Every week billions of dollars are wagered on the NFL. The most popular type of bet is the spread. Each week there are a few games with an appealing spread and others with an ugly spread. To help bettors figure out which spreads they should bet on and which to avoid, two of our NFL writers, Mike Fanelli and Dale Money, give their take on every spread for each of this weekend’s games.
To recap, last week, Mike finished with a 9-6 record while Dale also finished 9-6. For the year, Mike is 18-12 while Dale is also 18-12. Let’s take a look at their picks for Week 3.
Spreads are provided by Jazz Sportsbook. Please bet responsibly.
Be sure to check out our NFL betting advice article each week.
|
Game |
Mike |
Dale |
|
Arizona Cardinals vs Jacksonville Jaguars +7.5 |
JAX +7.5 |
JAX +7.5 |
|
Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans -5.5 |
IND +5.5 |
IND +5.5 |
|
Baltimore Ravens vs Detroit Lions +8 |
BAL -8 |
BAL -8 |
|
Washington Football Team vs Buffalo Bills -7 |
WAS +7 |
BUF -7 |
|
New Orleans Saints vs New England Patriots -2.5 |
NE -2.5 |
NE -2.5 |
|
Los Angeles Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs -7 |
LAC +7 |
KC -7 |
|
Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants -3 |
ATL +3 |
NYG -3 |
|
Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns -7.5 |
CHI +7.5 |
CHI +7.5 |
|
Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers -3 |
PIT -3 |
CIN +3 |
|
Miami Dolphins vs Las Vegas Raiders -3.5 |
LV -3.5 |
MIA +3.5 |
|
New York Jets vs Denver Broncos -10 |
NYJ +10 |
NYJ +10 |
|
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Los Angeles Rams +1.5 |
LAR +1.5 |
TB -1.5 |
|
Seattle Seahawks vs Minnesota Vikings +2 |
SEA -2 |
MIN +2 |
|
Green Bay Packers vs San Francisco 49ers -3 |
GB +3 |
GB +3 |
|
Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys -3 |
DAL -3 |
DAL -3 |
The Team to Bet
Mike: Atlanta Falcons +3
The Falcons have failed to cover the spread in either game this season. Atlanta has lost both games by an average of 24.5 points per game. However, they faced a competitive Philadelphia Eagles squad and the reigning champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tomorrow they take on a New York Giants team that has been an embarrassment in 2021. In Week 1, they lost by 14 points to the Denver Broncos at home. Then they followed it up in Week 2 with a last-second loss to the Washington Football Team despite facing a backup quarterback. If not for two pick-sixes by Matt Ryan last week, the Falcons would have covered the spread. The Giants shouldn’t be favored, and bettors would be wise to back the Falcons and the free three points.
Dale: Cincinnati Bengals +3
The Bengals found themselves in a switcheroo in Week 2, as they fell short against the Chicago Bears after rallying from 17 points down. Joe Burrow did not play particularly well, throwing just over 200 yards with three interceptions. While his two touchdown passes helped the Bengals come back from a 20-3 deficient, they ultimately still lost 20-17 despite the Chicago Bears’ problems at quarterback.
After stunning the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost at home against the banged-up Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2. Najee Harris, who was supposed to succeed James Conner and instantly become the bell cow running back, has failed to impress. He has failed to surpass 100 rushing yards two weeks into the season. Tee Higgins is doubtful for this week, so look for Ja’Marr Chase to continue to receive plenty of work. Take the Bengals plus the points on the road.
The Team to Avoid
Mike: Buffalo Bills -7
After their impressive play in 2020, the Bills entered the season with high expectations. However, they were nearly a touchdown favorite in Week 1 against the Steelers but managed to lose by seven. Last week they destroyed the Miami Dolphin 35-0. However, Tua Tagovailoa left the game after a handful of plays with fractured ribs. Without their starting quarterback, the Dolphins had no chance at winning the game. Do bettors know what they can expect from the Bills this season? The answer is no. Washington was the favorite in both their games but didn’t cover the spread in either. However, the spread was a field goal or less in both games. While they won’t win this game outright, Washington has proven to be a scrappy team and will cover the spread.
Dale: Las Vegas Raiders -3.5
Due to the combined efforts of Daniel Carlson and Derek Carr, the Raiders were able to win without Josh Jacobs against the Steelers. With Jacobs likely out for a second straight week, Carr and the passing attack will have to carry the load against the Miami Dolphins. Peyton Barber hasn’t suddenly become a reliable running back after five years in the NFL. Aside from playing on an island with a pedestrian running game behind him, Carr will be facing one of the better cornerback duos in Xavien Howard and Byron Jones.
Miami failed to do much against the Bills last weekend, losing 35-0 after surviving on the road in Week 1. Additionally, they lost their franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a rib injury in that game as well. Tua will not play this week, meaning Jacoby Brissett will get the nod at quarterback. The Dolphins will have Will Fuller back this Sunday, which would give Brissett another solid receiving weapon at his disposal. Also, expect to see plenty of Myles Gaskin on Sunday. Last season, he combined for over 160 yards and two touchdowns en route to the 26-25 win over the Raiders.
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