NFL Preview Week 2

Welcome to this week’s NFL preview! We’re not diving into specific player picks just yet—that’s coming later in the week. Today, we’ll focus on previewing all the games on the slate, breaking down matchups, and identifying some key insights to help you understand the landscape.

This article is meant to give you a broader look at each game and what to expect, so you can start strategizing your DFS lineups and bets with a clear perspective on the slate’s dynamics.

Now, let’s dive into the game-by-game breakdown for this week’s NFL action:

Raiders @ Ravens (1:00 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Ravens -9.5
• Total: 41.5
• Ravens Implied Points: 25.5
• Raiders Implied Points: 16.0

Baltimore enters this game as heavy favorites against a Raiders team that looks to be struggling offensively. Gardner Minshew will be tasked with leading the Raiders into Baltimore, which is not an easy place to play. The Ravens’ defense remains strong, and their 18th-ranked pressure rate could cause major issues for a Raiders offensive line that has struggled in protection.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense are poised for success here, with Baltimore likely able to control the game from the start. The Ravens’ offense could lean on both the run game and Lamar’s ability to make plays with his legs. Given the Raiders’ low implied total, it’s hard to expect much offensive firepower from Las Vegas, making this a game where Baltimore could dominate on both sides of the ball.

Key Insight: This is a game where Baltimore’s defense and control of the clock will be key. The DFS appeal for the Raiders is low, but the Ravens’ defense and Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability are things to watch.

Chargers @ Panthers (1:00 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Chargers -6.5
• Total: 38.5
• Chargers Implied Points: 22.5
• Panthers Implied Points: 16.0

With rookie QB Bryce Young making his start, the Panthers face a tough matchup against the Chargers. While the Chargers’ defense ranks 28th in pressure rate, Young will still face an uphill battle due to Carolina’s lack of offensive firepower. The Panthers’ implied total of 16 points doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Justin Herbert leads the Chargers’ offense, but with key weapons like Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, and Mike Williams no longer in the picture, the ceiling for this offense is somewhat limited. Expect the Chargers to play a more controlled, run-heavy game to secure the win.

Key Insight: This is likely to be a low-scoring, slow-paced game with limited DFS upside. The Chargers’ defense is a safer play, while Bryce Young’s debut will be more of a test than a breakout.

Saints @ Cowboys (1:00 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Cowboys -6.5
• Total: 45.5
• Cowboys Implied Points: 26.0
• Saints Implied Points: 19.5

This matchup has more shootout potential. The Cowboys are favored at home, and their 26-point implied total suggests they’ll control the tempo. Derek Carr will lead the Saints against a Cowboys defense that ranked 1st in pressure rate last season, meaning he’ll have to stay sharp and avoid turnovers if the Saints hope to stay competitive.

On the other side, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys have a favorable matchup against a Saints defense that was middle of the pack last season. Dallas can attack both through the air and on the ground, making them a strong candidate to dominate the game script.

Key Insight: The Cowboys’ offense has explosive potential, especially at home. While the Saints may struggle to keep up, they could end up playing catch-up, which opens up some DFS value on both sides.

Buccaneers @ Lions (1:00 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Lions -7
• Total: 50.5
• Lions Implied Points: 29.5
• Buccaneers Implied Points: 22.5

This game has one of the highest totals on the slate, and both teams bring offensive firepower to the table. The Lions, with Jared Goff under center, are projected for 29.5 points—one of the highest implied totals this week. Against a Buccaneers secondary that struggled mightily last season, Detroit’s passing game could thrive.

Baker Mayfield and the Bucs will look to keep pace. Tampa Bay will rely on playmakers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in what should be a high-scoring game. Both teams should see plenty of passing volume, making this game a great candidate for DFS stacks.

Key Insight: This is one of the most stackable games on the slate. Goff and the Lions’ passing game, along with Tampa Bay’s pass-heavy approach, set the stage for a high-scoring affair.

Colts @ Packers (1:00 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Colts -3.5
• Total: 40.5
• Colts Implied Points: 21.75
• Packers Implied Points: 18.75

Anthony Richardson and the Colts face Malik Willis and the Packers in a low-scoring matchup. Richardson’s dual-threat ability gives him a high floor, especially against a Packers defense that can be beaten on the ground. On the other hand, Willis will be making his first start for Green Bay, and the Colts’ defense (ranking 5th in pressure rate) is no easy task to overcome.

Expect both teams to rely heavily on the run, with fewer big plays in the passing game. This game could be a defensive grind, limiting DFS appeal.

