NFL Week 2 Primer Flags 15 Games as Chiefs Open Near 7-Point Favorites
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 20
NFL Week 2 Primer Flags 15 Games as Chiefs Open Near 7-Point Favorites
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 20
Summary
Fifteen Week 2 matchups headline the betting board, with Kansas City installed near a touchdown favorite over Indianapolis after Week 1 produced a 59-37 outlier and Arizona’s upset of the Chargers.
Several early lines hinge on sharp trend splits: Carolina is 0-9 straight-up and ATS as a favorite since 2021, Tampa Bay has failed to cover 10 straight, and Seattle is 12-4-1 ATS on the road since 2024.
Week 1 extremes also shape the matchups, including Chicago’s 59-point eruption before facing a Minnesota defense that blitzed on 78.3% of plays, and Denver’s 28 missed tackles against Kansas City before hosting Jacksonville.
Quarterback and offense form remain central to the card: Trevor Lawrence has a 119.2 passer rating over his last seven regular-season games, while Patrick Mahomes returns after averaging just 4.7 air yards per attempt in Week 1.
The broader Week 2 slate mixes rebound spots, historic streaks and market corrections, with the Rams-Giants line moving from -9.5 before the season to -7 after Los Angeles lost and New York beat Dallas.