SportsLine expert backs Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL preseason Week 2
Matt Severance favours the Steelers over the Jets, citing strong rookie performance, as three matches open the second week of preseason action.
SportsLine handicapper Matt Severance has released his betting picks for the second week of the 2026 NFL preseason, which features a three-game slate on Friday. The schedule begins at 7 p.m. ET with the New York Jets visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the Carolina Panthers at the Jacksonville Jaguars at 7:30 p.m. ET. The night concludes at 9 p.m. ET with the Green Bay Packers travelling to the Denver Broncos.
Severance’s primary recommendation is the Pittsburgh Steelers (+1.5) over the New York Jets. The expert cites the strong performance of rookie quarterback Drew Allar in the previous week as a key factor in the decision. Allar, a third-round pick from Penn State, completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-9 victory against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
In his analysis, Severance noted that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not expected to play in the preseason match against the Jets. He described Allar as potentially more talented than the Jets’ current roster, while acknowledging that his teammate Will Howard is also a capable option. The Steelers are listed as +1.5 underdogs in the matchup.
The other two Friday games present different betting dynamics. The Denver Broncos are listed as -5.5 favourites against the Green Bay Packers. The line for the Carolina Panthers at the Jacksonville Jaguars is set at -1.5, with both teams offering the same spread.
Severance, who has worked in the industry since 2005, has returned $1,437 to $100 players over the past three NFL seasons. He has locked in two additional best bets for Friday, including backing a pair of underdogs who he believes have a motivational edge.
The NFL preseason is often characterised by conservative starter usage, making odds evaluation complex for analysts. Severance’s picks are available through SportsLine, which provides detailed breakdowns of the updated Week 2 lines.
