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NFL Week 2: Picks Against the Spread

By Cody Williams

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) in action during the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) in action during the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs onto the field before their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs onto the field before their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders (-5)

Anyone who watched the Falcons play in Week 1 can tell you that there’s not much about this defense that is improved coming off an abysmal 2015 season. They were absolutely ransacked by Jameis and the Bucs in Week 1. And now they have to come up against another high-profile attack in their second matchup of the year, taking on the now-confident Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders were a dark horse pick by many people heading into the season and they didn’t give any reason to think otherwise in Week 1. Though their defense looked like a unit still trying to become cohesive, their offense was clicking against a bad NFC South defense. Now the football gods have blessed them with more of the same in that regard and you best believe that Derek Carr and company are ready to exploit that.

At home with a matchup that works in their favor, I think the Raiders look even better than they did last week. The five-point spread seems even a little low to me as I think Oakland at home covers without even breaking a sweat, winning by at least two scores.

Pick: Raiders (-5)

Next: Colts at Broncos

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