NFL Week 3 Predictions: Expert Picks Against the Spread for Every Game
Dave Blezow of the New York Post shares his selections for Week 3 of the NFL season, focusing on key matchups and potential upsets.
As the NFL season progresses, Dave Blezow of the New York Post has released his predictions and best bets against the spread for all Week 3 matchups. The analysis highlights key team performances, injury impacts, and strategic considerations for each game.
In a notable prediction, Blezow sides with the New York Giants, who are receiving 2.5 points against the Tennessee Titans. Despite the Giants' recent struggles and the season-ending injury to quarterback Jaxson Dart, Blezow suggests that Jameis Winston, who filled in during a difficult Monday night loss, may be capable of leading the team. The dip in the spread, from six points to 2.5, is seen as a favorable bargain given the Titans' own inconsistent performances.
The Detroit Lions are favored by 6.5 points over the New York Jets, a matchup that appears to defy typical statistical analysis. While the Jets lead the league in yards allowed per game and have a significant edge in total yards compared to the Lions, Blezow points to the quality of opposition faced by each team. The Lions' potent offense, featuring Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, along with the Jets' offensive tendencies, are factors favoring Detroit, especially with extra rest after a loss.
Other predictions include the Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) over the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Joe Burrow noted as looking "vintage" and the Bengals' defense bolstered by Dexter Lawrence II. The Kansas City Chiefs are favored by 10.5 points against the Miami Dolphins, despite the Chiefs' recent struggles to cover large spreads. The Carolina Panthers are expected to cover -2.5 against the Cleveland Browns, with a belief that Bryce Young's success is more sustainable than Deshaun Watson's.
The New England Patriots are seen as a viable pick with a +3 advantage against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the expectation that the Patriots' defense can challenge Trevor Lawrence. The Buffalo Bills are heavily favored (-7.5) against the Los Angeles Chargers, who have struggled early in the season with offensive line issues. Similarly, the Seattle Seahawks are predicted to cover -7.5 against the Washington Commanders, who are also dealing with a key quarterback injury and will start Marcus Mariota.
The Houston Texans are favored by 1.5 points over the Indianapolis Colts, despite the Colts' high yards allowed per game. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at +1.5, are seen as a desperate team in a winnable game against the Minnesota Vikings. The San Francisco 49ers are heavy favorites (-8.5) against the Arizona Cardinals, expected to dominate an inferior opponent. The Dallas Cowboys receive +3.5 points against the Baltimore Ravens in what is anticipated to be a close contest.
Rounding out the Week 3 picks, the Las Vegas Raiders are given +3 points against the New Orleans Saints, with Kirk Cousins' familiarity with the Saints' defensive schemes and the Raiders' potential for a strong start factored in. The Los Angeles Rams are favored by 2.5 points over the Denver Broncos. For the Monday night game, the Chicago Bears are favored with +4.5 points against the Philadelphia Eagles, a pick influenced by injuries to key Eagles players like Dallas Goedert and the presence of veteran quarterback Case Keenum for Chicago.
Blezow's "Best Bets" for the week are the Bills, Panthers, and Bears, with the Bills also designated as his "Lock of the Week." His record for the season stands at 8-8 overall, with a 0-3 record on his Best Bets entering Week 3. He also noted a win on a Thursday game.