3 NFL Week 3 Bets to Fade (2025)

by Mike Fanelli |
Sep 20, 2025

Everyone loves betting on the NFL. However, knowing which bets to make is critical. It's also important to know which bets you should avoid making.

Today, I have three bets you should avoid making in Week 3. I also have three bets in the same games you should make instead. Let's dive into it!

NFL Week 3 Bets to Fade

Avoid Betting Saquon Barkley Under 86.5 Rushing Yards (-110)

After averaging 125.3 rushing yards per game last year, Barkley has averaged 74 per contest over the first two weeks. However, he had 88 yards last week against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Last year, the superstar dominated the Rams. Barkley had 26 rushing attempts for 255 yards during the regular season matchup and 26 attempts for 205 yards in the playoff contest.
Los Angeles hasn't faced an elite running back this season. Yet, they gave up 92 rushing yards to Tony Pollard last week and 60 yards to Nick Chubb in Week 1.

Instead, Bet Puka Nacua Over 79.5 Receiving Yards (-115)

Nacua is Matthew Stafford's clear-cut No. 1 target. He leads the NFL in receptions (18) and is fourth in receiving yards (221), totaling 91 or more in both games this season.
More importantly, Nacua has averaged 95 receiving yards per game against the Eagles in his career, totaling 97 or more in all but one contest, including the playoff matchup last year.
Last week, Philadelphia faced a depleted Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver corps. However, they gave up 110 receiving yards to CeeDee Lamb on opening night.

Avoid Betting Elic Ayomanor Under 35.5 Receiving Yards (-115)

Ayomanor has averaged 34.5 receiving yards per game this season. However, he would have a higher average without a blown challenge decision by head coach Brian Callahan in Week 1.
The rookie was Cam Ward's favorite target last week, totaling 56 receiving yards on six targets. Meanwhile, the Colts struggled to stop the Denver Broncos' role players last week.
Indianapolis gave up 89 receiving yards on nine targets to Franklin. Furthermore, they also surrendered 24 receiving yards on only two targets to Marvin Mims Jr.

Instead, Bet Jonathan Taylor Over 88.5 Rushing Yards (-110)

Taylor has arguably been the best running back in the NFL over the first two weeks, averaging 118 rushing yards per game. Last week, he had 165 yards against the Denver Broncos.
The superstar running back had no trouble running over an elite Broncos defense. Now, Taylor faces a Titans defense that he had 218 rushing yards against in his lone game against them last season.
Tennessee has surrendered 121.5 rushing yards per game to running backs this year, giving up 110 or more in both outings. Last week, three Los Angeles Rams players had at least 44 rushing yards against the Titans.

Avoid Betting Olamide Zaccheaus Under 20.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

Zaccheaus has been the Bears' No. 3 wide receiver over the first two weeks, playing 44.4% of the snaps, averaging six targets and 27 receiving yards per game, including 42 in Week 1.
The veteran has run 73.8% of his routes from the slot this season, the highest on the team. More importantly, Wan’Dale Robinson ran 79.4% of his routes from the last week.
Dallas had no answer for Robinson in Week 2. He had 142 receiving yards, a career-high, on 10 targets. Don't be surprised if Zaccheaus has 50 or more yards (+385) on Sunday.

Instead, Bet CeeDee Lamb Over 80.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

Lamb has been outstanding this season, ranking third in the NFL with 222 receiving yards. He has had at least 11 targets and 110 receiving yards in both games.
Last week, the Bears couldn't stop a nose bleed, let alone the Detroit Lions' passing attack. They gave up over 100 receiving yards to Amon-Ra St. Brown (115) and Jameson Williams (108).
Unfortunately, Chicago's secondary has been decimated by injuries. They won't have Jaylon Johnson (groin), Kyler Gordon (hamstring), or Jaylon Johnson (hamstring) against Dallas.

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.