Key Insight: Richardson’s rushing upside gives him value, but the overall game environment isn’t ideal for DFS stacking.

49ers @ Vikings (1:00 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: 49ers -5.5
• Total: 45.5
• 49ers Implied Points: 25.75
• Vikings Implied Points: 19.75

The 49ers, led by Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey, are clear favorites in this matchup. San Francisco’s offense is one of the most balanced in the league, and Minnesota’s defense ranked 24th in total DVOA last season, making this a favorable spot for the 49ers to put up points.

Sam Darnold leads the Vikings in what will likely be a tough game for Minnesota’s offense. The 49ers’ defense is one of the best in the league, and without a reliable running game, Darnold will likely struggle to keep up.

Key Insight: The 49ers are the team to back here, with McCaffrey and Purdy offering DFS value. Minnesota’s offense faces an uphill battle, making them a fade in this spot.

Seahawks @ Patriots (1:00 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Seahawks -3.5
• Total: 38.5
• Seahawks Implied Points: 21.0
• Patriots Implied Points: 17.25

This game is shaping up to be a defensive battle, as indicated by the low total of 38.5 points. Geno Smith leads the Seahawks into New England, facing a Patriots defense that excelled in getting pressure last year (4th in pressure rate). While the Seahawks have weapons in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, the Patriots’ defense is known for shutting down opposing passing games. The real challenge will be whether Smith can avoid mistakes and capitalize on any offensive opportunities.

For the Patriots, Jacoby Brissett takes over at quarterback, but New England’s offense lacks explosive firepower, especially against a Seahawks defense that ranked 3rd in DVOA against the pass last season. Expect a slow-paced, low-scoring game, with New England leaning on their running game as their best chance to move the ball.

Key Insight: This game doesn’t scream DFS upside. The Seahawks’ defense is a solid play, while the Patriots’ offense is not one to target. Expect a grind-it-out kind of game with little DFS appeal.

Jets @ Titans (1:00 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Jets -4.5
• Total: 41.5
• Jets Implied Points: 22.5
• Titans Implied Points: 19.0

The Jets come into this game as road favorites, and Aaron Rodgers will lead New York’s offense against a Titans defense that is strong against the pass but struggles against wide receivers. The Jets will look to exploit this, with Garrett Wilson being a key target in the passing game. Rodgers has the ability to move the ball effectively here, especially considering the Titans’ defensive shortcomings in covering WRs.

Tennessee’s offense, led by rookie Will Levis, will rely heavily on Derrick Henry to keep the game close. The Titans need to control the tempo with the run game, as Levis still needs to prove himself at the NFL level. However, with the Jets’ solid run defense, Henry may find it tough to break big plays.

Key Insight: The Jets’ passing game is the main DFS target here, with Rodgers and Wilson forming a strong combo. Derrick Henry always has slate-breaking potential, but this is a tough matchup for him, so proceed with caution.

Giants @ Commanders (1:00 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Commanders -2.5
• Total: 43.5
• Commanders Implied Points: 23.0
• Giants Implied Points: 21.0

This NFC East matchup could go either way. The Commanders have Jayden Daniels at quarterback, whose dual-threat ability provides some upside for Washington’s offense. Facing a Giants defense that was among the league’s worst last season (31st in pass DVOA), Daniels could have success, especially in the passing game. Terry McLaurin will be the key receiving target for Washington, and Brian Robinson Jr. will handle a heavy workload in the run game.

The Giants, led by Daniel Jones, will also look to attack Washington’s defense. Saquon Barkley will be the focal point of New York’s offense, and his ability to contribute in both the run and pass game makes him a solid DFS option. Jones’ rushing upside also adds sneaky appeal in this matchup.

Key Insight: Jayden Daniels’ dual-threat ability and McLaurin make Washington intriguing DFS options. On the Giants’ side, Barkley is always a solid play, but the overall game pace might keep this from being a high-ceiling game.

Rams @ Cardinals (4:05 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Cardinals -1.5
• Total: 49.5
• Cardinals Implied Points: 25.5
• Rams Implied Points: 24.0

This game is one of the more exciting matchups of the afternoon. Kyler Murray is back for the Cardinals, and they’re slight favorites at home in what should be a high-scoring contest. Murray’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs will put pressure on a Rams defense that struggled mightily last year (31st in pass DVOA). James Conner will also be heavily involved, as the Rams rank near the bottom in defending the run as well (30th in rush DVOA).

On the Rams’ side, Matthew Stafford is back, and with Cooper Kupp in the lineup, Los Angeles’ passing game will look to exploit Arizona’s weaker defense. Both teams are capable of putting up points, and this game could easily turn into a shootout, making it a prime target for DFS lineups.

