With Week 1 and Week 2 of preseason in the books, we can now turn our attention towards what used to be the “dress rehearsal for the regular season,” – NFL Preseason Week 3.

In the recent past, most NFL teams would use this final week of the preseason to play their starters anywhere from two series to two quarters. This even included Super Bowl favorites like the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs.

However, since going to a three-game preseason, some teams don’t even play their starters at all. So, we’re heading into the great unknown with this week’s action.

With that in mind, we do have two weeks of preseason NFL betting data to help us in our handicapping of Week 3 Preseason games. So, it’s best to assume that most starters won’t be playing this week. Once Preseason Week 3 is over, we can turn our full attention towards Week 1 of the 2025-26 NFL Regular Season.

With that said, let’s huddle up to take a closer look at the NFL Preseason Week 3 slate of games and make our NFL picks .

NFL Preseason Week 3 Schedule

NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds

The NFL odds for Preseason Week 3 reflect a slate where the sports betting sites aren’t confident in how some of these games will play out.

The Cleveland Browns are the biggest favorites of the week at -7.5 points and a -340 moneyline. The highest Total sits at 39.5 points for a few games. As of this writing, most sportsbooks think the Week 3 Preseason games will be low scoring due to mostly backups playing.

With such close lines and most teams playing their second through fourth stringers, I would avoid looking for Underdogs this week unless something jumps off the page.

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NFL Preseason Week 3 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the Preseason Week 3 matchups and make our NFL picks for each game:

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers Odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-1 in the Preseason having beat the Jaguars in the opening week of exhibition and losing in Week 2 to the Buccaneers. Pittsburgh’s record is now 1-4 SU in their last five games during August.

The Carolina Panthers are 0-2 in the Preseason and have already dropped one game at home this month when they were walloped by the Browns 30-10. The Panthers are 0-6 ATS in their last six August games.

Both teams have been ugly to watch this Preseason. However, the Panthers lack the depth that the Steelers do. So, I expect Pittsburgh to win this game and cover the spread.

Bet: Pittsburgh Steelers (-220), Steelers -4.5 (-110)

New England Patriots vs. New York Giants Odds

Here’s a battle of 2-0 teams during the Preseason. New England has outscored their opponents 68 to 30 so far. The offense has looked great in these exhibition games.

The New York Giants have also looked solid. They’ve outscored their opponents 65 to 37, which included a win at Buffalo in the first week.

The Giants are just 3-8 ATS in August games. However, they’re 2-0 ATS this Preseason. In a battle of backups, I like for Jaxson Dart to continue his stellar Preseason performances as he puts on a show versus the Patriots. Take New York to remain unbeaten and to cover the spread.

Bet: New York Giants (-200), Giants -4 (-110)

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Jets Odds

Both teams enter this Week 3 matchup with 1-1 records. The Eagles lost last week to the Browns and the Jets lost to their roommates the Giants.

I don’t see any starters from Philly playing in this matchup as their roster is pretty much set at the top. However, I can see some of the Jets starters playing on offense or defense as the new regime continues to build its roster.

Last weekend’s lost to the Giants was the Jets first blemish in the last two preseasons. They’re 5-1 SU in their last six August games. I like for that trend to continue as they beat the Eagles at home.

Bet: New York Jets (-155)

Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys Odds

Atlanta came out before Week 2 of the Preseason and said that they won’t be playing most of their key starters in the Preseason finale. As you can see, the Falcons are 0-2 and appear destined to go winless in August. That shouldn’t be a surprise considering Atlanta is 0-6 SU in their last six games in the month of August.

Dallas is 7-2 SU in its last nine games on a Friday. Yet, they’re also 0-2 this Preseason having been outscored 62-34.

It’s hard to feel confident in either team. However, with Atlanta dropping six straight exhibition games and Dallas playing at home, I see the Cowboys getting this win just as the handicappers are predicting.

Bet: Dallas Cowboys (-155)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans Odds

Minnesota is 1-1 and coming off a loss to the Patriots last weekend. This will be their first Preseason game on the road. The Vikings are 5-1 ATS in their last six August games.

The Titans are hosting their first Preseason game and coming off a win in Week 2. I fully expect this team to play with a little extra energy in front of their home fans.

I’m taking the Titans to win this game. The Over has gone 9-4 in Tennessee’s last 13 August games and 6-3 in their last nine Friday games. So, a flier on the Over could be worthy of a consideration.

