Week 2 has officially concluded, and the third week of the season begins with an AFC East clash as the Miami Dolphins travel to Western New York to battle the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. There’s nothing like an NFL primetime game with the Bills Mafia in attendance.

From there, Week 3 features some intriguing matchups along with a heavyweight fight on Monday Night Football as the Baltimore Ravens host the Detroit Lions.

The semi-main event of the week is an NFC Conference Divisional Round rematch as the Los Angeles Rams return to Philly and try to avenge their January Playoff loss versus the Eagles.

On the undercard of the Lions vs. Ravens are the Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears, and Cincinnati Bengals vs. Minnesota Vikings.

Without any further delay, let’s take a look at the NFL Week 3 odds and make our early Week 3 picks. There’s no shame in getting your Week 3 NFL bets in early if you can identify value on the boards, which we have!

NFL Week 3 Schedule 

NFL Week 3 Odds

As of this writing, the early NFL odds for Week 3 tell us a few important things to monitor over the next few months.

First thing we see is that the Bills are the biggest favorites of the week. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if this 8.5-point spread jumps above 10 points by game time.

The MNF matchup between the Lions and Ravens has the highest total of the week at 49.5 points. Sports betting sites are expecting this game to be the highest scoring contest of the week.

Surprisingly, at the time of this writing, the Bengals, Colts, Broncos, and Cowboys are all Underdogs on the road in Week 3. Plenty of value with the Bengals and Colts as they play teams with first-time QBs.

With that said, if you need even more assistance in these early lines or some last-minute advice leading up to the Week 3 games, then check out the industry’s best handicapping membership. Get a Free Trial today and take advantage of elite picks.

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NFL Week 3 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full slate of NFL Week 1 matchups and make our NFL picks for each game.

Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills Odds

The opening game of the week marks the 124^th time these bitter rivals have played against each other. The Miami Dolphins own a slight advantage with a 62-60-1 record.

However, since drafting Josh Allen in 2018, the Buffalo Bills have owned their divisional foes. Buffalo 13-1 in their last 14 meetings, which includes winning six in a row.

Buffalo has swept the Dolphins the last few seasons and has gone 13-1 at home against Miami, which includes winning nine in a row.

Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills Predictions

While the Bills are chasing down the Chiefs, the Dolphins, Patriots and Jets were supposed to make offseason moves to close the gap to Buffalo. In Miami’s case, that has not happened. In fact, they’ve dropped to the third best team in the AFC East as the Patriots have surpassed them on paper.

Take Buffalo to extend their winning streak over Miami in this series and at home on TNF.

Bet: Buffalo Bills (-380), Bills -8.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds

The Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles have played against each other 46 times. The Eagles hold the advantage with a 25-20-1 record, which includes winning nine of the las 10 meetings.

Philadelphia beat the Rams in the regular season last year and then eliminated Los Angeles in the Playoffs before going on to win the Super Bowl. The Eagles are 4-1 in their last five home games versus the Rams.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles Predictions

I think the Rams are a better team this year than last and they will win the NFC West. I love the growth we saw in their young defenders last year and I believe adding Adams at WR will make this offense even more dangerous.

With that said, I’m taking the Eagles to win at home, but for the Rams to cover. Philly has the talent on both sides of the ball to win this game by a field goal.

Bet: Philadelphia Eagles (-205), Rams -4.5 (-110)

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers Odds

The Carolina Panthers host the Atlanta Falcons in an important NFC South battle. This game will be overlooked by other more high-profile matchups but it should be a great one for fans of both teams and fantasy football as well.

Atlanta holds the advantage in this series with a 37-23 record. However, these teams have split the series over the last three years as both squads have won three games apiece. The Falcons are 5-2 in the last seven games at Carolina and won there last year by the score of 38-20.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers Predictions

By Week 3, we should have a better idea of how much Carolina’s Bryce Young and Atlanta’s Michael Penix have progressed from last season.

