Eight previously undefeated teams lost in Week 3. While eight of 16 favorites won their games, only four of them covered the spread. Long shots ran wild, or maybe they were just more desperate than their opponents. Heck, even Tom Brady fumbled the ball three times in the midst of a September heat wave. It was a crazy week.
The Atlanta Falcons, who beat Detroit after the last play of the game was overturned, and the Kansas City Chiefs are the only teams left standing at 3-0. Both clubs are home for their Week 4 matchups. Let’s take a look at all 16 games (odds provided by bovada).
Chicago at Green Bay — These two NFC North rivals seem headed in different directions. Aaron Rodgers, playing without much of an offensive line, rescued the Packers in OT last weekend. Mike Glennon and the Bears relied on the running attack to shock the Steelers in overtime. If Green Bay can’t stop the run, Chicago will keep this game close. The Packers have allowed 113 yards per game on the ground this year, but they have won 12 of the last 14 meetings with the Bears.
BABB’s pick — Chicago (+7.5), Under (45)
New Orleans vs. Miami in London, England — The Dolphins have played nothing but winless teams this season. Now, they meet the Saints who are coming off a huge effort in Charlotte where they crushed Carolina 34-13. Drew Brees threw for three touchdowns while the Saints’ ground game rushed for 149 yards. In Miami’s 20-6 loss to the Jets, Jay Cutler threw for 220 yards while being intercepted once and sacked three times. These two teams haven’t met since 2013.
BABB’s pick — New Orleans (-3), Under (49.5)
Buffalo at Atlanta — Two division leaders hook up in this one, but this is a tall order for the Bills on the road. Buffalo’s defense, ranked sixth in the NFL, collides with the league’s fourth-ranked offense in the Falcons. For the Bills to be successful, they will have to keep Atlanta’s offense off the field and control the clock. They have averaged 111 yards on the ground through three games, while only giving up 75. Buffalo has to continue that trend to avoid a blowout.
BABB’s pick — Buffalo (+8), Over (48.5)
Carolina at New England — The Patriots have the highest-ranked offense and the league’s worst defense. It makes the final outcome quite unpredictable, unless you have Brady as your quarterback. TB12 rescued the Super Bowl champs again last weekend, while the Panthers fell from the undefeated ranks to the winless Saints. Carolina averages just 168 yards a game passing, 30th in the league, and they could be without two of their top receivers.
BABB’s pick — New England (-9), Over (49)
Pittsburgh at Baltimore — Did the Ravens go missing in England last weekend? They’re 2-0 in games against winless teams played in North America and 0-1 in foreign countries. Now their AFC North rivals from Pittsburgh come to town. Both teams have their fans searching for answers. Antonio Brown has been super for Pittsburgh this season, but that’s where the accolades end. Le’Veon Bell hasn’t had a 100-yard rushing game yet and he hasn’t even scored a rushing touchdown. That just doesn’t seem right.
BABB’s pick — Baltimore (+3), Over (41.5)
Los Angeles Rams at Dallas — Even though they won last week, the Rams defense still gave up 39 points. That won’t get the job done on the road in Dallas. The Cowboys seemed to turn a corner in Monday night’s win. That momentum needs to continue at home. Dak Prescott was efficient against the Cardinals, with 13-for-19 passing and 183 yards, while Zeke Elliott ran for 80 yards on 22 carries. Jared Goff looks much better this year for the Rams under a new coaching staff.
BABB’s pick — Dallas (-6), Under (48)
Cincinnati at Cleveland — Give credit to the Bengals. They played a much better game in a tough environment last weekend. Oh, and they finally scored a touchdown — three, in fact. DeShone Kizer had a rough game in Indianapolis in Week 3, completing just 22-of-47 passes. Andy Dalton had a good game in Green Bay, hitting on 21-of-27 passes. Cincinnati swept the season series last year and linebacker Vontaze Burfict returns from suspension.
BABB’s pick — Cincinnati (-3.5), Over (41.5)
Tennessee at Houston — The Titans had a big day against one of the best defenses in the league last weekend, gaining almost 200 yards on the ground. The Texans also put 33 points on the board. Even though rookie QB Deshaun Watson seems to get better with every game, he still has to limit the turnovers. Houston has won eight of the past 10 matchups in the series straight up, and hasn't lost at home to the Titans since 2011.
