NFL Week 3 Predictions and Betting Preview

Cleveland Browns v New York Jets

Friday, September 21 10:20am at Cleveland

Week 3 begins in Cleveland with the Browns and Jets both desperate for a win. After a dreadful 0-16 season last year, the Browns are showing improvement in 2018. They tied with the Steelers in their home opener - which they probably should of win. Then last week, they competed with the strong Saints in New Orleans as they went down 21-18. While they don’t have a great record against the Jets (0-5 since 2010), the last 2 meetings have been decided by a field goal. After the Jets ran riot against the Lions in a stunning 31 point win. They couldn’t get past the Dolphins defence in their home opener as they lost 20-12. But I’m liking a close margin when these two sides meet. So far both of the Browns 2 losses have fallen under 3.5 points, which has also occurred in their last 2 defeats against the Jets. But on the other side, Jets rookie QB Sam Darnold has thrown 3 interceptions in his 2 starts and that should help the Browns defence keep this close. They picked off Big Ben 3 times in Week 1 and kept Brees under 300 yards last week. So in a close game, I like the Jets at the line considering their record against the Browns in recent seasons.

Stadium Record

Cleveland tied with the Steelers in their home opener and haven't won at home since December, 2016. The Jets travelled here last season and won by a field goal.

Head to Head Record

The Jets hold a 5-0 record against the Browns since 2010.

Best Bet

Jets +3.5 $1.82

Los Angeles Rams v Los Angeles Chargers

Monday, September 24 6:05am at Los Angeles

The Los Angeles derby is a game to watch in the 6am window games and this should be a high scoring affair. For the Rams, they’ve scored 30+ in back to back victories to kick off this season. The addition of Brandin Cooks is giving opposing defences nightmares as they also struggle to contain gun RB Todd Gurley. The defence has been improved with 13 total points allowed so far. But I think the Chargers offence can have success. They’ll gunslinger Phillip Rivers under centre and he’s already thrown 6 passing touchdowns in the last 2 weeks. Last week, they rebounded from a home opening loss to the Chiefs with a 31-20 victory on the road in Buffalo. So far both of their games are averaging a total of 58.5 points. Which should see the Over 46.5 point total salute here. The last time they met was back in 2014 and that game finished with 51 total points as the Chargers won 27-24.

Stadium Record

The Rams opened their season at home with a 34-0 thrashing of the Cardinals. The Chargers haven't played here.

Head to Head Record

Since 2010, the two sides have met twice with each side earning a victory.

Best Bet

OVER 46.5 points $1.76

Detroit Lions v New England Patriots

Monday, September 24 10:20am at Detroit

The feature game of Monday morning will be in Detroit as they face the Patriots. It didn’t take long for former Patriots Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to face off against Bill Belichick. So far his tenure at the Lions has been full of disappoint. They were incredibly bad in their home opener as the Jets pilled on 48 points to win by 31. Last week, they lost a close on in San Fran against the 49ers, 30-27. Now with the Patriots coming off a loss, the Lions defence will need to be ready for Tom Brady. The Pats struggled against the Jaguars elite defence last week and the receiving corps aren’t giving Brady much at the moment. But the addition of Josh Gordon from the Browns could give them a spark for this clash. So while I see the Patriots rebounding with a win, the Lions should be desperate for a win at home. So I like the overs in what should be a shootout between Tom Brady and Matt Stafford. The Jets with a rookie QB put up 48 points on this defence in Week 1 and that gives Brady confidence of finding scoring options this week. While for Stafford, he should take advantage of the Patriots poor pass defence that was no match for Blake Bortles last week. Overall, the over is 7-2 at this venue since last season and saluted in the last meeting at this venue between the two sides in 2010.

Stadium Record

The Lions lost their home opener here against the Jets, 48-17. The Patriots haven’t played here since 2010 and won on that occasion, 45-24.

Head to Head Record

New England holds a 2-0 record against the Lions since 2010 and have won both by 13+.

Best Bet

OVER 50.5 points $1.74

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Pittsburgh Steelers

Tuesday, September 25 10:15am at Tampa

NFL action for Week 3 will end in Tampa as the Buccaneers look for a 3-0 start when they tackle the Steelers. On the other hand, the Steelers are looking to avoid an 0-3 record. It’s been a dream start to the season for the home side after the suspension of their star QB - Jamies Winston. Ryan Fitzpatrick has stepped in and now leads the NFL in passing yards. He’s posted back to back games of 400+ yards which has occurred against two playoff sides from last season - Eagles and Saints. So this is looking like another favourable matchup after the Steelers conceded 42 points last week. Their pass defence was torn apart as Mahomes completed 23 of 28 and tossed 6 touchdowns! So with the Buccaneers currently underdogs in the betting, this seems unfair. Obviously, the Steelers will be desperate for a win and with Big Ben under centre, this should turn into a high scoring affair. But with the Bucs coming off a 6 point win over the Eagles and having won their last meeting against the Steelers, I’m going to back them in for another upset.

Stadium Record

The Buccaneers home opener was a success last week as they beat the Eagles 27-21. Pittsburgh last travelled to Tampa in 2010 and won 38-13.

Head to Head Record

The last meeting was back in 2014 and the Bucs won via a field goal - 27-24 in Pittsburgh.

Best Bet

Buccaneers WIN $2.04

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