NFL Week 3 Preseason: Best Bets for Friday, August 27th
The third and final week of the preseason kicks off Friday night. Follow along as Nick Galaida gives you his best bets for all four games — Colts vs. Lions, Steelers vs. Panthers, Eagles vs. Jets, and Vikings vs. Chiefs — slated for Friday, August 27, 2021. For more NFL betting tips, check out this Week 3 preseason preview!
NFL Week 3 Preseason Predictions for Friday Night
Indianapolis Colts vs. Detroit Lions +2, O/U 33.5
The Indianapolis Colts enter this game undefeated in the preseason this year, which is about all the information that sportsbooks need to make them small favorites here. However, after a three-point victory against the Carolina Panthers and a two-point win against the Minnesota Vikings—the Colts do not exactly seem to be dominating the preseason. After announcing they will not play any starters on Friday, it is possible that the wrong team is favored in this matchup.
The Detroit Lions are winless during the exhibition slate, but that does not mean that they have no chance in this one. Although the Lions are likely to rest many of their starters as well, their backup units have proven themselves more than capable of taking advantage of opposing second- and third-strings, outscoring teams 32-9 during the second-half of the first two weeks of the preseason. Bet on the Lions’ depth chart to deliver once again here at plus-money.
Pick: Detroit Lions ML (+115)
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers -4, O/U 34
In three preseason games, the Pittsburgh Steelers are undefeated, winning each game by healthy margins of 13, 8, and 6 points, respectively. So why are they underdogs in their final tune-up for the regular season?
For one, Pittsburgh is projected to rest the vast majority of their starters, with the exception of a couple of players on the offensive line. Secondly, Dwayne Haskins will get the start in this one against a Panthers team that is expected to play their starters for at least the first few possessions of the game. However, Haskins has played well thus far in the preseason, completing 28 of 42 pass attempts for 271 yards and a touchdown. Pittsburgh might get off to a slow start in this one, but they have outscored their opponents 39-20 in the second-half of the preseason through three games, so having to go deep into their depth chart should not be an issue.
The public perception heading into this game is that Pittsburgh is not going to play many starters, while Carolina is expected to do the opposite. This is likely the biggest reason that the Panthers are favored—even though the final three quarters of the game are unlikely to feature any starters for either team. Pittsburgh should be closer to a pick’em in this one. Bettors should consider a small wager on the Steelers to win outright in this one at significant plus-money.
Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers ML (+155)
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Jets -4, O/U 34
The Philadelphia Eagles have been outscored 59-16 in two preseason games, losing both of them. On Friday, the New York Jets are likely to be without Elijah Moore, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Mekhi Becton, and perhaps more players, who are dealing with nagging to severe injuries. New York is likely to prioritize getting through this final game healthy, rather than going for the infamous ‘perfect preseason’ record.
As we have consistently said over the last month, the NFL preseason is incredibly unpredictable, due to uncertainty surrounding the injury report and game plans. In this contest, it makes sense for bettors to bet on the team with the much-more talented backup quarterback and a healthier depth chart. Joe Flacco could deliver a nice return on investment for those willing to take a little bit of a risk on a sizable underdog here.
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles ML (+165)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Kansas City Chiefs -4, O/U 38.5
In this game, bettors should be aware of the fact that Kansas City is unlikely to play many starters, if any. This is a team with Super Bowl aspirations. They have nothing to prove by trying to go 3-0 in the preseason. The Chiefs have scored only 19 points in the second-half of their first two preseason games and only 36 total points. Both of their games have gone under 38.5, which makes this an appealing line.
The Minnesota Vikings have struggled tremendously on offense through the first two weeks of the preseason—scoring only 16 points in eight quarters. Their defense struggled mightily in Week 1, but only allowed 12 points last week against the Indianapolis Colts. Expect the Vikings to give their starters a little bit of action here, but for backups to get the majority of the playing time.
Neither of these offenses have been good for much during their first two exhibition games. Factor in that the majority of these starters are unlikely to play much, if at all, and it becomes incredibly difficult to see a path to 40 points in this game. Take the under.
Pick: Under 38.5 (-110)
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