With Week 3 of the 2022 NFL preseason upon us, what are our picks and predictions for all 16 games? Let’s take a look at this week’s betting odds and how we think the games will go, including our picks and predictions against the spread — as well as moneylines — based on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Week 3 NFL preseason predictions and picks against the spread and moneylines
If Week 1 and Week 2 were unpredictable, Week 3 could be a crapshoot. A lot of roster-bubble players could get plenty of run as they try to avoid teams’ final cuts. What they do with that run is an entirely different question, making predictions much tougher than typical in-season games.
[bet-promo id=”149453″ ]That said, based on the presence of rookies and depth-chart battles, we can assess the probability of certain game scripts, which are more likely than not to lead to particular outcomes.
Kansas City Chiefs (+2) vs. Green Bay Packers
- Date: Thursday, Aug. 25
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET
The Packers’ veteran starters won’t play tonight, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. However, those who have been playing — like Jordan Love and perhaps even Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson (if he’s healthy) — will remain involved.
Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes saw plenty of work last week, and as of this writing, I would bet on Kansas City handing the reins to backup QBs Shane Buechele and Dustin Crum. Green Bay has the edge.
Against-the-spread prediction: Packers
Moneyline winner: Packers
Houston Texans (+3.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Date: Thursday, Aug. 25
- Start time: 8.15 p.m. ET
No one knows whether Trey Lance and other key starters will play one drive, one quarter, or even one half. Lance in particular could use more work as he continues acclimating to the NFL after an abridged rookie campaign.
Even at full strength, Houston would have trouble going toe-to-toe with San Francisco’s starters. Assuming the Niners jump out to an early lead with their starters, they have the personnel to maintain it with backups.
Against-the-spread prediction: 49ers
Moneyline winner: 49ers
Carolina Panthers (-6.5) vs. Buffalo Bills
- Date: Friday, Aug. 26
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
Is this betting line a typo? No, because it’s the preseason. Buffalo reportedly will rest their starters, while Panthers head coach Matt Rhule vows to start Baker Mayfield and other Carolina starters for at least a quarter, and possibly closer to a full half.
Mayfield isn’t just preparing for Week 1; he’s playing every week for a 2023 contract. Against Buffalo backups, he and the Panthers should do enough to win by a touchdown or more.
Against-the-spread prediction: Panthers
Moneyline winner: Panthers
Dallas Cowboys (+7) vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Date: Friday, Aug. 26
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET
Similar to the Bills, the Cowboys reportedly won’t play their starters on Friday. Meanwhile, Seattle head coach Pete Carroll wants to see more from Geno Smith and (assuming he’s ready) Drew Lock. It could be the DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer show (both solid DFS RB bets) as the Seahawks end the preseason on a high note, before presumably enduring plenty of in-season low notes.
Against-the-spread prediction: Seahawks
Moneyline winner: Seahawks
New Orleans Saints (-3) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
- Date: Friday, Aug. 26
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET
The Saints are reportedly “considering” playing their starters on Friday. What the heck does that mean? Exactly. If this is Chase Daniel vs. Ian Book, advantage Chargers. For now, the higher-probability bet is with New Orleans, where rookies like Chris Olave and Abram Smith could see a little more run.
Against-the-spread prediction: Saints
Moneyline winner: Saints
Las Vegas Raiders (-1) vs. New England Patriots
- Date: Friday, Aug. 26
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
There’s a hum of grumbling coming out of Patriots Nation this summer. Is Mac Jones ready to take another step forward? Can Pierre Strong Jr. or Kevin Harris contribute? Will the talent-challenged receiving corps step up, especially after Tyquan Thornton’s injury? I like the Raiders’ chances behind an ascending Zamir White and a collection of competent second-stringers.
Against-the-spread prediction: Raiders
Moneyline winner: Raiders
Atlanta Falcons (-4) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
- Start time: 3 p.m. ET
A battle between two teams widely expected to miss the playoffs, but clearly with bright futures. The Jags might be further along. However, they’re expected to rest their starters Saturday. Assuming we see a lot more of Marcus Mariota and/or Desmond Ridder, Atlanta should have the clear edge.
Against-the-spread prediction: Falcons
Moneyline winner: Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5) vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
- Start time: 6 p.m. ET
The last time these two teams met . . . well, you already know. The only drama in this one concerns the guys fighting for final roster spots. Rookie Kyren Williams will see his first NFL action. But the key here is that both teams cannot afford a fluke injury.
