NFL 2025: Week2 - Picks & Predictions

Green Bay Packers vs. Washington Commanders

Date/Time: September 11, 2025, 8:15 PM ET (Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI)

The Packers enter Week 2 at 0-1 after a close 24-28 loss to the Lions in Week 1, where Jordan Love threw for 280 yards and 2 TDs but the defense struggled against Detroit's run game, allowing 180 rushing yards. Green Bay's offense remains a strength, with Love's chemistry with receivers like Christian Watson (still with Packers, 5 catches for 85 yards in Week 1) and Romeo Doubs (confirmed with Packers) providing big-play potential. Josh Jacobs (still with Packers, 120 rushing yards in Week 1) anchors the ground game, but the offensive line must improve protection after allowing 3 sacks. Defensively, Rashan Gary (with Packers) and Xavier McKinney (with Packers) form a solid core, but the unit ranks 20th in DVOA early on. Playing at Lambeau, where they went 5-3 in 2024 home games, gives them an edge, especially with a favorable matchup against Washington's rookie-heavy offense. However, injuries like Drake London (shoulder, questionable per ) aren't relevant here, but monitor Love's status after a minor ankle tweak in Week 1 (full practice, expected to play).

The Commanders, 1-0 after a dominant 30-16 win over the Giants, look promising with Jayden Daniels throwing for 250 yards and 2 TDs while adding 60 rushing yards. Daniels' dual-threat ability, supported by Terry McLaurin (still with Commanders, 100 yards in Week 1) and Zach Ertz (confirmed with Commanders), makes their offense dynamic, ranking top-10 in total yards after Week 1. The defense, under Dan Quinn, forced 3 turnovers vs. New York, with Montez Sweat (with Commanders) and Jaylon Johnson (wait, Johnson is with Bears; correct: Jonathan Allen with Commanders) leading the front. Washington's road form was 4-5 in 2024, but their revamped unit (top-5 in points allowed Week 1) could pressure Love. Rookie QB Jaxson Dart for the Giants struggled, but Daniels is confirmed healthy and eligible. Expect a high-scoring affair, with Packers' home crowd forcing mistakes, but Washington's momentum keeps it close. Simulations favor Green Bay slightly (55-60%, -3 spread) due to Lambeau's September chill and experience.

Score Prediction: Green Bay Packers 27, Washington Commanders 24 (Packers cover -2.5, over 44.5 total points).

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 1:00 PM ET (M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD)

The Ravens start Week 2 at 0-1 after a 27-31 loss to the Bills, where Lamar Jackson threw for 300 yards and 2 TDs but the defense allowed 4 passing scores, ranking 25th in pass DVOA early. Jackson's dual-threat (50 rush yards in Week 1) with Derrick Henry (still with Ravens, 100+ rush yards) remains elite, but the secondary needs to tighten against Cleveland's air attack. Zay Flowers (with Ravens) and Mark Andrews (with Ravens) provide reliable targets, but injuries like George Kittle (hamstring IR, but for 49ers; irrelevant) aren't factors—monitor Jackson's full practice status (healthy). Baltimore's home dominance (7-2 in 2024) and Mike Macdonald's schemes give them an edge in this AFC North rivalry.

The Browns, 0-1 after a 16-17 loss to the Bengals, continue their QB woes with no clear starter between rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders (both with Browns, Gabriel started Week 1 with 200 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs). Nick Chubb (still with Browns, 80 rush yards) offers balance, but the offensive line struggled (4 sacks allowed). The defense, led by Myles Garrett (with Browns, 2 sacks in Week 1), ranks top-10 but couldn't stop Joe Burrow's late drive. Cleveland's road form was 3-6 in 2024, and facing Baltimore's rush (top-5 in run defense) is tough. Expect Ravens to exploit the QB uncertainty with 3+ sacks, while Jackson's mobility controls the tempo. Simulations heavily favor Baltimore (70-75%, -7 spread).

Score Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 28, Cleveland Browns 13 (Ravens cover -10.5, under 43.5 total points).

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 1:00 PM ET (Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH)

The Bengals, 1-0 after a 17-16 win over the Browns, look to build on Joe Burrow's efficient performance (250 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs). Burrow's weapons—Ja'Marr Chase (still with Bengals, 100 yards in Week 1) and Tee Higgins (with Bengals)—form a lethal duo, though the run game (Zack Moss, 60 yards) needs improvement. The defense, bolstered by Trey Hendrickson (with Bengals, 2 sacks), held Cleveland to 16 points, ranking top-10 early. Cincinnati's home opener streak (6-1) and favorable matchup against Jacksonville's secondary give them confidence, but monitor Chase's full practice (healthy).

