NFL Week 2 Opening Odds
The NFL Week 2 odds are hitting sportsbooks, giving early-bird bettors plenty of value. There are a few lines out there that could make major moves before next Sunday. Here's a look at a couple games catching the eyes of NFL handicappers:
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans (-5, 38)
Apparently, a win over the Atlanta Falcons isn't worth as much as a win over the Oakland Raiders. Oddsmakers were more impressed with the Titans' flogging of the sad-sack Silver and Black in Week 1 than the Steelers' valiant effort over the Dirty Birds with second-string quarterback Dennis Dixon calling the plays.
Sportsbooks opened this Week 2 matchup with Tennessee listed as a 6-point home favorite, but took instant action on the underdog, moving the number to -5 as of Monday night. Pittsburgh came through for backers as a 1-point home pup to Atlanta, getting a big game from running back Rashard Mendenhall in a 15-9 overtime victory.
With Mendenhall and Titans star running back Chris Johnson sharing the spotlight in this game, totals bettors may want to look to the under 38 points. That number is making its way down as well, so grabbing it early is important.
Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions (+3.5, 41)
Both these squads have quarterback issues heading into Week 2. The Lions lost starter Matthew Stafford to what is being reported as a separated shoulder, while Eagles first-year starter Kevin Kolb could sit out due to a concussion. However, if Kolb is cleared to play, the line may not even move. Books are setting this number with Kolb and Philly's infamous second stringer valued equally to the pointspread.
Eagles fans are on Michael Vick watch this week. The versatile QB looked solid in relief of the injured Kolb in Philadelphia's 27-20 defeat to the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. Vick went 16-for-24 for 175 passing yards and one touchdown, while adding another 104 yards on the ground.
There could be a move towards the under 41 points in the days before kickoff, though. With Stafford out, the Lions hand the ball to backup QB Shaun Hill, who finished Week 1's 19-14 loss to the Chicago Bears with 88 yards passing and one interception. Rookie running back Jahvid Best would get a lot more carries, keeping the clock running.
Other NFL Week 2 Odds:
Baltimore at Cincinnati (check book for line)
Miami at Minnesota (-5.5, 40)
Chicago at Dallas (-9, 41)
Arizona at Atlanta (-7, 43)
Kansas City at Cleveland (check book for line)
Buffalo at Green Bay (-13.5, 43)
Tampa Bay at Carolina (check book for line)
St. Louis at Oakland (-4, 37.5)
Seattle at Denver (-3.5, 39.5)
Houston at Washington (+3, 44.5)
Jacksonville at San Diego (check book for line)
New England at New York Jets (check book for line)
New York Giants at Indianapolis (-5.5, 47.5)
New Orleans at San Francisco (+4, 44)