BABB’s pick — Houston (+1.5), Over (44)
Jacksonville at New York Jets — When did Brady get traded to Jacksonville? The Jaguars quarterback was 20-for-31 for 244 yards and four touchdowns. But we’re talking about Blake Bortles here. You know, the guy who’s always among the league leaders in interceptions. He had none in last weekend’s victory over Baltimore. It’s too bad this game isn’t in England, where the Jaguars are 3-0. The Jets stunned Miami in their home opener. Could they make it two in a row?
BABB’s pick — Jacksonville (-3.5), Over (39.5)
Detroit at Minnesota — The Lions have to overcome adversity again. They lost last week to a reversed call and 10-second runoff. At least they meet a division rival they have a lot of history with, including a sweep of their season series last year. Case Keenum had the game of his life for the Vikings last week against Tampa Bay, throwing for 369 yards and three TDs. Matthew Stafford outplayed MVP Matt Ryan, but Minnesota’s defense is much better than Atlanta’s D.
BABB’s pick — Minnesota (Line is off due to injuries.)
Philadelphia at Los Angeles Chargers — What a day for Jake Elliott. The placekicker, in the lineup for an injured Caleb Sturgis, drilled a 61-yard field goal to lift the Eagles past the Giants and into the record books with the longest game-winning field goal by a rookie. Philadelphia now travels the length of the country to meet the winless Chargers. Los Angeles is 0-2-1 against the spread and playing in its third straight home game.
BABB’s pick — Philadelphia (Pick), Over (47.5)
San Francisco at Arizona — The winless 49ers come off their best effort this season, even though they lost by two points to the Rams. Brian Hoyer completed 23-of-37 passes for 332 yards and the 49ers scored five touchdowns — their first five scores of the season. The Cardinals swept the season series last year. But injuries and Carson Palmer are not adding up to a winning formula in Arizona. They are averaging less than 60 yards a game on the ground and they’re -3 in turnovers.
BABB’s pick — San Francisco (+7), Under (44.5)
New York Giants at Tampa Bay — Put up your hand if you had the Giants starting the season 0-3. OK, you’re probably a Cowboys fan. Many experts picked the Giants to win the NFC East. They still can, but it makes this matchup against the Bucs a no-excuses-must-win game. No more silly antics in the end zone, either. Tampa Bay seems to be a different team at home than on the road. It helps when Jameis Winston isn’t throwing interceptions.
BABB’s pick — Tampa Bay (-3), Over (44)
Oakland at Denver — The Raiders gained just 128 yards of total offense in a Sunday night loss to the Redskins. Derek Carr threw for 118 yards and was picked off twice. Only five teams have put up 130 yards or less in a game since 2014. How did those teams do the following week? They went 0-4. And now Oakland faces one the toughest teams to beat at home in the Broncos. Both teams are 2-1 in the AFC West. The home team won both games in the season series last year.
BABB’s pick — Denver (-3), Under (47)
Indianapolis at Seattle — What have the Seahawks done this year to be 13-point favorites over anyone? They had to rally to beat San Fran at home in their only win this season. They were 14-point favorites in that game, and only won by three. Sure, they scored 28 points against the Titans last week, but their offensive line still looks shaky. And their defense is not living up to the hype. The Colts are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games against the Seahawks.
BABB’s pick — Indianapolis (+13), Over (41.5)
Washington at Kansas City — After three weeks, the Chiefs are the best team in the NFL. They have won twice on the road, including a victory over the Super Bowl champs, and they’re 3-0 against the spread. Quick, who had more rushing yards after three weeks of play: Ezekiel Elliott in 2016 or Kareem Hunt in 2017? Hunt 401, Elliott 274. Elliott finished third in MVP voting and second for rookie of the year. What a find for the Chiefs in the third round of the draft.
BABB’s pick — Kansas City (-7), Over (49.5)
If you're looking to play your favorite team straight up or against the spread, these providers will have you more than covered. Don't forget to check out the prop bets. They could add significantly to your bankroll if you can pick a winner. Also, frequently check the odds as injury reports, weather conditions and betting trends often move the line.
Category : Betting Picks
Tag : against the spread , detroit lions , nfl odds
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