The second week of the 2024 NFL season is approaching, and that means it’s time to make some more picks.

AFC East foes will clash on Thursday Night Football as the Bills head to Miami to see who will improve to 2-0 on the year. The Eagles will host the Falcons on Monday Night Football to cap off the week.

For those of you who are new, ITS will be picking every game against the spread and designating one game as the “Lock of the Week.” We’ll keep track of our record. Every game will have a “confidence meter” that will be measured using a five-star system. One star shows low confidence, while a five-star rating is reserved for the Lock of the Week.

Last week, we went 8-8 and missed our Lock of the Week. Let’s try to improve that record in Week 2.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Buffalo Bills (1-0) at Miami Dolphins (1-0) -2.5

Thursday, September 12, 8:15 p.m. ET

Though the Bills trailed the Cardinals early in Week 1, their offense came to life in the second half. Josh Allen accounted for all four of the Bills’ touchdowns and, and he didn’t seem bothered by not having a go-to receiver. Allen completed passes to nine different targets and didn’t throw an interception. Miami escaped with a gritty win at home against Jacksonville, and their defense did not allow a point in the second half. The Dolphins have struggled against Buffalo in recent years, dropping 13 of their last 15 against the Bills. The Dolphins are at home and favored, but I believe the Bills will play well enough to at least cover.

Pick: Bills +2.5 ⭐️⭐️

Cleveland Browns (0-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) -3

Sunday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. ET

It’s evident from Week 1 that Cleveland has all sorts of offensive problems. Deshaun Watson is not the player he used to be in Houston and the rushing attack is subpar without Nick Chubb. The Cowboys scored 33 points, and the Browns simply aren’t built to win high scoring games. The Jags lost a close game to a good Dolphins team on the road. They struggled to put points on the board or manufacture drives in the second half. Both teams need this game badly, but I’m giving the edge to the home team.

Pick: Jaguars -3 ⭐️⭐️

San Francisco 49ers (1-0) -5.5 at Minnesota Vikings (1-0)

Sunday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. ET

Last week, Minnesota strolled into the Meadowlands and dismantled a bad Giants team. Sam Darnold played surprisingly well, and Aaron Jones looked as sharp as ever. But the 49ers are a different beast, even though they likely won’t have Christian McCaffrey again as he recovers from a calf and Achilles injury. San Francisco didn’t miss a beat with Jordan Mason in the backfield. He compiled 152 total yards and a touchdown against a solid Jets defense. The scariest thing about the Niners is that McCaffrey didn’t play against the Jets and neither Brandon Aiyuk nor George Kittle had their best game. Yet they still steamrolled the Jets. I understand that they’re on the road, but you have to expect San Fran to win by six or more. Sam Darnold against this defense is a disaster waiting to happen.

Pick: 49ers -5.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lock of the Week 🔒

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) at Detroit Lions (1-0) -7.5

Sunday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay was among the most impressive teams in Week 1. Granted, they played the Commanders, but they didn’t play down to the level of their competition. Baker Mayfield had 310 total yards and four touchdowns and didn’t turn the ball over. The Lions have been one of the best teams in the NFL on their home turf, and that includes a narrow win over the Bucs in last year’s NFC Divisional round. Though the Lions beat the Rams last week, star pass catchers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta only accounted for a combined seven catches and 58 yards. I expect both of them to play better this week. However, I think the Bucs’ offense is good enough to keep the game close.

Pick: Buccaneers +7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) -6 at Carolina Panthers (0-1)

Sunday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. ET

Jim Harbaugh seems to succeed wherever he goes. He made something out of nothing in Week 1 as the Chargers pulled off the 22-10 upset over the Raiders. The star of the game was running back J.K. Dobbins, who rushed for 135 yards and a score. On the other hand, Carolina was routed by New Orleans. They were never competitive, falling behind 30-0 in the first half. Bryce Young’s play is concerning, and he might have a tough time against a Los Angeles defense that turned the Raiders over three times and sacked Gardner Minshew on four occasions.

Pick: Chargers -6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Indianapolis Colts (0-1) -3 at Green Bay Packers (0-1)

Sunday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. ET

Green Bay will hand the keys to quarterback Malik Willis for the next few weeks as Jordan Love recovers from injury. The Packers gave up 34 points to the Eagles in Week 1, and if they want to have any chance this week, their defense needs to play better, especially with a backup under center. Indianapolis showed flashes of brilliance against the Texans, most notably Anthony Richardson’s 60-yard touchdown bomb to Alec Pierce. They fell just short but showed they can contend with one of the AFC’s top teams. I expect them to right the ship against the Packers.

Pick: Colts -3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

New York Giants (0-1) at Washington Commanders (0-1) -2

Sunday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. ET

One of these teams has to win this game, right? The Giants put forth a pathetic effort against an average (at best) Vikings team, losing 28-6 on their home field. The loss of Saquon Barkley was glaring. Devin Singletary is a serviceable back, but he isn’t the ideal replacement. Daniel Jones threw for just 186 yards and two interceptions, including a pick six that put the game out of reach. Likewise, the Commanders were never competitive against the Buccaneers and ended up losing by 17. But, on the bright side, Jayden Daniels showed promise. He accounted for 272 total yards and two touchdowns. The Commanders aren’t good yet, but they have a bright future in front of them. This game against New York will be a sign of good things to come.

