NFL Week 2 Picks + Fantasy Start/Sit

NFL Week 2 Predictions:

Thursday Night Football

Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) @ Cleveland Browns (0-1) [-5.5]:

Tommy: Bengals (+5.5). Full Thursday morning tilt on this game. I had the Browns slotted to go all week, but late Wednesday there was a change of heart. This Browns team had reports come out this week about potentially shopping OBJ, Landry is hobbled up entering the game, and they are still missing their two starting CBs. I think Joe Burrow and the Bengals push Cleveland into panic mode as they cannot get healthy.

Derrick: Bengals (+5.5). Here is what should be a pretty good Thursday night game. Both teams looked mediocre last Sunday, but Burrow and the Bengals managed to keep it close. While Baker and his All Star roster lost 38-6. I’m taking Cincy with the spread.

Sunday 1 EST/10 PST

New York Giants (0-1) @ Chicago Bears (1-0) [-5.5]:

Tommy: Giants (+5.5). Both of these teams struggled for most of week 1, but only one was able to pull out a miraculous comeback. The Giants will enter this game fired up as they don't really face expectations week-to-week. Meanwhile, the Bears will be expected to win, and that locker room has some question marks right now. Their best weapon Allen Robinson is unhappy with the team, and it could spell disaster soon. I like New York to cover. If Chicago can't find ways to get more pressure on the QB, I like New York to win.

Derrick: Bears (-5.5). Chicago got away with one last week against who I think is a pretty solid Detroit team. Nevertheless, a win is a win. I think this Chicago defense will shine against Daniel Jones & company, giving them a win over 5.5.

Atlanta Falcons (0-1) @ Dallas Cowboys (0-1) [-5]:

Tommy: Cowboys (-5). I felt very uninspired making this pick. I didn't like what I saw from either of these teams in week 1, so I'm taking the home team. The Cowboys looked like the same team we saw under Jason Garrett for so long. Atlanta got a huge day from Matt Ryan, but a lot of it came in garbage time after Russell Wilson put the game out of reach. I like Cowboys offense to get going and outscore the Falcons in this week's barn burner.

Derrick: Falcons (+5). I think this is going to be a huge week for Matt Ryan and his weapons. The Cowboys secondary struggled containing Robert Woods last weekend. Now, they are out two starting LBs, and they’ll be dealing with Julio, Calvin Ridley and Todd Gurley. If this offensive line can contain DeMarcus Lawrence, I like the Falcons to win this week.

Detroit Lions (0-1) @ Green Bay Packers (1-0) [-6]:

Tommy: Packers (-6). Aaron Rodgers is a man possessed. Detroit usually plays Green Bay close, but they are too banged up (especially in the secondary) to hang with Rodgers. The Packers got to mask some defensive issues from week 1 due to the offensive explosion, so they'll need to perform much better if Green Bay wants to be a legitimate contender.

Derrick: Packers (-6). Green Bay flat out just looked good. Hitting on all cylinders, Aaron Rodgers threw for 4 TD’s and 364 pass yards. I look for them to keep up the pace against Detroit this week, who should’ve won late against CHI.

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) @ Tennessee Titans (1-0) [-9]:

Tommy: Jaguars (+9). Jacksonville proved against Indianapolis that they will not fold for anyone. Garder Minshew had an extremely efficient day only missing on 1 of his 20 attempts. I think this game will have a slow pace to it as Tennessee will once again feed Derrick Henry 30+ times, and Jacksonville will try to keep him on the sideline. Titans win, but it stays within a score.

Derrick: Jaguars (+9). I said it last week and I’ll say it again, King Derrick Henry. Though he was held under 150 yards and a score last week, he was still the focal point of this offense. Henry also faces the worst run defense in the league on Sunday. With all that being said, somehow the Jaqs will keep it close. Jacksonville pulled off the upset win against Indy, while Tennessee struggled to beat a very young Denver Broncos team. This one should be close.

