NFL Week 3 Odds, Lines and Analysis for All 16 NFL Games
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Looking ahead to next week? Check out NFL Week 4 odds and breakdown of every game.
The Carolina Panthers made a statement, Derek Carr has taken an early lead in the chase for NFL MVP and the NFC West is staking a claim as the top division in football. But the biggest storyline coming out of Week 2 and looking ahead to Week 3 at betting sites and sportsbooks was the slew of injuries to starting quarterbacks.
Carson Wentz of the Colts, Tyrod Taylor of the Texans and Andy Dalton of the Bears are just three of the QBs taken out of action at some point on Sunday. Baker Mayfield was also knocked out but returned. Taylor is unlikely to play for the Texans on Thursday against the upstart Panthers. As for the rest of the QB situations, stay tuned, including on the NFL futures markets.
Let's take a deep dive into NFL Week 3 odds:
Thursday, Sept. 23
Carolina Panthers (-8) at Houston Texans, 8:20 p.m. ET
The Panthers edged out the Jets in Week 1, but Week 2 there were no dramatics. They took the Saints to the woodshed, outgaining New Orleans 383-128. It all worked for the Panthers, holding QB Jameis Winston to 111 pass yards and Alvin Kamara to five rushing yards. Sam Darnold, meanwhile, passed for 305 yards and Christian McCaffrey scored. Perhaps Carolina really is for real.
Texans QB Tyrod Taylor injured his hamstring and did not return in a 31-21 loss to the Browns. Bad timing for a Thursday night game as Tyrod won’t play. Rookie Davis Mills replaced Taylor and tossed an INT on his first play, which led a Browns score. Houston played admirably vs. heavily favored Cleveland, but mistakes quashed its chances. The Texans are playing better than most expected through two weeks.
Take a look at Panthers vs Texans odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
Sunday, Sept. 26
Indianapolis Colts (-5) at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET
The Colts again couldn’t get much a ground game going in a 27-24 loss to the Rams. Two INTs didn’t help either, one by Carson Wentz, the other by Jacob Eason. Wentz hobbled off the field late and did not return, yet-another QB situation worth monitoring this week.
The Titans’ high-octane offense blew a flat in a surprising 38-13 Week 1 home loss to the Cardinals. That trend lasted one game. Ryan Tannehill passed for 347 yards, Derrick Henry ran for 177 yards with three TDs and Tennessee won a 33-30 OT shootout at Seattle. Which offense will show up against a Colts defense that might be the toughest opponent yet?
Take a look at Colts vs Texans odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
Baltimore Ravens (-9) at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET
A slew of mistakes cursed the Ravens in Week 1 against a fired-up Raiders squad in Vegas, but wow did they rebound against Patrick Mahomes and the defending AFC champion Chiefs. Lamar Jackson passed for 239 yards and ran for 107 more with three total TDs, willing the Ravens to a 36-35 win. The defense couldn’t slow Mahomes, but it forced him into the first September INT of his career and forced a Clyde Edwards-Helaire fumble as KC was positioning for a game-winning FG. The Ravens must avoid a letdown here.
The Lions played great in the second half of their opener vs. the 49ers but fell just short. Monday against the Packers, it was the opposite. They led Green Bay 17-14 at halftime but were outscored 21-0 in the second half. Jared Goff and Detroit actually out-gained GB but two turnovers hurt. The defense ranks 20th in yards allowed but 31st in points thanks in large part to giveaways.
Take a look at Ravens vs Lions odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
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New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots (-2.5), 1 p.m. ET
The Saints opened the season by crushing the Packers 38-3. How’d they follow that up? By getting humbled 26-7 by the Panthers. Sam Darnold went off on the same defense that shut down Aaron Rodgers, while the offense was just as bad. Jameis Winston had zero TDs and two INTs, and Alvin Kamara had eight carries for five yards. Nobody had more than 27 yards receiving. They’ve given Bill Belichick a roadmap to shutting them down.
