NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds, Picks & Best Bets

Aug 21st, 2024 9:13 PM EST

NFL teams have one more game of preseason action before the real games begin. Some teams are going to use the time to decide starting spots, others look to whittle down depth. Others still simply want to get out of the preseason unscathed.

So while some teams could play starts for a full half as a real tune-up, other teams may go the conservative rote.

All 32 teams are in action from Aug. 22-25 before a two-week break to regroup, cut down the rosters, and prepare for Week 1. Bookies.com veteran NFL handicapper Adam Thompson has surveyed the lineups and revealed his top three NFL betting plays for Week 3 of the preseason:

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Best Bets For NFL Preseason Week 3

Bookies.com NFL expert handicapper Adam Thompson, who has hit on 62-64% of his NFL picks in each of the last three seasons, reveals his top picks for NFL Preseason Week3. His NFL preseason picks are 4-2 so far (66.7%).

First off, never bet the bank on any NFL preseason action. Winning takes a backseat to grading and scouting personnel so the team will have the best 53 players on the roster come Week 1 of the regular season. That said, teams and coaches approach preseason differently, and that's where edges can be found on betting apps.

Vikings -1 over Eagles

Sam Darnold needs reps, and he needs them with the top guys around him, so I expect Minnesota to play like it means it for at least a half. That the Vikings are 2-0 and the offense has been delivering so far is a good sign.

Philly is also 2-0 but has outscored opponents just 30-26. Injuries have been an issue all preseason for the Eagles, so expect a bit of a “punt” from the Super Bowl contenders.

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49ers -6 over Raiders

The QB battle in Vegas is over, with Gardner Minshew getting the nod over Aidan O’Connell. Vegas sounds like a team that’s content on where it’s at right now, which means little-if-any action for the expected Week 1 contributors.

The same cannot be said for the Niners, who sat most regulars in Week 2 but plans extended time for them this time around. Brock Purdy hasn’t looked good but he hasn’t played with many of his protectors or targets. This is the time for SF to get on track and gain some momentum before a Week 1 showdown with Aaron Rodgers’ Jets.

Lions +6.5 over Steelers

It’s time to put up or shut up for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, neither of whom has done anything of note in the preseason. No. 3 option Kyle Allen has a higher QB rating than the two battling for the starting gig. If neither of them do much here against a Lions team that has it figured out, the Steelers are in trouble.

Detroit has a backup-QB situation to be sorted out and its depth has been a showcase in the preseason so far. We can’t expect the top players to get much playing time, if any, but we can still fade a Pittsburgh team that’s managed 15 points in two games and probably won’t play the QB that delivered most of those points.

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About the Author

Adam Thompson

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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.

NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds, Picks & Best Bets

Best Bets For NFL Preseason Week 3

Vikings -1 over Eagles

49ers -6 over Raiders

Lions +6.5 over Steelers

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