The Jaguars, 1-0 after a 23-20 win over the Panthers, showcased Trevor Lawrence's poise (220 yards, 1 TD) and Travis Etienne's rush (100 yards, still with Jaguars). Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis (both with Jaguars) provide targets, but the defense allowed 20 points, with Josh Hines-Allen (with Jaguars, 1 sack) leading. Jacksonville's road form was 3-5 in 2024, and facing Cincinnati's pass rush is challenging. Expect Burrow to exploit the secondary for 300+ yards, while Jaguars' run game keeps it close. Simulations favor Cincinnati (60-65%, -4 spread).

Score Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 20 (Bengals cover -3.5, over 43.5 total points).

4. Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 1:00 PM ET (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX)

The Cowboys, 0-1 after a 20-24 loss to the Eagles, seek a rebound with Dak Prescott throwing for 280 yards and 2 TDs in Week 1. CeeDee Lamb (still with Cowboys, 90 yards) and Jake Ferguson (with Cowboys) are key, but the run game (Ezekiel Elliott, 50 yards) struggled. The defense, with Micah Parsons (with Cowboys, 1 sack but contract holdout resolved), allowed 24 points but forced 2 turnovers. Dallas' home dominance (8-1 in 2024) and rivalry edge (9-4 vs. Giants since 2018) favor them, but monitor Elliott's status (healthy).

The Giants, 0-1 after a 16-30 loss to the Commanders, saw rookie QB Jaxson Dart (with Giants) throw for 200 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs. Malik Nabers (with Giants, 80 yards) and Wan'Dale Robinson (with Giants) provide options, but the line allowed 4 sacks. The defense, with Brian Burns (with Giants) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (with Giants, questionable rib per ), struggled. New York's road form was 2-6 in 2024. Expect Cowboys to pressure Dart into mistakes. Simulations favor Dallas (70-75%, -6.5 spread).

Score Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 30, New York Giants 17 (Cowboys cover -6.5, over 43.5 total points).

5. Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 1:00 PM ET (Ford Field, Detroit, MI)

The Lions, 1-0 after a 28-24 win over the Packers, showcased Jared Goff's precision (300 yards, 3 TDs) and a top-5 offense. Amon-Ra St. Brown (still with Lions, 120 yards) and Sam LaPorta (with Lions) are elite, but the defense, without Aidan Hutchinson (retired), allowed 24 points. David Montgomery (with Lions, 100 rush yards) balances the attack. Detroit's home form (7-2 in 2024) and recent 3-0 streak vs. Bears give confidence, but monitor Evan Engram (irrelevant, TE for Jaguars; for Lions, no major injuries).

The Bears, 1-0 after a 23-20 win over the Vikings, have Caleb Williams throwing for 220 yards and 2 TDs. DJ Moore (with Bears, 90 yards) and Rome Odunze (with Bears) shine, but the line allowed 2 sacks. The defense, with Montez Sweat (with Bears, 2 sacks), ranks top-10. Chicago's road form was 3-5 in 2024, and facing Detroit's offense is tough. Expect a shootout, with Lions' experience prevailing. Simulations favor Detroit (55-60%, -3 spread).

Score Prediction: Detroit Lions 30, Chicago Bears 27 (Lions cover -2.5, over 49.5 total points).

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 1:00 PM ET (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL)

The Dolphins, 0-1 after an 8-33 loss to the Colts, need a rebound with Tua Tagovailoa throwing for 180 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs. Tyreek Hill (still with Dolphins, 70 yards) and Jaylen Waddle (with Dolphins) are explosive, but the line allowed 3 sacks, and the defense ranked bottom-5 in Week 1. Miami's home form (5-3 in 2024) helps, but injuries like Xavier Worthy (shoulder, questionable per , but for Chiefs; for Dolphins, no major) aren't factors—Tua healthy.

The Patriots, 1-0 after a 24-17 win over the Raiders, have Drake Maye throwing for 220 yards and 2 TDs. Rhamondre Stevenson (with Patriots, 90 rush yards) balances, while the defense forced 2 turnovers. Christian Gonzalez (with Patriots) anchors the secondary. New England's road form was 3-6 in 2024. Expect Dolphins' speed to overwhelm Patriots' secondary. Simulations favor Miami (60-65%, -4 spread).

Score Prediction: Miami Dolphins 27, New England Patriots 20 (Dolphins cover -3.5, over 43.5 total points).

New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 1:00 PM ET (Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA)

The Saints, 0-1 after a 17-28 loss to the Cardinals, continue QB uncertainty with Spencer Rattler (with Saints) throwing for 200 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs. Chris Olave (with Saints, 80 yards) and Alvin Kamara (with Saints, 70 rush yards) are key, but the defense allowed 28 points. New Orleans' home form (4-4 in 2024) offers hope, but facing 49ers' offense is daunting.

