NFL underdogs won 34.3% of games during the 2022 NFL season. And over the last 10 years, NFL underdogs have won approximately 33% of the time. Since we are talking about 1/3 of the time, I obviously just pick my spots each week where I think the underdog is in a good spot to win outright. Below are my two favorite underdogs for NFL Week 2.
Best Week 2 NFL Underdogs
Jacksonville Jaguars (+154 DraftKings Sportsbook – Use code SGP)
At first, I was intrigued by this line with the possibility that TE Travis Kelce and DL Chris Jones could still be out for the Kansas City Chiefs. But both are back at practice, so it looks like both will play Sunday. I question if either Kelce and Jones are close to full speed and snaps. The Chiefs need both their stars back, but at what version of these players will they be getting Sunday?
I’m sticking with the home dogs and betting on the Jaguars because I strongly believe in the third year of QB Trevor Lawrence and all his weapons. The addition of WR Calvin Ridley cannot be understated. He is now the true alpha receiver in this offense, as he garnered a 34% target share and 48% air yards share in the Jaguars’ first game. RB Travis Etienne also looks like he’ll be the high-volume explosive weapon in the rushing game for the Jaguars.
I like the Jaguars to win their home opener at +154 and show the Chiefs and the NFL they are in the top tier of the AFC too.
Washington Commanders (+145 DraftKings Sportsbook – Use code SGP)
I may need to mark this bet with a “homer alert.” I’m betting the Washington Commanders at +145 vs. the Denver Broncos. I am a diehard Washington fan, but I think this Washington defense can bring pressure and give the anemic Broncos offense problems. We will see if WR Jerry Jeudy returns for Denver, but now TE Greg Dulcich is out, and this offense is lacking weapons right now.
Washington, on the other hand, has a stable of weapons with receivers Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel. RB Brian Robinson looked to be the workhorse for Washington in their opener. They even got TE Logan Thomas seven targets and involved in the offense. This is not surprising in Eric Beinemy’s offense, as he clearly knows how to use TEs as offensive weapons.
QB Sam Howell made some mistakes in Washington’s home opener in just his second NFL start. But he also showed poise to lead the Commanders to a second-half comeback win. This should be a low-scoring affair, and if QB Sam Howell can limit mistakes, I like Washington as road underdogs.
Summary:
I like the Jaguars and Commanders a lot this week as underdog plus-money bets. I even parlayed them together at +522 as well. Good luck if you tail! Let it Ride!