NFL: Week Three Predictions
There have been some major shocks and big storylines already developing in the NFL after just two weeks of action, including the first benching of a quarterback as the Carolina Panthers move on from Bryce Young.
As Week 3 approaches, we pick out the best bets for the weekend’s slate of games.
Tip 1 – Under 43.5 points in Indianapolis Colts v Chicago Bears @ 10/11
The number one pick in the 2024 NFL Draft Caleb Williams has found adapting to life in the league tough in his first two starts for the Chicago Bears, throwing for 267 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
His passer rating of 53 tells its own story and he will take time to adapt to his new surroundings as his first year continues.
His Bears team take on the Indianapolis Colts in this Week 3 clash and they have been struggling to get things going offensively too.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson has completed just 49.1 per cent of his passes and he has already thrown four interceptions.
The Colts are 0-2 and need to kick start their season after a disappointing 16-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers, who had backup quarterback Malik Willis under centre.
With both teams clearly not in the best shape to score points, taking the under, something which has landed in nine of the Bears’ last 12 games, looks like the solid play here.
Tip 2 – Miami Dolphins +5 @ 10/11
The Miami Dolphins will be without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as he has been placed on the injury reserve until at least Week 8 after suffering a concussion against the Buffalo Bills.
As a result, the Dolphins have been pushed out for this clash against the Seattle Seahawks, with the line now +5 for Miami.
Despite losing their slinger there may be some value in that line, the Dolphins still have a strong squad and Mike McDaniel is an innovative coach who should be able to get the best out of back-up Skylar Thompson.
Seattle were pushed all the way by the New England Patriots last week and even without Tagovailoa, Miami look like the value selection to cover in this one.
Tip 3 – Baltimore Ravens @ 22/25
The Baltimore Ravens came close to beating the Kansas City Chiefs in their opener but fell just short and were then shocked last week by the Las Vegas Raiders, losing 26-23.
They can bounce back in Week 3, however, and avoid going 0-3 by beating the Dallas Cowboys, who were torn apart by the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, losing 44-19.
Lamar Jackson has never lost three games on the spin as the Ravens’ starting quarterback and his running game could be the difference between these two teams.
Take the Ravens on the moneyline.