NFL Picks This Week 2 for Packers vs Falcons on September

· Sep 15 - 4 minutes read

The Atlanta Falcons are a 1-point home underdog as the Dirty Birds take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. The over-under is set at 40.5 points, which is on the lower end of all the NFL odds for Week 2. This low total makes taking Atlanta to go over the 1.5 field goals at -118 my top Packers vs Falcons prop bet for this NFC matchup.

Regardless of what side you back in this matchup, it feels like a bit of an overreaction to the opening weekend with both teams coming off convincing victories. It is worth noting that fans should be watching the Packers injury report to check the status of three key players: running back Aaron Jones, linebacker Quay Walker, and wide receiver Christian Watson.

NFL Picks This Week 2 for Packers vs Falcons on September

Jones is of particular interest given the playmaker accounted for the majority of Green Bay’s offense against Chicago. After the win, Jones downplayed the injury, but hamstrings are tricky given the chances for re-injury.

In this overreaction showdown for Week 2, which team should you back: the Packers or the Falcons?

It’s Time for Arthur Smith to Take the Training Wheels off Desmond Ridder

There was a lot for Falcons fans to like in the team’s 14-point win over the Panthers, but I walked away with a few concerns. Heading into the season, I was high on Atlanta and a big reason for that was the belief the Falcons would finally open up the offense under Desmond Ridder.

Instead, we saw Atlanta run the ball on third and long, just one of several examples showing head coach Arthur Smith is going to be slow to adjust the offense.

There is a reason Smith wants to lean on the rushing attack with Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, and Cordarrelle Patterson all on the roster. Yet, in most games, the Falcons are going to need Ridder to throw for more than 115 passing yards as the quarterback did in Week 1. Ridder often gets dragged on social media, but the truth is we do not know yet what the quarterback can do because he is being severely handcuffed in the offense despite a plethora of playmakers.

Can Jordan Love Give a Repeat Performance in Atlanta?

Jordan Love impressed as the Packers began the post-Aaron Rodgers era. No one roots for players to be sidelined, but the Packers-Jets trade will be evaluated in a different light given Rodgers’ season-ending ACL injury.

Love is looking to make Green Bay road warriors as the team travels for its second straight matchup. Love threw for 245 yards and 3 touchdowns in Week 1, but if there is one warning sign it is the quarterback’s 55.5% completion percentage.

Jones being such a major part of the Packers offense has me concerned for the unit if the running back is unable to suit up against the Falcons.

Packers vs Falcons Pick: Back the Pack to Cover -1 Spread

Normally, I love a good home underdog, but Smith’s limited offense is giving me the weirds. Atlanta won’t have the advantage of playing against a dismal Panthers offense this time around.

Love looks to have full command in his first season as Green Bay QB1 and could get Watson back for this matchup. I like the Packers to get another road win and cover the 1-point spread.

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