2021 NFL Preseason Week 2 Picks

New England Patriots (-1 1/2, 38 1/2) at Philadelphia Eagles, 7:30 pm - Fresh off a 22-13 win over Washington, the Patriots get another Thursday night game at Philly, 24-16 losers to Pittsburgh, last week, in their preseason opener.

The Pats managed to get production from starter Cam Newton and probable backup, Mac Jones, the rookie out of Alabama, who was an impressive 13-for-19 for 87 yards. New England also got 127 yards and two TDs from Oklahoma rookie RB Rhamondre Stevenson, a 227-pound bruiser who will be a nice fit in the offensive scheme.

Jalen Hurts was just 3 of 7 for the Eagles in their loss, the bulk of snaps being taken by Joe Flacco, who was on target on 10 of 17 throws, one for a score. Philadelphia squandered a 13-0 lead by not moving the ball effectively. They ran just 40 plays from scrimmage, while the Steelers had 79 for 28 first downs.

Coin Flip: Philadelphia

Prediction: Patriots 24 Eagles 17

Friday, August 20

Kansas City Chiefs (-2 1/2, 41) at Arizona Cardinals, 8:00 pm - KC starter, Patrick Mahomes saw action in week one and is likely to take more snaps here. Kyler Murray sat out the Cardinals' first preseason game, but is expected to see limited action here. The teams are coming off identical 19-16 wins, the Chiefs over the 49ers and Arizona topping the Cowboys.

These are two serious contenders loaded with talented players, so expect a close contest. Arizona gets a slight nod.

Coin Flip: Kansas City

Prediction: Cardinals 23 Chiefs 20

Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Football Team (-4 1/2, 34 1/2), 8:00 pm - The Bengals may have surprised even themselves with a 19-14 win over Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay in a game marred by turnovers, seven total. Kyle Schurmur and Brandon Allen had productive stints at quarterback, though each tossed a pick. Projected starter Joe Burrow did not play and has been ruled out of this contest by head coach Zak Taylor.

Steven Montez took most of the snaps in last week's 22-13 loss at New England, but Taylor Heinicke, likely backup and potential starter, will see more action here. Washington did manage to win their division last season, albeit with a 7-9 record, and look to notch a victory at home.

Coin Flip: Cincinnati

Prediction: Football Team 24 Bengals 13

Saturday, August 21

Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears (-5, 38 1/2), 1:00 pm - Coming off a 13-3 season and a trip to the conference championship in 2020, the Bills looked every bit the playoff contender in their 16-15 win at Detroit last week, holding theLions to just three points the first three quarters, stopping a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter, winning the game on a late 44-yard field goal by Tyler Bass. Starting QB Josh Allen did not play in the Bills' opener, and may see limited action here.

The Bears overcame a 13-3 halftime deficit and shut out Miami in the second half of their 20-13 victory last week. Ohio State rookie Justin Fields rallied Chicago with two third quarter touchdown drives.

Coin Flip: Buffalo

Prediction: Bills 20 Bears 17

New York Jets (-2 1/2, 34) at Green Bay Packers, 4:25 pm - The Jets are favored at Green Bay because Packers' QB, Aaron Rodgers, isn't playing and may not take any preseason snaps. Green Bay was hammered by Houston last week 26-7, but the team isn't putting any emphasis on winning prior to the regular season.

Holding crosstown rival NY Giants to just 163 yards offense and one fourth quarter TD in their 12-7 win, the Jets' defense should be able to contain the Packers without their star QB and probably their best receivers and runners. BYU rookie, Zach Wilson, chosen second overall in the draft, is expected to be the regular season starter. He went 6 of 9 for 63 yards against the Giants.

Coin Flip: Green Bay

Prediction: Jets 20 Packers 14

Baltimore Ravens (-3 1/2, 35) at Carolina Panthers, 7:00 pm - Carolina dropped a 21-18 decision at Indianapolis last week as likely starting QB Sam Darnold and RB Christian McCaffrey sat out. Rookie Chubba Hubbard from Oklahoma State impressed with 80 yards on 7 carries, including a 59-yard scamper.

Baltimore scored on a 7-yard TD run by Tyler Huntley with 6:35 left in the 4th quarter for a 17-14 win over the Saints. It was Baltimore's 18th straight preseason win. Players tend to get jazzed over streaks like this, so expect the Ravens to rock and roll over the Panthers. Lamar Jackson? Possibly.

Coin Flip: Carolina

Prediction: Ravens 24 Panthers 16

Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins (-5, 37), 7:00 pm - Miami comes off a disappointing 20-13 loss at Chicago last week, but are home to host Atlanta, a 23-3 loser at home to the Titans last week.

These two appear to be going in opposite directions and the Dolphins are admittedly the better team. Atlanta won just four games in 2020 and aren't expected to be any better than .500 this season. The Dolphins went 10-6 but didn't make the playoffs due to the depth in the AFC.

Coin Flip: Atlanta

Prediction: Dolphins 31 Falcons 10

Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers (-5 1/2, 37 1/2), 7:30 pm - On the surface, this is a mismatch. The Steelers were 12-4 last season, winning the AFC North as division rivals Baltimore and Cleveland also went to the playoffs. The Lions were the worst of the NFC North, checking in at 5-11. They'll be looking for some production from Jared Goff, who comes in from the Rams in a swap for Matthew Stafford.

Pittsburgh won the Hall of Fame game and put a 24-16 lick on Philly last week, so they look ready for prime time. Detroit had a decent effort, losing by a point, 16-15, to the Bills, but this one is on the road, where the Lions don't have much success.

Coin Flip: Pittsburgh

Prediction: Steelers 30 Lions 12

Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1, 35), 7:30 pm - Potential Super Bowl preview (well, maybe), between two of the best teams in the league might live up to its potential even if starters like Tom Brady or Derrick Henry don't play.

Brady took a few snaps in Tampa's 19-14 loss to the Bengals, and neither Henry nor starting QB Ryan Tannehill were anywhere to be seen on the field. Still, these teams are deep and the subs will get in some good work. Give the Titans a slight edge for the chips that seem to be on many of their shoulders. They're a tough bunch.

Coin Flip: Tampa Bay

Prediction: Titans 17 Buccaneers 13

Click here for late games.

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