2021 NFL Preseason Week 2 Preview, Odds and Picks
It appears that every team in the NFL got through the first week of the preseason without any devastating injuries. Will that last through Week 2? Here’s a look at a few interesting games and their NFL odds. Starters should play the most they will all preseason (for some teams anyway).
Be sure to check out the latest 2021 NFL odds and lines at our online Bitcoin sportsbook before placing your bets this season!
Top 2021 NFL Week 2 Preseason Games to Bet On
"The energy is pretty much set as soon as you walk out here."
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 16, 2021
Patriots kick off joint practices with a spirited Monday session: https://t.co/F4oxdi7m6T
New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
- When: Thursday, August 19th, 7:30pm ET
- Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 2021 NFL Preseason Odds: New England Patriots -2.5
- Betting Preview: Click Here
Only game of Thursday and shown on the NFL Network. The Patriots won their preseason opener 22-13 over Washington with rookie first-round QB Mac Jones looking very good – although Cam Newton remains the Week 1 starter barring injury. Jones was 13-for-19 for 87 yards. Newton, meanwhile, completed four of his seven passes for 47 yards in limited work. Presumably, he will start again here but Jones again will get most of the work.
The Pats are without their two top tight ends in Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith as both are injured. Henry missed the first preseason game and Smith was injured in practice. Neither injury is considered serious. Philadelphia lost to Pittsburgh 24-16 in the first game, which was the head coaching debut of the Eagles’ Nick Sirianni. Philly starting QB Jalen Hurts played two series and was a modest 3 of 7 for 54 yards. Joe Flacco, signed to play behind Hurts, was 10 of 17 for 178 yards and the touchdown.
2021 NFL Preseason Week 2 Pick: EaglesCincinnati Bengals at Washington Football Team
- When: Friday, August 20th, 8pm ET
- Where: FedExField, Greater Landover, Maryland
- 2021 NFL Preseason Odds: Washington Football Team -3.5
- Betting Preview: Click Here
One of two games on Friday and shown by the NFL Network. Will Bengals starting QB Joe Burrow play after having not faced real competition since tearing up his knee in Week 10 of the 2020 regular season? Burrow wants to see some action but Coach Zac Taylor didn’t let him go in Cincinnati’s 19-14 win at Tampa Bay to kick off this preseason. My guess is that Burrow doesn’t play here, either.
The Bengals got extended looks at Brandon Allen and Kyle Shurmur at quarterback bs. The Bucs. Washington opened with a 22-13 loss at New England. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick had a short night in his debut for Washington, playing just two series before Coach Ron Rivera went to Taylor Heinicke. He was 9 of 15 for 86 yards.
2021 NFL Preseason Week 2 Pick: Washington
New York Jets at Green Bay Packers
- When: Saturday, August 21st, 4:25pm ET
- Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- 2021 NFL Preseason Odds: Green Bay Packers -3.5
- Betting Preview: Click Here
Several games on Saturday and this is one is on the NFL Network. Bit of a surprise the Packers are that favored because they are expected to be without their top two quarterbacks in reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers and backup Jordan Love. Rodgers at this stage of his career simply doesn’t need to play in exhibition games, while Love injured his right shoulder in Green Bay’s 26-7 preseason opening loss to Houston.
Love said he felt a strain around his right arm and shoulder after a sack-fumble late in the second quarter. An MRI was negative, but no reason to risk it. Love led one scoring drive but managed only one first down in his other six series. In all, he went 12-of-17 for 122 yards, one touchdown and one lost fumble for a 110.4 rating.
The only other QB on the roster is Kurt Benkert. The Jets opened with a 12-7 win over the Giants as rookie QB and No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson was 6-for-9 for 63 yards. Robert Saleh, making his head coaching debut for the Jets, pulled Wilson and the projected offensive starters after the second series stalled early in the second quarter.
2021 NFL Preseason Week 2 Pick: Jets
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers
- When: Sunday, August 22nd, 7:30pm ET
- Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- 2021 NFL Preseason Odds: San Francisco 49ers -2.5
The NFL Network also has this telecast. The Chargers are sitting most of their starters the entire preseason, including young star QB Justin Herbert, so that’s why they are home underdogs. LA did win Week 1, 13-6 over the Rams – who also are resting most of their key guys in these meaningless games. Chase Daniel went 15 of 24 for 104 yards in the first half for the Chargers and should start here again.
The Niners were 19-16 losers to Kansas City in the opener but rookie QB and third overall pick Trey Lance flashed his talent with an 80-yard TD pass. That a longer TD throw than starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo has ever completed in a game.
2021 NFL Preseason Week 2 Pick: 49ers
