Dale’s Picks: Week 2 2024
Written by Dale Walters & Adam Ireland
Dale’s Picks: Week 2, 2024
After a perfect Week 1, where Dale went 6-0 in his predictions, it’s clear he’s starting the season with a sharp eye on the matchups. With a record of 6-0 on the season, let’s dive into Week 2’s NAFC games and predictions. The Vegas lines show just how tight some of these contests will be, while others seem more straightforward. Here’s how Dale sees the week playing out.
California Rebels (1-0) @ Montana Wombats (0-1)
Vegas Line: Rebels -9.4.
The Rebels come into Week 2 riding high off their dominant banner night performance. Tyreek Hill and Patrick Mahomes were electric, and the Chicago defense added 27 points in Week 1. The Wombats, on the other hand, struggled against the Aces, with only a few bright spots from Baker Mayfield. Coach Barry Smowck’s team needs a spark, but against the reigning champs, it’s hard to see where it will come from.
Dale’s Pick: California Rebels
Prediction: Rebels 145, Wombats 102
Atlantic City Aces (1-0) @ Des Moines Raiders (0-1)
- Vegas Line: Aces -1.1
The Aces ended a long losing streak in Week 1 and now look to build momentum. Kenneth Walker was a standout with nearly 25 points, while the Raiders struggled to get going against the Rebels. Anthony Richardson showed promise, but the rest of Des Moines’ offense, including Evan Engram’s disappointing 1-catch performance, leaves much to be desired. Atlantic City has the slight edge in talent and motivation.
Dale’s Pick: Atlantic City Aces
Prediction: Aces 120, Raiders 112
Anchorage Commandos (0-1) @ El Paso Red Devils (1-0)
- Vegas Line: Push (50-50)
This is one of the more intriguing matchups of the week. El Paso is without their starter Jordan Love, which means rookie Caleb Williams takes the reins after a lackluster debut. Anchorage, while losing to Burlington in Week 1, still put up strong numbers, especially from RB Derrick Henry. With uncertainty around El Paso’s QB situation and Williams’ struggles, the Commandos might capitalize on the Red Devils’ weakened offense.
Dale’s Pick: Anchorage Commandos
Prediction: Commandos 138, Red Devils 120
Seattle Heist (0-1) @ Burlington Boss Hogs (1-0)
- Vegas Line: Seattle -1.9
Seattle enters this game as slight favorites despite a poor showing in Week 1. Kirk Cousins and DK Metcalf need to bounce back after a dismal performance. Meanwhile, Burlington’s offense exploded in Week 1, led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. However, losing WR Puka Nacua to injury could hurt their passing game. Even so, Burlington looks like the more complete team, especially with a solid running game and a strong QB in Hurts.
Dale’s Pick: Burlington Boss Hogs
Prediction: Boss Hogs 140, Heist 128
Albuquerque Roadrunners (1-0) @ Los Angeles USMC (0-1)
- Vegas Line: USMC -7.8
This game comes down to Christian McCaffrey’s status for the Roadrunners. If Albuquerque is without their star RB, Los Angeles will have a huge advantage, especially with Lamar Jackson leading their offense. ABQ’s Josh Allen will need to step up in a big way, but with USMC coming off a tough Week 1 loss, expect them to rally back at home and take advantage of Albuquerque’s potential weaknesses.
Dale’s Pick: Los Angeles USMC
Prediction: USMC 132, Roadrunners 119
Austin Oilers (0-1) @ Moscow Black Bears (1-0)
- Vegas Line: Austin -1.1
Despite the line favoring the Oilers slightly, Moscow impressed in Week 1 with CJ Stroud and Breece Hall leading the charge. Austin couldn’t get much going offensively in their loss to Albuquerque, and with Chase’s distractions affecting his play, the Oilers need a serious bounce-back performance. Moscow’s defense should be able to hold their own, making this a tight contest, but the Black Bears might have just enough firepower to get it done at home.
Dale’s Pick: Moscow Black Bears
Prediction: Black Bears 125, Oilers 123
After a perfect first week, Dale is confident in his Week 2 picks. Can he go 12-0 to start the season? We’ll find out soon enough. Keep an eye on these matchups as the NAFC season continues to unfold!