I think both teams have playmakers on offense, but I give the edge to the Falcons. The Panthers had a horrible defense last year and I don’t see that changing much this season. I’m taking the Falcons, on the strength of their running game, to win on the road in Carolina.

There’s great value on Atlanta since they’re the underdogs as of this writing.

Bet: Atlanta Falcons (+100), Falcons +1.5 (-110)

New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds

The New York Jets head to Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Jets hold a commanding lead in this series with a 10-3 record. In fact, the Jets started off going 10-1 versus the Bucs before Tampa Bay won the last two meetings.

These teams last played against each other in 2020, and the Bucs won 28-24. Their last home game versus the Jets came in 2017, and Tampa Bay won 15 to 10.

New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Predictions

Tampa seems to have one of the top run defenses in the league every year. So, I expect that trend to continue as they make Justin Fields and this Jets offense one dimensional. From there, I don’t see Field outperforming Baker Mayfield and this explosive Bucs’ offense.

Take the Bucs to win the game. However, until this spread falls under seven points, or until we see the first two weeks of the season, I am taking New York to cover.

Bet: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-325), Jets -7.5 (-110)

Green Bay Packers vs. Cleveland Browns Odds

The Cleveland Browns will host the Green Bay Packers in a Week 3 contest that seems very lopsided on paper, even if the odds don’t reflect it.

This matchup will be the 22^nd time that these two teams have played against each other. The Packers hold the advantage with a 14-7 record. They’ve also gone 8-2 in the last 10 meetings and have won four in a row.

Green Bay Packers vs. Cleveland Browns Predictions

I’m surprised that these odds aren’t more in favor of Green Bay. I would expect the lines to shift as we get closer to game day.

The Packers are a better team than the Browns on both sides of the ball. They’re also better coached and will be a Playoff team this year, even if they don’t win the NFC North.

Take Green Bay to win by at least a touchdown.

Bet: Green Bay Packers (-250), Packers -5.5 (-110)

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds

As we look at these Week 3 matchups three months prior to the actual kickoffs, I think this matchup is very appealing for a few reasons. Most notably, all of the offensive talent that will be on this field including the two best wide receivers in the league (Chase and Jefferson).

The Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals last played against each other in 2023, and the Bengals won in OT by the score of 27-24. Cincy has won three of the last four games, two in a row, and hold the slight advantage with an 8-7 record.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Minnesota Vikings Predictions

Last year, Minnesota’s pass defense was their weak link. That happens to be Cincy’s strength and I think this will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Joe Burrow will pick apart the Vikings and the Bengals will win this game outright despite being the underdogs.

Bet: Cincinnati Bengals (+102), Bengals +1.5 (-110)

Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans Odds

Here we have an AFC South clash between two teams that nobody gives any chance to make the postseason – the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans.

I’m very surprised that the Colts are underdogs considering they appear to have the talent edge on both sides of the ball. Not to mention, Indy also has a commanding lead in this series with a 39-22 record.

The Colts have won four games in a row, which means that they have swept the Titans over the last two seasons.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans Predictions

I’m not high on Cam Ward for the Titans. I think it’s going to take a season before he shows his true potential. And, I just don’t see Tennessee having enough talent to support the kid.

The Colts have more talent on both sides of the ball, but they also have a weakness at QB. Fortunately, the supporting cast on the offensive side of the ball should propel Indy to a 5^th consecutive win in this rivalry.

Bet: Indianapolis Colts (+100), Colts +1.5 (-110)

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Odds

It appears that the NFL schedule makers got together and decided to have the AFC South play against each other only, in Week 3.

And, like with the Colts vs. Titans, I’m very surprised that the Houston Texans are this small of a betting favorite at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Houston has dominated this head-to-head rivalry with a 31-15 record. They’ve also gone 12-2 in the last 14 meetings, which includes sweeping the Jags last season. Houston is 15-8 all-time in games at Jacksonville and have won seven games in a row at the Jags.

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions

I don’t see any scenario where the Jaguars win this game, short of Houston’s team bus going to the wrong stadium.

