Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 15
NFL Releases Week 2 Picks and Odds, Led by Bills -5 vs Lions in Thursday Opener
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 15

NFL Releases Week 2 Picks and Odds, Led by Bills -5 vs Lions in Thursday Opener

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 15

Summary

  • Week 2 opens Thursday with Buffalo favored by 5 points over Detroit as the Bills debut new Highmark Stadium in the slate’s marquee matchup.
  • 16 games carry early BetMGM lines and expert picks, with several matchups framed around fast starts or early trouble as teams chase 2-0 records or try to avoid 0-2.
  • 35 of 288 teams since 1990 recovered from an 0-2 start to make the playoffs before the 2025 season, underscoring the pressure on early losers.
  • Other notable spreads include 49ers -13.5 over the Dolphins, Chiefs -6.5 against the Colts and Rams -7 versus the Giants on Monday night.

Insights

Can AI betting models accurately predict NFL bounce-backs, or do early-season injuries make these algorithms vulnerable to unpredictable upsets?
With massive line movements after Week 1, are sportsbooks baiting bettors into overreacting to opening-game flukes?
How will Baker Mayfield's history with his former team impact the highly debated Buccaneers-Browns matchup in Week 2?