NFL Preseason Week 3 Betting Lines and Storylines
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Update: Check out NFL preseason Week 3 betting picks and game previews for Thursday night.
Monday night NFL preseason betting picks went according to plan as the Broncos and 49ers both struggled offensively. Not only did Under 41 hit, but the 49ers backups also came back to cover the spread.
The first college football games kick off on Saturday, but we’re still left waiting for real NFL action. The closest we’ll get to that between now and Sept. 5 is the third week of the NFL preseason.
NFL preseason Week 3 is where starters get most of their preseason reps, as Chris Gimino points in his Introduction to NFL Preseason DFS and Strategy:
Week 3: Starters play roughly 1/2 to almost 3/4 of the game for many teams.
Here’s an early look at NFL preseason Week 3 betting lines and storylines to help you make NFL preseason Week 3 betting picks. Make sure to check back for more in-depth coverage and updated news later this week!
Be sure to read our NFL preseason betting strategy guide to find out why betting during the preseason differs from traditional NFL betting and how to take advantage of the house.
NFL Preseason Week 3 Betting Lines (use our William Hill promo code to get these odds)
All odds referenced herein are from William Hill
Thursday, August 22
New York Giants vs. Cincinnati Bengals -2.5, O/U 42.5
The Giants started the preseason off 2-0, scoring 32 points against the Chicago Bears behind the arm of rookie quarterback Daniel Jones last week. Jones completed 11-of-14 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown against the Chicago bears.
We can expect more from Eli Manning and the starters against Cincinnati, as the Giants will likely use the first half as valuable time for Manning and his receivers. If anything, I’d expect the spread to move towards New York between now and kickoff.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles +5, O/U 36
John Harbaugh thrives in the preseason, and that shouldn’t change against the Eagles. Unlike other teams, Philadelphia head coach Doug Pederson doesn’t seem to have preseason reps planned for Carson Wentz and other starters. Philadelphia has already lost backup quarterback Nat Sudfeld, leaving Cody Kessler and newly signed Josh McCown as backups.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who ran the ball more times than he passed in his rookie year, will use this game to work on his comfort in the pocket. It’s worth noting that the teams will hold joint practices this week, so keep up with what the coaches are saying leading up to the game.
The game has already moved at least a point in Philly’s direction, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it moves more. I like hopping on the Ravens moneyline -210 early (use our FanDuel Sportsbook promo code to get these odds).
Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots -3, O/U 42
Will Cam Newton, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, see meaningful preseason snaps? How much playing time will Tom Brady get? Brady typically plays a half of football in either the second or third week of the preseason. He didn’t play last week, so all signs point towards Brady playing that half against Carolina. Of course, preseason plans might change as the 42-year-old tries to stretch out his career. With Newton more likely to sit this one out than Brady, I like backing the Patriots early.
Washington Redskins vs. Atlanta Falcons +3, O/U 41.5
The quarterback battle continues for the Redskins. Neither Haskins nor Keenum has impressed, and Colt McCoy has suffered a setback in recovering from a broken leg. Dan Quinn and the Falcons are the antithesis of Harbaugh and the Ravens during the preseason. We’ll have to wait to see what Quinn has planned for week 3.
Green Bay Packers vs. Oakland Raiders +3, O/U 39.5
Last week, first-year head coach Matt LaFleur held back Aaron Rodgers and other starters against the Ravens. Expect Rodgers & Co. to play a full quarter against Oakland, where the saga continues between Antonio Brown and the NFL’s new helmet policy. My first instinct is to take the Packers in first half.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins -3, O/U 37
There’s a quarterback competition in Miami. Both quarterbacks — Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen — struggled to move the ball against Tampa Bay. Led by head coach Doug Marrone, the Jaguars have been one of the more cautious teams this preseason. As a result, the offense was shutout in week 1 of the preseason and only scored 10 points against the Eagles.
Friday, August 23
Cleveland Browns vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3, O/U 42.5
So far we’ve just seen Baker Mayfield and the new-look Browns offense for one series. That’ll likely change against Tampa Bay, and you can bet Mayfield will treat the preseason as he does any game.
Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions +1, O/U 42
Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford hasn’t played a preseason snap. Head coach Matt Patricia remains noncommittal on if that will change against the Bills.
Saturday, August 24
Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings -7, O/U 42
The Cardinals and Kyler Murray haven’t got off to a great start. Are people overreacting and is head coach Kliff Kingsbury just hiding his offensive plans from the rest of the NFL, or is the Kingsbury-Murray experiment indeed in trouble? Behind Harbaugh, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is the most successful coach during the preseason.
Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys PK, O/U 40.5
Zeke who? That’s what Cowboys owner Jerry Jones asked reporters after rookie running back Tony Pollard ran for 42 yards and a touchdown on five carries against the Rams. Upset with the comments, Elliott is reportedly heading back to Cabo to train. Houston’s offseason has been a lot quieter. The Texans are bound to use Week 3 as their final tuneup before the regular season. Oddsmakers don’t believe either side has an edge in this lone star showdown.
Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis -3.5, O/U 40.5
The Bears opted to run a scrimmage between their offense and defense rather than playing their starters last week. Matt Nagy has made clear that he’s perfectly comfortable with Trubisky’s next pass coming in the regular season. Indianapolis, again, prepares to start the season with Jacoby Brissett at center while Andrew Luck deals with nagging injuries.
Sunday, August 25
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans -3, O/U 40
Big Ben has yet to play in the preseason, but the Steelers have won both of their preseason games. The Tennessee Titans have a real QB battle between Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill. Sounds like a good opportunity to take the Titans in the 2nd half.
Image Credit: USA Today Sports Images