NFL Preseason Week 2 Picks
The NFL preseason wages on – and so do the camp battles – in Week 2. These picks cover a few teams that have their positions figured out and a few that don’t.
Here are the best games for this week and their lines and a free prediction.
New England Patriots @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Thursday, August 18, 7:30 p.m. ET
NFL betting favorite: Buccaneers -2.5
The New England Patriots may be a bit more active offensively than the Buccaneers in this matchup. Last week, they got an extended (and impressive) look at rookie runner Stefan Ridley. This week, they may give Shane Vereen, their other rookie tailback, an extended look assuming he’s recovered from his hamstring injury. Quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett both dazzled under center last week. Bill Belichick will probably dust off Tom Brady this week and possibly Chad Ochocinco, too as the two try to develop chemistry. 
The Bucs don’t have Arrelious Benn and won’t have as much motivation to work Josh Freeman in since he played last week. I could see the Pats romping this week like they did over Jacksonville last week.
Pick: Patriots +2.5
Philadelphia Eagles @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Thursday, August 18, 8:00 p.m. ET
NFL betting favorite: Steelers -3
Injuries could impact this Battle of Pennsylvania instalment. The Eagles won’t have Jeremy Maclin, who remains sidelined with a mysterious illness, not to mention Steve Smith, Mike Patterson or Nate Allen. The Steelers are missing Hines Ward and Ike Taylor.
The Eagles really split up their quarterback workload last week, giving reps to youngster Mike Kafka but also Michael Vick and Vince Young. It’s hard to say who will take the most snaps this week but I would guess Vick and Young will play more. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Big Ben Roethlisberger threw only three passes last week; I expect him to get stretched out more in Week 2. Given that the Eagles are missing two of their top pass catchers, I like the Steelers at home.
Pick: Steelers -3
Washington Redskins @ Indianapolis Colts
Friday, August 19, 7:00 p.m. ET
NFL betting favorite: Redskins -5.5
Yep, Washington is a 5.5-point favorite at Indy. That’s because Peyton Manning (neck surgery) won’t play. Meanwhile, Friday will be a like a playoff game for a few offensive Redskins players. John Beck will get his chance to prove that he, not Rex Grossman, should be the team’s starting quarterback. Tim Hightower will try to cement his hold on the starting tailback job while Roy Helu will push for an expanded role in the backfield.
Considering that the Colts’ O-line also looks shaky and that backup quarterbacks Dan Orlovsky and Curtis Painter stink, the spread is justified.
Pick: Redskins -5.5
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