The Texans have a far better offense and an elite enough defense to limit Jacksonville’s explosive receivers. Houston should win this game by at least four to six points. This is an easy cover.

Bet: Houston Texans (-120), Texans -1.5 (-110)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots Odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots have played against each other 35 times and the Pats hold a 19-16 advantage. However, New England has dominated this rivalry over recent years as they’ve gone 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.

The Patriots are 7-4 all-time in home games over the Steelers and have won four in a row.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots Predictions

I am selling the Steelers this season. I do not believe in Aaron Rodgers. I think Drake Maye will outplay Rodgers in this matchup. If New England’s offensive line can protect their young QB, then I see the Patriots winning this game by at least a field goal.

Outside of Metcalf, the Steelers have no other threat at receiver. And, their running game is unproven at this point in time. I love that defense, but this offense appears to be average at best.

Bet: New England Patriots (-120), Patriots -1.5 (-110)

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Washington Commanders Odds

These two proud franchises have only played against each other 15 times. Of course, their most notable encounter came in Super Bowl 28 where the Las Vegas Raiders won and we got the immortal highlight from my all-time favorite running back Marcus Allen.

Overall, the Raiders hold a slight advantage with an 8-7 record in this series. However, the Washington Commanders have won five of the last six meetings, which includes four in a row. These two teams last played against each other in 2021.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Washington Commanders Predictions

It’s games like these that are going to help the Washington Commanders pad their record and content for the NFC East title.

The Raiders are outgunned in this matchup and have almost zero chance of beating Washington on the road. Look for Daniels to light up the Raiders defense as the Commanders win by at least 10 points.

Bet: Washington Commanders (-340), Commanders -7.5 (-110)

Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers Odds

The Denver Broncos hold a commanding lead in this divisional rivalry with a 73-57-1 record. Yet, it was the Los Angeles Chargers that won both meetings last season and they did so by one touchdown in each matchup.

That’s a surprising revelation considering that Denver was a Playoff team last season. The Chargers have gone 3-1 in the last four home games versus the Broncos.

Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers Predictions

I’m really high on Denver this season. I see this offense taking another step forward under second-year QB Bo Nix. I also think this defense will return to the top of the league as one of the best.

These two teams tend to play each other tough and the games are often decided by one score. I see that trend happening this weekend. Yet, I believe it will be Denver pulling off the upset in this AFC West battle.

Bet: Denver Broncos (+100), Broncos +1.5 (-110)

New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks Odds

Surprisingly, the New Orleans Saints lead this series with a 10-8 record and they’ve done so by winning four games in a row over the Seattle Seahawks. This including taking the last two matchups in Seattle; a task that’s hard to do.

Yet, the most famous meeting between these two teams came in the 2010-11 NFC Wild Card game where Marshawn Lynch ran 67 yards for a touchdown after breaking nine tackles and the Seahawks won. That run sent the fans into a frenzy that registered a small earthquake. Thus, the run is commonly known as “Beast Quake.”

New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks Predictions

The Saints will most likely be the worst team in the league this year. And, playing at Seattle is a tough place for any one to go into and have success. Especially if that team is led by a young QB without a strong offensive line.

Look for Seattle to pounce on the Saints early, as they run away with this game and win by double digits. Although they don’t have Lynch anymore, the duo of Walker and Charbonnet will be more than enough to pummel this New Orleans’ defense.

Bet: Seattle Seahawks (-258), Seahawks -6.5 (-110)

Dallas Cowboys vs. Chicago Bears Odds

The Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears are two teams looking to make the Playoffs after abysmal performances last year. More than likely, these teams will be playing for the same Wild Card spot.

The Cowboys hold a 16-12 record over the Bears and have taken three of the last four meetings in this series. However, Chicago is 4-2 in their last six home games versus Chicago, with the last contest taking place in 2019.

