NFL Week 3 – Predictions & Best Bets

Two weeks in, teams are beginning to reveal who they really are. Early surprises and disappointments have already shifted the betting market, and now Week 3 brings another slate of divisional rivalries, primetime blockbusters, and plenty of opportunities to spot value.

The schedule features Thursday’s AFC East clash between the Dolphins and Bills, a primetime Giants–Chiefs matchup, and a road test for the Jets against an unbeaten Buccaneers team. Elsewhere, contenders like the Eagles, Ravens, and 49ers look to keep momentum against tricky opponents.

Injuries are already shaping several contests, with quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels, Justin Fields, Joe Burrow, and J.J. McCarthy in doubt or sidelined, adding more volatility to the board.

Below, we break down every matchup, with odds and best bets for Week 3. (Odds current as of Wednesday, September 17, 2025; lines subject to change.)

Week 3 Matchups & Best Bets at a Glance

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills

Thursday, September 18, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

Week 3 kicks off in Orchard Park, where Buffalo looks to extend its unbeaten start. Josh Allen has led an attack that’s balanced explosive passing with an efficient ground game, and the Bills’ defense has kept opponents off the scoreboard in key moments.

Miami, on the other hand, has stumbled out of the gate. The Dolphins’ defense has struggled to contain big plays, and their offense has lacked consistency, particularly on the road. That’s a dangerous mix against a Bills team that has historically thrived under the lights at home.

The line has Buffalo laying around 12.5 points, reflecting the gap in form through two weeks. With momentum on their side and the crowd behind them, the Bills are well-positioned to cover against a Miami team still searching for rhythm. If you’re betting the Thursday night opener, make sure you’re getting the best welcome offers; check out the latest Caesars Sportsbook promo before kickoff.

New York Jets at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sunday, September 21, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Jets head to Tampa still looking for consistency on offense, with Justin Fields in concussion protocol and veteran Tyrod Taylor preparing to start if needed. That uncertainty under center has already limited New York’s ability to sustain drives, and facing an opportunistic Buccaneers defense on the road is a difficult assignment.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has opened the season 2–0 behind sharp play from Baker Mayfield and a defense that has forced timely turnovers. At home, the Bucs can lean on both their front seven and their improving passing game to create separation.

With the line sitting around Tampa -6.5, oddsmakers are reflecting the Jets’ quarterback situation and the Buccaneers’ strong start. Unless New York finds an unexpected spark offensively, Tampa looks like the safer side to back. If you’re looking to wager on this matchup, it’s worth grabbing the best offers available; the BetMGM NY promo code is a solid starting point.

Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns

Sunday, September 21, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Browns enter Week 3 still winless and turning to veteran Joe Flacco at quarterback. Cleveland’s offense has struggled to finish drives, and their inability to stretch the field has allowed defenses to load the box. Even with a capable front on defense, the Browns haven’t been able to mask the lack of balance offensively.

Green Bay, on the other hand, has looked composed on both sides of the ball. Jordan Love has settled into his role, while the Packers’ defense has been among the league’s stingiest through two games. That combination makes them a difficult matchup for a Cleveland team searching for answers.

With the line sitting around Packers -8.5, the market has already tilted heavily toward Green Bay. Unless Flacco finds unexpected rhythm, the Packers should have enough control in the trenches to cover comfortably.

Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, September 21, 1:00 p.m. ET

Both teams enter Week 3 with questions under center. The Bengals are without Joe Burrow, who underwent toe surgery and will miss several months, leaving the offense in the hands of a backup. Without Burrow’s chemistry with his receivers, Cincinnati has struggled to replicate its usual explosiveness.

Minnesota is dealing with injuries of its own, with rookie J.J. McCarthy sidelined by a high ankle sprain. Veteran Carson Wentz is expected to start, and while he isn’t the long-term answer, his experience gives the Vikings a steadier presence in the short term. Playing at home also gives Minnesota an edge in what profiles as a tight contest.

With the line sitting around Vikings -1.5, oddsmakers see this as close to even. Given Cincinnati’s offensive limitations without Burrow, Minnesota’s home field and veteran quarterback play make them the more reliable side.

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers

Sunday, September 21, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Broncos arrive in Week 3 leaning heavily on their defense, which has generated pressure up front but still struggled to protect leads. Offensively, Denver continues to search for consistency, with drives often stalling in the red zone.

The Chargers, meanwhile, have shown more balance early in the season. Their passing game remains dangerous, and the defensive front has been opportunistic in key moments. Playing at home, Los Angeles should have the advantage in tempo and firepower.

With the line around Chargers -2.5, the market sees this as a tight contest. The difference likely comes down to quarterback play, and L.A.’s ability to stretch the field makes them the stronger side to back in a close spread.

Las Vegas Raiders at Washington Commanders

Sunday, September 21, 1:00 p.m. ET

Washington faces an uphill battle with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels doubtful due to a knee injury. If he can’t go, veteran Marcus Mariota is expected to start, which would limit the Commanders’ offensive ceiling. Their defense can still disrupt opponents up front, but without reliable quarterback play, they’re at risk of falling behind.

Las Vegas hasn’t been perfect, but the Raiders have playmakers who can exploit short fields and capitalize on mistakes. If their defensive front applies pressure, they could keep this game closer than the market suggests.

At +5.5, oddsmakers are still giving Washington a healthy cushion despite its quarterback situation. Given the uncertainty under center, the value lies with the Raiders to cover.

