We’ve already seen so many quarterbacks get injured through the first two weeks of the season. Some teams will really struggle without their star quarterback. Therefore, we’ll want to take advantage of our early NFL Week 3 picks.
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Early NFL Week 3 Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Commanders
Although Drew Lock has led the Seahawks to a 2-0 start, Sam Darnold may be back in Week 3. The Super Bowl champion was injured in Week 1 but is already looking to practice in a couple of days.
On the other hand, the Washington Commanders will roll with Marcus Mariota, now that Jayden Daniels has reinjured his elbow. It’s Mariota time, and that really hasn’t worked out for the Commanders since signing him.
Ultimately, the offense won’t even be the biggest problem. The Commanders have allowed 61 points in two games. The secondary has looked incredibly poor, and the run defense hasn’t been much better.
No matter who starts at quarterback for the Seahawks, Seattle has legitimate weapons, including top receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He should torch the Commanders’ defense in this game, even on the road.
Smith-Njigba has 277 receiving yards with four touchdowns in two games. Washington’s best receiver is Stefon Diggs, who has just 102 receiving yards in two games. Don’t rely on the Commanders. Take the defending champions on the road.
Pick: Seahawks -7 (-105)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Minnesota Vikings continue to find ways to win under head coach Kevin O’Connell. In the first two weeks, Minnesota won games with Carson Wentz under center. Kyler Murray, who had won the starting job, suffered a concussion early in Week 1.
It sounds like Murray will return to the fire against the Buccaneers this week. He’s an upgrade over Wentz, despite what some might think. Murray is a dual-threat quarterback and has plenty of experience himself. As long as he limits turnovers, the Vikings will be in good hands.
Minnesota has scored 48 points in two games, but, more importantly, has held its first two opponents to 25 points combined.
On the other hand, Tampa Bay lost a pretty embarrassing game to the Cleveland Browns last week. Baker Mayfield has been careless with the ball and has struggled to consistently complete downfield passes.
That said, give me the Vikings -1.5. The Buccaneers might go to 0-3 and put Todd Bowles officially on the hot seat.
Pick: Vikings -1.5 (-110)