This will be their first game against each other since 2022, where Dallas won 49-29 at home.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Chicago Bears Predictions

Chicago will be a much better team this season, but I think they stumble in this matchup. Although their offensive line is greatly improved, Micah Parsons and that Dallas pass rush will cause Caleb Williams problems and be the difference maker in this matchup.

Dak Prescott and company will get more possessions and better field position, which should translate into the upset, road victory.

Bet: Dallas Cowboys (+136), Cowboys +3 (-110)

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers Odds

NFC West foes will meet in an early-season matchup that should give us some indication as to which team is the real threat to the Rams in the division.

The San Francisco 49ers hold the advantage over the Arizona Cardinals with an all-time record of 36-31. However, the Cardinals swept the 49ers last season. Additionally, each team has won four games apiece over their last eight outings.

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers Predictions

These two NFC West rivals tend to play each other tough despite the talent disparity between the franchises over the last few years. With that said, I expect this trend to continue as Arizona has closed the talent gap between the teams.

I like the 49ers to win at home, but I do see the Cardinals covering the spread. San Francisco kicks a game-winning field goal to take the victory. Something that they failed to do last year when losing to Arizona by one point.

Bet: San Francisco 49ers (-175), Cardinals +3.5 (-110)

Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Giants Odds

Don’t let the all-time record fool you. The New York Giants might be 11-4 against the Kansas City Chiefs all-time, but they’ve only played against Patrick Mahomes once and that was their last head-to-head meeting in 2021. The Chiefs won that game 20 to 17.

Mahomes threw for 275 yards in that game and one TD. I expect the “baby GOAT” to surpass those numbers in this matchup.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Giants Predictions

I can’t even comprehend why the league would think this matchup deserves a Sunday Night Football time slot. The Chiefs are by far the better team on both sides of the ball. Patrick Mahomes could put up 35 points in this game and there’s no chance that the Giants can score that many even with Russell Wilson at QB.

Take KC to win this game by 10 or more points even though it’s on the road. The Chiefs are that much better. I expect the defense to take Malik Nabers out of the game and force the Giants to throw elsewhere.

Bet: Kansas City Chiefs (-285), Chiefs -6.5 (-110)

Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds

Other than a 2005 defeat, the Baltimore Ravens have been almost unbeatable when it comes to playing the Detroit Lions. Baltimore is 6-1 all-time against Detroit and has won five games in a row.

Their most recent matchup came in 2023, when the Ravens won at home by the score of 38-6. Baltimore is 4-0 at home over Detroit and have outscored the Lions in those games by a total score of 149 to 39. That’s an average thrashing of 37.5 to 9.7 ppg.

Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens Predictions

This MNF game is the best of the week. It’s a heavyweight showdown between two Super Bowl hopefuls. I love taking the Lions and the points in this one as I don’t see anyone beating Detroit by more than a field goal. However, I do think that Baltimore will do enough to win this game by three or less points.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens (-180), Lions +3.5 (-110), Over 49.5 (-110)

NFL Week 3 Best Bets

The following is our best bets for NFL Week 3:

• Buffalo Bills (-380)
• Houston Texans (-120)
• Green Bay Packers (-250)
• Kansas City Chiefs (-285)
• Detroit Lions +3.5 (-110)

You can say that this is my “fave five” for Week 3 of the 2025-26 NFL season. I love Buffalo at home over the Dolphins as the Bills have won 13 of their last 14 home games in this series.

Can someone please tell me how the Houston Texans are only favored by 1.5 points? They’re by far the better NFL team than the rebuilding Jaguars. The same can be said about the Kansas City Chiefs against the Giants on SNF.

I also think Green Bay is a lock to be the Browns who should be one of the three worst teams in the league this year, when it comes to overall records.

Lastly, anytime I can get the Lions and +3.5 points, I’m taking them. Detroit is one of the top four or five teams in the league and they have the talent on both sides of the ball to cover that spread in Baltimore on Monday Night Football.

If you want to combine all five picks into an NFL parlay, then you would win $736 on a $100 wager.