Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 3 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 3.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
[betwidget_betmgm]
The 5 best prop bets for NFL Week 3.
With fantasy football rosters being strained due a rash of high-profile injuries so early in the season, the start of the 2024 season has more of the look of last man standing as opposed to next man up.
This week we have three wide receivers doing damage and making an impact, the highest-paid QB in the league not hitting a big number, and the No. 1 projected fantasy running back falling a little short in topping his rushing number.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
The five smartest wagers to take to the pay window for the Week 3.
We have a slew of different bets to consider among the best of Week 3.
There’s a Super Bowl contender as a road underdog one the moneyline, a Super Bowl contender laying a big number, a preseason Super Bowl contender going with Plan B at quarterback, the lowest Over/Under on the board hitting the Over, and the worst team in the NFL that go Under the point total.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
A league-wide view into the best wagers to make for NFL Week 3 action.
In the first two weeks of the season, there have been more games with both teams scoring 20 or fewer points (eight) than contests where both teams scored more than 20 points.
In a typical week, there may be two or three games with an Over/Under of 40 points or less. This week there are currently six. Is this a sign of things to come or an early-season aberration?
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
The Jets are a prohibitive favorite (6.5 points at -120 Patriots, -110 Jets). The Patriots have owned this rivalry. While the Jets are clearly better, almost a touchdown is a lot of points to give in a division rivalry on a short week. Take the Patriots plus 6.5 points (-120).
The Browns are big favorites (6.5 points at -105 Giants, -115 Browns). The Giants can’t seem to get out of their way, and heading into Cleveland against one of the best defenses in the league isn’t a recipe for changing that dynamic. Take the Browns and lay 6.5 points (-115).
The Colts are a minimal favorite (1 point at -110 for both teams). The Bears haven’t figured it out offensively, and Caleb Williams has struggled early. Big plays will determine this game, and Anthony Richardson is capable of making more of them. Take the Colts and lay 1 point (-110).
The Texans are slight road favorites (1.5 points at -110 for both teams). Minnesota has been a pleasant surprise to start the season, but the Vikings have struggled with mobile quarterbacks who extend plays and make plays Sam Darnold can’t. C.J. Stroud carries this game. Take the Texans and lay 1.5 points (-110).
The Saints have overpowered their first two opponents but are small home favorites (2.5 points). There is a reason for this number – the Eagles are the better overall team and can win in more ways than the Saints. It may seem blasphemous given New Orleans’ start, but take the Eagles on the moneyline (+125).
The Over/Under on this game is about as low as a line gets (35.5 points at -110 for both). Only one team likely needs to get past 20 points to go Over and both Justins (Herbert and Fields) are capable of making enough plays to top this. Take Over 35.5 points (-110).
[lawrence-related id=493185]
The Over/Under is low on this one (39.5 points at -110 for both teams). Bo Nix and the Broncos have scored only 26 points in two games, so the Buccaneers know they don’t have to take a lot of risks to win this game handily and will call plays accordingly. Take Under 39.5 points (-110).
The Titans are minimal home favorites (1.5 points at -110 for both Packers and Titans). The Packers got away with running the ball 53 times to beat the Colts. Tennessee’s run defense is much stronger, and former Titan Malik Willis will crumble when asked to shoulder more of the burden, assuming, of course, Jordan Love (knee) remains out. Take the Titans and lay 1.5 points (-110).
The Over/Under is pretty low (40 points at -110 for both). While bringing Andy Dalton in at QB may seem like a solid move, a stationary target against the Raiders defense will result in a lot of drives dying outside of scoring position. Take Under 40 points (-110).
The Seahawks are solid favorites (4.5 points at -110 for both teams). The sentiment is that Miami is hobbled without Tua Tagovailoa. They still have too many explosive weapons to ignore. Giving away that many points seems too high. Take the Dolphins plus 4.5 points (-110).
This is the biggest Over/Under of the week (51.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The NFL hasn’t seen many back-and-forth shootouts this season, but this one has all the earmarks of what it takes – offenses capable of scoring 30 points and defenses capable of allow enough to go Over. Take Over 51.5 points (-110).