Minnesota Vikings (0-1) @ Indianapolis Colts (0-1) [-3]:

Tommy: Vikings (+3). These are a couple teams coming off extremely disappointing week 1 performances. The Colts lost to a rebuilding Jacksonville team in a head scratcher. Meanwhile, the Vikings once again suffered the wrath of Aaron Rodgers. I'll take Minnesota here because I think the best way to beat them is attacking them vertically, something Rivers just can no longer do. Colts will be searching for answers after having high expectations in the offseason.

Derrick: Vikings (+3). I’m taking Minnesota. Phillip Rivers is not the answer for this Colts offense. He threw for two picks and lost last weekend against one of the worst teams in the NFL. Looking for Minnesota to rebound and get a W this weekend.

Buffalo Bills (1-0) @ Miami Dolphins (0-1) [+6]:

Tommy: Bills (-6). Josh Allen looked like who the Bills need him to be for most of the day against the Jets, racking up 300+ passing yards for the first time in his career. He still has to clean up the same mistakes that plagued him last season, though. Miami is a tough team that will not fold in a home divisional game, and if Allen makes mistakes they could burn him this week. This Bills team should compete for this division and the prospect of starting 2-0 within it will have them ready to go. I think another hot start helps the Bills cover.

Derrick: Bills (-6). I like Buffalo again this week. MIA is in rebuilding fashion and Buffalo is in win now mode as they just gave up the lot for Stefon Diggs (4 draft picks including their 2020 first rounder). Look for Buffalo to win big again against an easy opponent.

San Francisco 49ers (0-1) @ New York Jets (0-1) [+7]:

Tommy: 49ers (-7). The 49ers didn't look anything like last year's team that almost won the Super Bowl. They are missing weapons on the outside and their top option George Kittle is banged up. Jimmy G has to shake off his rust and get back to game managing, but the Jets give him the perfect opportunity to do so. The Jets 10-point loss wasn't actually that close as the Bills left a ton of points on the board. A terrible Jets offense already lost their top playmaker, Le'Veon Bell, for this matchup. I expect Garoppolo will limit his mistakes and that running game will get going behind Mostert. 49ers cruise.

Derrick: 49ers (-7). The Jets get to play a pissed off 49ers team who just lost took a tough loss to the Cardinals. Expecting the 49ers to beat up on this awful Jets team, who just lost their feature back for 3 weeks.

Los Angeles Rams (1-0) @ Philadelphia Eagles (0-1) [+1.5]:

Tommy: Rams (-1.5). The number one thing you don't want to see when having offensive line struggles is Aaron Donald. Philadelphia gave up 8 sacks against Washington, and it won't get any easier this week against a Rams defense that held Dallas to 17 points. Miles Sanders should return for the Eagles, but it won't be enough to make up for the lack of explosion on that offense. Jared Goff will get his first win in three tries against 2016 draft counterpart Carson Wentz.

Derrick: Eagles (+1.5) I know people are wondering why in the world I would take Philly here, the answer is simple. The eagles will have Lane Johnson back on the starting offensive line this week. Last week, the Eagles gave up a whopping 8 sacks to the Washington Football Team. Look for the Eagles and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland to pick it up and give the Eagles a win.

Denver Broncos (0-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) [-7]:

Tommy: Steelers (-7). Big Ben really picked up his game in the second half against the Giants. I think he continues finding his JuJu against Denver who will struggle on the road. The Pittsburgh defense will be ready to play at home, fans or not. They will eliminate the Broncos' rushing attack early and force Drew Lock to beat them. The Steelers will solidify themselves as AFC contenders ahead of their first real test in week 3 against Houston.

Derrick: Broncos (+7). I cannot believe this spread is this wide. Last week Denver almost beat the Tennessee Titans who made a AFC championship appearance last year. Drew Lock and company played a pretty strong game. I look for them to maintain the spread against a tough Pittsburgh defense. The Steelers could also be missing featured back James Connor.

Carolina Panthers (0-1) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) [-9]:

Tommy: Panthers (+9). Here I go again betting on the worst team in football. Teddy B was able to spread the ball around in week 1 which was promising. Carolina's defense was an open gate for Josh Jacobs, but Tampa Bay's rushing attack is nothing like Vegas'. This line is too steep for me to take the Bucs in this one, although I think they win the game. Brady will continue adjusting to Arians' offense against that horrid Panthers defense. TB won't start the year with two divisional losses.

