Week 2 of the 2021 NFL season begins Thursday with the New York Giants taking on the Washington Football Team. The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups.
Farmer’s record last week: 7-9 (.438). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6-9-1 (.400).
Times are Pacific. Lines according to FanDuel (O/U = over/under):
Thursday, 5:20 p.m.
TV: NFL Network.
Line: Washington by 3. O/U: 401/2.
With that abysmal offensive line, the Giants are going to have a hard time scoring. Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke hasn’t looked as good as he has at times, and it’s a short week.
Prediction: Washington 21, Giants 17
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Browns by 121/2. O/U: 481/2.
The Browns are 0-1 after their trip to Kansas City, but they played really well against one of the best teams in the league. The Texans are 1-0, but they clobbered the lowly Jaguars.
Prediction: Browns 31, Texans 20
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Broncos by 6. O/U: 451/2.
Teddy Bridgewater is pretty reliable. Even without Jerry Jeudy, the Broncos have playmakers, and that defense is solid. After opener, Jaguars’ Urban Meyer has to be second-guessing his decision.
Prediction: Broncos 24, Jaguars 14
The Chargers’ new offense has put Mike Williams in the “X receiver” position, a spot that typically gets a lot of opportunities. And the receiver had a good start in opener.
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Patriots by 51/2. O/U: 421/2.
Mac Jones is the real deal, and he’s hard to fool for a rookie. The ball goes where it should. The Jets’ defense did a decent job against Carolina, but that offense isn’t quite there yet.
Prediction: Patriots 28, Jets 20
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Steelers by 51/2. O/U: 461/2.
The Raiders are coming off a huge win, and Gus Bradley’s defense looks really promising. But they have to go across the country to face a solid bounce-back team with a good offensive line rebuild.
Prediction: Steelers 27, Raiders 23
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Saints by 31/2. O/U: 441/2.
The Saints aren’t as good as they looked, and Green Bay isn’t as bad. Carolina can rush the passer a bit. New Orleans is going to keep it on the ground and play keep-away. Close, but visitors hang on.
Prediction: Saints, 23, Panthers 17
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Bears by 11/2. O/U: 441/2.
Is it time for Justin Fields in Chicago? Bears fans certainly want to see him. Cincinnati is coming off an win over the not-bad Vikings, but the Bears find a way to rebound after a loss in L.A.
Prediction: Bears 23, Bengals 21
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Rams by 31/2. O/U: 471/2.
Rams might come back to earth a bit after rolling a bad Bears team, but their confidence is cresting with Matthew Stafford. Except for some lousy decisions, Colts would’ve been in Seattle game.
Prediction: Rams 28, Colts 23
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Bills by 31/2. O/U: 471/2.
The Bills need to prove they can run, and stop the run. The Dolphins are getting receiver Will Fuller back, which should help, but Tua Tagovailoa still has to prove he can consistently get ball there.
Prediction: Bills 28, Dolphins 24
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 713.
Line: 49ers by 31/2. O/U: 491/2.
Losing Jason Verrett and Raheem Mostert really hurts the 49ers, maybe not immediately, but their long-term prospects. Jalen Hurts has made things sunny in Philadelphia ... for the moment.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Eagles 24
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Cardinals by 31/2. O/U: 501/2.
The Cardinals looked really strong against Tennessee, and that defensive front was dominant. The Vikings just lost to the Bengals. As long as they’re healthy, the Cardinals are a good team.
Prediction: Cardinals 31, Vikings 24
Rams beat writer Gary Klein, Chargers beat writer Jeff Miller and columnist Dylan Hernández discuss the week, moderated by NFL editor Athan Atsales.
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 715.
Line: Buccaneers by 111/2. O/U: 511/2.
The Buccaneers are rested and ready, and Atlanta’s only chance is Tampa Bay overlooking them. That’s not going to happen with Bruce Arians as coach. This shouldn’t last a half.
Prediction: Buccaneers 38, Falcons 17
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 716.
Line: Chargers by 31/2. O/U: 551/2.
Really impressive win for the Chargers at Washington, and they should win their opener at SoFi. Won’t be easy against these rested Cowboys, though. Dallas defense is better than advertised.
Prediction: Chargers 28, Cowboys 27
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 717.
Line: Seahawks by 41/2. O/U: 531/2.
The Titans have big-name targets, but A.J. Green looks like a possession guy and Julio Jones is a shell of his former self. Russell Wilson has so many places he can go with the football.
Prediction: Seahawks 31, Titans 24
Sunday, 5:20 p.m.
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Chiefs by 31/2. O/U: 551/2.
Orlando Brown is a liability at left tackle for the Chiefs, but he should be good enough against his former team, as Baltimore doesn’t have great edge rushers. Kansas City keeps it rolling.
Prediction: Chiefs 30, Ravens 21
Monday, 5:15 p.m.
TV: ESPN.
Line: Packers by 111/2. O/U: 481/2.
Aaron Rodgers at home after such an embarrassing opener? The Lions did a good job coming back, but with Jared Goff coming to town, go with Rodgers in showdown of former Cal quarterbacks.
Prediction: Packers 31, Lions 21
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