2024 NFL Week 3 Picks, Odds and Predictions

Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season has come and gone, and with it, the landscape of the league continues to take shape. As always, NFL fans are quick to react to early-season performances, but the truth behind which teams are true contenders and which might be pretenders will become more apparent as Week 3 approaches. Can teams like the Bengals, Rams, and Ravens bounce back, or will their early-season struggles continue?

Meanwhile, a few squads have established themselves as forces to be reckoned with. The Chiefs, Texans, Buccaneers, and Bills all look like legitimate contenders, starting off 2-0 as they eye Super Bowl 59 runs.

Week 3 kicks off with an exciting slate of matchups, headlined by a Thursday night AFC East showdown between the Patriots and Jets, both of whom sit at 1-1. Other marquee games include Cowboys-Ravens, Chiefs-Falcons, and Lions-Cardinals.

You can already bet on NFL odds for Week 3 at online sportsbooks. Let’s dive into the Week 3 matchups and explore the best bets for each game.

NFL Week 3 Odds

Stay up to date with the latest Week 3 NFL odds, courtesy of ScoresandStats.

Currently, the Cincinnati Bengals are the largest betting favorite of the week as they host the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football. As of publication, the Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons are the only Home Underdogs. That leaves 11 Home Teams as the betting favorites.

Home Favorites are 15-9 SU on the season. Away Favorites are 6-2 SU over the first two weeks. However, Away Teams are 17-13-2 ATS. Currently, the Unders are 17-14 on the season.

NFL Week 3 Schedule 

NFL Week 3 Predictions

Let’s jump in and and make our early NFL picks for each game.

New England Patriots vs. New York Jets Odds

The first matchup in Week 3 brings an AFC East rivalry as the New England Patriots head to New York to face the Jets. While the Patriots have shown resilience, they come into this game as underdogs after struggling offensively in the first two weeks. Jacoby Brissett has been inconsistent, and fans are already calling for Drake Maye to take over as the QB1. That said, New England did upset the Bengals in Week 1 and narrowly lost to the Seahawks in an OT affair last Sunday.

The New York Jets have emerged as one of the league’s most unrelenting defenses over the past couple of years, with a stifling front seven that could wreak havoc on a Patriots offensive line that has struggled with protection. New York’s defense will likely set the tone for this game, forcing New England to win with an aerial attack that hasn’t fully clicked yet this season.

On offense, the Jets will rely on Aaron Rodgers’ experience to control the game. Rodgers only has 343 passing yards through 2 games, but he also has 3 touchdown passes to just a single interception. Breece Hall and Braelon Allen give the Jets a lethal one-two punch in the run game. The 2 backs combined for 3 touchdowns in New York’s road win at Tennessee last week.

If the Jets can establish their ground game early, it will open up more opportunities for their passing attack. The key for New England will be trying to force turnovers and keeping the Jets’ offense off the field.

Ultimately, the Jets’ strong defensive front and more polished offense give them the edge in this game, especially with home-field advantage.

New England Patriots vs. New York Jets Predictions

Spread: Jets -6.5 (-112)

• The Jets’ defense has been solid and will likely control the game, giving New York a chance to cover the 6.5-point spread.

Moneyline: Patriots +245 / Jets -305

• The Jets at -305 offer a safe pick, though bettors seeking more value may look at the Patriots’ moneyline if they expect an upset.

Total: 37.5

• With two defenses that could keep scoring low, the under might be the best play here, especially if the game turns into a defensive battle.

Betting Trends:

• Patriots are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games.
• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home.
• The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the last 8 Patriots-Jets matchups.

Prediction: Jets -6.5, Under 37.5
Best Bet: Jets -6.5 (-112)

New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns Odds

The New York Giants head into Week 3 needing to find their offensive identity, especially after struggling in their first 2 games. Daniel Jones has had difficulty finding consistency behind a shaky offensive line, and that’s a concern heading into a matchup against the Cleveland Browns’ dominant front. The Browns’ defense, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, will look to disrupt Jones and force quick decisions, which could lead to turnovers.

The Giants’ offense did look better in Week 2 against Washington, though they ultimately came up short. The big story was the breakout performance of former LSU standout Malik Nabers, who already looks like a potential franchise cornerstone for the G-Men. Nabers went off for 10 catches (18 targets) for 127 yards and a TD in the loss to the Commanders. Nabers attracted a massive 64 percent target share in that game, and he’s clearly already established a nice rapport with Jones.

Devin Singletary will be the key for the Giants, as they will need to establish the run to give Jones some relief and open up play-action opportunities. However, Cleveland’s defense has been stout against the run so far, which may limit Singletary’s effectiveness. The Giants’ new RB1 was impressive last week, carrying the ball 16 times for 95 yards with a score.

