NFL Week 3 Odds: Game Lines, Picks and Predictions

• Bovada has updated lines on every Week 3 matchup across the NFL
  
• The Titans (-2.5) should have no trouble covering the spread against a lifeless Vikings team
  
• The Texans (+170) and Bears (+155) are the best moneyline bets to score an upset
  

Week 2 was a bloodbath across the NFL, but we escaped in fine form with a 3-1 record against-the-spread, bringing us to 7-1 on the season.

Let’s review the Week 3 spreads, moneylines and totals at Bovada to see if we can keep this gravy train on the tracks this Sunday.

WEEK 3 NFL ODDS

COVERING THE SPREAD

Cam Newton put on a dominant performance through the air (397 passing yards, TD) and on the ground (47 rushing yards, 2 TDs) last Sunday night, but the narrow 35-30 loss to the Seahawks also showcased the Patriots’ putrid supporting cast and surprisingly poor defense. Coming off a confidence-building 34-24 victory over the Saints on MNF, the Raiders should have no trouble matching points with the Pats. Las Vegas (+5.5)

The 2-0 Titans are somehow only -2.5 favorites against a Vikings team that got their doors blown off by both the Packers and Colts in the season’s first two weeks. Minnesota has enjoyed one of the best home-field advantages in the NFL (23-10 record) since U.S. Bank Stadium opened in 2016, but that’s now out the window with seats sitting empty. Tennessee (-2.5)

He came up short tonight, but @CameronNewton has been ballin’ in his first 2 games with the Pats.

5 Total Touchdowns, 674 Total Yards pic.twitter.com/yG1ZtEx8QT

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 21, 2020

Justin Herbert threw for 311 yards and a touchdown in an impressive debut against the Chiefs, and thanks to an odd mishap by the Chargers team doctor, will draw another start against the Christian McCaffrey-less Panthers this weekend. Normally backing a rookie QB would give us pause, but Los Angeles’ strong defense and run game will take the pressure off the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Los Angeles (-6.5) 

Dallas implausibly escaped an 0-2 start thanks to a clever onside kick and an another all-time meltdown by the Falcons, but defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is looking like a horrendous hire through the season’s first two games. Having already thrown nine touchdowns, we like Russell Wilson’s hot start to continue against the Cowboys. Seattle (-5.0)

MONEYLINE PICKS

After nailing all three of our upset predictions in Week 1, we went 0-for-3 last Sunday so we’re scaling back on the boldness of this week’s picks.

Taking Mitch Trubisky on the road is never a sure bet, but with the Falcons inventing new ways to lose every week, we like the Bears (+155) to get off to the NFL’s most improbable 3-0 start. Sticking in the NFC North, it’s hard to see the Packers (+140) losing to the Saints given the differences in vitality between their aging QBs.

2020 season Drew Brees and 2015 season Peyton Manning when they see each other at the QB club this week pic.twitter.com/JIbgMDGxGj

— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) September 22, 2020

It’s almost like schedule makers wanted to make Bill O’Brien look like a fool, having Houston start the season with Kansas City, Baltimore and now Pittsburgh. Given the Steelers didn’t look particularly dominant in their wins against the Giants and Broncos, we believe a desperate Texans (+170) team will score the upset.

Finally, a bonus pick for fans of Thursday Night Football. Take the Dolphins (+145) to win an ugly one over the Jaguars.

Go to Bovada for the latest lines.