NFL Week 3 Pulse: A Deep Dive into the Action
Giving you the best sports betting tips tracked and analyzed from every media industry expert.
Welcome to this week’s NFL Pulse, your ultimate source for expert NFL picks, predictions, and in-depth analysis from professionals across the media industry. Whether you're a fan or a seasoned bettor, we’re here to offer concise insights and overviews for each game, ensuring you're well-informed throughout this thrilling NFL season.
Betting Terminology (learn more here):
SU = Straight Up Winner
ATS = Against the [Points] Spread
Total = Over or Under Total Points
% = Industry Consensus
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
The Titans, featuring a reenergized Ryan Tannehill, are poised to meet the Cleveland Browns—each pursuing a 2-1 record. In light of losing Nick Chubb to a season-ending injury, the Browns are intently focusing on securing a win and regaining their momentum.
• SU: TEN (55% predict the Titans to win)
• ATS: TEN +3.5 (76% predict Tennessee to keep the game within 3.5 points)
• Total: u41 (65% predict the total score under 41 points)
Tom Blair, NFL.com - “It's hard to reconcile the post-Nick Chubb haplessness of Deshaun Watson and the Browns' offense against the Steelers on Monday with Cleveland's status as the favorite here, even at home, even with Kareem Hunt signed. It's much easier to picture the Browns becoming embroiled in yet another ugly nail-biter. Jim Schwartz's defense poses a definite problem for the Titans, but after an encouraging showing against the Chargers, Tennessee should be able to muster enough to squeak by.
Tom’s Pick: Titans 21-17
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
The Falcons, riding high after a clutch victory against the Packers, thanks to quarterback Desmond Ridder, are set to face the Lions, who are eager to rebound from a Week 2 setback against the Seahawks.
• SU: DET (81%)
• ATS: DET -3 (63%)
• Total: o45.5 (63%)
Shane Shoemaker, ClutchPoints - “I don't feel as comfortable with this prediction since the competition will be greater and it will be on the road, but the momentum with the Falcons right now is palpable. There hasn't been this good of a feeling in Atlanta — for football, anyway — in years. This team still has a lot to prove but with the defense gaining experience and continuity every week and the offense growing and becoming more confident, this can only get better.
The biggest issue with the Falcons for years has been red zone efficiency. They just have not been able to finish drives it seems, relying on field goals to score points. That goes all the way back to Matt Bryant. With the way their offense is built, with Ridder still looking shaky at times, this will most likely live up within the three points oddsmakers like FanDuel have it at. In fact, it will probably be another late, fourth-quarter field goal by the Falcons' Younghoe Koo to beat the Lions.”
Shane’s Pick: Falcons to win
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
The Saints, aiming to maintain their early-season momentum with two wins under their belt, are gearing up to face the Packers, who are hoping to rebound from a narrow defeat to the Falcons in Week 2.
• SU: GB (60%)
• ATS: GB -1 (54%)
• Total: u42 (53%)
Ali Bhanpuri, NFL.com: “The Packers' young receiving corps will face its stiffest test yet in a Saints secondary playing as well as any in the league. Marcus Maye's suspension is certainly a blow to that unit, and the defense overall, but New Orleans has the playmakers at all three levels to withstand his absence.”
Ali’s Pick: Saints 22-19
Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins
The winless Broncos, with Russell Wilson still finding his rhythm, are heading to Miami to challenge the undefeated Dolphins, where a flourishing Tua Tagovailoa and a high flying offense await them. To win, the Broncos need to find ways to stop a Dolphins' offense that’s gaining the most yards per game.
• SU: MIA (98%)
• ATS: MIA -6 (74%)
• Total: o48 (58%)
Lorenzo Reyes, USA Today - “The Broncos showed they’re susceptible to big plays on defense and that’s a big problem because Miami’s offense, even with Jaylen Waddle in concussion protocol, appears to be one of the toughest units in the entire league. The bigger problem for Denver is that the Miami defense and pass rush is making plays, too”
Lorenzo’s Pick: Dolphins 29-20
Los Angeles Chargers at Minnesota Vikings
The 0-2 Chargers, with the dynamic Justin Herbert and a robust passing game, are set to battle the winless Vikings, led by Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. Both teams, despite their potent offenses, are seeking to overcome defensive challenges and secure their first win of the season, making this a crucial matchup.
• SU: MIN (53%)
• ATS: LAC +1 (56%)
• Total: o54 (71%)
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: “This is a game featuring two 0-2 teams in dire need of a victory. The Chargers are playing consecutive road games, while the Vikings will be playing on 10 days rest. That, coupled with the inability of the Chargers to stop anybody, will give the Vikings their first victory. Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson go nuts.”