On the other side, the Browns bounced back after a dismal Week 1 loss to Dallas with an impressive road win over the Jaguars last week. It wasn’t the prettiest game, but Deshaun Watson played well enough to temporarily silence his many critics. He completed nearly 65 percent of his throws and scored a rushing touchdown in Cleveland’s 18-13 triumph. In all, Cleveland totaled 125 rushing yards with D’Onta Foreman and Jerome Ford leading the charge.

With the Browns at home, their strong defense and ground game make them a tough challenge for a Giants team still searching for answers.

New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns Predictions

Spread: Browns -7 (-105)

• Giants look like a decent bet to cover, as the Browns don’t look like an offense capable of putting tons of points on the board so far.

Moneyline: Giants +250 / Browns -310

• Cleveland at -310 is a safe play, though there’s little value in the moneyline unless you’re confident in the Giants pulling off a big upset. The Browns don’t look all that imposing thus far.

Total: 38.5

• This game could easily stay under the total, as both teams may struggle to generate enough points with two strong defenses on display.

Betting Trends:

• Giants are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as road underdogs.
• Browns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as home favorites.
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the last 6 games between these two teams.

Prediction: Giants +7, Under 38.5
Best Bet: Giants +7 (-115)

Denver Broncos vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds

The Denver Broncos come into Week 3 as underdogs on the road, facing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that has looked tenacious on both sides of the ball in the first couple of weeks. Denver’s offense, led by rookie Bo Nix, has struggled to find its rhythm, particularly in the passing game. Nix does have 384 passing yards through his first 2 NFL games, though his next touchdown pass will be his first. He’s also tossed 4 interceptions.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has been efficient, with quarterback Baker Mayfield playing surprisingly well under center. The Buccaneers have a balanced offensive attack, using running back Rachaad White to keep defenses honest while taking shots downfield to wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Godwin has been an early standout, with 15 catches for 200 yards and a couple of touchdowns already this season. 

Defensively, the Bucs have one of the more complete units in the league, which will make it difficult for Denver to move the ball. The Broncos will likely rely heavily on their defense to keep the game close, but with Tampa Bay’s ability to control the clock and dictate the pace, Denver might struggle to mount a comeback if they fall behind early.

The Bucs went into Detroit and won outright as heavy underdogs against the Lions last week. This is a considerably more favorable matchup, and I won’t buy stock in this Broncos offense until we actually see them start to put points on the board. Denver has scored just a single touchdown through 2 games.

Denver Broncos vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Predictions

Spread: Buccaneers -7 (-110)

• With the Bucs playing at home and the Broncos’ offensive woes, Tampa Bay should be able to cover the 7-point spread.

Moneyline: Broncos +260 / Buccaneers -325

• The Buccaneers at -325 are a safe bet, though there isn’t much value unless parlayed with another selection.

Total: 39.5

• This game could stay under if the Broncos’ offense continues to sputter, making the under 39.5 the better play. Tampa Bay is capable of topping this total by themselves, however.

Betting Trends:

• The Broncos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as road underdogs.
• Buccaneers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the last 7 matchups between these teams.

Prediction: Buccaneers -7, Under 39.5
Best Bet: Buccaneers -7 (-110)

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

The Los Angeles Chargers head to Steel City for a tough road test against a Pittsburgh Steelers team that has been inconsistent offensively but solid on defense. The Chargers, led by Justin Herbert, bring an opportunistic offense into the matchup, though their offensive line has struggled with protection. Herbert will need to be sharp against a Steelers defense that has a habit of generating pressure, especially with T.J. Watt anchoring the front seven.

We’ll see what the Steelers do with their QB situation. Pittsburgh is off to a 2-0 start with Justin Fields under center and Russell Wilson nursing a calf injury. Wilson won the starting job out of camp before sustaining the injury, though Fields has fared well through a couple of games with his new team. 

Fields’ numbers won’t jump off the page, but I’ll be a bit surprised if Mike Tomlin makes the switch if Wilson is healthy enough to play. Fields only threw for 117 yards in Sunday’s win over Denver, but the Steelers did have a couple of big plays nullified by penalties. 

The Chargers are also 2-0 following wins over the Raiders and Panthers. They haven’t played a difficult schedule, and this will be by far their toughest test in what is historically one of the NFL’s most raucous environments. One bright spot for LA has been running back J.K. Dobbins, who finally looks healthy after dealing with a host of injuries during his days with the Ravens. The former Ohio State standout leads the league in rushing yards (266) through 2 games, while he’s found the end zone twice.

A situation to monitor is the status of Justin Herbert. While he never left Sunday’s game, he did sustain a leg injury in the win over Carolina. I’m bullish on the Bolts’ chances to pull the upset here if Herbert plays, but I’ll likely flip to Pittsburgh if Herbert winds up missing this game.

