The Silcoff Selections: Week 2- Need To Be Better

With Week 1 in the books, it's time to move onto Week 2. While I finished with a winning record against the spread, I need to create more separation to if I want to end the season with my goal of finishing with a winning season. Below are my straight-up picks and spread predictions for the NFL's second week of action.

Records Last Week:

Straight Up: 12-4

Against The Spread: 7-6-3

Season Records:

Straight Up: 12-4

Against The Spread: 7-6-3

Note: Lines From Bet365 As Of 9:00 PM on September 11th, 2024

Thursday Night Football: Buffalo Bills 1-0 @ Miami Dolphins 1-0 (Line: Dolphins -2.5)

Josh Allen’s hand being banged up does make me a tad nervous, but with this game being played at night, the Bills have for sure caught a break by avoiding the always draining Miami heat that is usually a factor early on in football seasons. The last few days have been a whirlwind for the Dolphins, starting with Tyreek Hill’s detainment prior to the season opener, and now their running backs are hurt. Raheem Mostert has already been ruled out, and Devon Achane will be a game-time decision. With all of that, plus the Bills' recent domination of the Dolphins, give me Buffalo to escape Florida with a primetime victory.

Prediction: Bills 24, Dolphins 20

Sunday Early Slate:

Cleveland Browns 0-1 @ Jacksonville Jaguars 0-1 (Line: Jaguars -3)

Both the Browns and Jaguars are coming off brutal Week 1 losses, but in Cleveland, this start to 2024 has been especially bad. Deshaun Watson was terrible in Week 1 during the Browns' loss to the Cowboys, and his rough week continued with yet another civil lawsuit. In the humid Florida weather, I'll take the Jags to bounce back and get their first victory of 2024.

Prediction: Jaguars 21, Browns 13

Indianapolis Colts 0-1 @ Green Bay Packers 0-1 (Line: Colts -3)

With Jordan Love expected to miss about a month, the Packers' season could potentially already be behind the eight ball. In Week 1 against the Eagles, the Packers' run defense looked very suspect, and they will face another tough challenge in their home opener. Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor present a nightmare matchup for Green Bay, as they could be regarded as the best backfield in football as they continue to get reps together. Also, I’m definitely not picking Malik Willis to win a football game against a competent opponent.

Prediction: Colts 22, Packers 10

Los Angeles Chargers 1-0 @ Carolina Panthers 0-1 (Line: Chargers -6.5)

It's only Week 2, but this already feels like a must-win for the Panthers and Bryce Young after last week's 47-10 blowout loss to the Saints. While I expect Carolina to give their best effort and fight, Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack will dominate the Panthers' awful offense. I do expect this to be closer than some think as I think Carolina covers, but in the end, the Chargers get a road win to start 2-0 in the Jim Harbaugh era.

Prediction: Chargers 23, Panthers 16

Las Vegas Raiders 0-1 @ Baltimore Ravens 0-1 (Line: Ravens -9.5)

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have heard all the noise after their crushing season-opening loss to the Chiefs last Thursday night, and they’ll be looking to make a statement in their home opener. I still can't believe Antonio Pierce's decision to punt late in the 4th at midfield when the Raiders needed just one yard. That move alone tells me the Raiders aren't serious Give me the Ravens to dominate Las Vegas at home.

Prediction: Ravens 30, Raiders 13

New Orleans Saints 1-0 @ Dallas Cowboys 1-0 (Line: Cowboys -6.5)

This might end up being my lock of the week. I think the Cowboys will dominate New Orleans this Sunday. The Saints’ win over the Panthers didn’t move me at all, and I think they’re in line to be on the losing side of a blowout in Week 2. Dallas’ great pass rush duo of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence will be all over Derek Carr all day as they dominate the Saints' below-average offensive line. Cowboys win by at least two scores.

Prediction: Cowboys 34, Saints 17

New York Giants 0-1 @ Washington Commanders 0-1 (Line: Commanders -1.5)

Week 1 was a disaster for the Giants in their 28-6 opening loss at home to the Vikings. However, I think this is the perfect spot for Daniel Jones. We can argue about his ability or talent all day long, but he has no doubt had a ton of success against the Commanders with a 5-1-1 record throughout his career. Despite the Giants' overall struggles, their defensive line could be a top-ten unit and it will exploit Washington’s offensive line issues. New York bounces back and spoils Jayden Daniels’ first career home start.