Bet: Tennessee Titans (-170)

Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs Odds

The Chicago Bears are coming of an exciting demolition of the Buffalo Bills last week, where they won 38-0. It seemed like nothing could go wrong for the Bears as they looked great from the starters to the fourth stringers.

The win also improved Chicago to 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven games during the month of August. However, this is their first game on the road in the Preseason. And, this will be Kansas City’s first Preseason game at home.

The 0-2 Chiefs will look to bounce back from a 33-16 loss at Seattle. It was a poor performance by the backups and one that coach Andy Reid will definitely get on them about.

With that said, I think KC bounces back at home this Friday in front of their loyal fans. Chicago will rest on their laurels from last week’s game and ride into the season ready for the Ben Johnson era.

Bet: Kansas City Chiefs (-170)

Baltimore Ravens vs. Washington Commanders Odds

Regional rivals will play in Preseason Week 3 as both teams look to take a big step towards the Super Bowl in the upcoming regular season.

The Baltimore Ravens are slight favorites but I am ride or die with them in the Preseason. This is arguably the best Preseason franchise of the 2000s. Baltimore is now 18-4 SU in their last 22 August games. They haven’t let me down yet.

The Washington Commanders seem to be having more fireworks off the field than on it. Their #1 receiver is still fighting for a new contract and the team has reportedly been trying to trade their former #1 running back. Meanwhile, the Commanders are 0-2 this Preseason.

Washington is also just 1-5 ATS in August, 2-10 SU in their last 12 Saturday games, and 1-4 ATS in their last five home games on a Saturday.

Give me the Ravens to win and cover!

Bet: Baltimore Ravens (-150), Ravens -2.5 (-110)

Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints Odds

This is an interesting matchup. The 2-0 Broncos head back to Sean Payton’s old stomping grounds and play the 0-1-1 Saints. If you recall, Denver smashed New Orleans in the regular season last year. They won by the score of 33-10.

The Saints are mired in a heated QB battle between two young quarterbacks. The Broncos appear to be loaded with depth as their backups have sparked two victories this Preseason so far.

Denver is 6-0 SU in their last six August games. The Saints are 2-4 ATS in their last six August games. Give me the Broncos to win this matchup.

Bet: Denver Broncos (-230)

Houston Texans vs. Detroit Lions Odds

The Detroit Lions are 1-2 in the Preseason so far. They lost last week at home versus the Dolphins. The Houston Texans are 1-1 this Preseason but 0-1 in road games. Neither team will showcase their starters much, if at all.

So, let’s see if the betting trends can help us decide on which team to pick.

Houston is 12-6 SU in their last 18 Saturday games, but the Under is 5-0 in their last five August games. The Lions are 14-3 SU in their last 17 games as the favorite.

Since the Lions are at home, I’m going to side with them. I think the handicappers got it right with these lines.  

Bet: Detroit Lions (-130)

Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

The Colts created a buzz this week by naming Daniel Jones the starter. So, maybe this game we’ll see Anthony Richardson play with some fire and start regaining some of his mojo. The books think the Colts will win this game, and I do too if Richardson plays at least one half. Currently, Indy is 0-2 in the Preseason.

There’s zero chance Joe Burrow and the Cincy starters play this week. Furthermore, this front office is dropping the ball with their best defender, which will hurt them if he doesn’t play in Cincy this season.

The Bengals are 1-5 SU in their last six August games. This is a franchise that don’t care or need the Preseason. Take Indy to win.

Bet: Indianapolis Colts (-200)

Los Angeles Rams vs. Cleveland Browns Odds

Here, we have another battle of Preseason unbeatens. The Rams have been doing it with all of their backups, while the Browns have been trying to find their starting QB. It was recently announced that Cleveland is going with Joe Flacco for Week 1 of the regular season.

So, I expect the other three backup QBs to ball out this week as they fight for the no.2 spot. For the Rams, the no.2 is Garoppolo. However, Bennett has played well this Preseason and could leapfrog the veteran at some point.

Los Angeles will rest most of their starters on both sides of the ball. Cleveland will play more of their top talent as they try to figure out their depth in key positions. Take the Browns to remain unbeaten due to their backup QB play.

With that said, I’m avoiding this spread. It will be the last time that the Browns are favored by more than a touchdown until the 2026 NFL Preseason.

Bet: Cleveland Browns (-340)

Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers Odds

I’m looking forward to this game as I believe Seattle’s backup QBs are going to put on a show. They tied against the Raiders in Preseason Week 1, then beat down the Chiefs 33-16 in Week 2. Seattle looks like they have a raw talent in Jalen Milroe, while Drew Lock is playing as if he’s going to be a starter one day, again.