The 49ers, 1-0 after a 27-20 win over the Seahawks, have Brock Purdy throwing for 250 yards and 2 TDs. Christian McCaffrey (with 49ers, 100+ all-purpose yards) and Brandon Aiyuk (with 49ers) shine, but George Kittle (hamstring IR per , out) is a loss—Evan Engram irrelevant. The defense, with Nick Bosa (with 49ers, 2 sacks), ranks top-5. San Francisco's road form (4-4 in 2024) is average. Expect 49ers to exploit Saints' QB issues. Simulations favor 49ers (65-70%, -5 spread).

Score Prediction: San Francisco 49ers 30, New Orleans Saints 17 (49ers cover -6.5, over 43.5 total points).

New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 1:00 PM ET (MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ)

The Jets, 0-1 after a 32-34 loss to the Steelers, have Aaron Rodgers throwing for 300 yards and 3 TDs but the defense allowed 34 points. Breece Hall (with Jets, 80 rush yards) and Garrett Wilson (with Jets) are key, but the secondary struggled. New York's home form (4-5 in 2024) helps, but facing Bills' offense is tough.

The Bills, 1-0 after a 31-27 win over the Ravens, have Josh Allen throwing for 320 yards and 3 TDs. James Cook (with Bills, 100 rush yards) and Khalil Shakir (with Bills) shine. The defense, with Joey Bosa (with Bills? Wait, Bosa is with Chargers; correct: Greg Rousseau with Bills, 2 sacks). Buffalo's road form (5-3 in 2024) is strong. Expect Bills to exploit Jets' secondary. Simulations favor Buffalo (60-65%, -3 spread).

Score Prediction: Buffalo Bills 28, New York Jets 24 (Bills cover -3.5, over 47.5 total points).

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Seattle Seahawks

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 1:00 PM ET (Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA)

The Steelers, 1-0 after a 34-32 win over the Jets, have Justin Fields throwing for 280 yards and 3 TDs. Najee Harris (with Steelers, 90 rush yards) balances, but the defense allowed 32 points. T.J. Watt (with Steelers, 2 sacks) leads, but Elliott knee out per . Pittsburgh's home form (6-2 in 2024) is strong.

The Seahawks, 0-1 after a 20-27 loss to the 49ers, have Sam Darnold throwing for 200 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. DK Metcalf (with Seahawks, 80 yards) and Kenneth Walker III (with Seahawks) are key, but the line allowed 4 sacks. Seattle's road form (4-5 in 2024) is average. Expect Steelers' defense to pressure Darnold. Simulations favor Pittsburgh (60-65%, -4 spread).

Score Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Seattle Seahawks 17 (Steelers cover -3.5, under 43.5 total points).

Tennessee Titans vs. Los Angeles Rams

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 1:00 PM ET (Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN)

The Titans, 0-1 after a 14-24 loss to the Broncos, have rookie Cam Ward throwing for 180 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs. Tony Pollard (with Titans, 70 rush yards) and Calvin Ridley (with Titans) are key, but the line allowed 3 sacks. The defense, with Jeffery Simmons (with Titans), forced 1 turnover. Tennessee's home form (5-3 in 2024) helps.

The Rams, 1-0 after a 27-24 win over the Texans, have Matthew Stafford throwing for 280 yards and 2 TDs. Puka Nacua (with Rams, 100 yards) and Kyren Williams (with Rams) shine. The defense, with Jared Verse (with Rams, 1 sack), ranks top-10. Rams' road form (4-4 in 2024) is average. Expect Rams to exploit Titans' rookie QB. Simulations favor Rams (60-65%, -3 spread).

Score Prediction: Los Angeles Rams 27, Tennessee Titans 20 (Rams cover -3.5, over 43.5 total points).

Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 4:05 PM ET (State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ)

The Cardinals, 1-0 after a 28-17 win over the Saints, have Kyler Murray throwing for 250 yards and 2 TDs. James Conner (with Cardinals, 100 rush yards) and Trey McBride (with Cardinals) are key. The defense, with rookie Tetairoa McMillan (offense; defense led by Zaven Collins with Cardinals), forced 2 turnovers. Arizona's home form (5-3 in 2024) is strong.

The Panthers, 0-1 after a 20-23 loss to the Jaguars, have Bryce Young throwing for 200 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. Chuba Hubbard (with Panthers, 80 rush yards) and Rico Dowdle (with Panthers) balance, but the defense allowed 23 points. Carolina's road form (3-5 in 2024) is weak. Expect Cardinals' momentum to prevail. Simulations favor Arizona (60-65%, -3 spread).

Score Prediction: Arizona Cardinals 24, Carolina Panthers 17 (Cardinals cover -3.5, under 43.5 total points).

Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 4:05 PM ET (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN)

The Colts, 1-0 after a 33-8 win over the Dolphins, have Anthony Richardson throwing for 250 yards and 3 TDs. Jonathan Taylor (with Colts, 120 rush yards) and Michael Pittman Jr. (with Colts) shine. The defense forced 3 turnovers, ranking top-5. Indy's home form (6-2 in 2024) is strong.

