Best NFL Football Games to Bet in Week 3
Week 3 is a gut-check team for many NFL franchises. While the league moving to a 17-game schedule has created some wiggle room teams haven't had in previous years, teams still don't want to dig a hole by starting the season slowly. Here's a look at some teams worth betting on in Week 3.
Tennessee Titans vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Two playoff teams from last season are hoping to grab a victory to avoid sinking to an 0-3 start. Las Vegas, especially, has to be feeling sour after its loss last week. The Raiders saw a 20-point halftime lead evaporate before a Hunter Renfrew fumble was returned for a touchdown in overtime to hand the Arizona Cardinals a victory.
Las Vegas has had a difficult team on defense. The Raiders have only forced one turnover this season, which ranks 29th in the league. Las Vegas allows opponents to throw 274.5 yards per game, ranking 28th in the league. What may really be killing the Raiders is their running game.
Las Vegas has the third-worst rushing attack in the league, averaging 72 yards per contest. The Titans were humbled by the Buffalo Bills last Monday night, which isn't a bad loss on its face. However, it was the manner the Bills dominated Tennessee that raised red flags.
Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw two interceptions, and the team finished with 187 yards of total offense. Derrick Henry also never got going, rushing for 25 yards on 13 carries. While things have been ugly for Tennessee so far, taking the Titans' offense to get back at home against the Raiders for plus money seems like a good opportunity.
Pick: Titans ML
Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills
The Dolphins and Bills have both looked like they are on a collision course for the AFC East title. Each has seen impressive performances from their high-pedigree opponents and are looking to make a splash in their first division game. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may still be coming down from his career-best performance against Baltimore last week.
Tagovailoa threw for 469 yards and tossed six touchdowns in a surprising come-from-behind win over Baltimore. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle also both finished with 170 or more receiving yards and looked like a receiving core primed to cause defenses a lot of issues this season. Much like Miami, Buffalo has been showing off its offensive prowess all season.
The Bills have scored 72 points during their first two games. In a 41-7 win over Tennessee last week, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen threw for 317 yards and four touchdowns. The Bills' defense crunched Tennessee's offense, limiting the Titans to 187 yards. However, Miami's offense is much more organized than the Titans. This game should provide some fireworks and go over the total.
Pick: Over 52.5
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Lions have proven through two weeks that they aren't planning on getting pushed around much this season. Detroit has started 1-1 thanks to an efficient running attack supported by steady quarterback Jared Goff under center. Lions running back D'Andre Swift has carried the ball 20 times for 200 yards through the first two weeks.
Detroit, as a whole, has picked up big chunks on the ground. As a team, the Lions average 7.2 yards per carry this season. While Detroit's offense has made major progress, their defense leaves a lot to be desired. The Lions rank 31st in the league, having allowed 32.5 points per game.
After an encouraging win over the Packers Week 1, Minnesota came back down to Earth in a loss to Philadelphia the next week. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins threw three interceptions, and Dalvin Cook was limited to 17 yards on six carries. Minnesota won't want too many other games where Cousins is the leading rusher.
While Minnesota may well win this game, but Detroit will cover the spread.
Pick: Lions +6
Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
The Patriots were able to even their record at 1-1 by beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in an ugly, defensive battle in Week 2. New England will have to step up its offensive game to hang with Baltimore. The Ravens will be angry to have blown a big lead last week before losing to the Dolphins.
While New England quarterback Mac Jones is capable of running a solid offense, he isn't as dynamic as Lamar Jackson. Jackson passed for 318 yards and three touchdowns against the Dolphins. He also led the team in rushing by piling up 119 yards on nine carries. Baltimore will cover the spread and grab a win on the road.
Pick: Ravens -2.5
Derek Hudson
Derek is a long time sports bettor who grew up in Providence, RI. Derek is data driven and believes the key to betting the sportsbooks is finding an edge in analytics. Derek is happily married and has two young boys. Derek will bet on anything if you let him.