Pete’s Pick: Vikings 32-30
New England Patriots at New York Jets
The 0-2 Patriots are set to face the 1-1 Jets at MetLife Stadium, with both teams eager to add a win to their record. Despite their current standing, the Patriots hold a 14-game winning streak against the Jets, seeking to extend their dominance in this upcoming encounter.
• SU: NE (78%)
• ATS: NE -2.5 (78%)
• Total u36 (58%)
Mike Reiss, ESPN: “The concern is that the Jets' strength (defensive line) matches up well with the Patriots' top vulnerability (offensive line), but the thinking is that the Patriots will avoid a slower start, have a sharper attention to detail, and take better care of the football to squeeze out a close win.”
Mike’s Pick: Patriots 16-13
Buffalo Bills at Washington Commanders
The 1-1 Bills, reigning AFC East champions and among the favorites for the Super Bowl, are gearing up to face the undefeated Commanders, a rising team propelled by quarterback Sam Howell and running back Brian Robinson Jr. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between established prowess and ascending potential.
• SU: BUF (94%)
• ATS: BUF -6 (62%)
• Total: o43 (71%)
Victoria Hernandez, USA Today: “The Bills are still inconsistent, but looked back in their playoff-contender form last week as they handled the Raiders. Sam Howell is growing in confidence and upset Russell Wilson last week, but the Bills defense is led by the always-ready Matt Milano and shouldn’t have a problem capturing this win.”
Victoria’s Pick: Bills 30-20
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens
The 1-1 Colts, fresh off a victory against the Houston Texans, are set to clash with the 2-0 Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. With Anthony Richardson out, Gardner Minshew will lead the Colts, hoping to leverage his impressive 19-of-23 passing performance from last game to secure a win against the undefeated Ravens.
• SU: BAL (98%)
• ATS: BAL -7.5 (65%)
• Total: u44.5 (69%)
Tyler Dragon, USA Today: “The Ravens look primed to reclaim the AFC North after beating the Texans and Bengals to begin the season. Lamar Jackson is playing like the best QB in the AFC North and Baltimore’s defense is making timely plays. The Ravens, despite some injuries, have a more talented roster than the Colts.”
Tyler’s Pick: Ravens 26-16
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston’s rookie QB, C.J. Stroud, who is off to a promising start in his career, is still aiming for his first victory. Meanwhile, Jacksonville, reeling from a 17-9 loss to the Chiefs, is aiming to realign its struggling offense. QB Trevor Lawrence and the team are eager to recapture last season's success.
• SU: JAX (98%)
• ATS: HOU +7.5 (56%)
• Total o44 (51%)
Brooke Cersosimo, NFL.com: “Trevor Lawrence and Co. took a step back in Week 2, settling for field goals in three trips to the red zone. That's not going to be enough -- even against a rookie quarterback still navigating the game at the highest level. I expect Jacksonville to rebound offensively against a Houston D that's allowing 28 points per game. Rookie C.J. Stroud showed improvement in throwing for nearly 400 yards last week, but the man needs better protection. He's been sacked a league-high 11 times in two weeks -- David Carr is somewhere having serious flashbacks right now -- and the Jags' opportunistic defense is sure to take advantage of the Texans' shoddy O-line.”
Brooke’s Pick: Jaguars 26-18
Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks
The 0-2 Panthers are heading to Seattle to face the 1-1 Seahawks at 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS), hoping to rebound from a 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. The challenge intensifies with the Panthers grappling with the absence of rookie QB, Bryce Young, due to an ankle injury.
• SU: SEA (96%)
• ATS: SEA -5.5 (75%)
• Total: u42 (56%)
Bill Bender, Sporting News: "The Seahawks pulled out an impressive overtime victory against the Lions on the road, and they will need Kenneth Walker III to be effective against a Carolina run defense that has struggled through two weeks. This won't be an easy road start for No. 1 pick Bryce Young either. Geno Smith has another efficient day, and the Seahawks cruise to a home victory. The Panthers are 2-6 ATS as an away underdog since last season."
Bill’s Pick: Seahawks 28-17
Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs
The 0-2 Bears, with Justin Fields expressing dissatisfaction with the offense's direction, are prepping to challenge the 1-1 Chiefs. The Chiefs, with Patrick Mahomes performing below his career average despite a bounce-back win in Week 2, are hoping to get their typically potent offense back on track against the struggling Bears defense.