Prediction: Giants 17, Commanders 16

New York Jets 0-1 @ Tennessee Titans 0-1 (Line: Jets -3.5)

This is a great bounce-back spot for the Jets’ defense against the Titans' below-average offensive line. I still think Aaron Rodgers will look a bit slow, but this matchup should be easier than facing the 49ers' pass rush, excluding Jeffrey Simmons. The Jets take the ball away from Will Levis a couple of times and get their first win of 2024.

Prediction: Jets 20, Titans 13

Seattle Seahawks 1-0 @ New England Patriots 1-0 (Line: Seahawks -3.5)

The Patriots defense should be able create issues for the Seahawks’ weak offensive line, but Seattle’s offensive will find a way to get the job done. New England’s lack of weapons will allow Mike MacDonald to craft a game plan that will frustrate the Patriots early on, leading to a Seahawks road victory and to start 2-0.

Prediction: Seahawks 18, Patriots 12

San Francisco 49ers 1-0 @ Minnesota Vikings 1-0 (Line: 49ers -6)

Once again, the 49ers will be without Christian McCaffrey, which is good for Jordan Mason fantasy owners. Unlike Monday night, I do think the 49ers will be in more of a battle as the Vikings find a way to stay competitive. However, the 49ers' are the better roster and they will pressure their former teammate Sam Darnold leading to a couple takeaways, which will lead to a road win.

Prediction: 49ers 22, Vikings 16

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-0 @ Detroit Lions 1-0 (Line: Lions -7.5)

In this early season NFC Divisional round playoff rematch, both the Bucs and Lions are coming off strong wins a week ago to begin their seasons. This line does seem fishy but Baker Mayfield was outstanding in Week 1 as he threw four touchdowns and had an 80% completion rating. Give me the Bucs to not only cover, but pull off the road upset and avenge last season's two losses to Detroit.

Prediction: Buccaneers 28, Lions 24

Sunday Afternoon Slate

Los Angeles Rams 0-1 @ Arizona Cardinals 0-1 (Line: Cardinals -1)

Despite numerous offensive injuries for the Rams, including star wide receiver Puka Nacua who is out for at least a month. On Sunday night, Matt Stafford still looks elite and very may well be the best quarterback in the NFC. With Nacua out, expect Cooper Kupp to put numbers similar to his 2021 season. The Cardinals' defense is still below average, Sean McVay and Stafford take advantage of Arizona's weak personnel to get the road divisional win.

Prediction: Rams 27, Cardinals 21

Cincinnati Bengals 0-1 @ Kansas City Chiefs 1-0 (Line: Chiefs -5.5)

This is the first meeting between Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes since the AFC title game in January 2023, and based on how embarrassing the Bengals Week 1 loss was, I have to ask if Burrow is fully healthy. In Kansas City, it was almost the complete opposite, the Chiefs looked as explosive as they have in recent memory in their Week 1 27-20 win over the Ravens last Thursday. In the end, I’m done picking the Bengals early in seasons and another 0-2 start seems more likely than not.

Prediction: Chiefs 26, Bengals 17

Pittsburgh Steelers 1-0 @ Denver Broncos 0-1 (Line: Steelers -2.5)

Unfortunately, It doesn't look like Russell Wilson will get a chance at a revenge game, as he’s likely out with a calf injury once again that sidelined him in Week 1. In Denver, Bo Nix, was noticeably rattled by the Seahawks’ defense in Week 1, and will now face perhaps the NFL's top defensive unit and the best defensive player in football, with the Steelers and T.J. Watt coming to town. The defense plays unreal yet again, leading to another ugly win for Pittsburgh as they start 2-0.

Prediction: Steelers 17, Broncos 13

Sunday Night Football: Chicago Bears 1-0 @ Houston Texans 1-0 (Line: Texans -6)

I assume Caleb Williams second game should be better than his debut a week ago, even though the Texans are significantly better than the Titans. However, with all three of the Bears star receivers on the injury report this week, as well as Rome Odunze expected to be out. Houston wins despite the Bears' defense keeping Chicago in the game.

Prediction: Texans 28, Bears 20

Monday Night Football: Atlanta Falcons 0-1 @ Philadelphia Eagles 1-0 (Line: Eagles -6.5)

After Saquon Barkley’s dominant three-touchdown debut against the Packers in Brazil, it's time for he and the Eagles to make play in their home opener. On the sideline, in his Falcons debut, Kirk Cousins looked like a guy coming off a torn Achilles, and I assume he will struggle against the Eagles, especially given his track record on Monday Night Football games, give me the Eagles at home.

Prediction: Eagles 27, Falcons 17