27-23, and Matt Stafford threw for three interceptions and only one touchdown. This kind of play was adequate enough to get by the Rams, but the 49ers on the road? No chance.

The 49ers seem to be gelling in every facet of the game. Alex Smith is efficient, the defense is stifling and the special teams is knocking down 63-yard field goals.

Don't be fooled by the hype surrounding the Lions this season. The 49ers will impress once again.