The Ravens are a road favorite (1 points at -105 Ravens, -115 Cowboys). If the Ravens start 0-3, their season won’t be over, but it will be a huge hole to climb out of that historically doesn’t happen. Take the Ravens and lay 1 points (-105).
The 49ers are big road favorites (7.5 points at -105 49ers, -115 Rams). The Rams are without both of their top playmaking wide receivers, and the Niners are stinging from a humbling loss to Minnesota. Too many signs point to a potential San Francisco blowout. Take the 49ers and lay 7.5 points (-105).
The Chiefs are modest road favorites (3.5 points at -110 for both teams). Kansas City hasn’t put a complete game together yet. If the defensive front can pressure Kirk Cousins, he will make the mistakes that helps the Chiefs roll to a win. Take the Chiefs and lay 3.5 points (-110).
The Over/Under is above average (45.5 points at -110 for both teams). Both offenses’ identity early on have been run-first. Both defenses are built to limit the pass, so a run-heavy game will make it difficult to top this number. Take Under 45.5 points (-110).
The Bengals are 0-2 but are big favorites (7.5 points at -110 for both teams). Washington hasn’t found its footing offensively, and the Bengals will take advantage of that in what needs to be viewed as a no-holds-barred desperation game. Take the Bengals and lay 7.5 points (-110).
Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
With a couple of games in the books for the NFL’s 32 teams, we have started to see trends developing and those will base this week’s picks.
We have a couple of underperforming running backs who will continue to struggle, an explosive rookie not getting the attention he deserves, the most dominant tight end in the game showing why he’s dominant, and a red-zone mismatch who will come away with a touchdown.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 3 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 3.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
[betwidget_betmgm]
Several surefire bets to take to the pay window!
Through the first two weeks of the season, we’ve done pretty well with our picks (8-2) because we use all three betting formats – the moneyline, the point spread, and the Over/Under – and this week is no different.
Our picks this week include a pair of winless teams getting their first “W,” a pair of legitimate Super Bowl contenders putting a beatdown on a pair of lesser teams, and a division rivalry game that has an Over/Under that looks a little too high.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
New BetMGM customers can sign up today and get a First Bet Offer up to $1,500 using bonus code USAT. Just download the BetMGM app, deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. If your first bet loses, you will receive bonus bets in the amount of your bet (up to $1,500). Just make sure you use bonus code USAT when you sign up. Bet Now!
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MS, NJ, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, New York or Ontario.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
Your NFL Week 3 betting guide for all of the smartest wagers to make.
There was a time that if you started 0-2 your season was over. Good teams can lose back-to-back games at midseason and it isn’t life or death. But the playoff odds for teams starting off 0-2 drop hard.
The additional regular-season game and third wild-card team in each conference makes overcoming an 0-2 start more manageable. But if you start 0-3? That’s trouble no matter how you slice it.
Coming into Week 3, a lot of teams are on the edge of that 0-3 cliff, including 2022 playoff teams (Bengals, Vikings and Chargers) and a couple that thought they had legitimate playoff chances (Patriots and Broncos). These teams are going to be more desperate than most because the hole they’ve dug is already deep and getting a lot deeper with a third straight loss.
The Over/Under is a little too low (44.5 points at -110 for the both Over and Under). It’s not too low because of the Giants, but the 49ers have posted 30 points in each of their first two games and have the horses to top that number this week. That doesn’t require the Giants to do too much. Take the Over (-110).
This will be a watershed game for the Browns without Nick Chubb. The Titans aren’t a flashy team and are solid road underdogs (3.5 points at -110 for both teams). I think Cleveland will win, but giving away 3.5 points on a game that could go either way is hard to swallow. Take the Titans plus 3.5 points (-110).
The Lions are an improving team, but their defense is still suspect. Detroit has been established as a decent favorite (3.5 points at -110 for both), but Atlanta wins games by running the ball and controlling the pace of play. Being given 3.5 points in a game Atlanta could dominate time of possession is asking a lot. Take the Falcons plus-3.5 points (-110).