Mac Jones and the Pats rebounded from a one-point opening loss to the Dolphins by taking care of the Jets in a 25-6 road win. Jones passed for only 186 yards, but no INTs. The same couldn’t be said for New York’s Zach Wilson. The Patriots picked off Wilson’s first two passes and four overall. New England only needed 260 of total offense in Week 2. They’ll likely need more to keep up with the Saints offense – though perhaps not after its performance vs. Carolina.
Take a look at Saints vs Patriots odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns (-7), 1 p.m. ET
The Bears had barely 200 yards of offense, but the defense harassed Joe Burrow in a 20-17 win at Soldier Field. Justin Fields entered the game to replace an injured Andy Dalton. He didn’t do a lot – 6-of-13 for 60 yards and an INT – but the Bears defense scored on a pick-6, which gave Chicago a cushion. We’ll see who gets the snaps under center this week in practice.
Baker Mayfield went 19-of-21 passing for a conservative 213 yards, but his Browns held off the Texans 31-21 to bounce back from last week’s last-minute loss to the Chiefs. Nick Chubb was unstoppable, but both face a stiffer challenge against Chicago here.
Take a look at Bears vs Browns odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET
Joe Burrow had a nightmare game, including a span of three INTs on three consecutive attempts, including a pick-6 in a 20-17 loss to the Bears. The defense did its part against Chicago, holding the Bears to just 206 total yards. The 4-to-1 turnover ratio was too much to overcome. There has to be optimism with a three-point loss, considering how poorly the Bengals offense played.
The Steelers offense was mostly listless in a 26-17 home loss to the Raiders. Ben Roethlisberger finished with 295 yards but most of it in garbage time. The defense, which shut down the Bills in Week 1, was lit up by the Raiders’ Derek Carr. T.J. Watt, who earlier in the week was made the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player, injured a groin in the first half and did not return.
Take a look at Steelers vs Bengals odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
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Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants (-3), 1 p.m. ET
The Giants lost a Thursday night heartbreaker to Washington 30-29, but Daniel Jones did great things (249 yards passing, 95 yards rushing, two TDs) and Saquon Barkley showed signs of life. The pass D was gashed by Tylor Heinicke, which isn’t a good trend with Matt Ryan and the Falcons coming to town. If Atlanta has a team strength, it’s pass offense.
A season of hopeful expectations got dashed in a hurry for the Falcons in a crushing 34-6 home loss to the lowly regarded Eagles in Week 1. The Falcons put forth a much-better effort against the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers on Sunday but were outscored 20-0 in the fourth quarter of a 23-point loss, thanks to a pair of pick-6s. Still, it was good to see some life from Matt Ryan (35-of-46, 300 yards) and perceived top options Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley, who combined for 12 receptions and 136 yards.
Take a look at Falcons vs Giants odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5), 1 p.m. ET
The Chiefs began defense of their AFC title in Week 1 with a big win over a climbing Browns team, a showcase of conference title contenders. But Week 2, the defense couldn’t figure out Lamar Jackson, who compiled 239 passing yards, 107 rushing yards and three TDs in a 36-35 Baltimore win. Patrick Mahomes was his usual great self (343 yards, three TDs). but two key turnovers and a run game that was stuffed for 62 yards gave the Ravens the edge they needed. KC has beaten the Chargers in 12 of the last 14 meetings.
Justin Herbert made short work of the vaunted Washington defense in Week 1. The second-year pro who broke most QB rookie records in 2020 racked up the yardage vs. the Cowboys in Week 2 (338), but two costly INTs loomed large in a 20-17 loss. The Chargers also had two TDs taken off the board vs. the Cowboys. Herbert could see more production here against a suspect KC defense. He’ll need to if he’s to keep up with Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
Take a look at Chargers vs Chiefs odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
Arizona Cardinals (-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET
The Cardinals took it to the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, as Kyler Murray tossed a career-high four TDs and the Arizona defense shut down Derrick Henry and Julio Jones in 38-13 road romp. Facing Dalvin Cook and the dangerous Vikings offense wasn’t any easier, but four points left on the board by Vikings kicker Greg Joseph was enough for a 34-33 Arizona victory. Week 3? Well that should be easier, on paper anyway, and you know Arizona sports betting fans will be all in.
