NFL Week 2 predictions: picks, projected scores and key analysis

The editorial team has given its picks and projected scores for all the Week 2 games of the 2026 season, analyzing the key elements of each matchup and the reasoning behind the predictions.

According to the NFL, betting lines on FanDuel closed at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 17.

Thursday’s game between the Detroit Lions and the Buffalo Bills is expected to be high-scoring. The editorial analysis notes that both teams have shown highly productive offenses lately, while their defenses have shown clear weaknesses. In their last meeting in December 2024, 1,080 yards of offense were recorded and it ended 48–42 for the Bills; a similar offensive scenario is expected this time too, with an edge for the home team Buffalo.

In Atlanta, the Carolina Panthers come in as slight favorites against the Falcons, mainly due to uncertainty in the Falcons’ quarterback room. The week’s analysis explains that the lack of a clear solution at the signal-caller position puts the Atlanta team at a disadvantage against a Panthers team that, despite defensive deficits, has the offensive potential to put up points.

In Baltimore, the Ravens–Saints clash is expected to favor the Ravens. Baltimore’s offense produced a high total of yards and points in the season’s first game; Derrick Henry put on a dominant performance with much of his yardage before contact, while the Jackson–Henry combination is projected to put pressure on the opposing defense and eat up game time.

The Cincinnati Bengals are considered favorites against the Houston Texans per the editorial analysis, mainly due to the Week 1 defensive performance: a scoop-and-score and effective containment of the opposing Super Bowl rival’s passing and rushing attack were cited as signs of improvement in the Bengals’ defensive unit.

In the Bears–Vikings matchup, considered a key game for coaching tactics: the coaches’ aggressive approaches are expected to determine the pace of the game. The blitzes used by Minnesota and Chicago’s tendency to score a lot of points make this meeting a true test for the teams and for the development of the respective quarterbacks.

The full roundup of each editor’s picks and analysis, with predictions for every Week 2 game, is available on the NFL’s website.