NFL Players to Have Big Games in Week 2
The second week of the NFL season is where we see if players can step up after a poor first week or maintain a high level after the season opener. This week, several star players are poised to break out based on favorable matchups. Bettors should keep these players in mind as they do their sports betting on NFL Week 2 and as they set their fantasy football lineups as well.
Tyler Lockett
Tyler Lockett only had four catches in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, but they were a very impactful four catches. The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver had 100 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s season-opening victory. Against a Titans team that struggled to defend the Cardinals in any capacity last week, Lockett could be in for another big week for the Seahawks.
Seattle is a popular team this week among those making NFL picks, as the Titans’ defensive issues appeared to be a real concern last week. Their ability to defend the deep pass was especially concerning, as DeAndre Hopkins was able to find far too much room against the Titans’ secondary. Lockett is similarly gifted at finding openings in opposing secondaries and should be able to exploit a weak Titans pass defense.
Aaron Rodgers
The first week of the 2021 NFL season was a nightmare for Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. They were beaten 38-3 by the New Orleans Saints, with Rodgers looking nothing like his normal self in one of the worst losses of his career. This week is a classic get right spot for Rodgers and the Packers, as they take on a Detroit Lions team where the NFL betting odds have the Packers as a double-digit favorite.
In Week 1, the Lions were torched by Jimmy Garoppolo and the passing attack of the San Francisco 49ers. Garoppolo averaged over 12 yards per pass attempt in that game, with the Lions having no answers for him or his weapons in the passing game. Expect a similar performance from Aaron Rodgers, as the Packers should come out with a chip on their shoulder at home against the lowly Lions.
Kareem Hunt
According to this week’s football odds, the Cleveland Browns are one of the biggest favorites on the board in Week 2 as they play the Houston Texans. Because of that, things could get out of hand in a hurry. And if things do get out of hand, we may see more of Kareem Hunt and less of Nick Chubb down the stretch for a Cleveland team that can hurt opponents with multiple running backs.
Per Sportsbook, the Browns are a 12.5-point favorite against the Texans in their Week 2 matchup. While the Browns should be aggressive offensively to start this game, they should also have plenty of offensive possessions where their sole goal will be to run the football. That will work in the favor of all running backs, with Hunt being a decent buy-low option to succeed in a reserve role.
Ben Roethlisberger
The Pittsburgh Steelers won in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, but Ben Roethlisberger was far from impressive en route to that win. Pittsburgh’s signal-caller threw for under 200 yards, as the defense and special teams were the units that really shined for the victorious Steelers. This week, expect Roethlisberger to bounce back with a solid performance.
His opponent in Week 2, the Las Vegas Raiders, will be coming off of a short week and will be traveling across the country for this game. That, combined with their inconsistent defending against Lamar Jackson in the passing game, bodes well for Big Ben.