Week one of the 2017 NFL season is in the books, as are some very unexpected results. Few would have predicted that last year’s Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots, would be picked apart by the Kansas City Chiefs in their first game of the season. And anyone who correctly called Houston’s 29-7 blowout loss to Jacksonville is likely buying a lottery ticket right now.
While there is always an element of unpredictability in the NFL, a careful analysis of team rosters, game history, and expert analysis will, more often than not, give you an idea of what to expect from the coming week.
If you’re betting with friends, are in a pick’em league, or are just curious, the prediction experts at Bing have run the numbers and have determined the likely outcomes for each of the 16 games planned for Thursday through Monday.
While there are a number of exciting matchups to consider for the week’s predictions, quarterback matchups will make Week 2 of the NFL season interesting to watch.
Three in particular stand out.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith opened strong. This week, the Chiefs face Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles. Then, in New Orleans, Saints quarterback Drew Brees will look to have a better day than Patriots quarterback Tom Brady who had an opening he’d like to forget. All eyes could be on Atlanta in the battle between Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and the Falcons’ Matt Ryan. Both had strong performances in their opening wins.
Bing’s NFL predictions use team and player statistics and web activity to build a statistical model that takes into account historical data and real-time information (like injuries, suspensions, and lineup changes). Finally, social sentiment adds a unique wisdom-of-the-crowd factor to the model. Learn more about Bing Predicts.
Click here to see Bing predictions for NFL week 2 games.
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Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals
> Bing Predicts winner: Cincinnati (66%)
> Kickoff time:8:25 PM (Thursday)
> Game spread: Cincinnati -3
> Matchup history: Texans lead 7-4-0
While the Bengals don’t have much to brag about, they should still be able to hand the Texans their second straight loss. The battle is between two of the weaker looking NFL teams, although it’s too early to completely write off either team. Cincinnati gets an edge for being at home, but quarterback Andy Dalton has to play better. He threw four interceptions in the 20-0 loss to the Rams; he also lost a fumble. The Texans benched quarterback Tom Savage after one-half in favor of Deshaun Watson. Coach Bill O’Brien said the starting quarterback could be a gametime decision. The Texans’ defensive line could be somewhat fired up about their zero sack performance Week 1. You don’t want to poke a bear named J.J. Watt. Same with his buddy, linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. Still, look for the Bengals to regroup and pull out a win, as the odds are slightly in their favor.
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Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers
> Bing Predicts winner: Carolina (74%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Carolina -4.5
> Matchup history: Bills lead 5-1-0
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton shook off most of his rust in a win over San Francisco, so he should be ready for the Bills. Carolina rookie running back Christian McCaffrey is a dual threat, picking up 47 yards rushing and 38 receiving yards in his NFL debut. He will just get better. Look for a low scoring game due to strong defenses from both teams: the Bills defense ranked second (allowing 214 yards) and the Panthers third (allowing 217 yards) in Week 1. Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor passed for 224 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the win over the lowly Jets. Sunday should be the Panthers’ day.
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Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts
> Bing Predicts winner: Arizona (79%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Arizona -7.5
> Matchup history: Series tied 8-8-0
Well, at least the Cardinals have a quarterback. That’s got to be the major difference in this tilt. The bad news is that Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer had a bad day in Detroit on Sunday, tossing three interceptions. The Cardinals defense allowed a whopping 367 yards as the Lions were a perfect 3-of-3 in the red zone. The Colts, meanwhile, are playing without without quarterback Andrew Luck who is coming off shoulder surgery. Colts’ backup quarterback Scott Tolzien threw a pair of interceptions. It’s not all on him. He didn’t have much time — he was sacked four times. Rookie running back Marlon Mack rushed for 24 yards. The Colts numbers just don’t add up. The Cardinals have a big edge.
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Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars
> Bing Predicts winner: Tennessee (52%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Tennessee -1.5
> Matchup history: Titans lead 25-20-0
The Titans have the edge in this one, despite their 26-16 opening loss to Oakland. Quarterback Marcus Mariota passed for 256 yards with zero touchdowns and no interceptions. He ran in the Titans’ only touchdown from 10 yards out. They should pick up this road win but it won’t be easy. The Jaguars had the NFL’s toughest defense in Week 1, allowing only 203 yards to Houston. They also sacked Houston’s quarterback 10 times — Calais Campbell had four of them. Considering the team’s losing record last season, this could be a team that is finally making a right turn out of Loserville. Their big 29-7 win in Week 1 over Houston was in part due to 100 rushing yards from rookie running back Leonard Fournette and the steady play of quarterback Blake Bortles. This week, however, Jacksonville may be distracted by Hurricane Irma.