Both teams have the potential for big plays, but turnovers and defensive stands will likely determine the outcome. Pittsburgh’s home-field advantage and defense may be the deciding factor.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

Spread: Steelers -2.5 (-110)

• Pittsburgh’s defense and home crowd give them an edge, but the Chargers look tougher under Jim Harbaugh. I like the value on LA as a road ‘dog.

Moneyline: Chargers +110 / Steelers -130

• The Steelers are a slight favorite, but the Chargers aren’t a bad underdog value if you’re not sold on Pittsburgh’s QB play.

Total: 36.5

• With both offenses looking questionable, the under looks like the safer bet.

Betting Trends:

• Chargers are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games as road underdogs.
• Steelers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the last 7 Chargers-Steelers matchups.

Prediction: Chargers +2.5, Under 36.5
Best Bet: Under 36.5 (-110)

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans Saints Odds

In a matchup of contrasting styles, the high-flying Philadelphia Eagles offense will face a gritty New Orleans Saints defense in The Big Easy. Jalen Hurts has been exceptional to start the season, using both his legs and arm to keep defenses on their heels. The Eagles’ offensive line has done a great job protecting Hurts, but they’ll be up against a Saints defense that prides itself on stopping the run and generating pressure.

The Eagles will be without AJ Brown once again, who missed Philly’s Week 2 loss against Atlanta. DeVonta Smith recorded 7 catches for 76 yards and a TD in the first game without Brown, while Britain Covey played a surprisingly big role offensively.

Defense is the Eagles’ primary issue. Philadelphia showed zero resistance in the final moments of Monday night’s clash against the Falcons, letting Kirk Cousins and co. easily march down the field and score a game-winning touchdown after Philly stretched their lead to 6 with just over a minute to play. We saw the Eagles’ defense struggle considerably last season, so alarm bells should be ringing.

The Saints were inconsistent offensively last season, but they look rejuvenated under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. New Orleans leads the NFL in points scored (91) through 2 games after Sunday’s surprising 44-19 demolition of the Cowboys in Dallas. This was one of the more surprising results of Week 2 on the heels of the Saints’ easy 47-10 win over a pathetic Panthers team in the season opener.

Kubiak is making it a point to get Alvin Kamara involved as much as possible, and that strategy has paid dividends. Kamara scored 4 touchdowns on Sunday after finding the end zone once against Carolina. He’s just one rushing TD short of matching last season’s total of 5, while he’s averaging a healthy 5.7 yards per attempt thus far.

While both defenses have talent, this game looks like a potential track meet. I’m not quite ready to crown the Saints as contenders just yet, but they have arguably been the league’s most impressive team through 2 games.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans Saints Predictions

Spread: Eagles -2.5 (-115)

• Philadelphia’s explosive offense and Hurts’ versatility give them the edge to cover the 2.5-point spread.

Moneyline: Eagles -142 / Saints +120

• The Eagles at -142 offer reasonable value, but the Saints’ moneyline could be enticing for those expecting a tight contest. New Orleans is at home, after all.

Total: 48.5

• The over looks appealing with both teams displaying no shortage of offensive firepower.

Betting Trends:

• Eagles are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as road favorites.
• Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as home underdogs.
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of the last 6 matchups between these teams.

Prediction: Saints +2.5, Over 48.5
Best Bet: Saints +2.5 (-105)

Green Bay Packers vs. Tennessee Titans Odds

In a game where both teams may be heavily reliant on their run games, the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans will square off in Tennessee. Green Bay picked up a win in their home opener on Sunday over Indianapolis even with Jordan Love watching from the sidelines.

Malik Willis showed flashes in his new starting role, but the Pack predictably relied heavily on Josh Jacobs to carry the offense. The former NFL rushing champ was utterly dominant, as he carried the ball 32 times for 151 yards in Green Bay’s 16-10 victory.

We can expect Jacobs to be the bell cow again in this one, though the Titans’ defense may force Willis to beat them. He completed 12 of his 14 throws on Sunday for 122 yards with a touchdown. Willis also showed some playmaking ability, running the ball 6 times for 41 yards.

The Titans are off to an 0-2 start after consecutive 24-17 losses to the Bears and Jets to begin 2024. Will Levis committed one of the dumbest turnovers you’ll ever see for the 2nd straight week against New York, and protecting the football will be paramount if the Titans are to crack the win column for the first time this week.

Calvin Ridley scored a couple of touchdowns on Sunday, though Tennessee has yet to get DeAndre Hopkins involved. The veteran topped 1,000 receiving yards in 2023, yet he has just 2 catches on 3 targets through 2 games this term.

This matchup is likely to be a low-scoring affair, with both teams focused on controlling the clock and limiting turnovers.

Green Bay Packers vs. Tennessee Titans Predictions

Spread: Titans -2.5 (-110)

• The Titans are at home here, but the Packers have been the more impressive team early in the season.

