NFL Week 3: Early odds to bet
With all the Week 2 games in the books, we can officially turn the page and look ahead to the next slate of contests. On Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers host the Los Angeles Rams before we get into the Sunday schedule.
Now, let’s look at five early lines that I like (lines provided by OddsShark) …
5. Baltimore Ravens (-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars
This game is in London, which makes me love the line even more for the Ravens. Baltimore doesn’t have a good offense, but the defense is terrific. While I don’t believe either teams scores more than 24 points in the contest, I trust Blake Bortles to throw a couple horrid interceptions to skew the score. Look for the Ravens to cover this one with the help of turnovers, something they’ve already caused 10 of this year.
4. Houston Texans at New England Patriots (-13)
This is a huge line, but I’m here for all of it. Why? Because the Patriots are still the best team in football, despite losing to the Chiefs in Week 1. Meanwhile, the Texans are without Kevin Johnson and Brian Cushing on defense, and the offense is less intimidating than a kitten. New England has a good chance of putting up 30 points, which will be more than enough to cover this large spread.
3. New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers (-5.5)
The Panthers are 2-0, but they will have a tough time covering here. Carolina will be without tight end Greg Olsen and the offensive line should be giving out sacks to Sheldon Rankins and Cameron Jordan. I think the Panthers find a way to win the game, but the offense is terrible. Look for the Saints to cover in a loss.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (-3) at Los Angeles Chargers
Love the Chiefs to cover. Kansas City has won each of its previous six matchups against the Chargers, and should make it seven straight in that soccer stadium. Los Angeles is going to have major problems dealing with the combination of Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt, let alone an elite defense. If any team can claim it’s better than New England right now, it’s these Chiefs. Swallow the points and look for Kansas City to keep rolling.
1. Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers (-9)
If this line was 20 points, I still might take the Packers. After being blown out on national television against the Atlanta Falcons, look for Green Bay to come out swinging. The Packers are devastating at home and the Bengals, who just fired offensive coordinator Ken Zampese, are unraveling. It would be the upset of the year if Cincinnati went to Lambeau Field and covered, let alone won.
