After another jam-packed week of football marked by thrilling comebacks and some notable injuries, we turn our attention forward.
On paper, there are a few big mismatches across Week 3. There are already three games with double-digit spreads, starting with Thursday night’s clash between the Giants and 49ers in the Bay Area. But, as bettors know, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Week 3 slate will lack drama.
Let’s make some early NFL Week 3 predictions and picks against the spread.
NFL Week 3 Predictions
All NFL betting odds used for these Week 3 predictions are current as of Monday, Sept. 18, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Texans vs Jaguars Prediction
Best Bet: JAX -9 (-110)
The Jaguars underwhelmed against Kansas City, failing to score a touchdown in a 17-9 loss. Meanwhile, the Texans fell behind early by multiple scores against Indianapolis and dropped to 0-2.
This is a big number for a divisional game, but if the Jaguars are who many think they are, they’ll take care of business at home and get back on track against an inferior opponent.
Patriots vs Jets Prediction
Best Bet: NYJ +3 (-110)
Is it time for the Jets to panic? No, not yet.
Listen, losing Aaron Rodgers was brutal. It likely cost them a chance at a Super Bowl. But there’s no need to overreact to Sunday.
- Wager on this game further with our Week 3 NFL prop bets.
Asking Zach Wilson and Co. to beat the Cowboys — at AT&T Stadium, no less — was a tall order. With Micah Parsons terrorizing opposing quarterbacks, Dallas may challenge Philadelphia and San Francisco as the NFC’s best team.
New England, on the other hand, has been far less impressive. They’re 0-2 for the first time since 2001. Questions about Mac Jones‘ future may soon grow louder if the Patriots can’t rebound.
Even if the Jets don’t win, they’ll do enough at home to keep it close.
Colts vs Ravens Prediction
Best Bet: BAL -8 (-108)
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis’ promising young quarterback, suffered a concussion in Sunday’s win over Houston. He had already rushed for 35 yards and two scores before the injury, but now the first-rounder must clear concussion protocol to give it a go against Baltimore.
If not, Indianapolis will turn to veteran backup Gardner Minshew.
Essentially, this all boils down to health. Richardson’s absence would leave Indianapolis at a significant disadvantage against one of the NFL’s better defenses.
I’m confident in this number if – again, if – Richardson is indeed out.
Panthers vs Seahawks Prediction
Best Bet: SEA -5.5
No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young has shown promise, but the Panthers, at 0-2, have been simply too erratic to trust. Now, they head to the West Coast on a short week.
- Check out our favorite NFL Week 3 parlay picks.
Seattle, which rebounded from an upset loss to the Rams by edging Detroit in overtime, deserves to be a bigger favorite.
Bills vs Commanders Prediction
Best Bet: Over 44.5 (-108)
The Bills looked more like themselves on Sunday, blitzing Las Vegas 38-10. Josh Allen passed for 274 yards and three touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Washington seems much improved. The Commanders are averaging 27.5 points per game under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, up from 18.9 last season. They were explosive against Denver, pouring 35 points on one of the NFL’s better defenses.
No matter how you slice it, this total of 44.5 feels a tad low.