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Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs
> Bing Predicts winner: Kansas City (60%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Kansas City -4
> Matchup history: Eagles lead 4-3-0
In Kansas City, the tailgate barbecues rival any NFL city. This year, the Chiefs also seem to have fielded a team that can compete anywhere. That’s why they’re the favorites over the Eagles, who opened with a win over the Redskins. No team was more impressive in the opening week than the Chiefs, as they topped the defending Super Bowl champions in New England 42-27. And there was no denying that Alex Smith was the better quarterback on the field that night. (Sorry, Tom Brady fans.) Smith passed for 368 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. Rookie running back Kareem Hunt gained 246 yards and scored three touchdowns in an impressive debut. The Eagles, meanwhile, managed just 58 rushing yards, while quarterback Carson Wentz passed for two touchdowns and was intercepted once. The Chiefs are so tough to beat at home. It’s not just the fans; it’s the maturation of a talented team.
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New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints
> Bing Predicts winner: New England (69%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: New England -4
> Matchup history: Patriots lead 9-4-0
OK, the Patriots looked human in their opening loss to the Chiefs. Don’t expect it to last. In fact, this wouldn’t be a good week for any team opposing the Patriots. They’ve got to be stung, even if they don’t say it out loud. Quarterback Tom Brady had the lowest passing percentage (44.4) of any quarterback who played in the first week. The defense allowed a whopping 537 yards. Look for Bill Belichick to coach his team out of this malaise, starting in New Orleans. The Saints lost on the road to the Vikings 29-19. Drew Brees was Drew Brees with 291 passing yards and a touchdown. The defense was slightly better than the Patriots, allowing 470 yards. The Saints will be at home, but it won’t matter. They’re up against a talented Patriots team with a chip on its collective shoulder.
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Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers
> Bing Predicts winner: Pittsburgh (67%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Pittsburgh -4.5
> Matchup history: Vikings lead 9-8-0
Pittsburgh will likely boost its record to 2-0 with a win over a solid Minnesota Vikings team that beat the Saints 29-19 in Week 1. Two reasons the Steelers will win: Ben Roethlisberger (263 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception) and wide receiver Antonio Brown, who had 182 receiving yards in Week 1. It’s not just the offense. The Steelers have a better defense that allowed only 237 yards against Cleveland. The Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford had one of his best Sundays in the NFL. The Vikings are not a team to be dismissed, except for when they face the Steelers on Sunday.
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Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
> Bing Predicts winner: Baltimore (79%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Baltimore -9.5
> Matchup history: Ravens lead 27-9-0
The Ravens may be struggling with some issues, but they should have no trouble putting away the Browns. Cleveland actually put up a surprisingly good fight in the 21-18 loss to Pittsburgh last week, but the team will probably still be looking for its first win when this week is over. The Ravens’ defense was the NFL’s fourth stingiest in week 1, giving up just 221 yards in their 20-0 shellacking of the Bengals. They will be another big test for Browns rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer, who completed 66.7% of his passes in Week 1. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was his usual self — not spectacular (121 yards passing, one touchdown, one interception) but good enough to get the job done. Ravens running back Terrance West provided 80 of the 157 rushing yards. You’ve got to like the experience of the Ravens and the home field advantage.
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Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
> Bing Predicts winner: Tampa Bay (70%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Tampa Bay -5.5
> Matchup history: Bears lead 38-19-0
If the Bucs can survive Hurricane Irma, dealing with the Bears should not be a problem, which is why Tampa Bay is favored. It’s the opener for the Bucs after their game at Miami was postponed thanks to Irma. Quarterback Jameis Winston, wide receivers Desean Jackson and Mike Evans, along with tight end O.J. Howard and running back Jacquizz Rodgers present too much firepower for Chicago. The Bears’ defense is ranked 25th in the NFL after allowing 372 yards in the Week 1 loss to the Falcons. Chicago quarterback Mike Glennon was sacked four times in that loss thanks to a shaky offensive line. In more bad news for the Bears, wide receiver Kevin White was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Expect it to be all Bucs this Sunday.