• SU: KC (99%)
• ATS: KC -12.5 (68%)
• Total: u48.5 (61%)
Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: “The Chiefs are tied as the biggest favorites currently for Week 3 as they are laying 12.5 points against the Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. K.C. was able to notch its first win of the year and cover against Jacksonville on the road in Week 2. Meanwhile, the Bears (0-2 SU and ATS) continue to stumble offensively and it seems like the oddsmakers are taking notice with the total already dropping from 50 to 49. Last season, the Under was 8-2 in Kansas City's 10 home games.”
Tyler’s Pick: Odds favor the Under
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals
The undefeated Cowboys, with a combined 70-10 score against the Jets and Giants, are hitting the road to face the 0-2 Cardinals at 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX). It’s a clash between a team showcasing defensive prowess with 7 turnovers and 10 sacks, and a team striving to claim their first victory of the season.
• SU: DAL (99%)
• ATS: DAL -12.5 (72%)
• Total o43 (68%)
Brooke Cersosimo, NFL.com: “Through two weeks, the Cowboys boast the No. 1 scoring offense (35 points per game) and the No. 1 scoring defense (5.0 points per game!), while the Cardinals just blew a three-touchdown lead to the team Dallas shutout in Week 1. The beauty of the NFL is any team can win on any given Sunday ... just not this time.”
Brooke’s Pick: Cowboys 30-15
Pittsburgh Steelers at Las Vegas Raiders
This weekend, the 1-1 Raiders and Steelers, both struggling offensively, clash in Sin City. The Steelers, with a defense that’s scored half their touchdowns, face a Raiders’ line that hasn’t allowed a sack, making this a critical juncture for both teams to regain momentum.
• SU: PIT (64%)
• ATS : PIT -2.5 (70%)
• Total: u43 (72%)
Gennaro Filice, NFL.com: “In Pittsburgh's 26-22 win over Cleveland this past Monday night, the Steelers scored the first points of the game on an OLB pick-six and the last points of the game on an OLB pick-up-six. With all due respect to Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt, that's not happening in back-to-back weeks. So, where do Pittsburgh's points come from this Sunday night? A sputtering offense that just put its leading receiver of the past three seasons on IR? In the Raiders' home opener, I trust Josh Jacobs to get right against Pittsburgh's last-ranked run defense more than I trust Kenny Pickett to get right against Las Vegas' suspect secondary.”
Gennaro’s Pick: Raiders 21-14
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The undefeated Eagles and Bucs clash on Monday night, each team facing questions about their season's expectations. Despite a Super Bowl appearance, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have been a little less dominant, while the Bucs, with Baker Mayfield at the helm post-Brady, have surpassed expectations.
• SU: PHI (95%)
• ATS : PHI -4.5 (71%)
• Total: o46 (62%)
Dylan Clemons, Sports Illustrated- “This should be a great game, as both Philly and Tampa are 2-0 heading into this one. Philly has beaten Bill Belichics’s Patriots as well as the Vikings last week, while the Buccaneers have defeated the Vikings and Bears. The Eagles were expected to dominate again this season, but the Bucs have been a pleasant surprise thus far, with Baker Mayfield stepping in to fill the shoes of Tom Brady… Our Eagles vs. Buccaneers prediction is mainly based on the fact that A.J Brown was quiet last week, and Mike Evans won’t be able to replicate his 171-yard performance against this Eagles defense. Expect the Eagles to run the ball with Swift often, and look for A.J Brown to have a huge night. We believe that the Eagles will put it all together for the first time this season against a Buccaneers team that may be slightly over-performing to start the year. The Eagles should be able to cover the -4.5 spread and win by a touchdown or more”
Dylan’s Pick: Eagles -4.5
Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals, 0-2, host the 1-1 Rams on Monday Night Football in Week 3. The Rams, after a victorious season opener against Seattle, lost 30-23 to the 49ers last Sunday, while the Bengals, the reigning AFC North champions, started with losses to both the Browns (24-3) and the Ravens (27-24).
• SU: CIN (57%)
• ATS: LAR +3 (56%)
• Total: u44 (50%)
Jordan Mendoza, USA Today: “Both teams have been surprising so far for different reasons, and a Monday night win could certainly turn the page for either Super Bowl 56 team. All eyes will be on whether Joe Burrow suits up, and if he does, Cincinnati will want to turn up the notch for its air attack. The Rams will counter, but the Bengals hold on in a close one for the first win of the season.”
Jordan’s Pick: Bengals 24-23
Week 3 is set to be thrilling with edge-of-your-seat matchups and bettors analyzing their choices. While we aim to offer valuable insights and picks from industry experts, it’s the inherent unpredictability of sports that makes them enthralling. Enjoy the games, cheer the touchdowns, and may your predictions be successful.
Hope you enjoyed this week’s Pulse and see you again next week!
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Best of luck,
The Tallysight Team