NFL Week 3 Early Picks: Predictions for Every Game

As we continue our tour of the early weeks of the 2017 campaign, here are our quick picks for NFL Week 3 contests. In Dallas, even if Ezekiel Elliott faced a suspension for his domestic violence allegations, he should be back by this point. In Houston, Tom Savage may have already lost his starting job to Deshaun Watson, depending on the Texans’ early fortunes. The New York Giants might already be 2-0 — while their stadium co-tenants, the Jets, could easily be 0-2. Let’s look at the Week 3 matchups as you choose the best NFL odds to bet on.

NFL Week 3 Early Picks: Predictions for Every Game

5️⃣ Observations from the First Day in Pads #RamsCamp Read » https://t.co/BJpAcmvztF pic.twitter.com/v7OIfxE8dY

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 2, 2017

Thursday, September 21

L.A. Rams (+1.5) at San Francisco

I don’t think that San Francisco will go winless this season, but I also don’t think that their only two wins will come against Los Angeles, like last year. Jared Goff will be better, and so will his offensive line. Todd Gurley will rebound from a down 2016. This might not be enough to get the Rams into the playoffs, but they will beat the San Francisco dumpster fire.

Sunday, September 24

Baltimore (-1.5) vs Jacksonville in London

The Jaguars have another “home” game across the pond, in a game that features all sorts of potential for distraction. I don’t have a lot of faith in Jacksonville on either side of the ball, but I do like Baltimore’s chances with a rejuvenated Joe Flacco. Give me the Ravens to win and cover.

Denver (+1) at Buffalo

This is a real head-scratcher of a line, because Buffalo comes in with disarray up and down their whole program. Denver plays consistently tough defense and should be able to do some damage against the Bills, even with their own issues at quarterback. I’ll take the Broncos.

New Orleans (-5.5) at Chicago

If Drew Brees shows up, the Saints should be able to torch the Bears’ defense all day long. I also don’t see the committee of Mike Glennon and Mitch Trubisky doing much on offense, even though the Saints don’t have the best defense on the planet. The problem for the Saints is that this game is on the road, where they are comparatively awful. I like the Bears to cover, even if the Saints end up winning a nailbiter.

Atlanta (-1.5) at Detroit

Dangerous game here for the Falcons, as a resurgent Matthew Stafford could torch their secondary if they’re not mentally prepared. These are the types of games that the Lions need to win to show they are contenders, and they will be hungrier than the NFC champions.

Cleveland (+9.5) at Indianapolis

I don’t see the Browns going to Indy and pulling out a win. However, I also can’t see the Colts absolutely shredding Cleveland either — the Colts don’t have the sort of shutdown defense that can keep the Browns off the field. So give me the Colts to win, but I like Cleveland to cover here.

Tampa Bay (+3) at Minnesota

With the hard running of Dalvin Cook, that Viking offense has a two-dimensional look to it that the Buccaneers still lack. With this game taking place up north, give me the Vikings to win and cover in a close one.

Houston (+9) at New England

Houston has the defense to hang with New England, but I’m not sure that the Texans will be able to do all that much scoring. The Patriots are not an elite defense, but they can manage a unit likely to be led either by a journeyman in Tom Savage or rookie Deshaun Watson. Give me the Patriots to win and cover.

Miami (-2) at N.Y. Jets

The Dolphins will be looking for early statements in the division, while the Jets might still be looking for their helmets in Week 3. Give me the Fish to win and cover.

N.Y. Giants (+1) at Philadelphia

Philadelphia doesn’t have a great defense, and they don’t have a rock-solid tailback option behind Carson Wentz. The Giants have two elite receivers for Eli Manning, and their defense is the best in the NFC East. Give me the Giants to win.

Seattle (-2) at Tennessee

The Seahawks don’t play well away from home. The Titans want to go to that next level and start contending — and this is the sort of win they need. Behind Marcus Mariota and DeMarco Murray, I like the Titans to knock off Seattle at home.

Cincinnati (+7) at Green Bay

This is a big line for a Green Bay defense that isn’t all that solid to cover, until you remember that the Bengals don’t have any more elite receivers and they have an aging quarterback — on top of an aging and undisciplined defense. Give me Aaron Rodgers and the Pack to win and cover.

Kansas City (-1.5) at L.A. Chargers

Philip Rivers is due an immense revenge game, and with that pedestrian Chiefs offense coming to town, I see him and the Chargers putting together a big effort — and the home upset.

Oakland (-1) at Washington

The Raiders have what the Redskins lack — a quality option at tailback. The Raiders also have a slightly better defense than the Redskins, so give me the Greatness all day long.

Monday, September 25

Dallas (-2) at Arizona

If this is Ezekiel Elliott’s season debut after that suspension, I see him running roughshod all over the Cardinals as he wants to make a statement of his own opposite Arizona’s David Johnson, who many think is better than Elliott. Either way, the Cowboys have the better passing attack, so I like the Cowboys to win and cover in the desert.