NFL Preseason 2024 Week 2 Picks

The NFL Preseason is heating up, and Week 2 offers a great opportunity to gauge how teams are shaping up ahead of the regular season. While preseason games might not always reflect a team's true capabilities, they provide insight into player development, coaching strategies and team chemistry. With several intriguing matchups on the docket, here are three picks that stand out for NFL Preseason Week 2.

Predictions

Pittsburgh Steelers -4 over Buffalo Bills (-112)

Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings Under 37 (-110) 

Baltimore Ravens Money Line over Atlanta Falcons (-122)

PICK #1: Steelers -4 over Bills (-112)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming into Week 2 with a lot to prove. After a disappointing loss in Week 1, head coach Mike Tomlin, along with key players like Minkah Fitzpatrick and T.J. Watt, emphasized the need for improvement. The Steelers’ performance was lackluster, and Tomlin's dissatisfaction is likely to fuel a more focused and aggressive approach against the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills, on the other hand, were dismantled in their first preseason outing. While preseason results can be deceptive, the manner in which the Bills were beaten suggests they have significant issues to address. Meanwhile, the Steelers are in the process of refining their new offensive scheme under coordinator Arthur Smith, and they are keen on getting things right before the regular season. With a strong emphasis on cleaning up their play and showing improvement, the Steelers are poised to cover the -4 spread against a Bills team still searching for answers.

PICK #2: Browns vs. Vikings Under 37 (-110)

The Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings are set to face off in a game that could be dominated by defensive plays and conservative offensive strategies. The Vikings, fresh off a narrow 24-23 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, put up an impressive 452 yards of offense. However, much of that success was due to J.J. McCarthy’s 188 passing yards and two touchdowns. With McCarthy now ruled out, the Vikings’ offense will rely on Sam Darnold and Jaren Hall, which could mean fewer explosive plays.

The Browns, meanwhile, struggled offensively in their Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Dorian Thompson-Robinson managed just 134 passing yards, and the team as a whole failed to generate any significant momentum. With McCarthy’s absence for the Vikings and Cleveland’s offensive struggles, it’s reasonable to expect a low-scoring affair. The under on 37 points looks like a solid bet as both teams may prioritize protecting their quarterbacks and limiting turnovers rather than pushing the pace.

PICK #3: Ravens Money Line over Falcons (-122)

When it comes to preseason play, few teams take it as seriously as the Baltimore Ravens. Under head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have established a reputation for playing to win, no matter the stakes. Although their historic preseason winning streak has now been snapped, last week’s loss to the Eagles is likely to fuel their competitive fire even more. Harbaugh's commitment to building a winning culture, even in the preseason, has consistently translated to strong performances from his team.

The Atlanta Falcons, in contrast, have struggled mightily in recent preseasons, posting a dismal 4-17-1 record over their last 22 games. Their recent postseason woes further highlight the team’s ongoing struggles. Given the Ravens' determination to bounce back and their overall approach to preseason games, betting on Baltimore to win straight up on the money line at -122 looks a smart choice.