Week 2 Over Under Picks

Maybe you’ve already got your picks in for Week 2 of the 2020 NFL regular season, but by focusing only on point spreads, moneylines or fantasy, you’re robbing yourself of potential opportunities to make money on over/unders.

Here are a handful of totals for Sunday and Monday at Sugarhouse Sportsbook that are worthy of your attention.

Last week’s record: 3-1

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (47.5)

In every respect, Tom Brady has been getting too much of the benefit of the doubt this week. The numbers indicate he’s been toast for about 11 months and neither of his top two receivers is 100 percent as a new-look offense adjusts on the fly. Carolina’s defense might present less of a challenge than they faced from the New Orleans Saints, but don’t look for Tampa to push into the 30s Sunday.

The Panthers also may have warped the public’s view of their offensive prowess in Week 1. Yes, they scored 34 against a mediocre Las Vegas Raiders defense, but Tampa Bay’s underrated defense is familiar with Teddy Bridgewater and Christian McCaffrey. A unit that actually contained Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara last week held McCaffrey to just 68 yards on 38 carries in two meetings last year. This one might only barely reach the 40s.

These teams combined for just 43 and 45 points in their two meetings last season, and both have talent on defense, but I think they’re due for a 50-plus-point outing Sunday at Lambeau.

The Lions gave up 21 points in the fourth quarter alone against the lowly Chicago Bears offense last week, and their secondary has been gutted by offseason changes and early-season injuries. We all saw what Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers did to a defensive backfield in flux when he torched the Minnesota Vikings to the tune of 43 points last week, and the Green Bay defense surrendered 34 points as well in that outing.

The Lions could be fired up to make a point after a tough Week 1 loss, and quarterback Matthew Stafford has the talent to light up anybody. He’s likely to perform better against another familiar opponent, so it wouldn’t be surprising if both teams scored 30-plus points here.

New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks (45)

The New England offense was methodical in a season-opening win over the Miami Dolphins, but it was far from explosive. Now, it’ll have to deal with a defense that looks rejuvenated with superstar safety Jamal Adams teaming up with Bobby Wagner in the back seven.

New England put up just 21 points on the Dolphins. Why would anyone expect them to reach the 20s in Seattle, where the Seahawks consistently dominate in prime time?

And yes, the red-hot Russell Wilson-led Seahawks offense could push 30 any week, but we’re still looking at a D under Bill Belichick’s tutelage that smothered Miami and contains the reigning defensive player of the year. This feels like a 24-17-type game.