Pick: Commanders -2 ⭐️⭐️

New York Jets (0-1) -3.5 at Tennessee Titans (0-1)

Sunday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Titans lost 24-17 to the Bears without surrendering an offensive touchdown. How incredible is that? The defense played well but Will Levis couldn’t get the job done on the offensive end, as Tennessee was scoreless in the second half. The Jets couldn’t have had a more difficult opening game. Losing on the road to the defending NFC champion 49ers was somewhat expected, but New York can’t afford to drop a second consecutive game. It’s early, but a loss against the Titans would put them in the cellar of the AFC East. I anticipate that Aaron Rodgers will have the troops ready to rock and roll in Nashville.

Pick: Jets -3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Las Vegas Raiders (0-1) at Baltimore Ravens (0-1) -8.5

Sunday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. ET

Las Vegas heads to Baltimore as Week 2’s biggest underdog. The Raiders lost by 12 to a Chargers team with no real offensive weapons. Now, they’ll be up against the most athletic quarterback in the NFL and his vast array of offensive weapons. Despite the loss to Kansas City, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens played well. They amassed 452 yards of offense, 122 of which came from the legs of Jackson. Isaiah likely was a pleasant surprise for Baltimore, catching nine balls for 111 yards and a score. This team is plenty good enough to contend for an AFC title, and I expect them to notch their first win in dominant fashion.

Pick: Ravens -8.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Dallas Cowboys (1-0) -6

Sunday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Saints head to Jerry World to face the Cowboys in a battle of 1-0 squads. Dallas and New Orleans were among the most impressive teams in Week 1, as both cruised to double digit victories. Winning in Cleveland is no easy task, but the Cowboys made it look that way. After trailing 3-0, Dallas rattled off 27 unanswered points. Kicker Brandon Aubrey nailed four field goals, each of which was at least 40 yards. The Saints beat up on an inferior Carolina team to start their season. Thier defense looked stellar, but how will it fare against Dak Prescott and a potent Dallas offense? I’m giving the nod to the home team.

Pick: Dallas -6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Seattle Seahawks (1-0) -3.5 at New England Patriots (1-0)

Sunday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. ET

New England surprised everyone in Week 1 with a road victory against Cincinnati. They now have a chance to defy the odds and start the season 2-0 if they can get past the Seahawks. New England’s defense proved that they are able to keep the team in any game, but they’ll need the offense to put some points on the board. I’m not sure 16 will be enough to beat Seattle, who played a subpar offensive game against the Broncos but still managed to score 26 points. This game seems like it could be close, and I like the Patriots to cover at home.

Pick: Patriots +3.5 ⭐️⭐️

Los Angeles Rams (0-1) at Arizona Cardinals (0-1) -1.5

Sunday, September 15, 4:05 p.m. ET

The Cardinals went into Buffalo and had the Bills on the ropes last week. They couldn’t finish the job and are now tasked with taking on a Rams team that is a tough out for anyone. Los Angeles barely lost to the Lions on Sunday night, and they’ll head to Arizona without star wide receiver Puka Nacua, who suffered a significant knee injury in the loss. I can see this game going either way, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Arizona came out and lit up the scoreboard. They have an abundance of talent on the offensive side.

Pick: Cardinals -1.5 ⭐️

Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) -5

Sunday, September 15, 4:25 p.m. ET

Remember when the Bengals went into Arrowhead and upset the Chiefs to win the AFC? It seems like forever ago. Joe Burrow has been dealing with nagging injuries, most recently his wrist. He doesn’t seem to be 100%. The Bengals suffered an embarrassing home loss to the Patriots in Week 1 and desperately need a win to avoid dropping to 0-2. The AFC North is arguably the league’s toughest division, and they can’t afford to fall behind. Unfortunately, they’re playing the best team in the NFL. Last Thursday, Kansas City took down the Ravens, who are widely considered to be the AFC’s second-best team. The chiefs are extremely well-rounded, and until I see otherwise, I’m not picking against them.

Pick: Chiefs -5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) -2.5 at Denver Broncos (0-1)

Sunday, September 15, 4:25 p.m. ET

This game has “defensive battle” written all over it. The Broncos held the Seahawks offense in check for most of the game last week, and they scored two safeties in the first half. Bo Nix didn’t play well in his first start, throwing for just 138 yards and two interceptions. That kind of performance won’t cut it against Pittsburgh, who neutralized a talented Atlanta offense. With the help of an elite defense, Justin Fields just needs to play an average game for them to beat the Broncos in Week 2. I think he’ll do just that.

Pick: Steelers -2.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chicago Bears (1-0) at Houston Texans (1-0) -6

Sunday, September 15, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Texans play one of the most difficult schedules in the NFL, so it is crucial for them to put this home game against the Bears in the win column. C.J. Stroud and company got off to a hot start with a road win against Indianapolis, in large part because of the addition of Joe Mixon. The former Bengal rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown. Chicago edged out a win against Tennessee last week, but it wasn’t pretty. Their revamped offense didn’t look cohesive, and Caleb Williams was never able to get into a rhythm. I think he’ll find more success this week, but the Texans’ offense is simply too good.

Pick: Texans -6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Atlanta Falcons (0-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) -6.5

Monday, September 16, 8:15 p.m. ET

After a disappointing Week 1, Atlanta faces an even bigger challenge in Week 2. Not many teams have gone into Philadelphia and emerged victorious in recent years, and in order to do so, you need to put points on the board. That’s something Atlanta couldn’t do at home against Pittsburgh, as they lost to a team that never reached the end zone. On the other hand, Philadelphia’s offense looked rejuvenated with the addition of Saquon Barkley, who scored three touchdowns against the Packers. Barkley’s presence takes pressure off of Jalen Hurts, who seemed more comfortable last week than he did at the end of last season. There’s no reason not to take Philly in this one.

Pick: Eagles -6.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️