The Jaguars managed only 189 yards of total offense in a 23-13 loss to the Broncos. Trevor Lawrence completed only 14-of-33 passes for 118 yards. Laviska Shenault had three touches totaling minus-3 yards. Something must be fixed on this offense if it’s to keep up with Kyler and his crew.
Take a look at Cardinals vs Jaguars odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
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Washington Football Team at Buffalo Bills (-7.5), 1 p.m. ET
Washington pulled out a ridiculous 30-29 Thursday night win over the Giants thanks in large part to the play of QB Taylor Heinicke, who passed for 336 yards, two TDs and one INT. He and Terry McLaurin connected 11 times for 107 yards. Washington’s defense was gashed by the dual-threat Daniel Jones, however, which should be a red flag with Josh Allen the opposing QB for this week.
The Bills bounced back from their season-opening loss to the Steelers by shutting out the Dolphins 35-0. Tua Tagovailoa was injured early, and Buffalo pounced. Josh Allen was only OK (179 yards passing, two TDs, 1 INT), but Devin Singletary rushed for 81 yards – 41 of which on a TD sprint – and the defense was stifling.
Take a look at Washington vs Bills odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders(-4), 4:05 p.m. ET
Tua Tagovailoa (ribs) was knocked out of Sunday’s Week 2 game vs. the Bills. Jacoby Brissett replaced him, and it didn’t go great in a 35-0 beatdown at the hands of the Bills. Brissett was 24-of-40 for only 169 yards, no TDs and one INT, and nobody rushed for more than 25 yards. Tua’s status for Week 3 is something to keep an eye on.
Derek Carr proved his league-leading 435 yards passing in Week 1 vs. the Ravens was no fluke. He went off for 382 yards, two TDs and no INTs in a 26-17 win at Pittsburgh, gaining big confidence after thriving against two of the top defenses in the NFL. Josh Jacobs (ankle) didn’t play in Week 2, and the run game was ineffective (25 carries, 52 yards); it didn’t matter Sunday, but getting him back would be a boost. Wonder how much of a bounce the Raiders will get in the latest Super Bowl odds .
Take a look at Dolphins vs Raiders odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
New York Jets at Denver Broncos (-10.5), 4:05 p.m. ET
Zach Wilson passed for 210 yards, zero TDs and four INTs in a humbling 25-6 loss to the Patriots in Week 2. He didn’t have much time to throw but didn’t make plays when he did. The Broncos defense offers little relief.
The Broncos held off the Jaguars 23-13, as Teddy Bridgewater was again a consistent playmaker. He went 26-of-34 for 328 yards and two TDs while the Denver D held Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville to under 200 yards of total offense. The defense could be licking its chops again with another rookie coming to town in Week 3.
Take a look at Jets vs Broncos odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
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Seattle Seahawks (-1.5) at Minnesota Vikings, 4:25 p.m. ET
The Vikings finally get their home opener after traveling to Cincinnati and Phoenix for their first two games. They come in 0-2 on hard-luck losses, the first in OT thanks to a Dalvin Cook fumble in game-winning FG range, the second on a 36-yard missed FG as time expired (the kicker missed an XP as well in the 34-33 loss). The pass defense gets a big test here against Russell Wilson and his large arsenal of weapons, including star WRS DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
For Seattle, run defense was a huge liability against Derrick Henry and the Titans in Week 2. Henry rushed for 182 yards and three TDs, and the Titans piled up 532 yards in a 33-30 Tennessee OT win. Now it gets Dalvin Cook for Week 3 and a Vikings team desperate for win No. 1. The Seahawks contained Jonathan Taylor (17 rushes, 56 yards) in Week 1. On the flip side, the Vikings have to face Russell Wilson (343 yards, two TDs vs. the Titans).