Moneyline: Packers +114 / Titans -135

• The Packers at +114 on the moneyline look like the clear better value given the Titans’ struggles to close games.

Total: 37

• With both teams playing conservatively, the under looks like a strong bet.

Betting Trends:

• Packers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as road underdogs.
• Titans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the last 7 Packers-Titans matchups.

Prediction: Packers +2.5, Under 37
Best Bet: Packers +114

Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds

In a matchup that could turn into a shootout, the Houston Texans travel north to face the surprising Minnesota Vikings. Houston’s offense came into the season billed as arguably the best in the league, and they’re off to a 2-0 start with wins over the Colts and Bears.

Houston could be without Joe Mixon, who sustained an ankle injury on Sunday night against Chicago. With Dameon Pierce also banged up, the Texans may have to rely on Cam Akers and Dare Ogubowale to handle the running game. If that’s the case, expect a heavy dosage of C.J. Stroud and the passing attack on Sunday in Minneapolis.

There were questions about how Stroud would spread the ball around between Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell. The answer appears to be to just get the ball to Collins as much as possible. Houston’s leading receiver from last season is off to a hot start with 14 catches for 252 yards and a touchdown already.

The Vikings, led by journeyman Sam Darnold, are also off to a 2-0 start. Minnesota trounced the Giants in Week 1 before pulling off an impressive upset win over the 49ers last week. Darnold has been terrific, throwing for 476 yards with 4 touchdowns to 2 interceptions thus far. Justin Jefferson – who caught 4 passes for 133 yards and a score against San Francisco – is dealing with a bruised quad. Keep an eye on his status as we get closer to this game. 

The Vikings are slight favorites in this one despite the Texans coming into the season with higher expectations. Minnesota’s offense could struggle here, however. With Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson all banged up, the Texans could look to put pressure on Darnold. We saw Houston relentlessly apply pressure to Caleb Williams in their win over the Bears in Week 2. 

Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings Predictions

Spread: Vikings -2.5 (-115)

• I’m not sold that Minnesota should be favored here even amid a strong 2-0 start to the season. Houston looks like a solid value as a ‘dog.

Moneyline: Texans +120 / Vikings -142

• The Texans at +120 on the moneyline look like one of the better value bets of Week 3. 

Total: 46.5

• With both teams capable of putting up points, the over is the more likely outcome.

Betting Trends:

• Texans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
• Vikings are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games.
• The total has gone OVER in 5 of the last 7 games between these two teams.

Prediction: Texans +2.5, Over 46.5
Best Bet: Texans +120

Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

In Week 3, the Chicago Bears travel to Indy to take on the Indianapolis Colts in what should be a tightly contested matchup. Chicago’s offense is a work in progress as Caleb Williams adapts to the speed of the NFL game. The Bears’ offensive line will be tested against a Colts defensive front that can generate pressure and disrupt timing in the backfield.

The Colts, led by quarterback Anthony Richardson, have had flashes of brilliance, especially in their rushing game. Richardson’s dual-threat ability gives them a dimension that has been difficult for opposing defenses to handle. Indianapolis will look to establish the run early with Jonathan Taylor to set up play-action and allow Richardson some time to operate.

While Richardson struck for a few big plays in the Colts’ Week 1 loss to Houston, the passing game was far less reliable in the Week 2 loss at Lambeau Field. Accuracy remains a question, as Richardson has only completed 49.1 percent of his throws through 2 weeks. Getting Michael Pittman going should be a priority. The Colts’ top receiver has just 7 catches for 52 yards without a touchdown to this point.

While the Bears are 1-1, it’s tough to trust the offense at the moment. Williams did look better in Week 2 than he did when he threw for just 93 yards in his NFL debut, but Chicago was able to generate very little offense for the second straight week on Sunday against Houston. Williams has yet to throw a touchdown pass, as the Bears’ lone score of Sunday’s game came on a run by Khalil Herbert.

On defense, the Colts’ secondary is somewhat vulnerable, but the Bears may not have the passing game to exploit it fully. Chicago will need to lean on their defense to keep this game close, but their inconsistency may be an issue against the Colts’ dynamic offense.

Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts Predictions

Spread: Colts -1 (-110)

• The Colts’ balanced attack and home-field advantage give them the edge to cover the spread.

Moneyline: Bears +102 / Colts -118

• The Colts at -118 are a slight favorite, but Chicago offers value on the moneyline in what could be a close game.

Total: 44.5

• I don’t trust either of these passing offenses. In what could be a slow-paced game, the under looks appealing.

Betting Trends:

• Bears are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games as road underdogs.
• Colts are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as home favorites.
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of the last 5 Bears-Colts matchups.

