It appears on page one of any football coach-speak manual: "Do not look ahead to the next game." Coaches preach to players — and fans — to focus on the immediate task ahead. To them, an NFL team's schedule is comprised of 17 one-game seasons.

As bettors, we need not adopt the same approach. One option on the wagering menu is the lookahead bet. Many sportsbooks post refreshed spreads more than a week out and accept plays until the current week's games get underway. So, action on Week 2 is ready and waiting for you.

This is our first of 17 lookahead columns, appearing each Wednesday, with picks on three or four games on the following week's schedule. The object — beyond the obvious one of selecting eventual winners — is to lock in favorable lines. If we are fond of a team giving, say, 2.5 points, we secure the spot during lookahead week in case it moves too much for our liking.

Similarly, if we are drawn to an underdog getting 8 points on the lookahead line, jumping on it early before the number might drift down to 7 is desirable.

Deciphering lookahead plays requires handicapping the set of upcoming games. If you can identify teams that might significantly overachieve or underachieve based on the betting public's expectations, which can trigger a spread change in the following week, lookahead games involving those teams become more attractive.

Bottom line, it's a handicapping win if we snare a team prior to a spread moving in an unwanted direction. With a lookahead favorite, we want to see a larger number in the week of the games. With a lookahead underdog, we'd like to see a smaller one.

Let's roll out a trio of games from the Week 2 card.

Week 2 lookahead lines

(Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Bills at Dolphins (-1), O/U 51
Raiders at Ravens (-7.5), O/U 44/5
49ers (-6.5) at Vikings, O/U 46.5
Buccaneers at Lions (-6.5), O/U 48.5
Jets (-4) at Titans, O/U 43.5
Saints at Cowboys (-6), O/U 44.5
Colts at Packers (-4.5), O/U 47
Chargers (-3.5) at Panthers, O/U 41.5
Seahawks (-3) at Patriots, O/U 41
Giants at Commanders (-2.5), O/U 42
Browns at Jaguars (-2), O/U 44.5
Rams (-2.5) at Cardinals, O/U 48.5
Bengals at Chiefs (-3.5), O/U 48.5
Steelers (-3) at Broncos, O/U 40.5
Bears at Texans (-3.5), O/U 47
Falcons at Eagles (-4), O/U 48.5

Which Week 2 sides make for great plays before Week 1 kicks off? And which underdog offers a great betting opportunity? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Week 2 lookahead picks from NFL expert Mike Tierney!