Why you should take Tampa Bay and bet against Deshaun Watson while you can + Week 2 picks

Cleveland Browns quarterback has been one of the worst in the NFL in recent years and shouldn't be a starter much longer.

Published Sep 18, 2026  •  Last updated 53 minutes ago  •  3 minute read

Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by Ventrell Miller of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Getty Images

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BUFFALO -5.5 over Detroit

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Bills fans got some fireworks to open the new stadium and then got to see plenty of offensive fireworks on Thursday night. It might’ve been even worse for Detroit had D.J. Moore not gone off injured, too. Both defences might need to go back to the drawing board, though.

TAMPA BAY -7.5 over Cleveland*

That half-point hook could be brutal for Bucs bettors, but this might be your last chance to bet against Deshaun Watson, who has been one of the worst QBs over the past few years. He’s also probably the easiest QB to root against, too. It couldn’t be more transparent what the Browns are doing: Playing Watson for the first two road games, perhaps hoping he’ll get hurt to help bury his salary, then start Shedeur Sanders at home in Week 3.

NEW ENGLAND -5.5 over Pittsburgh

While Super Bowl losers tend to struggle in Week 1, they historically tend to bounce back in Week 2. The Pats have had extra time to prepare for the Steelers, who didn’t look all that impressive in beating Atlanta at home.

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Minnesota +4.5 over CHICAGO

The Bears defence might be bad enough that even Carson Wentz will do well against them. The Vikings defence, on the other hand, did an excellent job of stifling Caleb Williams and Co. last season.

ATLANTA +2.5 over Carolina

We’re getting another game of Cooper Rush at QB, but should the Falcons be underdogs at home to a division rival?

NEW YORK JETS +3.5 over Green Bay

Are we watching the end of the Matt LaFleur era in Green Bay? The Jets might not be terrible and should be worth backing while getting a bit more than a field goal at home.

BALTIMORE -8.5 over New Orleans

The Saints nearly came back to beat the Lions before a terrible two-point call, but this Ravens defence is a whole different monster. Lamar Jackson looks like he’s in MVP form and should lead his team in a romp.

HOUSTON -2.5 over Cincinnati

We made this pick before Nico Collins’ hamstring injury was reveals and Joe Burrow’s back starting acting up, but we’re sticking with it. The Texans defence should be a bit more cohesive this week after struggling a bit against Buffalo.

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TENNESSEE +7.5 over Philadelphia

We’re not going to lie: Picking this Titans team is pretty tough to swallow, but it’s not like the Eagles are flying high.

DENVER -2.5 over Jacksonville

While the Jags certainly looked like the better team in Week 1, the Broncos’ early season advantage of playing at Mile High can’t be overlooked here.

Las Vegas +6.5 over L.A. CHARGERS

How much dancing will Madison Beer be doing in the suite this week? We have enough concerns about the Chargers offence and defence that we’re wary to lay these points while Raiders fans will flood SoFi.

Seattle -3.5 over ARIZONA

Backing Drew Lock on the road while laying points against a division rival may sound dicey, but we’re thinking the market and public may be overreacting a bit to the Cards’ big Week 1 win over the Chargers. The extra time for the Seahawks to prepare should be a difference-maker.

SAN FRANCISCO -13.5 over Miami

The only worry here is that the Niners will get hit with those jetlag concerns we talked about last week. Otherwise, this game should be a blowout over the lowly Dolphins.

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Washington +3.5 over DALLAS

Basically, here’s what it’s going to come down to with the Cowboys for us: Until this defence proves its not hot garbage, it’s going to be hard to bet on Big D to as favourite – especially against a division rival.

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KANSAS CITY -6.5 over Indianapolis

Despite their big win, there’s still reason to think the Chiefs aren’t fully back to Super Bowl form, but the Colts aren’t exactly a team that’s going to cause them trouble.

New York Giants +7.5 over L.A. RAMS

The Rams should be much more acclimated to this game after the Australia debacle, but the Giants proved to be a tough matchup in Week 1. With Myles Garrett out of action for L.A., there’s little reason to think that the Giants may be able to keep this game within a touchdown.

Last week: 6-10

This season: 6-10

Best bets: 1-0

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