Wednesday, September 14, 2011

NFL Odds: Which Underdogs Are Best Bets in Week 2?

For the betters out there who love the rush of an underdog in pro football, Week 2 in the 2011 NFL season has its fair share.

That being said however, there's only a few that should be considered as they not only are more appealing, but have better odds and are more realistic.

We begin in the AFC.

Jacksonville Jaguars (underdog) at New York Jets (favorite) Line -9.5

Last week the New York Jets started off sluggish against the Dallas Cowboys and it almost cost them their first game.

As for the Jaguars, they won a defensive battle against division rival Tennessee, and got a huge early season boost in the AFC South.

But based on how the Jets came back in Week 1, whereas the Jags had trouble moving the ball (even though Maurice Jones-Drew ran for 97 yards and a TD), and that this game is in New York it is reasonable to see this line at almost ten points.

However, Jacksonville has a solid defense that's going under the radar, and they will shut down the Jets offense, even if New York manages to win.

Regardless of the final score though, neither team wins by more than one TD.

Arizona Cardinals (underdog) at Washington Redskins (favorite) Line -4

Both teams are coming off good wins in Week 1 at home, but Washington's was slightly more impressive being that they limited the New York Giants to only 14 points.

Whereas the Cardinals allowed rookie QB Cam Newton to sling out 400-plus yards in his NFL debut.

Luckily though, it's a new week and with all the talent Arizona has in the secondary (Adrian Wilson, Patrick Peterson, Kerry Rhodes) they will get better.

In addition, the 'Skins offense isn't as dangerous as Carolina's.

On the flip-side though, Washington has a much better defense than Carolina.

So it's safe to also bet that something will give in this game.

Either way however, it's not going to be a blowout, but instead, a barn-burner that will come down to a game-winning field goal.

Hence, the game stays within the four point line.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (underdog) at Minnesota Vikings (favorite) -3

Old NFC Central rivals (for those that grew up in the '90s like me) come together in this one at the Metrodome in Minnesota.

This game is also known as the "The Brad Johnson Bowl" because the former NFL QB spent 13 of his 17 seasons combined between both franchises.

Anyway, both teams lost in Week 1, and are desperate to stay alive this season in Week 2.

After last season Tampa Bay was clearly the better team, and the Vikings just fell apart.

In this game however, Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson should have a field day, as well as Tampa QB Josh Freeman.

With weather conditions irrelevant in this one, combined with two teams seeking victory No. 1, it will come down to the wire.

Reference: Football Locks for the Week 2 NFL Line

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.

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