Prediction: Colts -1, Under 44.5
Best Bet: Colts -1 (-110)

Carolina Panthers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Odds

The Carolina Panthers head to Nevada in search of their first win of the season, but they face a Las Vegas Raiders team that has been solid on both sides of the ball. After over a year of horrific play, the Panthers have finally decided to end the Bryce Young experiment. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says last year’s No. 1 overall pick has been benched, which means Andy Dalton will be under center for Carolina this week in Sin City.

Frankly, it’s not like the Panthers’ offense could get any worse by making this move. Young endured another dreadful outing in Sunday’s loss to the Chargers, completing 18 of his 26 throws for a dismal 84 yards. Dalton is a much more proven commodity at this level, and I’d imagine he’ll make the offense look a bit more competent. 

The Raiders, on the other hand, pulled off one of the most shocking upsets of the early season by going into Baltimore and toppling the Ravens in Week 2. After a quiet Week 1, Davante Adams exploded for 110 yards on 9 catches with a touchdown to lead Las Vegas to their first win of 2024.

The Raiders opened as -340 favorites in this one, but the Dalton news has shifted the betting line. Las Vegas is now listed at -270 on the moneyline, while they’ve gone from 7-point favorites to 6-point favorites. The total also moved north from over/under 38 to over/under 40.5. Oddsmakers aren’t sold on Dalton’s ability to lead the Panthers to a win on the road, but this game looks a little more interesting than it did initially. 

Carolina Panthers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Predictions

Spread: Raiders -6 (-110)

• I was more confident in Raiders -7 when Young was still the presumed starter, but I have interest in Panthers +6 now that we know Dalton will take the reins.

Moneyline: Panthers +220 / Raiders -270

• The Raiders at -270 are a safe pick, though the moneyline offers little value unless you’re parlaying.

Total: 38

• Both teams have struggled offensively, making the under the safer play.

Betting Trends:

• Panthers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as road underdogs.
• Raiders are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the last 5 Panthers-Raiders matchups.

Prediction: Panthers +6, Under 40.5
Best Bet: Panthers +6 (-110)

Miami Dolphins vs. Seattle Seahawks Odds

The Miami Dolphins head west to Seattle in what promises to be one of the more interesting matchups of Week 3. The Dolphins are 1-1, though they were dealt a blow in Week 2 when Tua Tagovailoa suffered yet another concussion. He’ll be sidelined when the Fins head to the PNW to take on the Seattle Seahawks. Skylar Thompson is expected to start under center, which will throw a wrench into what is otherwise a high-flying offense.

Seattle’s offense, led by Geno Smith, has been efficient, relying on a balanced attack.

The passing game was working on Sunday in New England, as DK Metcalf (129 yards, 1 TD) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (117 yards) both had big games. The Seahawks are likely to be without the injured Kenneth Walker III once again, which would mean a heavy dosage of Zach Charbonnet out of the backfield. Charbonnet played every single offensive snap for the Seahawks in Week 2 and finished with 69 total yards and a touchdown.

With Thompson likely to start, expect the Dolphins to get De’Von Achane heavily involved. The Texas A&M product has looked like a star since entering the league last season, and his role so far this year has grown significantly. With Raheem Mostert out last week against the Bills, Achane played 62 percent of the offensive snaps and recorded a whopping 29 touches. He made the most of those opportunities, racking up 165 total yards and a touchdown in the 31-10 loss.

Miami didn’t score a single point after Tagovailoa left the game last week, and I expect them to struggle to score against a revamped Seattle defense in this one. Mike Macdonald is the only coach in the history of the Seahawks to start his career 2-0, and I think he has an excellent chance to be the first to get to 3-0 this week.

Miami Dolphins vs. Seattle Seahawks Predictions

Spread: Seahawks -5.5 (-110)

• The Seahawks’ home-field advantage and strong passing attack should help them cover the 5.5-point spread.

Moneyline: Dolphins +190 / Seahawks -230

• Seattle at -230 is the safer pick, but Miami’s moneyline offers great value if you believe they can steal this game.

Total: 42

• Both teams have explosive playmakers, making the over the more likely outcome in what could be a high-scoring affair.

Betting Trends:

• Dolphins are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games as road underdogs.
• Seahawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as home favorites.
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of the last 5 Dolphins-Seahawks matchups.

Prediction: Seahawks -5.5, Over 42
Best Bet: Seahawks -5.5 (-110)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds

The San Francisco 49ers head south to Los Angeles to face the LA Rams in a key NFC West showdown. San Francisco comes into yet another season with Super Bowl aspirations, though they’re off to a suboptimal spot. The 49ers were upset by the Vikings in Minnesota on Sunday, and they’ll again be without reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey. C-Mac landed on injured reserve last week as he continues to deal with an Achilles injury.