Yes, that’s true for any team. But as Super Bowl contenders, the stakes are higher. Both teams have seen season-ending injuries to key players within the past two seasons. All else being equal, I’m taking the points and the defending champs.
Against-the-spread prediction: Rams
Moneyline winner: Rams
Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) vs. Washington Commanders
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
The Ravens have won 22 consecutive preseason games. Yes, 22 straight, reportedly the longest in history. Facing their neighboring rivals to the south, they’re deservedly strong favorites to claim No. 23.
Still, I think the Commanders will give rookie Sam Howell plenty of reps, while Baltimore could decide Tyler Huntley is done for the summer and see what else they have in Anthony Brown. This is shaping up to be a more evenly matched contest than the line suggests.
Against-the-spread prediction: Commanders
Moneyline winner: Ravens
Miami Dolphins (-1.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
On Thursday, Miami canceled its joint practice with Philadelphia after several players were impacted with what’s been called a “stomach bug.” Meanwhile, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni reassured his team’s fans that “Our guys are ready, healthy, and fine.” Well, there you have it. I’ll take the team that hasn’t been throwing up.
Against-the-spread prediction: Eagles
Moneyline winner: Eagles
Cleveland Browns (-4.5) vs. Chicago Bears
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
Bears starters reportedly will play 25-30 snaps on Saturday. Yes, they need the work. Justin Fields, Darnell Mooney, and a capable backfield should be enough to put Chicago over the top, although it remains unclear which Browns starters will play and for how long. Because we cannot bet on what we don’t know, we have to go with what we do and trust that the Bears’ summer practices will culminate in some semblance of sound execution.
Against-the-spread prediction: Bears
Moneyline winner: Bears
Tennessee Titans (-3) vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
Malik Willis has had plenty of detractors this preseason. I’ve been on the opposite end, strongly believing that the Titans could be forced to replace Ryan Tannehill later this year and that he’ll be better than many believe.
The Titans’ schedule is fairly brutal. Tennessee needs to see what they have in Willis while also giving him enough reps to begin getting comfortable in an NFL pocket. Willis is the X-factor in this one, and I think he’ll be the difference maker.
Against-the-spread prediction: Titans
Moneyline winner: Titans
Indianapolis Colts (-5.5) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
- Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET
While Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines are expected to sit, other starters reportedly could play as long as one half. Meanwhile, the Bucs are still weighing their options, particularly in light of Tom Brady’s recent extended absence. These two teams are Super Bowl contenders. It’ll be a fascinating game. For now, Tampa Bay should keep it close.
Against-the-spread prediction: Buccaneers
Moneyline winner: Colts
Denver Broncos (+1) vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
- Start time: 9 p.m. ET
Denver reportedly will roll with Brett Rypien at QB in this final preseason game, and KJ Hamler will return if healthy. A lot of key depth-chart roles remain up in the air, and the biggest recent wrinkle might be Minnesota bringing in Nick Mullens. Kellen Mond is now on notice. If Mullens plays, he’ll be throwing to guys he’s not very familiar with.
Against-the-spread prediction: Broncos
Moneyline winner: Broncos
New York Jets (-3) vs. New York Giants
- Date: Sunday, Aug. 28
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
Jets starters are expected to play about 15-22 minutes on Sunday. That’s not enough for me, especially with Zach Wilson out and Breece Hall struggling. If we see a lot more of Mike White, it could be trouble, and not the good kind.
The Giants have more work to do to be ready for the regular season. I expect them to play even more aggressively, including their dramatically underperforming receiving corps.
Against-the-spread prediction: Giants
Moneyline winner: Giants
Pittsburgh Steelers (-4.5) vs. Detroit Lions
- Date: Sunday, Aug. 28
- Start time: 4:30 p.m. ET
If the Steelers could combine the best qualities of all three of their quarterbacks into one super QB, they’d have . . . probably Kenny Pickett. While he’s still technically No. 3 on the depth chart, Pickett’s making a play to become Pittsburgh’s next great franchise quarterback. The Steelers have the edge at this position, especially with Jared Goff sitting, while deep backups Tim Boyle and David Blough call the shots.
Against-the-spread prediction: Steelers
Moneyline winner: Steelers