Two weeks into the NFL season, and we've already seen a few big moves in the ESPN.com Power Rankings. Let's take a look at those teams and how to approach wagering on them this weekend:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1) at Los Angeles Rams (2)
The Buccaneers have jumped from No. 2 to No. 1 and the Rams have popped up from No. 4 to No. 2. Lo and behold, we have these two squads matching up at SoFi Stadium Sunday afternoon.
As of Monday afternoon, the game is listed as a PICK 'EM. I'm not sure if that's fair. There might be a little value on the Rams. They beat the Bucs last year with Jared Goff at quarterbacks in Tampa Bay on a Monday Night. Sean McVay's defense held Tom Brady to just 216 yards passing on 48 attempts and picked him off twice -- seemingly the last time Brady looked mortal on a football field.
With the upgrade to Matthew Stafford at quarterback for this season, the Rams offense is more capable than ever to attack the Bucs' defense. It feels like this should be Rams -1.0 or -1.5 at home... but at PICK 'EM, I think the lean should be to the No. 2 team in the Power Rankings.
Play: Rams (Pk)
Green Bay Packers (11) at San Francisco 49ers (4)
Perhaps they prove me wrong, but I just don't see the 49ers the way our Power Rankings do. This is way too high. Starting the season 2-0 with a couple of road wins is no small feat in the NFL, but I'm not sure they're even the second best team in their own division. They most definitely have the weakest starting quarterback in the NFC West. With the injuries on defense to top CB Jason Verrett and LB Dre Greenlaw, plus the bevy of injuries at the running back position, I find myself fading the 49ers more often than not. It blew up in my face Week 2 at Philadelphia, but I'm going right back to it in Week 3 and taking the Packers on road in San Francisco.
Play: Green Bay
Los Angeles Chargers (18) at Kansas City Chiefs (3)
I realize the Chargers just lost a tight game at home, but the Cowboys are probably a pretty good team this year (13th in our Power Rankings might be a bit low for them). In Week 3, LA travels to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs and they're getting 6.5 points. I wouldn't be shocked if that gets bet up to a TD. Either way I think that's great value on a Chargers team I am bullish on this season. Yes, the Chiefs are a good team, but Patrick Mahomes and company are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games. The public continues to overvalue Kansas City despite their very obvious deficiencies defensively. The Chargers have a bevy of offensive weapons and stout defense that just held the Cowboys to 20 points. I love taking the Chargers against KC in Week 3.
Play: Chargers +6.5