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

After a wild Week 1 of NFL action, gamblers likely can’t wait for Week 2 to get started. The second week of the season represents a chance for bettors to apply the knowledge they have gleaned from the openers and turn that into a profit.

The sportsbooks in Vegas and offshore are still unsure about where certain teams stand, especially after so many crazy factors influenced the outcomes of the initial contests.

Some of the lines are already ripe for the picking, so don’t be afraid to dive right in and start making some wagers. If you still aren't sure which way to lean, here are a few tips and picks that should influence your decision and help cash your tickets.

All spreads courtesy of ScoresAndOdds.com

Possible Upset: Minnesota Vikings (+6.5) over CHICAGO BEARS

The Vikings looked great to start Week 1’s contest against the Detroit Lions, but collapsed down the stretch and allowed their NFC North rivals to win by double digits.

With another showdown with a divisional rival on the horizon, don’t expect the Vikes to roll over quite as easily. It’s a must-win contest, as falling to 0-2 both overall and in the NFC North could seal this team’s fate early in the 2013 season.

Chicago looked vulnerable against the pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the opener, giving up 162 yards and two touchdowns to A.J. Green alone. The Bears did crack down on the run, giving up just 63 yards on 21 attempts.

Still, Adrian Peterson is clearly superior to the tandem of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Giovani Bernard, and there's no doubt Minnesota will feed him the ball.

Peterson will be able to get his numbers against anyone—All Day put up 262 yards and scored two touchdowns on the ground in two games against the Bears last year—and open things up for the passing game.

As long as Christian Ponder can show some semblance of development, continue targeting Jerome Simpson (140 yards receiving in Week 1) and involve Greg Jennings a bit more in the offense, Minnesota will at least keep this one close.

Expect this divisional rivalry to be decided by a field goal, so take the points.

Big ‘Dog Worth Backing: New York Jets (+13) over NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Don’t discount Gang Green’s victory over the Tampa Buccaneers, even if it came at the expense of a head-scratching play that resulted in a costly penalty in the waning moments.

The Jets showed that they have a solid offensive line and stout defense to complement a promising young signal-caller in Geno Smith.

Considering the Pats just struggled mightily against another AFC East rival with an underrated defense and rookie quarterback in the Buffalo Bills, it seems that getting 13 points to back the Jets is free money.

Although the Jets will be playing away from MetLife Stadium and in front of a hostile crowd in Foxborough, they should still be able to keep things close if they follow the blueprint that Buffalo left behind.

New York will need to do its best to avoid turnovers, keep the New England defense on the field and capitalize on mistakes by the young receivers the Patriots are employing.

As long as the Jets get at least one big fumble return or pick-six, they should be able to hang around and keep the final score within one touchdown.

Underdog to Avoid: Pittsburgh Steelers (+7) over CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Tennessee Titans knocked out the Steelers in the opener, and it looks like this Pittsburgh team isn’t going to get up anytime soon.

The franchise is already making changes to the backfield to try to improve upon a pitiful 32-yard rushing performance in Week 1.

According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Jonathan Dwyer will reportedly re-sign with the club in an attempt to get some sort of production on running plays.

Ben Roethlisberger did his best without a reliable ground game, connecting on 21 of 33 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown, although he did throw an interception and took five sacks.

Injuries also took their toll, as Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey suffered torn ligaments in his knee, while veteran linebacker Larry Foote ruptured his right biceps.

It’s going to get even worse in Week 2 when an AFC North rival plays host to this struggling Pittsburgh squad on Monday Night Football. 

Expect to see a complete trouncing by an angry Bengals squad coming off a tough loss in the opener. They have too much firepower and too strong a defense to let the Steelers cover, let alone outright win this nationally televised matchup.