History can repeat itself for the Dolphins in Foxborough, while the Jaguars and Bears are also primed for their first wins
{ODDS:107374227:10/11} – Miami Dolphins (+6.5) @ New England Patriots
The Patriots have dominated Miami at home for years, having won their last seven meetings at Gillette Stadium.
Crucially, though, Tom Brady has been New England’s quarterback in each of those victories.
The Dolphins’ last triumph on the road against their division rivals came in 2008, when Matt Cassell replaced the injured starter for the entire season.
History could repeat itself on Sunday with Jimmy Garoppolo starting for the Patriots, although the 24-year-old was impressive against the Cardinals last week.
The Dolphins limited the Seattle Seahawks to just 12 points last week, putting quarterback Russell Wilson under relentless pressure all game.
While they lost and only scored 10 points, they were playing against the top defence from the 2015 season and should be better offensively in week two.
{ODDS:107374068:10/11} – Kansas City Chiefs (+3) @ Houston Texans
The Chiefs were forced to come back from an 18-point deficit against the Chargers last week, and that slow start has damaged their stock here.
They were one of last season’s most well-rounded teams, though, ranking in the top 10 in both points scored and least points allowed.
That shouldn’t be forgotten after one game.
The Texans’ defence is strong, but star defensive end J.J. Watt is not completely fit and has been limited in practice this week.
Quarterback Brock Osweiler played well in his first start for Houston against the Bears, but he will come under far more pressure this week against the Chiefs’ top-four pass rush from 2015.
This promises to be a low-scoring, physical battle between two well-matched teams, and Kansas City should at least stay within a field goal.
{ODDS:107376602:10/11} – Jacksonville Jaguars (+3) @ San Diego Chargers
Without star wide receiver Keenan Allen, the Chargers will struggle to move the ball at home against the Jaguars.
Their 21-3 lead against Kansas City vanished last week after the 24-year-old suffered a knee injury, and they struggled last season when he missed time with a lacerated kidney.
Last week, Jacksonville allowed less than 200 passing yards against Aaron Rodgers – perhaps the best quarterback in the entire league.
They boast a top-10 passing attack, and actually outgained Green Bay by 54 total yards in that 27-23 defeat.
The Chargers are often given too much credit for their home advantage, with their stadium often heavily populated by their opponents’ supporters.
They beat the spread just twice in their eight home games last season, and lost six of the three games in which they were favourites.
{ODDS:107376920:10/11} – Chicago Bears (-3) v Philadelphia Eagles
Back at home after blowing a fourth-quarter lead to the Texans in week one, the Bears should bounce back against the Eagles.
Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz impressed with a 278-yard, two-touchdown performance in his first NFL start.
That was against the Cleveland Browns, though, who are perhaps the worst team in the league this season.
A trip to Chicago will prove a much sterner test for the rookie.
They had the NFL’s fourth-best passing defence in 2015, and they will also cause the Eagles problems on the other side of the ball.
The Bears’ strength is in running the ball, and running back Jeremy Langford is primed for a good day considering the Eagles allowed more yards on the ground than any other side last year.