Take a look at Vikings vs Seahawks odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1.5) at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m. ET
The Bucs have begun defense of their Super Bowl title with a 2-0 record, but neither game was easy. In Week 1 they beat the Cowboys 30-29, but they lose that game if the Dallas kicker didn’t pick that date to have the worst game of his 10-year career or the refs blatantly miss a huge call that directly led to a game-winning FG. The Bucs got off to a quick lead vs. the Falcons on Sunday but let them back in the game before two pick-6 TDs sealed it late. Tom Brady had a five-TD, zero INT day vs. Atlanta – he has nine TDs in two games. He’s fine.
For the Rams, it wasn’t easy to go to 2-0, but they escaped Indy with a 27-24 win. Matthew Stafford was again solid, throwing for 278 yards and two TDs (and one INT). Much of that was to Cooper Kupp, who caught nine balls for 163 yards and both scores. Two turnovers by Colts QBs were bit.
Take a look at Buccaneers vs Rams odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers (-3), 8:20 p.m. ET
The 49ers persevered at Philadelphia for a 17-11 win. The run game didn’t get going, and Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t make big plays (22-of-30, 189 yards), but he did pass for one TD and run for another. That’s all it took. The defense, without some key players, held down the Eagles to move to 2-0. Neither win, this one or the one at Detroit, has been a work of art.
Aaron Rodgers’ demise predictions after Week 1 were silenced on Monday Night Football. He had four TDs and only five incompletions in a 35-17 win over the Lions at Lambeau. Aaron Jones was his top end zone target, connecting for three scores. He totaled 113 yards and Davante Adams had 121 yards as Green Bay bounced back big after managing only three points the game prior. The offense gets its toughest test so far in Week 3.
Take a look at Packers vs 49ers odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
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Monday, Sept. 13
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5), 8:15 p.m. ET
Jalen Hurts showcased his dual-threat game, passing for 190 yards and running for 82 more including a TD. But it didn’t equate to many points in a 17-11 home loss to the 49ers. Dallas’ defense may offer more looks than the Niners did. Injuries suffered to both lines for the Eagles are a concern.
The Cowboys had ample opportunities to hand the Buccaneers a loss in Week 1 but came up short. But they had to be happy with the return of QB Dak Prescott to injury (403 yards passing, 3 TDs). They made more of their chances on Sunday in a 20-17 win over the Chargers, and kicker Greg Zuerlein bounced back with a game-winning FG. Now it must deal with a whole new challenge vs. dual-threat Jalen Hurts.
Take a look at Eagles vs Cowboys odds, injury report, betting lines and more.
Opening Spreads vs Current Spreads
How have the Week 3 NFL spreads changed on betting apps since they were released Sunday? Here are the opening and current NFL lines via DraftKings Sportsbook.
Game matchup | Opening Spread | Current Spread |
---|---|---|
Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans | Panthers -4 | Panthers -8 |
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans | Titans -3 | Titans -5 |
Baltimore Ravens at Detroit Lions | Ravens -7.5 | Ravens -9 |
New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots | Patriots -1 | Patriots -2.5 |
Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns | Browns -9 | Browns -7 |
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers | Steelers -6.5 | Steelers -4.5 |
Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants | Giants -2.5 | Giants -3 |
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs | Chiefs -7 | Chiefs -6.5 |
Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars | Cardinals -6 | Cardinals -7 |
Washington Football Team at Buffalo Bills | Bills -8.5 | Bills -7 |
Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders | Raiders -1 | Raiders -4 |
New York Jets at Denver Broncos | Broncos -8.5 | Broncos -10.5 |
Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings | Seahawks -2.5 | Seahawks -1.5 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams | Rams -1.5 | Buccaneers -1.5 |
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers | 49ers -3 | 49ers -3 |
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys | Cowboys -3.5 | Cowboys -3.5 |
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About the Author
Long established as one of the nation's premier handicappers, Adam Thompson joined Bookies.com in 2019 after a successful run as senior handicapper for SportsLine & CBSSports.com. He specializes in the NFL and MLB, where he's hit on well over 60% of his picks the past five years. Adam's NBA and horse racing picks have also produced consistent, major winners over the years.