NFL Week 3 Early Odds, Picks & Predictions (2024)
Last week didn’t go so well for picking early value. But now that we’ve got some stats under our belts and a better idea of each team’s direction, we’ll tackle Week 3 early odds below. Here are our top early NFL picks and predictions for Week 3.
Early NFL Week 3 Best Bets
All wagers are 1 unit | Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings can’t really hurt themselves with a loss against the San Francisco 49ers this weekend, but a loss is expected. However, the Houston Texans have a primetime home game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.
A loss to the Bears would undoubtedly hurt the Texans’ line in Week 3 on the road against the Vikings. The Texans are six-point favorites against the Bears this weekend. However, primetime games can’t get weird sometimes. A loss to the Bears would cause some overreaction and give us really good value on the Vikings at +4 in Week 3.
Let’s not forget the Vikings handled the Giants and made New York look like one of the worst teams in the NFL. While many analysts blame the Giants for being bad, the Vikings could’ve had something to do with it. Minnesota has a pretty reliable team, with Sam Darnold as the quarterback.
Take the Vikings at +4 (-105).
Bet: Vikings +4 (-105)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This Week 3 matchup is screaming the Under. It’s already low at 39 (-110) but certainly has the chance to get lower.
The Chargers defense will likely step up against Carolina in Week 2. The Panthers scored just ten points against New Orleans in Week 1 and look lost offensively.
On the other hand, the Steelers will face the Broncos in Week 2. Pittsburgh’s defense should destroy an inexperienced Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense.
As the Steelers and Chargers each dominate defensively and struggle to make massive plays on offense, the total for this game will likely dwindle. Let’s back the Under 39.
Bet: Under 39 (-110)
Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals
Does anyone like Kyler Murray’s demeanor right now?
Murray was asked about getting the ball to Marvin Harrison Jr. and explained that it’s not his job. While he’s right that he should go through reads, Harrison Jr. is the guy who will make you look better as a quarterback!
What’s the point of drafting a wide receiver in the top five if you won’t throw him the ball, even when covered 1-on-1?
That said, the Cardinals are home against the Rams. Another loss from Arizona would bring their record to 0-2 and give them many doubters.
Meanwhile, the Lions are seven-point favorites against a solid Buccaneers team at home. If Detroit covers at home against Tampa Bay and the Cardinals lose at home to the Rams, we’ll see the line shift in favor of the Lions in Week 3.
Bet: Lions -4.5 (-110)