NFL Week 2 betting preview: Cowboys once again underdogs this week in Los Angeles

We’re into Week 2 of the 2021 NFL regular season. Before the games kick off this Sunday, here’s your Week 2 betting preview. (Odds via BarstoolSportsbook)

Record YTD: 6-1

Biggest Favorite: Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns (-13)

Highest Over: Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers OVER 55

Lowest Under: New England Patriots at New York Jets UNDER 43

Four Picks Of The Week

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1) San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Philadelphia Eagles

There’s no denying Jalen Hurts was extremely impressive last week. The former second-round pick completed 27 of 35 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Hurts’ quarterback rating of 126.4 was the highest of his career, as was his 89.5 PFF offensive grade. This week, Hurts faces a whole different animal as he goes up against a talented 49ers defense. Yes, San Francisco gave up 33 points to the Lions last week, but most of that was a product of the 49ers taking their foot off the gas and allowing 16 fourth-quarter points. Jimmy Garopppolo and the 49ers offense should have no problem moving the ball against Philly, while their defense should be able to slow down Jalen Hurts. Take the 49ers both ways, spread and ML.

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2) Las Vegas Raiders (+6.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers

Both the Raiders and Steelers came out of Week 1 with very impressive victories. Pittsburgh went on the road and beat a highly-touted Buffalo Bills team, while Las Vegas won an instant classic against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Monday Night Football. This week, the Raiders will build off that performance and give the Steelers a run for their money. According to PFF, Las Vegas had the best pass-rush in football last week, thanks in large part to the dominance of Maxx Crosby. The edge rusher was all over the field, recording 13 total tackles, eight QB hurries and two sacks. Crosby’s 93.1 pass-rush grade from PFF was tied for the best among all defenders in football last week.

Crosby and the Vegas pass rush are going to cause problems for veteran QB Ben Roethlisberger, who had a 23.0 PFF passing grade under pressure and a 38.2 passing grade when blitzed last week. With Crosby leading the defense and Derek Carr having another good day on offense, Vegas keeps it close in Pittsburgh. Take the Raiders and the points.

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3) Los Angeles Rams at Indianapolis Colts (+3.5)

The Rams looked like one of the best teams in football last week. Los Angeles delivered a beat down to the Chicago Bears in primetime, defeating them convincingly in a 34-14 victory. Despite this, they won’t have such an easy time at Indianapolis this week. The Colts had a tough matchup to start the season and struggled against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. Even though the defense struggled, Carson Wentz did play fairly well in his first game action as a Colt, completing 66% off his passes and throwing for 251 yards and two touchdowns.

Even after missing some practice this week, it seems as if Indy will have their two All-Pros, linebacker Darius Leonard and guard Quenton Nelson in this game. The Rams still walk out with the victory but take Indianapolis and the points as this is likely to be a close game.

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4) Tennessee Titans (+6.5) at Seattle Seahawks

After a dud of a performance in Week 1, it seems like everyone is out on the Titans. Ryan Tannehill had one of his worst performances as a Titan. Derrick Henry rushed for just 58 yards on 17 carries and the defense was routinely put in a spin-cycle by Kyler Murray. Even with how bad Tennessee looked, it’s important not to overreact to Week 1. They get another tough matchup traveling to Seattle this week, but they are just too good of a team to come out and lay another egg. 6.5 is a ton of points for a playoff team from last season to be laying, and it’s just too good to pass up. Take Tennessee and the points in a big bounce-back spot this week.

Cowboys Corner

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Dallas Cowboys (+3) at Los Angeles Chargers

The Pick: OVER 55

Take the over in this game. Even without La’el Collins and Michael Gallup on offense, the Cowboys are still going to be able to put up a ton of points. As will Justin Herbert leading the Chargers offense on the other side. This is set up perfectly to be a Prescott and Herbert offensive shootout, that will likely come down to the final minutes. 55 is a higher number, but these are two high-flying offenses. Take the over.

Player Prop Of The Week

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Ezekiel Elliott OVER 58.5 rushing yards (-115)

Take it.