Derrick: Panthers (+9). Tom Brady & the Bucs will win this game, but by that spread? I’m not too sure. I think garbage points and the likes of CMC will keep this game close enough to maintain the spread.

Sunday 4:25 EST/1:25 PST

Washington Football Team (1-0) @ Arizona Cardinals (1-0) [-6.5]:

Tommy: Cardinals (-6.5). Kyler Murray showed in his season debut that he's ready to lead this Cardinals team to victories, not just moral victories. Washington was able to lock up an important victory in week 1 against Philadelphia, but this Cardinals offense can attack defenses in ways that Philly cannot. I think you'll see Arizona amp up their tempo even more to protect Kyler against an improved Washington D-line that produced 8 sacks against the Eagles. The Football Team simply won't have enough offense to keep up.

Derrick: Cardinals (-6.5). I like Arizona here. Coming off a HUGE week 1 win against the Super Bowl losers, this Cardinals team could be a force to reckon with this year. Although I do think Washington has improved, it won’t be enough to stop this Arizona team. Oddsmakers did a good job with the 6.5 spread for this game, I like the Cardinals to win by a touchdown.

Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) @ Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) [+8.5]:

Tommy: Chiefs (-8.5). Too much Mahomes. The Chiefs should have no problem dicing up a Chargers secondary missing Derwin James. L.A. was able to squeak out of Cincinnati with a win due to a missed FG, but Tyrod Taylor didn't inspire anybody. Expect the Chiefs to spread around the wealth on offense and pick up a big division win on the road.

Derrick: Chiefs (-8.5). Oddsmakers didn’t make this spread big enough for me. The Chargers don’t have enough firepower to stay in this game (then again, who does have enough firepower to compete with KC?) Mahomes will tear the top off of of this defense early and often as the Chargers are without their top defensive player in Derwin James. I think KC could win by 14+.

Baltimore Ravens (1-0) @ Houston Texans (0-1) [+7]:

Tommy: Ravens (-7). Tough pick here. I really believe Watson will ball out and do his best to keep Houston in this matchup. As we saw in last year's 41-7 romping, the Texans are just too outmatched. The Texans let Clyde Edwards-Helaire run wild last week, and I expect the Ravens to have similar success. As if stopping Baltimore's rushing attack wasn't hard enough, Mark Andrews is steadily becoming the league's best red zone threat. I believe in the Texans long term in 2020 but starting against the two best teams in the league is just brutal.

Derrick: Ravens (-7). It must really suck to have to play Pat Mahomes on opening night and then have to play Lamar Jackson the very next weekend. Houston has already shown soft spots on defense and the reigning MVP will take every advantage this week in another big win.

Sunday Night Football

New England Patriots (1-0) @ Seattle Seahawks (1-0) [-4]:

Tommy: Seahawks (-4). Cam Newton received a lot of hype for his two rushing scores in week 1, but was unable to eclipse 200 passing yards against the Dolphins. He has to prove that he can sling it, because their RB room lacks firepower right now. Russell Wilson shouldn't have it as easy as he did in Atlanta, but he'll do enough to pick up the victory as Seattle looks to stay atop what looks like toughest division in football.

Derrick: Seahawks (-4). Cam & his Patriots looked pretty good last week...........against Miami. This week they will take on a future Hall of Famer. Russell Wilson has so many weapons this year and he will let them rip against the Patriots. I think the Seahawks will win comfortably, not big.

Monday Night Football

New Orleans Saints (1-0) @ Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) [+6.5]:

Tommy: Raiders (+6.5). This pick is me calling out Drew Brees and Sean Payton. Without Michael Thomas out there, I thoroughly expect the Raiders to crowd the line of scrimmage and dare Brees to beat them deep. The Saints still have Emmanuel Sanders to attack defenses vertically, but we haven't seen that version of Brees in quite some time. Jon Gruden is old school, and he can keep it simple when he needs to. Expect a heavy dose of Josh Jacobs and an upset on Monday night.

Derrick: Saints (-6.5). I like New Orleans here, they are the more established team, more veterans, more firepower. even without Michael Thomas, the Saints should find a way to win big here.

