Week 3 had some fireworks and for a few teams, they may already be looking ahead to next year's draft -- those include the Bears, Broncos, Panthers and Vikings sitting at 0-3. The biggest matchup heading into this week features the Bills and Dolphins with first place in the AFC East hanging in the balance. Let's dive into this week's slate of games.
**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Oct. 1)
Detroit Lions (2-1) @ Green Bay Packers (2-1)
The Lions have an opportunity to make a statement in this game, the same way they ended last season at Lambeau Field. The Packers have plenty of injuries, most notably Jaire Alexander and David Bakhtiari, which could prove to much to overcome. Pick: Lions, 24-20.
Line: Lions -1.5
ML: Lions
Spread: Lions
Atlanta Falcons (2-1) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
The stadium series in England kicks off this week and the Jags are plenty familiar with playing overseas, does that give them the leg up here? I think people put a lot of stock in that, but the Jags are 4-5 at Wembley Stadium despite the experience. I think Calvin Ridley gets revenge here against his former team. Pick: Jaguars, 23-21.
Line: Jaguars -3
ML: Jaguars
Spread: Falcons
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) @ Cleveland Browns (2-1)
The Ravens were stunned at home in overtime last week on a game-winning kick by the Colts. What was more crazy was the fact that Justin Tucker came up short late in the game from 61 yards...didn't see that coming. The Browns defense has been stifling through three weeks, but I think Lamar Jackson puts the team on his back here to pull it out. Pick: Ravens, 20-17.
Line: Browns -2.5
ML: Ravens
Spread: Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) @ Tennessee Titans (1-2)
Joe Burrow fought through his calf injury last week, to push the Bengals over the Rams for their first win of the season. Now, Burrow will need more of that same grit to come away with a road win in Tennessee. Traditionally, this has been a tough place to play for opposing teams, but I think the Titans are approaching some much needed change, which could start with Will Levis under center soon. Pick: Bengals, 19-16.
Line: Bengals -2.5
ML: Bengals
Spread: Bengals
Denver Broncos (0-3) @ Chicago Bears (0-3)
This could be the Caleb Williams bowl folks, and we're only in Week 4. Both of these franchises are off to tumultuous starts to the year and the problems don't seem fixable. I'm going to lean to the Broncos here because after giving up 70 points last week, a veteran coach like Sean Payton should have his team playing with some more pride. Pick: Broncos, 21-17.
Line: Broncos -3
ML: Broncos
Spread: Broncos
Los Angeles Rams (1-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (2-1)
Through three weeks, the Colts have been much more resilient than I anticipated and this AFC South looks wide open at the moment. Anthony Richardson will be back in the lineup this week, but I would expect Aaron Donald to create some problems for him in the pocket. Pick: Rams, 23-20.
Line: Colts -1
ML: Rams
Spread: Rams
Miami Dolphins (3-0) @ Buffalo Bills (2-1)
This is the game of the week as the Bills will look to slow down the scorching hot Dolphins offense. Tua Tagovailoa has never won in Buffalo (0-5 in his career) and he comes in here playing his best football. I think Josh Allen is equal to the task today and puts together a gritty performance in a game that could go down to the wire. Pick: Bills, 35-31.
Line: Bills -3
ML: Bills
Spread: Bills
Minnesota Vikings (0-3) @ Carolina Panthers (0-3)
Both these teams are in a bad spot to start the year and the most surprising are the Vikings after a 13-4 record last year to win the NFC North. Now, the Vikes will aim for a strong showing on the road against the young Panthers and it will be up to Kirk Cousins to rally this team on the heels of a 4th quarter debacle last week. Pick: Vikings, 24-20.
Line: Vikings -4.5
ML: Vikings
Spread: Panthers
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) @ Houston Texans (1-2)
I've been very impressed by C.J. Stroud as a rookie and for me, he is the best QB in this draft class. The Texans have a bright future under Demeco Ryans and their defense has plenty of potential, however, I think the Steelers start to ride some momentum here and give the rookie some fits this week. The AFC North is loaded and Mike Tomlin's crew needs to keep pace. Pick: Steelers, 23-17.
Line: Steelers -3
ML: Steelers
Spread: Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) @ New Orleans Saints (2-1)
It looked like Derek Carr was a longshot to play this week and despite a sprained AC joint, he will make the start at home to the Bucs. I'm not really sure what to make of this, but I certainly like a wounded Carr more than a healthy Jameis Winston. Despite that, I think the Bucs play tough here and steal this game on the road. Pick: Buccaneers, 16-14.
Line: Saints -3.5
ML: Buccaneers
Spread: Buccaneers
Washington Commanders (2-1) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)
The Eagles are one of three undefeated teams remaining and what's more impressive is that Jalen Hurts isn't even at full health yet. I think the Bills exposed the Commanders in the second half of last week's game and these two teams are on opposite trajectories heading into the week. Give me the Eagles in a comfortable win here. Pick: Eagles, 24-16.
Line: Eagles -8.5
ML: Eagles
Spread: Commanders
Las Vegas Raiders (1-2) @ Los Angeles Chargers (1-2)
This game has taken a turn, especially for the Chargers. They lost Mike Williams for the season in last week's win and now they will be without Austin Ekeler, Joey Bosa and Derwin James for this pivotal divisional matchup. Lost in all of that might be the fact that Aidan O'Connell is making his NFL debut in place of the injured Jimmy Garoppolo. Pick: Chargers, 23-20.
Line: Chargers -6.5
ML: Chargers
Spread: Raiders
Arizona Cardinals (1-2) @ San Francisco 49ers (3-0)
The Cardinals stunned the Cowboys last week at home and may have spoiled the party for some survivor pool entrants along the way. Now, they look to hand the 49ers their first loss of the season and could get a break not seeing Deebo Samuel this week. I think the Niners' defense rises to the occasion here and won't let Joshua Dobbs be too comfortable in the pocket. Pick: 49ers, 31-15.
Line: 49ers -14
ML: 49ers
Spread: 49ers
New England Patriots (1-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
This could be an interesting game as Ezekiel Elliott makes his return to Dallas and the build up this week has been about his knowledge of the Cowboys' playbook. The Cowboys were embarrassed in the first half last week and I have to think Dan Quinn's defense will be out for revenge today...look out Mac Jones. Pick: Cowboys, 26-17.
Line: Cowboys -6
ML: Cowboys
Spread: Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs (2-1) @ New York Jets (1-2)
This game would have been electric had Aaron Rodgers been able to play in it, but we may have to settle for the Taylor Swift factor instead. Will Rodgers' presence be a boost to Zach Wilson's confidence? Maybe. I can't see the Chiefs going down here though and I think Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce continue to put on a show. Pick: Chiefs, 27-19.
Line: Chiefs -8.5
ML: Chiefs
Spread: Jets
Seattle Seahawks (2-1) @ New York Giants (1-2)
I think the Giants are frauds. I thought they were last year, and I'm not changing my opinion about them now. As long as Saquon Barkley remains out of the lineup, they are pedestrian on offense. Look for the Seahawks to take advantage in the secondary here and force Daniel Jones into some turnovers. Pick: Seahawks, 23-16.
Line: Seahawks -1.5
ML: Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks
Results
Week 3
ML: 11-5
ATS: 8-7-1
Overall
ML: 30-18
ATS: 27-19-2
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