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday, September 21, 4:05 p.m. ET

The Rams have shown flashes on offense behind Matthew Stafford, but protection issues have kept drives inconsistent. Cooper Kupp remains the focal point, though defenses have been able to disrupt timing by getting pressure early.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, bounced back with a gritty Week 2 win and continue to lean on their disruptive front four. Jalen Hurts hasn’t yet hit top gear, but the Eagles’ ability to generate big plays on the ground and through the air makes them a difficult matchup at home

With the line at -4.5, Philadelphia is favored by less than a touchdown in a game where their depth and pass rush could be decisive. Unless the Rams find unexpected answers up front, the Eagles are positioned to cover.

Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears

Sunday, September 21, 4:25 p.m. ET

Dallas enters Week 3 with one of the league’s fiercest pass rushes, but their secondary has been vulnerable to explosive plays when pressure doesn’t get home. That opens the door for Chicago’s young quarterback to take shots, especially with the Bears leaning on tempo to spark their offense.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, bring plenty of firepower of their own. Dak Prescott has weapons on the outside, and with Tony Pollard in the backfield, Dallas can score in multiple ways. Against a Chicago defense that has struggled to contain chunk plays, the Cowboys should find opportunities to put points on the board.

With the total sitting around 48.5, the market expects a high-scoring affair. Given the potential for quick strikes on both sides and defensive lapses to exploit, the over looks like the sharper play.

Seattle Seahawks at New Orleans Saints

Sunday, September 21, 4:25 p.m. ET

Seattle has leaned on its ground game through the opening weeks, but without reliable pass protection, explosive plays have been hard to come by. On the road in the Superdome, sustaining long drives against a disciplined defense becomes an even tougher task.

The Saints, meanwhile, remain a defense-first team. Their pass rush and secondary have carried them, while the offense has focused more on avoiding mistakes than pushing tempo. That approach has kept scores lower but kept them in control.

With the total set around 41.5, oddsmakers already expect a grind. Given both teams’ preference for methodical drives and the Saints’ ability to dictate pace at home, the under is the sharper side.

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Sunday, September 21, 4:25 p.m. ET

The Cardinals enter Week 3 as underdogs on the road, still searching for consistency on offense. Their young quarterback has shown flashes but remains prone to mistakes, especially under pressure. Against a disciplined San Francisco defense, sustaining drives will be a major challenge.

The 49ers, even without Brock Purdy, have the roster depth to impose their style. Mac Jones has stepped in under center, and while he may not bring the same ceiling, San Francisco’s run game and defense remain elite. At home, that formula typically delivers results.

With the line sitting at -6.5, oddsmakers give the 49ers a clear but not overwhelming edge. Given the mismatch in talent across both lines of scrimmage, San Francisco looks like the stronger side to back.

Kansas City Chiefs at New York Giants

Sunday, September 21, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)

The Giants get the Sunday night spotlight, but it’s a daunting assignment against the defending champions. Russell Wilson is still adjusting to life in New York, and protection has been an issue behind a patchwork offensive line. If left tackle Andrew Thomas isn’t fully healthy, keeping Micah Parsons and the Dallas rush at bay last week was just the start — now the Giants face Chris Jones and one of the NFL’s most disruptive fronts.

Kansas City has shown its usual offensive balance, with Mahomes spreading the ball effectively, but what’s stood out early is their defense. The Chiefs have been stout against both the run and pass, forcing opponents into uncomfortable situations.

With the line around -7, the market expects Kansas City to dictate terms. Unless the Giants find unexpected explosiveness on offense, the Chiefs’ combination of firepower and defensive pressure makes them the side to back. For anyone planning to wager on this primetime matchup, it’s worth checking our guide to the best NFL sportsbooks to ensure you’re getting the most competitive lines.

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

Monday, September 22, 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)

The Panthers are still in rebuilding mode, with their young quarterback adjusting to the speed of the NFL. On the road in a primetime spot, that inexperience is likely to be tested by an Atlanta defense that thrives on creating pressure in obvious passing downs.

The Falcons, meanwhile, continue to lean on their power running game and physical offensive line. That approach has worn down opponents in the second half, and against a Carolina defense that has struggled to get off the field, the formula looks repeatable.

With the line at Falcons -3, oddsmakers expect a competitive contest, but Atlanta’s ability to control tempo on the ground makes them the side to back under the lights.

Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens

Monday, September 22, 10:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)

The Lions have shown offensive firepower through two weeks, but they face their toughest defensive test yet on the road in Baltimore. Jared Goff has benefited from excellent protection, but the Ravens’ pass rush will put that to the test and could force Detroit into longer, methodical drives.

Baltimore’s own offense remains centered on Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability, but they’ve leaned on ball control rather than explosive tempo. Against a Lions defense that has tightened up against the run, that approach is likely to keep the clock moving.

With the total around 46, oddsmakers are pricing in the potential for points on both sides. Still, given the defensive talent and the likelihood of a possession battle, the under offers stronger value in this Monday night clash.

Week 3 Betting Takeaways

By Week 3, early-season narratives start to harden, but it’s also the stage where the market can still overreact. Injuries to key quarterbacks (Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, Justin Fields) are shaping lines across the board, and that volatility creates both traps and opportunities.

Heavy favorites like the Bills and Packers reflect widening gaps in talent and health, but divisional showdowns such as Commanders–Raiders or Seahawks–Saints often come down to field position and turnovers, making totals just as valuable to consider. Meanwhile, primetime games — Giants–Chiefs on Sunday night and Lions–Ravens on Monday — highlight how inflated spreads and totals can sometimes invite contrarian value, particularly on the under.

As always, discipline is key. Don’t overextend on every angle. Focus on the spots where market perception doesn’t quite align with matchup reality.  And if you’re betting this weekend, be sure to line shop — checking the best NY sportsbook bonuses ensures you’re getting maximum value on every play.