Key Insight: This is one of the best games to stack for DFS. Both offenses have strong upside, with Murray, Conner, Stafford, and Kupp being key plays. Look for a high-scoring affair with plenty of DFS potential.

Steelers @ Broncos (4:25 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Steelers -3
• Total: 36.5
• Steelers Implied Points: 19.75
• Broncos Implied Points: 16.75

This game is projected to be the lowest-scoring matchup on the slate. The Steelers, led by Justin Fields at quarterback, are slight road favorites. While Fields’ rushing upside gives him a decent DFS floor, this game is shaping up to be a defensive struggle. Najee Harris will see plenty of touches, but Denver’s defense is tough against the run, limiting his overall ceiling.

On the Broncos’ side, Bo Nix will be under center, and he faces a difficult challenge against Pittsburgh’s elite defense. The Steelers rank 5th in defensive DVOA and can generate plenty of pressure. Denver will likely lean on their run game, but points will be hard to come by in this matchup.

Key Insight: This game doesn’t offer much DFS upside due to the low-scoring projection. Najee Harris has volume-based appeal, but overall, this is a game to largely fade in DFS contests.

Bengals @ Chiefs (4:25 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Chiefs -5.5
• Total: 48.5
• Chiefs Implied Points: 26.75
• Bengals Implied Points: 20.75

This is one of the marquee matchups of the week, with Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow squaring off. The Chiefs come in as favorites at home, and their 26.75 implied points make them one of the highest-scoring teams on the slate. Mahomes is always a top DFS option, especially against a Bengals defense that ranked 28th in pass DVOA last year.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals will have to keep pace with Mahomes, and they have the weapons to do so in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, the Chiefs’ defense ranked 2nd in DVOA against the pass last season, making this a tough challenge for Burrow. Despite that, Burrow has proven himself in big games, and this could turn into a shootout.

Key Insight: This game is a prime DFS stacking opportunity. Mahomes and Burrow are both top-tier quarterbacks, and their receivers (Chase, Higgins, Rashee Rice) offer explosive potential. Expect a high-scoring game with plenty of DFS appeal.

Bears @ Texans (8:20 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Texans -6.5
• Total: 46.5
• Texans Implied Points: 26.5
• Bears Implied Points: 20.0

The Texans are favorites at home, with CJ Stroud leading a productive Houston offense. Stroud will have plenty of opportunities to exploit a Bears defense that ranked 27th in DVOA last season. Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins are Stroud’s top targets, and they could have a field day against Chicago’s secondary. Houston will also look to establish the run game with Dameon Pierce, who could see plenty of touches in a favorable game script.

On the Bears’ side, Caleb Williams will need to find a way to move the ball against a stout Texans defense. Houston ranked 4th in DVOA against the pass last year, so Williams will likely face plenty of pressure. D.J. Moore is the Bears’ top receiving option, but his ceiling may be capped by Houston’s tough defense.

Key Insight: The Texans’ offense offers plenty of DFS value, with Stroud and his receivers in a prime spot. The Bears’ offense is less appealing, though D.J. Moore could be a contrarian play. The Texans’ defense also has solid upside in this matchup.

Falcons @ Eagles (Monday, 8:15 PM ET)

• Vegas Line: Eagles -6.5
• Total: 47.5
• Eagles Implied Points: 27.0
• Falcons Implied Points: 20.5

The Monday Night Football matchup features the high-powered Eagles offense, led by Jalen Hurts, going up against the Falcons. Hurts is a top-tier DFS play every week, and with Philadelphia’s 27-point implied total, this week is no exception. Hurts has elite upside both through the air and on the ground, and his top weapons—A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith—should find plenty of success against a Falcons defense that ranked 22nd in pass DVOA last season.

On the Falcons’ side, Kirk Cousins will lead Atlanta’s offense. The Falcons will lean heavily on Bijan Robinson, who is a dynamic talent capable of breaking big plays. However, the Eagles’ defense is strong against the run, ranking 10th in rush DVOA last year, so Robinson will have to work hard to find success.

Key Insight: Hurts and the Eagles’ offense are top DFS options in this matchup, especially with a favorable game script. The Falcons’ offense will lean on Robinson, but this game could get out of hand if the Eagles take an early lead, limiting Atlanta’s DFS appeal.

That wraps up the game-by-game preview for this week’s NFL DFS slate. As the week progresses, we’ll dig deeper into specific player picks and strategies. For now, keep these game insights in mind as you start building your DFS lineups. Good luck!