Derrick's Picks (11-5):

Bengals (+5.5) @ Browns

Bears (-5.5) v Giants

Falcons (+5) @ Cowboys

Packers (-6) v Lions

Jaguars (+9) @ Titans

Vikings (+3) @ Colts

Bills (-6) @ Dolphins

49ers (-7) @ Jets

Eagles (+1.5) v Rams

Broncos (+7) @ Steelers

Panthers (+9) @ Buccaneers

Cardinals (-6.5) v Football Team

Chiefs (-8.5) @ Chargers

Ravens (-7) @ Texans

Seahawks (-4) v Patriots

Saints (-6.5) @ Raiders

Tommy's Picks (10-6):

Bengals (+5.5) @ Browns

Giants (+5.5) @ Bears

Cowboys (-5) v Falcons

Packers (-6) v Lions

Jaguars (+9) @ Titans

Vikings (+3) @ Colts

Bills (-6) @ Dolphins

49ers (-7) @ Jets

Rams (-1.5) @ Eagles

Steelers (-7) v Broncos

Panthers (+9) @ Buccaneers

Cardinals (-6.5) v Football Team

Chiefs (-8.5) @ Chargers

Ravens (-7) @ Texans

Seahawks (-4) v Patriots

Raiders (+6.5) v Saints

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Week 1 Fantasy Football Start 'Em or Sit 'Em

Start 'Em

Quarterback

Tommy: Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Home v. Panthers)

Brady has no interest in starting his first season away from Belichick 0-2. The running game for Tampa Bay looked serviceable against the Saints, but I still think they will ride Brady against a weak defense. Godwin is in concussion protocol which is something to monitor, but even without him Brady should have 300+ yards and multiple scores.

Derrick: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (Road @ Cowboys)

"Matt Ryan against Dallas. Dallas’ secondary struggled against Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. Now they have to face Julio & Calvin Ridley. In short, Julio & Ridley> Kupp & Woods"

Running Backs

Tommy: Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (Home v. Chiefs)

Ekeler had a nice day rushing for his standards in week 1, but he didn't catch any passes. Don't fret, fantasy owners. HC Anthony Lynn said getting Ekeler going is crucial for this offense, so I expect LAC to depend on him. They have a big chance to pull a stunner against KC, and Ekeler can help them keep the ball out of Mahomes' hands.

Nyhiem Hines, Indianapolis Colts (Home v. Vikings)

From Ekeler to the new Ekeler. With Marlon Mack out, Hines should be on the field plenty for a Colts team that will already be relying on the run game. Expect Jonathan Taylor to lead this backfield, but Hines should shine in that pass catching role next to Rivers all season long. Congrats to those who grabbed him on waivers.

Derrick: Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans (Home v. Jaguars)

"Jacksonville is currently ranked the worst run defense in the NFL. That’s all you need to know about this one"

Benny Snell Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers (Home v. Broncos)

"This article is being written on Wednesday. If Conner can somehow play, completely forget I said this. But if you need a good flex option or even a RB2 you should think about Benny Snell, who had over 100 yards in Conner's absence."

Wide Receivers

Tommy: Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys (Home v. Falcons)

Dallas' offense has talent but only produced 17 points against the Rams because they kept things too simple. I expect Dak to spread the ball around more against a Falcons team which should be in shootouts all year. Gallup was burned on a late OPI in week 1 and will be looking for a bounce back performance.

Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens (Road @ Texans)

Baltimore should be able to attack the Texans defense every which way on Sunday. I like Hollywood Brown to step up and have another big day. He had 5 catches for 101 yards against the Browns, and I think he keeps putting up numbers as Lamar's #1 option on the outside.

Derrick: Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Home v. Panthers)

"Evans will look to bounce back this week. He saw the end zone last weekend on only 2 catches. With Bruce Arians saying, “he feels bad about Mike Evans' usage” and with Chris Godwin going through concussion protocols, Evans should be in for a big week against a struggling Panthers secondary.

Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons (Road @ Cowboys)

"I love this spot for Ridley. Dallas’ secondary already has struggled plus they are now without two starting LBs. Look for Ridley to light it up against this secondary with the Cowboys' main focus being on Julio."

