NFL Week 3 Picks, Predictions Against the Spread: Bucs/Rams and Chiefs/Chargers highlight top games

After a much better Week 2 against the spread, let’s continue that momentum in Week 3. For my fellow NFL betting degenerates out there, that means it’s time to get our Week 3 NFL picks and predictions in order. Let’s take a look at who I like to cover the spread in Week 3.

NFL Week 3 picks and predictions

Oddsmakers are extremely sharp when it comes to setting lines. With a week between games, they have ample time to fine-tune their numbers to get action on both sides. Let’s take a look at every Week 3 game and pick some winners against the spread.

All lines are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are accurate as of 7 PM ET on September 24.

Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns (-7)

Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX

I’m excited for the Justin Fields era to begin, but betting on a rookie making his first career start is a dicey proposition. With that being said, the Browns were well on their way to not covering against the Texans last week until Tyrod Taylor got hurt.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Browns 24, Bears 19

Arizona Cardinals (-8) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX

The Cardinals are going to be a popular public play because of the negative perception of the Jaguars. I’ll be the square on this one as Trevor Lawrence looks nothing like the generational prospect he was made out to be. Meanwhile, Kyler Murray is an early MVP favorite.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Cardinals 38, Jaguars 14

New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots (-3)

Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX

The real Jameis Winston showed up last week. Once upon a time, this would be a projected shootout. Now, it’s a defensive slog. This smells like a push.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Patriots 20, Saints 17

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (-5.5)

Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS

My feelings on this game hinge entirely on Carson Wentz’s health. If Jacob Eason or Brett Hundley has to start, I don’t see how the Titans don’t win easily. If Wentz is out there at even 80% capacity, I think the Colts keep it close. Knock off a touchdown from the Colts if Wentz doesn’t play.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Titans 31, Colts 27

Washington Football Team at Buffalo Bills (-7.5)

Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX

Josh Allen has looked more like 2018 and 2019 Allen than 2020 Allen. Meanwhile, Taylor Heinicke is scrappy and keeps his team in games. The Bills will win, but not by 7.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Bills 28, Washington 23

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants (-3)

Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX

I’ve been all over this game as the Saquon Barkley smash game since before the season started, and I’m sticking to it. No one would ever confuse me with a Giants apologist, but they’re getting their first win here.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Giants 31, Falcons 24

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)

Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS

If the Bengals can go into Pittsburgh and win this game, I’ll be surprised. Ben Roethlisberger is a full go.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Steelers 27, Bengals 23

Baltimore Ravens (-7.5) at Detroit Lions

Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS

The Lions hung with the Packers for a while last week before eventually collapsing. At the same time, the Ravens earned every bit of their 1-point victory over the Chiefs. These are two teams heading in polar opposite directions.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Ravens 35, Lions 17

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (-7)

Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS

I’m actually stunned that this line is as high as it is. It makes me feel like the Chiefs are the right side here. I was all set to take the Chargers and the points when I started writing these few sentences but literally changed my mind along the way.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Chiefs 34, Chargers 24

New York Jets at Denver Broncos (-10.5)

Time and channel: 4:05 PM ET, CBS

All Teddy Bridgewater has done over the first two weeks is prove that he deserved to win the Broncos’ starting quarterback job. While 11 points feel like a lot for the Broncos to lay, the Jets may not win a game this year.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Broncos 30, Jets 16

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders (-3.5)

Time and channel: 4:05 PM ET, CBS

I think several people will be on the Raiders, as they’ve been surprisingly good to start the season. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are starting Jacoby Brissett this week. I don’t think there’s much — if any — drop off from Tua Tagovailoa to Brissett. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Dolphins won this game.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Dolphins 24, Raiders 20

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams (+1.5)

Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, FOX

The Rams got the better of the Bucs in their Monday night showdown last season. Don’t think Tom Brady has forgotten that. Regardless, this is a new Rams team, and this very well could be an NFC Championship Game preview. This one is going to be a lot of fun.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Rams 34, Buccaneers 31

Seattle Seahawks (-2) at Minnesota Vikings

Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, FOX

The Vikings are an 0-2 team that probably should be 2-0. They certainly should’ve beaten the Cardinals last week. Now returning home, they just feel too good of a team to start 0-3. Eventually, the Seahawks’ insistence on running the ball and not letting Russell Wilson do what he does will come back to bite them.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Vikings 30, Seahawks 27

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers (-3)

Time and channel: 8:20 PM ET, NBC

I’m really not sure which Packers team to buy. Both of these teams beat up on the Lions, but the 49ers also looked strong against the Eagles, whereas the Packers were a disaster in Week 1. The Packers always struggle against the 49ers, but I have a sneaking suspicion they find a way to get it done on Sunday night.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Packers 31, 49ers 26

Monday Night Football: Free NFL picks and predictions

Here are the NFL Week 3 betting lines and odds for Monday’s game as of 2 PM ET on September 25.

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5)

Time and channel: 8:15 PM ET, ESPN

Normally, I’d fade the Cowboys in a game they should win after winning a game they should’ve lost. But I really think this year’s Cowboys team is different. They are actually catering their offensive philosophy to their opponent. Dak Prescott will throw multiple touchdowns in this one, but Jalen Hurts is going to keep it close.

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions: Cowboys 27, Eagles 24