NFL Week 3 Odds & Picks: Best Early Bets (2024)
We finished 1-1 with our early picks last week after the Ravens failed to defeat the Raiders at home. However, the Chargers got the job done, at least limiting the damage in Week 2 after a sweep in Week 1.
Let’s take a look at the best early bets for the Week 3 NFL slate below.
- NFL Player Prop Bets
- NFL PrizePicks Player Predictions
- NFL Consensus Odds
- NFL Expert Game Predictions
NFL Top Early Week Picks (Week 3)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKingsFanDuel Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers are both 2-0 heading into this Week 3 matchup.
Over the past two weeks, the Chargers have allowed just 13 points against the Raiders and Panthers. The Steelers have only given up 16 points to the Falcons and Broncos despite being on the road in both games.
It’s unclear if Justin Fields will start ahead of Russell Wilson in Week 3. But either way, the offense will still struggle to run the football against the Chargers.
On the other hand, the Chargers have scored at least 22 points in back-to-back games to begin the season. But a meeting against Pittsburgh’s defensive line will shut down hopes of another 20-point total in Week 3.
Plus, the game is in Pittsburgh, which is a tough environment to play in. Those fans can get really loud. With a 2-0 start, they’ll be ready.
Let’s back the Under 36.5 in this one.
Pick: Under 36.5 (-110)
Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings
Are we talking about Minnesota’s success enough?
The Vikings destroyed the Giants in Week 1, 28-6, but everyone overlooked that game because it was against the Giants. However, the Vikings headed home for a Week 2 showdown against the 49ers and earned a 23-17 win against the former NFC champions.
Through two weeks, Sam Darnold has completed 72% of his passes and has averaged 238 yards per game. He’s also thrown for four touchdowns and two interceptions.
His top target, Justin Jefferson, is questionable, as he has a quad injury. But he himself stated that he’s not seriously injured and is not worried about the injury.
Meanwhile, the Texans only scored 19 points against the Bears on Sunday Night Football. It felt like Houston dominated the Bears all night but instead won by just six points as a 6.5-point favorite at home. Chicago’s defense made some adjustments in the second half and stuck around in this game.
But if there’s any underrated defense through two weeks, it’s probably the Vikings. After Jordan Mason ran all over the Jets in Week 1, the Vikings held Mason and the 49ers to just 102 rushing yards in Week 2. Brock Purdy was so impressed that he respected Vikings DC Brian Flores for the job he did against the 49ers.
That said, I’m taking it if I get three points with the Vikings at home. No questions asked. You should consider doing the same.
Pick: Vikings +3 (-120)