Tight End

Tommy: Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints (Road @ Raiders)

Cook looked like Brees' top option as Michael Thomas had an uncharacteristic week 1. Now Thomas is injured, so I expect Cook to have a high floor in his absence. He is a set it and forget it guy as long as MT sits out.

Derrick: Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans (Home v. Jaguars)

"Smith saw pretty good volume against the Broncos last week. He also found the end zone. 7 targets and a trip to the end zone is all you can ask for from a fantasy standpoint for a TE who is not ranked in the top 5."

Sit 'Em

Quarterbacks

Tommy: Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles (Home v. Rams)

Philly returns running back Miles Sanders and tackle Lane Johnson which should take some pressure off Wentz, but not all of it. The Eagles gave up 8 sacks last week, and I expect them to combat that pressure by running the ball and getting the ball out fast. Until the Eagles get their weapons in a groove, they may not be scoring too much either.

Derrick: Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts (Home v. Vikings)

"Phillip rivers against Minnesota. Rivers has been on the decline for a while now and new scenery hasn’t helped him a bit. Playing against a defensive line which now features Yannick Ngukoue, he should see a lot of pressure and a lot of short passes with no volume."

Runnings Backs

Tommy: Malcolm Brown, Los Angeles Rams (Road @ Eagles)

The Rams had an extremely conservative approach against the Cowboys last Sunday, and Malcolm Brown thrived. He led the backfield in carries and found the end zone twice. Few will remember, Brown did the same thing last season in week 1. I expect the Eagles to focus on stopping the run. Expect more Goff.

Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos (Road @ Steelers)

Gordon burned me last week finding the end zone while I had him as a sit. I'm doubling down, though. He goes against the Steelers defense which just absolutely dominated the Giants' rushing attack led by Saquon Barkley. Fade him even though he should control with backfield with no Phillip Lindsay.

Derrick: Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens (Road @ Texans)

"Ravens OC didn’t lie when he said this was a RB by committee, but the goal line carries went to JK Dobbins. Mark Ingram has always been a TD or bust type of player. With the goal line carries going to Dobbins I would look for other options."

Jordan Howard, Miami Dolphins (Home v. Bills)

JORDAN HOWARD GOT IN THE END ZONE LAST WEEK! And then that was it. He had 8 carries for 7 yards. The committee approach isn’t looking good for Howard. Seek other options.

Wide Receivers

Tommy: AJ Brown, Tennessee Titans (Home v. Jaguars)

Bold pick here, as Brown entered the season with a ton of hype and should have a dream matchup with the Jags. But, he showed up on the injury report this week. The Titans will feed Henry all day, and Tannehill looked to have good rapport with Jonnu Smith and Corey Davis. Might take awhile for Brown's breakup to happen.

Robby Anderson, Carolina Panthers (Road @ Buccaneers)

Anderson popped off in week 1 against the Raiders with 115 yards and a score. I don't like the matchup as much this week against a Bucs team that limited the Saints receivers. Anderson has been a boom-or-bust type guy his whole career, so don't get discouraged. Just play the matchups.

Derrick: Desean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles (Home v. Rams)

"Desean was touted as being the eagles #1 WR since camp started. Sunday was an obvious indication that that isn’t the case. He was on a pitch count and missed practice on Wednesday. He is somebody who shouldn’t be in your lineup against this pretty solid rams defense."

Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills (Road @ Dolphins)

"Diggs did well in an early matchup against NYJ. This week they play a similar talent level team, but Diggs will have his hands full going up against lockdown corner Byron Jones. I would look for another option if possible.

Tight End

Tommy: Noah Fant, Denver Broncos (Road @ Steelers)

Second Broncos selection. Pittburgh's D caused a lot of issues for Evan Engram on Monday. I expect more of the same against Fant who proved himself as a top target for QB Drew Lock.

Derrick: Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Home v. Panthers)

"Gronk looked nothing like his old self. He had 2 catches for 11 yards vs the other TE on his team OJ Howard who had 4 catches and a TD. It’s early in the year, but from week 1 we see where the volume is going for the Bucs duo."