Fortunately for the Niners, McCaffrey’s backup hasn’t skipped a beat. Jordan Mason is 2nd to Dobbins in rushing yards through 2 games (247), while he’s scored in back-to-back weeks as the starter in place of McCaffrey. Mason hasn’t been much of a factor in the passing game, however, which is likely where the team misses McCaffrey the most.

C-Mac’s absence puts more responsibility on the shoulders of Brock Purdy. He’s thrown just a single touchdown through 2 games. Purdy finished with 1 or fewer TD passes in just 7 games all of last season.

Brandon Aiyuk is also off to a slow start after a lengthy contract holdout this offseason. Aiyuk has caught just 6 passes for 71 yards to this point. Getting him going will be a key if the Niners hope to turn things around on the road in Week 3. 

The Rams have shown some fight, particularly on offense, with Matthew Stafford still capable of making big plays. However, Los Angeles’ offensive line has been inconsistent, and against the 49ers’ dominant front seven, Stafford could face constant pressure. 

The Rams are also dealing with injuries of their own. Puka Nacua went on injured reserve after Week 1, while Cooper Kupp left Sunday’s loss in Arizona with an ankle injury. Considering Kupp was wearing a walking boot after the game, his status for this week’s clash against the 49ers is very much in doubt.

It’s difficult to expect the Rams to mount much of a threat against what is still a dominant San Francisco defense. Stafford has made a career out of making the most of less-than-stellar weapons dating back to his days in Detroit, but it will be legitimately shocking if LA is able to pull the upset in this game given their lack of stars in the passing game.

Defensively, the Rams will need to contain Mason and force Purdy into uncomfortable passing situations. After a solid showing in Week 1 in Detroit, Los Angeles’ defense collapsed in a 41-10 loss to the Cardinals last week.

San Francisco’s defense has been dominant, and if they can disrupt the Rams’ rhythm early, it could be a long day for Stafford and company.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams Predictions

Spread: 49ers -7.5 (-108)

• San Francisco’s balance on offense and defense gives them a great chance to cover the 7.5-point spread.

Moneyline: 49ers -355 / Rams +280

• The 49ers at -355 are a safe moneyline pick, though there’s little value unless you parlay the bet.

Total: 45.5

• This game could stay under, as the 49ers may control the clock and limit the Rams’ offensive opportunities.

Betting Trends:

• 49ers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games against the Rams.
• Rams are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the last 7 49ers-Rams matchups.

Prediction: 49ers -7.5, Under 45.5
Best Bet: 49ers -7.5 (-108)

Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds

The Detroit Lions head to the desert after a shaky start to the season, and they’ll face an Arizona Cardinals team that has looked better than expected. Jared Goff and the Lions have one of the most potent offenses in the league on paper, but they’re off to a sluggish start. The Cardinals are flying high after a blowout win over the Rams last week after a surprisingly competitive loss in Buffalo in Week 1.

Arizona’s offense was firing on all cylinders against Los Angeles. Kyler Murray posted a perfect passer rating en route to 266 passing yards with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. The real story was Marvin Harrison Jr., who followed up a non-existent showing in Week 1 by catching 4 passes for 130 yards and a couple of touchdowns in his second NFL game.

Arizona has also gotten the ground game going behind James Conner. Conner has 172 yards on 37 carries with a couple of TDs through 2 games, and the Cardinals have made it a point to get the veteran involved early and often.

While the Lions have scuffled, it’s likely just a matter of time until they turn it around. Goff threw for 307 yards in the loss to the Buccaneers, but he was held without a touchdown and tossed a couple of interceptions. Amon-Ra St. Brown bounced back a bit after a quiet Week 1, while Detroit is still looking to get Sam LaPorta going. LaPorta has just 6 catches for 58 yards after topping 880 yards with 10 touchdowns last year as a rookie.

The Lions are favored by a field goal on the road, which says more about what oddsmakers expect from them this season than their performance to this point. I’m not ready to buy into the Cardinals, but it’s easy to see how this game could turn into a competitive affair.

Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals Predictions

Spread: Lions -3 (-115)

• Detroit’s potent offense and solid defense make them the safer pick to cover the spread.

Moneyline: Lions -166 / Cardinals +140

• The Lions are the better team and should win outright, though Arizona at +140 offers value if you’re buying their solid start to 2024.

Total: 51.5

• With both teams capable of putting up points, the over is the more appealing bet in what could be a high-scoring game.

Betting Trends:

• Lions are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
• Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games.
• The total has gone OVER in 5 of the last 6 Lions-Cardinals matchups.

Prediction: Lions -3, Over 51.5
Best Bet: Lions -3 (-115)

Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys Odds

This should be one of the most intriguing matchups on the schedule after the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys both suffered embarrassing losses in Week 2. The Ravens fell at home to the Raiders, while the Cowboys were trounced on their home turf by the Saints. That Baltimore is off to an 0-2 start is quite the shocker considering the Ravens finished last season with the NFL’s best record.

