Well that was rough to watch.
No, not what the Miami Dolphins did in Indianapolis last Sunday against the Colts, although that performance did not help. No, what was rough to watch were the three picks I made against the spread a week ago. Only the Arizona Cardinals, thanks to their 20-13 win over the New Orleans Saints, prevented an 0-3 start to the season.
We’ll look to right the ship with our three selections against the spread for Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season.
As always, the spreads are taken from FanDuel. And if you play, please play responsibly … and maybe fade my picks given what happened last week.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
FanDuel line: Dallas -4.5
Spread pick: Dallas -4.5
Dare we give Jerry Jones some credit?
Maybe we should not go that far, but after the stunning Micah Parsons trade, the Dallas owner said that the Cowboys needed to get better at stopping the run.
Dallas slowed down Saquon Barkley on opening night, holding the Philadelphia Eagles running back to just 3.3 yards per carry and 60 yards rushing. It was not enough for the Cowboys to go into Lincoln Financial Field and steal a win over the defending Super Bowl champions, but the 24-20 final score showed that perhaps the Cowboys are a bit closer than we thought.
As for the New York Giants, they still look rather far away. Russell Wilson was pressured early and often by the Washington Commanders, and those pressures left their mark, as Wilson was skittish in the pocket in the second half, and the Giants offense left some opportunities on the field.
Jaxson Dart watch is on, and with good reason.
San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints
FanDuel line: San Francisco -3
Spread pick: New Orleans +3
San Francisco 49ers fans have reasons to worry here in Week 2.
Injuries are at the top of that list. George Kittle was already placed on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury, which will sideline him for at least the next four games. Could Brock Purdy join him? The 49ers quarterback suffered toe and shoulder injuries in the 49ers’ Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks, and is a “longshot” to play on Sunday in New Orleans, according to Kyle Shanahan.
That would mean it is Mac Jones season in San Francisco.
Then there is the play of left tackle Trent Williams, who surrendered five hurries and six pressures last Sunday against the Seahawks. That is one thing when Purdy is under center, but another entirely when it is Jones.
The Saints held their own against the Arizona Cardinals last week, and have a very good chance at doing more than that against a banged-up 49ers team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans
FanDuel line: Houston -2.5
Spread pick: Tampa Bay +2.5
From where I sit, this is one of the more surprising lines of the week.
Yes, Tampa Bay needed a missed field goal on Sunday to avoid overtime against the Atlanta Falcons. But buried in that performance was an impressive debut from rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, a three-touchdown outing from Baker Mayfield, and a Buccaneers defense that absolutely stifled the Falcons’ rushing attack, holding Bijan Robinson to just 24 yards on 12 carries.
Houston scratched out just nine points against the Los Angeles Rams in a 14-9 loss, and I expect the Texans offense to struggle against this Tampa Bay unit.
Season record: 1-2-0