Raise your hand if the Chargers burned you in Week 1.
The largest spread of the slate could never have accounted for a sloppy, mistake-filled performance that left us questioning whether Justin Herbert deserves his elite praise.
Week 2’s matchups get a little bit friendlier, for what it’s worth.
We can dump 16 points from last week’s confidence rankings down the drain with a little more context: that’s just the vicissitudes of NFL betting.
Onto the next batch.
Week 2 confidence pool picks, predictions
16 points: 49ers over Dolphins
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist: the 49ers were exceptional on both sides of the ball against the mighty Rams, while the Dolphins are in penury.
15 points: Eagles over Titans
Tennessee made the Jets look competent, getting out-gained 367 yards to 195 and managing just 11 first downs to Gang Green’s 19. Jalen Hurts will build more confidence off a sound opening performance.
14 points: Buccaneers over Browns
Baker Mayfield had a ball security problem against Cincinnati, but their issues were more self-inflicted than anything. Fortunately, he now gets a Browns unit that allowed four touchdowns and only five incompletions to Trevor Lawrence.
13 points: Ravens over Saints
Taking the Lions to overtime in a 30-31 loss counts for something for the Saints. Tyler Shough could just be legit, but Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are a storm New Orleans can’t weather.
12 points: Bears over Vikings
Sheesh. Caleb Williams showed he’s exactly the quarterback Chicago drafted him to be, powering the Bears to 59 points. The Vikings’ uncertain quarterback situation isn’t comforting as a challenger.
11 points: Chiefs over Colts
What knee surgery? That was vintage Patrick Mahomes with a big boost in the backfield via Kenneth Walker III. The Colts have another uphill climb after 506 yards allowed to Baltimore.
10 points: Chargers over Raiders
The Chargers are going to need some obliviscence against a nascent Raiders team riding confidence after downing Miami.
9 points: Patriots over Steelers
I’d sound the alarm if we see more undisciplined penalties and poor decisions from Drake Maye. The Steelers are too white bread to expect that again.
8 points: Panthers over Falcons
The market still isn’t sold on Bryce Young and Carolina after 361 yards and four total touchdowns. They will be against Cooper Rush, whose -0.493 EPA per play was worth one touchdown to Pittsburgh.
7 points: Rams over Giants
The Rams are due for a big get-right game back at SoFi. A healthy Giants team that was efficient and physically dominant against Dallas draws some skepticism.
6 points: Seahawks over Cardinals
Since the Chargers essentially beat themselves, it’s hard to project how much Arizona’s rhythm will stand against elite defense. We don’t need Sam Darnold.
5 points: Jaguars over Broncos
Trevor Lawrence was nearly flawless against the lowly Browns, connecting for scores with four different receivers while the defense suffocated. Denver was greatly underwhelming in a myriad of ways.
4 points: Commanders over Cowboys
The Cowboys had no answers for the Giants’ short-to-intermediate passing attack. Jayden Daniels will have more room to work with here.
Betting on the NFL?
3 points: Bills over Lions
The Bills really know how to give heart palpitations. So do the Lions. Give me Josh Allen.
2 points: Bengals over Texans
Cincinnati forced four turnovers against Tampa Bay. This comes down to Joe Burrow over C.J. Stroud.
1 point: Jets over Packers
Maybe it was just the Titans, but the Jets deserve some optimism after a balanced game on both sides against a Green Bay team that just allowed 29 unanswered points.
LAST WEEK: 9-7, 79/136 points
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