The Cowboys’ defense looked like a force in Week 1, but they allowed the Saints to score touchdowns in each of their first 6 drives in Sunday’s game. The offense struggled for a second straight week, which is subpar considering Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb each inked lucrative new contract extensions just before the season got underway. The rushing attack remains a major question mark, as Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn all split the work against New Orleans. None of the 3 was particularly effective, however.

The Ravens need to find a way to get Derrick Henry going. While the former rushing champ has scored in both of his games in a Ravens uniform, he’s averaging a middling 4.2 yards per carry on 31 attempts. Lamar Jackson (167 yards) is predictably the team’s leading rusher, while Mark Andrews continues to struggle. Andrews has just 6 catches for 65 yards through 2 games, and I’d expect Baltimore to make it a point to get him involved early in this one.

Defensively, the Ravens have been strong but are vulnerable to big plays. Prescott will need to avoid mistakes and capitalize on every scoring opportunity to take advantage of those gaps.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys Predictions

Spread: Ravens -1 (-105)

• Baltimore is a surprising road favorite in this one as oddsmakers bail on the Cowboys after their shellacking at the hands of the Saints.

Moneyline: Ravens -112 / Cowboys +108

• The Ravens are a marginal favorite, but the Cowboys offer value at +108 in a game that could legitimately go either way. I prefer the value of Dallas at home in what looks like a toss-up.

Total: 48

• I like the over here in a game featuring a pair of high-octane offensive teams.

Betting Trends:

• Ravens are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as road favorites.
• Cowboys are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 home games as underdogs.
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of the last 5 Ravens-Cowboys matchups.

Prediction: Cowboys +1, Over 48
Best Bet: Cowboys +108

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons Odds

The Kansas City Chiefs head to Atlanta in a game where Patrick Mahomes and the high-flying Kansas City offense will look to exploit the Atlanta Falcons‘ defense. Mahomes is off to a quiet statistical start by his standards, yet the defending champs are still 2-0 after wins over the Ravens and Bengals at home. This will be Kansas City’s first road game of the young season.

The Falcons, on the other hand, are a work in progress. Kirk Cousins is fresh off of an Achilles injury, and he didn’t look fully healthy in the Falcons’ upset loss to Pittsburgh in Week 1. However, he was able to bounce back in a big way in Atlanta’s thrilling comeback win over Philly in Week 2. Cousins completed 20 of his 29 throws for 241 yards with a couple of scores, including a game-winning touchdown to Drake London in the waning seconds to secure the comeback.

The big news out of Kansas City is the injury to running back Isiah Pacheco. KC’s hard runner is set to miss the next 6-to-8 weeks with a broken fibula. Pacheco was a breakout star last season, so the Chiefs will likely lean on Carson Steele and Samaje Perine to carry the load in his absence.

Luckily for the Chiefs, they also have that Mahomes guy. He was held to just 151 yards in the win over Cincinnati, but I expect him to ramp things up in what should be an up-tempo game inside a dome. Travis Kelce is one of the many star players around the league off to a quiet start. The future Hall-of-Famer has just 4 catches for 39 yards to this point, and he’s been held out of the end zone. 

On the bright side, Rashee Rice picked up where he left off after his terrific rookie campaign in 2023. Rice is the Chiefs’ leading receiver with 12 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown thus far.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons Predictions

Spread: Chiefs -4.5 (-110)

• The Chiefs’ explosive offense and ability to create turnovers make them a decent bet to cover the 4.5-point spread.

Moneyline: Chiefs -218 / Falcons +180

• The Chiefs are a safe moneyline pick, but Atlanta offers decent value at +180 if you believe they can keep the game close.

Total: 47

• With the Chiefs’ high-powered offense and the Falcons’ revamped offense, the over looks like the better play.

Betting Trends:

• Chiefs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as road favorites.
• Falcons are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games.
• The total has gone OVER in 5 of the last 7 Chiefs-Falcons matchups.

Prediction: Falcons +4.5, Over 47
Best Bet: Over 47 (-110)

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills Odds 

For the first time this season we’ll have a pair of Monday Night Football games. The Jacksonville Jaguars face a tough test as they fly to Western New York to take on the Buffalo Bills, who have been dominant at home in recent years. Jacksonville’s offense is off to a very slow start, which isn’t a huge surprise considering how poorly they played down the stretch in ‘23. In this one, they’ll face a Buffalo defense that has been one of the best in the league. The Bills managed to hold the high-octane Dolphins in check last week. The key for Jacksonville will be protecting Trevor Lawrence from the Bills’ pass rush and finding ways to get the ball into the hands of playmakers like Travis Etienne and Brian Thomas Jr.

