Preseason Week 2 Score Predictions - 2026-08-22 slate
Approach
Predicting 12 NFL Preseason Week 2 games from 2026-08-22 to 2026-08-24.
Key data points gathered:
- ESPN headline-only article confirms Week 2 is underway (article body not captured).
- Colts Week 1 vs Patriots ended 13-13 (all but 2 starters sat).
- Colts Week 2 vs Atlanta: Riley Leonard starts 1H, Anthony Richardson 2H; starters won't play (joint practices serve as game action).
- Article referenced AFC/NFC team depth charts and rookie performances.
Reasoning framework:
- Preseason Week 2 typically has starters play 1-2 series in 1H then backups finish
- Combined scores typically 30-45 points
- Home team often has a slight edge with field familiarity
- Ties are rare (only one in 32 preseason games per week historically)
- Outliers occur when starters get extended reps
Predicted outcomes (away/home):
- GB@DEN: 17-20 (home slight edge, DEN has Bo Nix developing)
- WAS@DET: 20-23 (DET home, both QBs backup battles)
- BUF@CLE: 19-16 (away win, BUF has stronger depth)
- ATL@IND: 17-14 (low scoring, IND sits most starters again)
- BAL@MIN: 16-19 (home edge)
- NO@LAR: 13-20 (LAR depth advantage)
- NYG@MIA: 17-21 (MIA home edge)
- CHI@CIN: 16-19 (CIN home)
- PHI@NE: 17-13 (PHI stronger roster)
- KC@TB: 20-17 (KC always competitive)
- DAL@ARI: 19-16 (DAL depth)
- SEA@TEN: 17-20 (TEN home)
Uncertainty:
- High variance in preseason games
- Without betting lines or projections, relying on typical scoring patterns
- Each prediction has ~5-7 point error margin expected