The Packers already have a lot of injuries and Jordan Love has been doing better than some expected. But Green Bay is a small favorite (2 points) for a reason. The Saints are the better team and have a defense that is going to be one of the best in the league. The mystique of Lambeau Field died years ago. Take the Saints on the moneyline (+105).
Two teams going in different directions … Miami is a solid favorite (6.5 points at -110 for both). The Dolphins are 2-0 having gone cross-country to beat the Chargers and up to New England to beat the Patriots. Now, they’re at home against a Broncos team that just doesn’t look up to the task. Take the Dolphins and lay 6.5 points (-110).
Both teams are 0-2, and the Chargers are a one-point road favorite. Minnesota is 0-2 because it has committed seven turnovers and has been minus-3 in a pair of one-score losses. The Vikings are better than their record indicates, and this will be the game they eliminate turnovers in front of the home fans. Take the Vikings on the moneyline (-110).
The Patriots have lost two one-score games, but it should be noted that the losses came to the Eagles and Dolphins – two teams viewed as Super Bowl front-runners. The Patriots are a small road favorite (2.5 points at -115 Patriots, -105 Jets). Bill Belichick is going to have a scheme to control Breece Hall. That may be all that will be required to win this one. Take the Patriots and lay 2.5 points (-115).
[lawrence-related id=481824]
The Commanders are 2-0, but the wins came against the Cardinals and Broncos. The Bills are a big road favorite (6.5 points at -110 for both teams). Buffalo hasn’t been dominant to start the season, but there are games in every season that define it. Buffalo is better in all three phases and it will show Sunday. Take the Bills and lay 6.5 points (-110).
This game has one of the lowest Over/Under numbers (43.5 points at -110 for both) of the week, but that may be because the Jaguars defense has owned the Texans. Their two meetings last year were both dominant performances by Jacksonville’s defense – a 31-3 win by the Jags and a 13-6 win by the Texans. I don’t see Houston competing in this one, but the Jaguars aren’t going to put up 40 points on their own. Take the Under (-110).
The Ravens are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, but the Over/Under in this game seems a little high (45 points at -110 for both the Over and Under). The Colts offense is without Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson has been knocked out of both games in which he’s played. The Ravens defense will be in attack mode, and the offense will look to hold the ball for 40 minutes. Take the Under (-110).
The Panthers are in rebuild mode and the Seahawks are viewed as a playoff team. The Seahawks are a solid home favorite (6 points at -110 for both teams). Carolina has been able to muster only 27 points in two games. Seattle’s offense will score more than enough than is needed. Take the Seahawks and lay 6 points (-110).
One of my failings in predicting games is too often laying off big points. The Chiefs are huge favorites (12.5 points at -110 for both). The Chiefs haven’t been explosive on offense, but the Bears defense is awful. The Chiefs should win by 20, but won’t take their foot off the gas if they get a lead because of their early struggles. Take the Chiefs and lay 12.5 points (-110).
This has a lot of similarity to the Chiefs game, because the Cowboys are identical favorites (12.5 points at -110 for both teams). Dallas has a defense that is terrorizing, and the Cardinals are not going to match up well. All the Cowboys need to do is be efficient on offense and this one could be over in the third quarter. Take the Cowboys and lay 12.5 points (-110).
I’m not a believer in the Raiders, so I wasn’t surprised they were such a small home favorite (2.5 points). The Steelers aren’t overpowering, but they do a lot of things right and have an opportunistic defense that takes advantage of mistakes. They will get those opportunities against the Raiders. Take the Steelers on the moneyline (+115).
The Eagles are still the class of the NFC and, while the Buccaneers are 2-0, it’s not the same type of 2-0 as Philly. The Eagles are favored (4.5 points at -115 Eagles, -105 Buccaneers). The Bucs will struggle to keep this game close, because the Eagles can control games from both sides of the ball. Take the Eagles and lay 4.5 points (-110).
The Rams have been a pleasant surprise, and the Bengals have been a disaster. The Over/Under on this game is very low (43.5 points at -110 for both). The Rams have enough offense to do its part. If Joe Burrow plays – even at less than 100 percent – the Bengals definitely do. Take the Over of 43.5 points (-110).
