{
  "id": 1931084,
  "title": "NFL preseason Week 2 betting guide: Thursday & Friday games",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/nfl-preseason-week-2-betting-guide-thursday-friday-games",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T12:16:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-preseason-week-2-betting-121643991.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Preseason Week 2 features five more NFL games playing out on Thursday and Friday. Each matchup breakdown provides details on the games, odds, and picks for the spread, over/under, and moneyline.\n\nThe Las Vegas Raiders are set to take on the Houston Texans at home. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak did not commit to his starters for the game, stating \"We'll see\" after Tuesday's joint practice. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been the first-team quarterback, with rookie Fernando Mendoza working with the second unit. Both quarterbacks were part of the Week 1 loss to Arizona.\n\nThe Houston Texans have adjusted their approach after sitting almost all of their starters in Week 1. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, edge rusher Will Anderson, and wide receiver Nico Collins are all set to start against the Raiders. Houston's offensive line is dealing with injuries, having played just one series behind center Keylan Rutledge in the opener.\n\nThe San Francisco 49ers will host the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that several starters will see action, with a good chance that quarterback Brock Purdy will play. Running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle are still sidelined, while receiver Mike Evans left Tuesday's joint practice early due to leg soreness. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh outlined a plan for quarterback Justin Herbert and the rest of the starters, with the backups playing the remaining minutes. Herbert didn't start in the Week 1 win over Houston, so this is his preseason debut under the new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.\n\nThe New York Jets will battle the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Pittsburgh's quarterback Aaron Rodgers expected to play to face his former team. Rookie Cade Klubnik will start in place of injured quarterback Geno Smith, who is dealing with a sore left ankle. Steelers backup quarterbacks Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and third-round pick Drew Allar will also compete for the starting role.\n\nThe Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars will face off. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and the starting offense are expected to play multiple series in this second consecutive appearance. Wide receiver Xavier Legette has been working his way back into the mix after suffering a stinger earlier in camp. Jacksonville's head coach Liam Coen has made a shift in his preseason plans, choosing to play his starters in this matchup. The Jaguars are dealing with an offensive line injury issue, with tackle Walker Little, guard Patrick Mekari, and tackle Chuma Edoga all nursing injuries.",
  "summary": "With Bo Nix set for his preseason debut and Geno Smith's status still undecided, the odds hinge on which starters actually take the field.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}