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NFL Week 2: 15 expert predictions

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Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season is off to an exciting start, as the Bills defeated the Lions 41-31 in the first game at Highmark Stadium. But what will happen in the remaining 15 games? We have 15 predictions from our NFL experts. First, betting analyst Pamela Maldonado picks two underdogs who could win outright. Then, analytics writer Seth Walder projected out stat lines for three players. Fantasy football writer Eric Moody gives three sleepers, and analyst Matt Bowen suggests three players who will find the end zone. Finally, analyst Ben Solak lays out four wild-card predictions.

Could the Bengals upset the Texans? Will we see big receiving days for the Dolphins' Malik Washington and Caleb Douglas? Can Eagles running back Saquon Barkley find the end zone? And is it finally time for the Jets to snag an interception? Let's make 15 big predictions for all of Sunday and Monday's action.

Maldonado predicts two upsets: Jacksonville Jaguars +2.5 at Denver Broncos (+124) and Cincinnati Bengals +2.5 at Houston Texans (+120). Denver's offense produced only 176 yards and 3.7 yards per play in its Week 1 loss to the Chiefs, with quarterback Bo Nix turning it over twice. Jacksonville's pass rush generated five sacks against Cleveland, while QB Trevor Lawrence threw four touchdown passes. The Bengals' biggest weakness looked better against the Bucs, as quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked only once. Houston allowed 10.4 yards per pass to Buffalo in Week 1, while Cincinnati has Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins through the air.

Walder predicts three stat lines, including Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots: 16 carries, 63 rushing yards; 5 receptions, 42 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown.