NFL WEEK 3: Our picks for who covers the spread this weekend
- NFL football is back.
- Through two weeks, our picks are 18-14 against the spread.
- This week we're backing the Cardinals and Broncos to cover big numbers.
Football is back!
Last week, our picks against the spread went a middling 8-8 to bring our season-long record to 18-14.
This week, we're back with another full slate of games and looking to make a buck or two. Take a look below at our best bets against the spread for Week 3 of the NFL season (* indicates home team).
LAST WEEK: 8-8
OVERALL: 18-14
Carolina Panthers (-8) over Houston Texans*
The Texans are turning to rookie quarterback Davis Mills after an injury to starter Tyrod Taylor. Prepping for your first start under any circumstances is tough, but on a short week, and facing a Panthers defense that has been one of the best in the league through two games, this is a tall order for the young player out of Stanford. Barring some help from defense or special teams, I don't see how the Texans score 14 points in this one.
Arizona Cardinals (-7) over Jacksonville Jaguars*
The Jaguars don't have much to work with and are facing a Cardinals team that should be able to score at will against a lesser opponent. Lay the points.
Buffalo Bills* (-7.5) over Washington Football Team
The Bills shook off a disappointing showing in Week 1 to trounce the Dolphins last weekend. Forget about the shaky start and believe what you did heading into the season - the Bills are one of the teams to beat in the AFC, and a potential Super Bowl contender.
Kansas City Chiefs* (-6.5) over Los Angeles Chargers
For all of the offensive prowess the Chiefs sport, they have not been able to cover a lot of games recently. Kansas City hasn't won a game by more than a touchdown since Week 8 of last year. Coming off of a loss against Baltimore, it feels like they're due to assert their power.
Detroit Lions* (+7.5) over Baltimore Ravens
This feels like a classic let-down spot for the Ravens coming off of a huge win against the Chiefs in primetime. Meanwhile, the Lions lost to the Packers on Monday night, but looked alive enough through the first two quarters of the game. Ravens will likely win this won, but covering is a different story.
Chicago Bears (+7) over Cleveland Browns*
The Justin Fields era is upon us. Rejoice and be glad.
Indianapolis Colts (+5) over Tennessee Titans*
This game should be a rock fight. The Titans came back in a wild one against the Seahawks last week, while the Colts pushed the Rams to the brink. While I fear that Derrick Henry might once again run all over the Colts, I'm closing my eyes and taking the points.
New York Giants* (-2.5) over Atlanta Falcons
The Giants probably shouldn't be favored over anyone right now, but the Falcons have been just that terrible to start the year. If the Giants don't win this one, there's a good chance they start the season 0-10. Secure the W while you still can New York.
Cincinnati Bengals (+3) over Pittsburgh Steelers*
I am high on the Bengals and Panthers this year, and going to ride both teams until it burns me. The Steelers defense is scary, but last week the Raiders showed that with enough offensive weapons you can get around them. The Bengals receiving corps is better than you think.
New Orleans Saints (+3) over New England Patriots*
This feels like a low scoring game, so either take the points or stay away.
Las Vegas Raiders* (-4.5) over Miami Dolphins
Backing the Raiders in Las Vegas feels like a good idea this year. There's a real energy in Allegiant Stadium, and the team could be just about ready to breakthrough to the next level. Derek Carr and company need to take care of business with a backup quarterback coming to visit.
Denver Broncos* (-10.5) over New York Jets
Betting the Broncos at home early in the season is one of my favorite gambling traditions. While they usually aren't 10-point favorites when the opportunity comes around, I will not be passing here.
Los Angeles Rams* (+1.5) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This game should be fun enough that you don't need to bet it, or maybe just want to bet the over and enjoy some scoring. But if I have to take a side, I'll back the Rams. Whatever the result, I'll be betting the loser when these teams meet again in the NFC Championship.
Seattle Seahawks (-1.5) over Minnesota Vikings*
Tough to have a read on this one, but the Seahawks are good enough that they shouldn't lose two games in a row.
Green Bay Packers (+3) over San Francisco 49ers*
Angry Aaron Rodgers showed why should never bet against him on Monday night against the Lions. The 49ers present a tougher challenge than Detroit did, but Rodgers will still be playing angry.
Philadelphia Eagles (+3.5) over Dallas Cowboys*
The Cowboys are good but I'm a Philly boy. Go birds.