by Ben Perks
After many surprise results last game week, the Week 3 schedule features just one matchup between teams with 2-0 records. Although it’s still early in the NFL season, the meeting between the Buccaneers and the Rams could be a rehearsal for the next NFC Championship Game. Get insights and betting odds for this matchup and other top NFL games this weekend.
As both teams are undefeated and rank in the top 10 in passing yards and top five in passing touchdowns, this will be a close one. However, there is a chink in the Bucs’ armor: the team’s secondary has struggled with injuries. After putting starter Sean Murphy-Bunting on injured reserve, Tampa Bay contacted veteran free agent cornerback Richard Sherman earlier this week to see if he would be interested in joining.
Because Tampa Bay’s secondary could be weak, expect Rams head coach Sean McVay to encourage Matthew Stafford to unload downfield. An aggressive approach should be enough for the Los Angeles Rams to win this NFL matchup.
Although Kansas City’s defense has surrendered 404 yards in just two games, oddsmakers have made the Chiefs hot favorites to win this one. The Chargers owe their underdog tag to being a pass-first team. Justin Herbert is tying with Mahomes and Dan Marino for the most 300-yard passing games through a player’s first two seasons (10).
Bettors will be placing futures bets on Herbert breaking that record against the Chiefs on Sunday. Based on Herbert’s performance against Kansas City last season – he got 302 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 17 win over Kansas City – the record is there for the taking. If Los Angeles’ running backs perform as well as they have been, the Chargers could keep this football game close.
As Carson Wentz has the pain of dealing with not one but two sprained ankles, the Colts could start Jacob Eason as quarterback against Tennessee. Eason has little margin for error against a Titans side (1-1) that looked impressive in the overtime win against Seattle. Derrick Henry’s 182 rushing yards on 35 carries in that game showed us how effective Tennessee is at controlling the clock.
Indianapolis’ defensive lineman and linebackers could frustrate Tennessee’s rushing attack. However, Eason’s inexperience could lead to turnovers and give Henry chances to score.
This matchup between the Packers (1-1) and the 49ers (2-0) will be intriguing, considering they both use offensive strategies that rely on motion and a strong running game to set up passes. Unfortunately for San Francisco, its running backline has been hit by injuries – JaMycal Hasty is out with an ankle sprain, Elijah Mitchell has injured his shoulder, and Trey Sermon is looking unlikely to start after suffering a concussion against the Eagles. The Packers could take advantage if the 49ers’ rotating cast of running backs starts slowly in this game.
After a shellacking last week at Carolina, it’s clear that the Saints (1-1) are still trying to find their new identity after Drew Brees’ retirement. New Orleans Saints fans must be wondering what happened. Jameis Winston threw two interceptions, and Running back Alvin Kamara was held to 32 all-purpose yards.
The Patriots’ experienced defense makes them the favorites in this NFL matchup. Expect the New England defense to be as successful as Carolina’s was against the Saints in their Week 2 game. This NFL game could end up as another embarrassing defeat for the Saints.
The Vikings (0-2) have been competitive this season, and they narrowly lost against the Cardinals in their last game (34-33). This weekend the Minessota franchise faces a Seahawks (1-1) defense that let the Titans score 21 second-half points in Week 2. Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins have thrown for more than 240 yards in each of their games. Therefore, if Minnesota and Seattle continue this form, the game could be a shoot-out. If this is the case, it will provide the Vikings with a chance to cover the spread.
Odds for All NFL Week 3 Games
View the live betting odds for all the other NFL games in Week 3. Discover your wagering options and learn how to place bets by reading this NFL betting guide.
Ben is a sports journalist & part-time trader with a passion for finding +EV bets. Ben lives in Madrid, Spain where he enjoys the live poker scene, and sunshine where he covers UFC, MLB, NHL, NBA, as well as tennis betting.
