NFL Week 3

The attritional nature of this compelling, tough sport has been shown in spades already this season and we’ve had just two rounds of matches. Crucial injuries have occurred, and teams will need to shuffle their packs to cover some pretty large holes.

Many of the obvious juggernauts are rising nicely to the top – Pats, Rams, Chiefs among them – while the likes of the Ravens, ‘Niners and Cowboys have also started with massive intent. It’s bubbling up beautifully …

Without further ado dear friends, here’s what we can expect from Week 3.

Thursday/Friday am

TENNESSEE TITANS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Two teams smarting from agonisingly narrow defeats last week clash at TIAA Bank Field. Very tough one to call, with nothing really between the two in terms of the spread, pre-match (1.5 pts).

I like Marcus Mariota, the Titans’ QB, and he might just have a bit more up his sleeve than counterpart Gardner Minshew.

Titans, Money Line, 10/13.

Sunday

DENVER BRONCOS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

The Green Bay ‘D’ has been one of the stories so far this season – this in a team containing shoo-in Hall of Fame QB and offensive genius Aaron Rodgers.

Denver lost a heart-breaker to the Bears last week, while The Pack are undefeated That happy situation for the men from Wisconsin can continue at Lambeau – Packers -7.5 @ 10/11.

DETROIT LIONS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Bit of a mixed bag for the Eagles thus far but Detroit arrive on the back of a great win against the Chargers. I’m going to have a little play on the Lions receiving points on the spread, but I’m mainly thinking this could be tight, so it’s under 45.5 @ 20/21 for me.

BALTIMORE RAVENS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

A fantastic match-up between two of the fledgling season’s great entertainers. Lamar Jackson brings his Ravens offense to arguably the most potent offensive outfit in the NFL – Pat Mahomes, and his marauding Chiefs. I’ll be rooted to the couch for this one, or maybe on the edge of it – and I expect points. 

The total is a big one though; 53.5; and I’m playing under, @ 20/23. Kansas should secure the win, but it could be close. Cannot. Wait. One or two injury concerns, especially for KC – check-out the line-ups ahead of kick-off.

CINCINNATI BENGALS @ BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills saw off the sorry Giants last week, and with it probably veteran NY QB Eli Manning – while the Bengals are 0-and-2, and looking decidedly ordinary. Bills are on a roll – and I can see that continuing. Bills -6.5 @ 10/11.

ATLANTA FALCONS @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Ah, Atlanta. Julio Jones, one of the league’s great talents, caught fire last week and propelled the Falcons to a terrific win against the Eagles; while Indy and new QB Jacoby Brissett saw off Tennessee in a low-scoring thriller. 

He ‘only’ threw for less than 150 yards, but for the most part looks to be bedding in nicely.

Potential cracker here, if the Falcons can continue where they left off last week. Under 47.5 points, @ 10/11.

OAKLAND RAIDERS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Two teams with a 1-1 record thus far meet at US Bank for what again should be a little belter. The Vikings really competed against Green Bay last week, and that’s decent form ahead of this test. 

I’m favouring a tight one though – playing under 43.5 @ 20/23.

NEW YORK JETS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The ref should stop this one right now on potential cruelty grounds. If New England don’t win this match the shock value will be up there with Leicester wining the Premier League just a few seasons back. Heck no – it would be an even bigger turn-up.

Miami were the latest hapless Brady/Belichick victims, and they were lucky to finish second. A similar fate awaits NY …

Patriots to score over 32.5 points, @20/23

MIAMI DOLPHINS @ DALLAS COWBOYS

Another with a hint of ‘look away now’ about it. Miami are an 0-and-16 disaster waiting to happen (let’s hope not), and Dallas, at home, are thoroughly decent and with plenty going for them – including being currently unbeaten. 

Another where the result is surely not in the slightest doubt, it’s just all about the numbers.

Dallas -22.5 @ 10/11

NEW YORK GIANTS @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

New York are in strife. It’s been coming for a few years now, and the only bright spot is running back Saquon Barkley; a real talent. 

Manning is ditched now in favour of Daniel Jones, and though Tampa isn’t remotely the toughest assignment he could face in the NFL, it’s probably going to be a bridge too far this week, and their ‘D’ is pretty darn good too.

Under 48.5 @ 20/23

CAROLINA PANTHERS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS

The Cards gave the Ravens a fright, while Carolina are 0-and-2 and not really firing at all. 

I like the Arizona Cardinals, at home, around +2.5 @ 10/11. Hardworking, and ready to pounce on the Panthers I reckon.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Saints’ chances against the Rams, and any hope of a decent total, went west with Drew Brees’ thumb injury last week – and he’s out for about six. In stand-in Teddy Bridgewater however they have a superior type of back-up QB, and this talented side shouldn’t be written off. 

Yet another officiating howler against the Rams, this time last week, robbed them of a perfectly good touchdown, and as I’ve said before, if we think VAR is vexing enough on this side of the pond, try being a ‘Who Dat’ fan.

The 2-and-0 ‘Hawks are a joy to watch with Russell Wilson pulling the strings, and I’m expecting a tight classic – no pressure then. Under 45.5 @ 10/11.

HOUSTON TEXANS @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Both have won-one-lost-one profiles, but neither offense was ripping it up last week, so it’s definitely under 47.5 for me @ 10/11.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pittsburgh lost veteran Super Bowl-winning QB Ben Roethlisberger for the season last week, and that’s a huge blow. The ‘Niners look progressive, and can take a close one at Levi’s Stadium. 

SF QB Jimmy Garoppolo threw for nearly 300 yards and 3 TD’s last week, and they might just be on a bit of a roll at present. Under 44.5 @ 20/23

LOS ANGELES RAMS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Browns showed a glimpse or two of what their brave new world might look like last week, while the Rams are pure quality. Expect a professional, disciplined dismantling of Cleveland’s shiny new team – Rams -3.5 @ 20/21 (nap) and under 47.5 @ 10/11.

Monday/Tues am

CHICAGO BEARS @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS

‘Skins haven’t troubled the judge yet, while the Bears have been showing that while their defensive magic remains, points scored remains an issue. I’m thinking a low-scoring affair, with the Bears edging it. Chicago -3.5 @ 20/23. 

As always, prices and markets will fluctuate between now and kick-off – please always check Betfred.com for all the very latest, up-to-the-minute lines. Good luck – and enjoy!

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