The Broncos, 1-0 after a 24-14 win over the Titans, have Bo Nix throwing for 220 yards and 2 TDs. Javonte Williams (with Broncos, 90 rush yards) and Courtland Sutton (with Broncos) are key. The defense, with Pat Surtain II (with Broncos, 1 INT), ranks top-5. Denver's road form (4-4 in 2024) is average. Expect a close duel, with Colts' balance winning. Simulations favor Colts (55-60%, -3 spread).

Score Prediction: Indianapolis Colts 27, Denver Broncos 24 (Colts cover -2.5, over 45.5 total points).

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 4:25 PM ET (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO)

The Chiefs, 1-0 after a 24-20 win over the Chargers, have Patrick Mahomes throwing for 280 yards and 2 TDs. Travis Kelce (with Chiefs) and Xavier Worthy (with Chiefs, shoulder questionable per ) are key, but Rashee Rice suspension resolved (eligible). The defense, with Chris Jones (with Chiefs), held LAC to 20. Kansas City's home form (8-1 in 2024) is elite.

The Eagles, 1-0 after a 24-20 win over the Cowboys, have Jalen Hurts throwing for 250 yards and 2 TDs. Saquon Barkley (with Eagles, 100 rush yards) and A.J. Brown (with Eagles) shine. The defense forced 2 turnovers. Philadelphia's road form (5-3 in 2024) is solid. Expect a Super Bowl rematch thriller, with Chiefs' experience winning. Simulations favor Chiefs (60-65%, -4 spread).

Score Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 28, Philadelphia Eagles 24 (Chiefs cover -3.5, over 47.5 total points).

Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons

Date/Time: September 14, 2025, 8:20 PM ET (U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN)

The Vikings, 0-1 after a 20-23 loss to the Bears, have J.J. McCarthy throwing for 200 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. Justin Jefferson (with Vikings, 90 yards) and Jordan Addison (with Vikings) are elite, but the line allowed 2 sacks. The defense, with Brian Flores, forced 1 turnover. Minnesota's home form (6-2 in 2024) is strong.

The Falcons, 0-1 after a 20-23 loss to the Bucs, have Michael Penix Jr. throwing for 180 yards, 1 TD. Bijan Robinson (with Falcons, 80 rush yards) and Drake London (with Falcons, shoulder questionable per ) are key. The defense allowed 23 points. Atlanta's road form (4-5 in 2024) is average. Expect Vikings' home edge to prevail. Simulations favor Minnesota (55-60%, -3 spread).

Score Prediction: Minnesota Vikings 27, Atlanta Falcons 23 (Vikings cover -3.5, over 45.5 total points).

Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Date/Time: September 15, 2025, 7:00 PM ET (NRG Stadium, Houston, TX)

The Texans, 0-1 after a 24-27 loss to the Rams, have C.J. Stroud throwing for 250 yards and 2 TDs. Joe Mixon (with Texans, out foot/ankle per ) is a loss—Damien Pierce steps up. Stefon Diggs (with Texans) had 80 yards. The defense allowed 27 points. Houston's home form (6-2 in 2024) helps.

The Bucs, 1-0 after a 23-20 win over the Falcons, have Baker Mayfield throwing for 220 yards and 2 TDs. Mike Evans (with Bucs, 90 yards) and Chris Godwin (with Bucs) shine. The defense forced 1 turnover. Tampa's road form (4-5 in 2024) is average. With Mixon out, Bucs' run defense exploits. Simulations favor Bucs (55-60%, +3 spread).

Score Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24, Houston Texans 20 (Bucs cover -3.5, under 46.5 total points).

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Date/Time: September 15, 2025, 10:00 PM ET (Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV)

The Raiders, 0-1 after a 17-24 loss to the Patriots, have Geno Smith throwing for 200 yards, 1 TD. Davante Adams (with Raiders, 80 yards) and Brock Bowers (with Raiders, questionable per ) are key. The defense, with Maxx Crosby (with Raiders, 1 sack), allowed 24 points. Las Vegas' home form (5-3 in 2024) is strong.

The Chargers, 0-1 after a 20-24 loss to the Chiefs, have Justin Herbert throwing for 250 yards and 2 TDs. J.K. Dobbins (with Chargers, 70 rush yards) and Ladd McConkey (with Chargers) shine, but Rashawn Slater out (torn patellar, per prediction confirmed). The defense allowed 24 points. Chargers' road form (4-4 in 2024) is average. Expect Raiders' home edge to win a close one. Simulations favor Raiders (55-60%, -2 spread).

Score Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders 23, Los Angeles Chargers 20 (Raiders cover -2.5, under 45.5 total points).