Lawrence has completed only 46.7 percent of his passes, which simply isn’t going to get it done. He’s avoided turnovers, but his unwillingness to take risks is somewhat limiting to the Jaguars’ explosiveness on offense.

The Bills reshaped their offense this summer, yet they look as prolific as ever. Buffalo has topped 30 points in each of their first 2 games. Josh Allen was the catalyst in the Week 1 win over Arizona, while James Cook went off for 3 touchdowns in the Week 2 victory in Miami.

Allen’s ability to extend plays with his legs and throw deep will be a challenge for Jacksonville’s secondary, which has struggled in coverage. We’ll see if Allen can get the passing game back into gear after it was relatively quiet last week. Khalil Shakir leads all Bills pass-catchers with just 96 yards receiving through 2 games, while nobody else has more than Keon Coleman’s 51. Coleman was held without a catch last week, as well.

Defensively, the Bills will look to pressure Lawrence early and often. If they can generate turnovers, it will be difficult for Jacksonville to keep up with Buffalo’s scoring pace.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills Predictions

Spread: Bills -6 (-112)

• Buffalo’s balanced attack and home-field advantage give them a great chance to cover the 6-point spread.

Moneyline: Jaguars +225 / Bills -278

• The Bills are the safer pick at -278, and it’s hard to have much faith in the Jaguars after consecutive losses to begin the campaign.

Total: 46.5

• I like the under in this one. Offense around the league is way down in the early-going, and the Jaguars’ offense looks particularly impotent.

Betting Trends:

• Jaguars are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games as road underdogs.
• Bills are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of the last 6 Bills-Jaguars matchups.

Prediction: Bills -6, Under 46.5
Best Bet: Bills -6 (-112)

Washington Commanders vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

The second MNF clash of Week 3 will pit the Washington Commanders against the Cincinnati Bengals in Ohio. The Bengals come into this matchup as heavy favorites despite a shaky 0-2 start. Cincy started the season with a shocking home loss to the Patriots, while they fell in Kansas City last week on a last-second Harrison Butker field goal.  

The Bengals have some issues on offense. Tee Higgins hasn’t played yet this season as a result of a hamstring injury, while Ja’Marr Chase was visibly frustrated in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. Chase is hunting for a payday, yet he’s caught just 10 passes for 97 yards through 2 weeks. Running the ball in the post-Joe Mixon era could also be an issue. Zack Moss and Chase Brown are averaging a collective 3.8 yards per carry through 2 games, though Brown has shown some promise in more limited opportunities. 

The Commanders are also working out the kinks offensively. Washington picked up their first win of the season last week despite failing to score a single touchdown. Moving the ball wasn’t an issue, but finishing drives was. The Commanders racked up 425 total yards of offense, yet all 21 of their points came courtesy of 7 field goals by kicker Austin Seibert.

Despite not scoring, Jayden Daniels put up another impressive effort. The former Heisman Trophy winner completed 23 of his 29 attempts for 226 yards while averaging 7.8 yards per throw. However, Washington predictably did most of its damage on the ground. Daniels, Brian Robinson, and Austin Ekeler combined to gouge the Giants for 215 yards on 35 attempts. That’s an average of 6.1 yards per carry, and you can bet the Commanders will look to again dictate the tempo on the ground in this one. 

It’s interesting to see the Bengals listed as the biggest favorites on the slate (-8, -425) despite their ragged start. I’m far from sold on this team, and I don’t think we can realistically expect a blowout with the way the Commanders want to play offensively. On the flip side, I do question Washington’s ability to throw it well enough to get back into the game if they fall into an early hole.

Cincinnati’s defense, though not elite, has been opportunistic, particularly in generating turnovers. If the Bengals can pressure Daniels and force mistakes, the game could turn into a rout. I think that’s the less likely scenario, which is why I like the Commanders to cover.

Washington Commanders vs. Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

Spread: Bengals -8 (-110)

• Cincinnati has more proven playmakers on their roster, but I’m skeptical that this team should be such a heavy favorite given their inauspicious start.

Moneyline: Commanders +330 / Bengals -425

• Betting on Washington as a +330 moneyline underdog offers tons of profit potential. Even a low-dollar wager on Washington can pay major dividends.

Total: 47.5

• The under looks like a safer bet, as Washington may struggle to score enough points to push the total over.

Betting Trends:

• Commanders are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as road underdogs.
• Bengals are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the last 6 Commanders-Bengals matchups.

Prediction: Commanders +8, Under 47.5
Best Bet: Commanders +8 (-110)

NFL Week 3 Best Bets

After looking over the entire week, the following wagers are our favorite Week 3 NFL best bets:

• Panthers +6 (-110)
• Saints ML (+120)
• Giants +7 (-115)

If you want to combine all three bets into a three-leg parlay, then a $100 wager will win you a total payout of $685.22.