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New York Jets at Oakland Raiders
> Bing Predicts winner: Oakland (83%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Oakland -10
> Matchup history: Raiders lead 24-19-2
It is beginning to look like it might be a good season for the Raiders. On the flip side, some are wondering if the Jets will even win one game. Well, it likely won’t be on Sunday, when the Raiders are heavily favored. Running back Marshawn Lynch is key to the Raiders offense, which is led by quarterback Derek Carr. Carr had a good Week 1 with 262 passing yards (62 of them to wide receiver Amari Cooper), two touchdowns, and no interceptions. The Jets’ defense gave up 408 yards to the Bills, ranking them 28th defensively. Jets quarterback Josh McCown threw a pair of interceptions and zero touchdowns. It’s not a pretty picture for the Jets. It could be even worse after the Raiders are done with them.
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Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers
> Bing Predicts winner: Los Angeles (66%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread:Los Angeles -2.5
> Matchup history: Dolphins lead 17-15-0
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who threw three touchdown passes in the loss at Denver, took some heat. On Sunday, he should make the Dolphins miserable. It’s the opener for Miami, which was forced to postpone thanks to Hurricane Irma. The Chargers won’t blow away the Dolphins, but they should prove they are the better team. Miami brought in Jay Cutler after quarterback Ryan Tannehill went down in practice Thursday (and may need season ending knee surgery.) Does Cutler have anything left? Give Rivers the edge here. The Chargers, who moved from San Diego, should get their first home win in their new city.
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Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos
> Bing Predicts winner: Dallas (61%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Dallas -1.5
> Matchup history: Broncos lead 7-5-0
It’s too early for Cowboys fans to contemplate a trip to the Super Bowl after just one win. Yet, they are the favorite on the road against the Broncos, who held off a late Chargers’ run to eke out the late Monday night win. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott wasn’t spectacular but was as good as he needed to be in the opening win over the Giants. Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott, who could still be suspended at some point this season, is expected to play. Elliott had 24 carries for 104 yards in the opener. Dallas’ defense was also effective against Eli Manning and the Giants, and should give Denver quarterback Trevor Siemian fits too.
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Washington Redskins at Los Angeles Rams
> Bing Predicts winner: Los Angeles (52%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Washington -1.5
> Matchup history: Redskins lead 25-13-1
The Rams offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, should have no problem with the Redskins defense, which gave up 365 yards to the Eagles in their Week 1 loss. Goff owned the third best quarterback rating in Week 1, passing for 306 yards. Meanwhile, Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins threw a red zone interception and could not get on track against the Eagles. It will be tougher against the Rams’ fifth-ranked defense, which gave up just 225 yards to Indianapolis.
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San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
> Bing Predicts winner: Seattle (84%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Seattle -13
> Matchup history: Seahawks lead 22-15-0
Seattle’s 12th man makes it one of the toughest places to play in the NFL with deafening crowd noise. So even though the Seahawks lost last week, quarterback Russell Wilson and company should have a smoother go of it this week. The Seahawks’ offensive line needs to shake off a bad start to give Wilson more time and the run game more room. Is it possible? We’ll see. Meanwhile 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer is getting his feet wet with his new team and coach. Both teams are looking for their first win. Neither team was able to muster a touchdown on Sunday, but the home cooking should be a big deal for the Seahawks.
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Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons
> Bing Predicts winner: Atlanta (63%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Atlanta -1
> Matchup history: Packers lead 7-15-0
Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan gets the nod going against the Packers’ defense. Ryan is off to a hot start after a Week 1 win over the Bears, when he threw for 321 yards. Keep an eye on Ryan’s connection with tight end Austin Hooper, who had just two receptions but one was a touchdown and they added up to 128 yards. Green Bay’s defense was steady in the win over the Seahawks, holding Russell Wilson to 158 passing yards. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offense were able to keep the ball moving and the clock rolling, dominating the time of possession. It should be close, but the Falcons should be rocking the opening of their state-of-the-art stadium with a big win.
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Detroit Lions at New York Giants
> Bing Predicts winner: New York (57%)
> Kickoff time: 8:30 EDT (Monday)
> Game spread: New York -5
> Matchup history: Lions lead 22-21-1
Even though the Giants didn’t score a touchdown in their opening loss to the Cowboys, they’re favored over the Lions, who came back to beat the Cardinals on Sunday. Detroit’s Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes, but it was the defense that kept the Lions in the game, with the secondary intercepting three Carson Palmer passes. For the Giants, their offensive line was the weak spot. With no Odell Beckham Jr., quarterback Eli Manning could not get the offense going. Beckham’s return could be the spark the Giants need, but he remains day to day. It’s tough to win on the road in the NFL, and that should be the difference in this Monday night showdown.
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