The Packers have a bunch of injuries and no need to play any starters. This game should be close for a while but I see the Seahawks pulling away or holding on to the victory with the Packers trying to come from behind. And, I see Milroe having a big game.

Bet: Seattle Seahawks (-110), Seahawks -1 (-110)

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins Odds

This game might very well end up as a battle of Nick Mullens vs. Zach Wilson. And, if that’s the case, I give the slight edge to Wilson as he’s looked better than Mullens overall. The other reason why I like Wilson more is due to Miami’s depth on offense.

While we most likely won’t see the Miami starters, there’s still plenty of young talent in the second and third strings. I’m curious to see how the backup Miami running backs fare this week with Achane out. Will the Dolphins play Gordon and Wright? Or will they play rest them just in case?

There hasn’t been much to write about for the Jaguars this Preseason. I expect that trend to continue. I don’t have high hopes for this team come the Regular Season but crazier things have happened. Take Miami to win at home and for Wilson to have his best performance in a non-Jets jersey.

Bet: Miami Dolphins (-180)

Buffalo Bills vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds

The Buffalo Bills are 0-2 this preseason and have gone 1-4 SU in their last five August games. They were absolutely embarrassed by the Bears last week and have been chewed out by their head coach. It’s definitely to make for an entertaining episode of Hard Knocks on HBO.

The Buccaneers are 2-0 in the Preseason and looking ready to pounce on the NFC South this upcoming season.

Tampa Bay will rest most of their starters and some key backups. They just put McMillan on the IR due to a neck injury and that’s going to make this coaching staff take a cautious approach for Saturday’s game.

With that said, some of Buffalo’s key backups are not just playing for time on the field, but their jobs. I expect this Bills team to come out and play like their football lives are on the line. This team will respond to Coach McDermott and the embarrassment of last week’s loss.

Bet: Buffalo Bills (-130)

Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers Odds

You have to love this matchup as the Chargers head up the highway to San Francisco to battle the 49ers in what will be a key game for the backups on both sides. Yet, this game will be very personal for Chargers’ backup QB Trey Lance who has fared well in the Preseason so far.

Los Angeles should be 3-0 this Preseason but dropped last week’s game by one point to the Rams. The 49ers are 1-1 and bounced back last week to beat the Raiders after being embarrassed in Denver for their Week 1 game by the score of 30-9.

The Chargers are 4-9 SU in their last 13 August games, with two of those wins coming this month. I’m taking Trey Lance and company to get some emotional revenge against the 49ers. Yet, since this is Preseason action, I’ll go with the points instead of the moneyline for LA.

Bet: Los Angeles Chargers +5 (+110)

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds

The final game of the Preseason is a matchup of the winless Raiders at Arizona. We should see a game between Aidan O’Connell and Jacoby Brissett, which is about as exciting as a game between Nick Mullens and Zach Wilson.

I doubt that any of the starters play much for either team. In fact, I doubt that any key backups play much for either team. So, which third stringers will win this game?

I have no clue, so I am taking the Over as it has gone 7-1 in LV’s last eight August games. The Raiders have given up 22.5 ppg this Preseason, while the Cardinals have given up 22.0 ppg. Combined, that’s well over the current 37.5 Total.

Bet: Over 37.5 points (-110)

Best NFL Preseason Week 3 Bets

Check out our best bets for Week 3 of the NFL Preseason:

• Baltimore Ravens (-150)
• Denver Broncos (-230)
• Buffalo Bills (-130)

Baltimore is now 18-4 SU in their last 22 Preseason games. Furthermore, the Commanders are just 1-5 ATS in their last six August games and 2-10 SU in their last 12 games played on a Saturday. The Ravens are the best Preseason team, and have been for the last decade.

Denver is 2-0 SU this Preseason and 6-0 SU in their last six August games. New Orleans is 0-1-1 this August and 2-4 ATS in their last six games during the month of August. Denver has a much deeper roster and should win this game.

When does a Preseason game turn a franchise upside down? When there’s a key injury or a brutal blowout. Fortunately for the Bills, it was the latter. And, yet, all the National media outlets are calling for change. The head coach is calling for improvement.

And, the end result is either play better or get fired. With literal jobs on the line for more than just the fourth stringers, Buffalo will bounce back and beat Tampa Bay’s third and fourth stringers.

Furthermore, you can take these Preseason Week 3 picks and combine any number of them into an NFL parlay. If you chose to combine all of these best bets into one NFL parlay, then a $100 wager will earn you $323.