One thing we’ve seen in the first couple of weeks of the first NFL season without preseason games is that some teams have done a much better job of figuring out their schemes than others. The Dallas Cowboys seem to take the whole first quarter to start playing (particularly on defense). The Cincinnati Bengals already have a high-octane offense thanks to the arrival of Joe Burrow. The Arizona Cardinals have already put together solid schemes on both sides of the ball.
Let’s take a look at the point totals for each matchup in Week 3 as you consider which side you should favor in your NFL betting.
NFL Betting News:
O/U Picks for the 2020 NFL Week 3
Miami (+3) at Jacksonville (O/U 48)
Thursday Night Football
Thursday, September 24
8:20 pm ET, NFL Network
Jacksonville has been involved in a couple of barnburners to start the season, and Miami’s defense hasn’t been all that stout either.
Over | Check the Odds
Early Games
Chicago (+3.5) at Atlanta (47.5)
Sunday, September 27
1:00 pm ET, FOX
The Falcons went over 30 points in each of their first two games, facing a solid defense (Seattle) and a banged-up one (Dallas). Chicago has kept a milder pace, but their defense could give the Falcons fits.
Under | Check the Odds
L.A. Rams (+2.5) at Buffalo (47.5)
Sunday, September 27
1:00 pm ET, FOX
We have two stout defenses — and two offenses that can score in bunches. It shouldn’t be cold yet in Buffalo, and I can see this getting a bit crazy.
Over | Check the Odds
Washington (+7) at Cleveland (43.5)
Sunday, September 27
1:00 pm ET, FOX
Cleveland got 5 touchdown passes from Baker Mayfield and has two bruising running backs in Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb. Cleveland also has issues on defense.
Over | Check the Odds
Tennessee (-2.5) at Minnesota (47.5)
Sunday, September 27
1:00 pm ET, CBS
The Titans have scored into the 30s in both of their games, while the Vikings put up 34 in their opener before settling for 11 in Week 2. I don’t see that second trend holding. Over
Las Vegas (+6.5) at New England (48)
Sunday, September 27
1:00 pm ET, CBS
Both Derek Carr and Cam Newton can lead their teams on lengthy scoring drives when they need to. With that said, I see Bill Belichick pulling some tricks out of his bag to frustrate the Raiders, while the Raider defense should be able to put some clamps on Newton.
Under | Check the Odds
San Francisco (-4.5) at N.Y. Giants (40.5)
Sunday, September 27
1:00 pm ET, FOX
Backup quarterback for San Francisco. Backup tailback for the Giants. Multiple injuries on both sides of the ball for the 49ers. Will either side be able to move the ball much? I’m not betting on this point total myself, but I see it turning into an ugly scrum.
Under | Check the Odds
Cincinnati (+6.5) at Philadelphia (46)
Sunday, September 27
1:00 pm ET, CBS
Can the Bengals hang 30 on the Eagles like they did on the Browns last week? Will Philadelphia be able to move the ball against an iffy Bengals defense? I say yes to both questions.
Over
Houston (+3.5) at Pittsburgh (45)
Sunday, September 27
1:00 pm ET, CBS
This game will have a slow, plodding pace as the Steelers grind the ball and cut down on Houston’s ability to stretch the field.
Under | Check the Odds
Late Games
N.Y. Jets (+10.5) at Indianapolis (43)
Sunday, September 27
4:05 pm ET, CBS
I think this one could get ugly in a hurry as the Colts made the Vikings look silly in Week 2.
Over | Check the Odds
Carolina (+6.5) at L.A. Chargers (43.5)
Sunday, September 27
4:05 pm ET, CBS
I’m not sure that Carolina will be able to move the ball much without Christian McCaffrey. If Tyrod Taylor returns for the Chargers at quarterback, expect the pace to slow down.
Under | Check the Odds
Tampa Bay (-6) at Denver (43)
Sunday, September 27
4:25 pm ET, FOX
Denver has a talented defense, but they will have a backup quarterback who struggles to move the ball. Tampa Bay shouldn’t have many problems moving the ball enough to score, but how many points will the Broncos score?
Under | Check the Odds
Detroit (+5.5) at Arizona (55)
Sunday, September 27
4:25 pm ET, FOX
Arizona should win this handily, but I don’t see this turning into a track meet thanks to the Cardinals’ defense.
Under | Check the Odds
Dallas (+4.5) at Seattle (55.5)
Sunday, September 27
4:25 pm ET, FOX
This will turn into a track meet in a hurry.
Over | Check the Odds
Green Bay (+3) at New Orleans (52)
Sunday Night Football
Sunday, September 27
8:20 pm ET, NBC
Let’s see. Two high-powered offenses playing in prime time, with two great quarterbacks — and with neither defense all that elite.
Over | Check the Odds
Kansas City (+3) at Baltimore (52.5)
Monday Night Football
Monday, September 8
8:20 pm ET, ESPN
We’ll see two huge final scores in two prime-time games this coming weekend.
Over | Check the Odds
