The dress-rehearsal vibes are starting to simmer. Coaches are juggling reps, rookies are making cases, and Vegas has planted its flags. Here’s how I see every matchup shaking out this week — with our Hot Game of the Week front and center — using the latest FOX Sports odds and key nuggets from this week’s headlines and player news.
HOT GAME OF THE WEEK — Bills at Bears (Sun 8:00 PM on FOX)
Caleb Williams is slated to play in Preseason Week 2, and there’s already buzz in Chicago about the burgeoning Williams–Johnson connection (yes, that one the odds folks say could define their ceiling). Buffalo counters with a rookie headliner of its own in WR Keon Coleman, who’s “having a really good camp,” per Josh Allen. In a prime-time building, with Chicago looking to put some polish on the new offense, I lean Bears to control the script early and protect Soldier Field.
Pick: Bears -2.5, Bears 20–16
Titans at Falcons — Fri 7:00 PM (NFLN)
Rookie QB Cameron Ward and a chunk of Titans starters are slated to get work, while Atlanta’s camp headlines have circled Michael Penix Jr.’s fire — and a little practice scuffle spice. Tennessee’s early-QB plan plus depth points to a clean, efficient preseason road win.
Pick: Titans -3.0, Titans 20–13
Chiefs at Seahawks — Fri 10:00 PM (NFLN)
Seattle’s favored by more than a field goal at home and Kansas City’s summer plan remains measured, even with Rashee Rice tracking to be available into the regular season. Expect a loud Lumen Field and a deeper look at Seattle’s two-deep.
Pick: Seahawks -4.5, Seahawks 23–17
Browns at Eagles — Sat 1:00 PM (NFLN)
If Dillon Gabriel’s hamstring cooperates, he’s set to start for Cleveland; the Browns’ backfield rotation has been humming (Dylan Sampson first through this week), while legal clouds cleared for Quinshon Judkins. Philly’s WR1 A.J. Brown (hamstring) has been managed, but the Eagles’ frontline depth at home is still the edge.
Pick: Eagles -4.0, Eagles 21–13
Patriots at Vikings — Sat 1:00 PM
Sam Howell gets the start for Minnesota while J.J. McCarthy sits. In a controlled, QB-centric script, the Vikes’ rhythm passing game and home dome bump carry the day.
Pick: Vikings -1.5, Vikings 19–16
Packers at Colts — Sat 1:00 PM
With Jordan Love (thumb) out, Malik Willis is positioned to start for Green Bay, and multiple young GB pass-catchers have been limited of late. Indy’s a big preseason favorite for a reason — cleaner QB depth and home edges.
Pick: Colts -6.0, Colts 24–13
Dolphins at Lions — Sat 1:00 PM
Mike McDaniel doesn’t plan to play Tua or most starters; Tyreek Hill (oblique) has been managed while Jaylen Waddle’s had good work in joint drills. Detroit likely sees more live reps from rotational pieces (though Sam LaPorta will “miss a little bit of time”). Home dog bite.
Pick: Lions +1.5 (DET ML), Lions 17–16
Panthers at Texans — Sat 1:00 PM
Reports out of joint work rave about Christian Kirk, who has nailed down WR2 behind Nico Collins. Houston’s offensive structure and tempo should shine against Carolina’s depth.
Pick: Texans -1.5, Texans 20–14
49ers at Raiders — Sat 4:00 PM (NFLN)
Kyle Shanahan expects Brock Purdy and “some” starters to suit up. Even with Vegas laying more than a field goal, those early SF reps can tilt the first half. Raiders steady it late, but the number looms.
Pick: 49ers +4.5, Raiders 23–20
Ravens at Cowboys — Sat 7:00 PM
Joe Milton III will start for Dallas, while the Cowboys rest several vets (RB Jaydon Blue still not back in practice). Baltimore’s preseason DNA plus slightly better QB depth is the difference.
Pick: Ravens -1.5, Ravens 21–17
Buccaneers at Steelers — Sat 7:00 PM
Mike Evans won’t go; reports around Baker Mayfield’s usage have been mixed this week. Pittsburgh expects to shelve some key vets as well. Slight lean to Tampa’s defensive front setting tone.
Pick: Buccaneers -2.5, Buccaneers 16–13
Jets at Giants — Sat 7:00 PM (NFLN)
MetLife bragging rights week often turns on second-half QBs and special teams. The Giants’ favorite tag tracks with a steadier two-deep and a familiar environment.
Pick: Giants -3.5, Giants 19–12
Chargers at Rams — Sat 7:00 PM
Justin Herbert will start for the Chargers; across the hall, Matthew Stafford plans another workout day rather than suiting up. That’s a clear signal; Los Angeles (the powder-blue one) rolls.
Pick: Chargers -6.5, Chargers 24–10
Cardinals at Broncos — Sat 9:30 PM (NFLN)
Sean Payton says Bo Nix and most starters won’t play. Denver’s defensive depth and altitude still tend to travel in August, but expect a grinder.
Pick: Broncos -3.0, Broncos 17–13
Jaguars at Saints — Sun 1:00 PM (NFLN)
Travis Hunter sat out a practice as a precaution (upper-body), which likely caps his run if he dresses. Jacksonville’s QB room and skill depth should stack steady drives indoors.
Pick: Jaguars -3.0, Jaguars 23–16
Bengals at Commanders — Mon 8:00 PM (ESPN)
Cincy is sorting safety options with Geno Stone banged up, but it’s hard to ignore their offensive depth in a preseason setting. Washington OC Kliff Kingsbury wants more of his top targets on the field — we’ll see how much that translates Monday.
Pick: Bengals -4.5, Bengals 21–14
WEEK 2 SCHEDULE, ODDS, LOCATION, STATUS
| Matchup | Status (Time/TV) | Location | Odds (FOX Sports) |
| TEN @ ATL | Fri 7:00 PM NFLN | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | TEN -3.0 |
| KC @ SEA | Fri 10:00 PM NFLN | Lumen Field, Seattle, WA | SEA -4.5 |
| CLE @ PHI | Sat 1:00 PM NFLN | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA | PHI -4.0 |
| NE @ MIN | Sat 1:00 PM | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | MIN -1.5 |
| GB @ IND | Sat 1:00 PM | Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | IND -6.0 |
| MIA @ DET | Sat 1:00 PM | Ford Field, Detroit, MI | MIA -1.5 |
| CAR @ HOU | Sat 1:00 PM | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX | HOU -1.5 |
| SF @ LV | Sat 4:00 PM NFLN | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | LV -4.5 |
| BAL @ DAL | Sat 7:00 PM | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | BAL -1.5 |
| TB @ PIT | Sat 7:00 PM | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA | TB -2.5 |
| NYJ @ NYG | Sat 7:00 PM NFLN | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ | NYG -3.5 |
| LAC @ LAR | Sat 7:00 PM | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | LAC -6.5 |
| ARI @ DEN | Sat 9:30 PM NFLN | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | DEN -3.0 |
| JAX @ NO | Sun 1:00 PM NFLN | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA | JAX -3.0 |
| BUF @ CHI | Sun 8:00 PM FOX | Soldier Field, Chicago, IL | CHI -2.5 |
| CIN @ WAS | Mon 8:00 PM ESPN | Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD | CIN -4.5 |
Note: Preseason rotations and starter usage can shift quickly. Always re-check inactives and last-minute coach notes before locking bets.
