NFL Week 3: Late-second lines and odds
The third NFL Sunday of the season is almost upon us, and it starts in London with the Baltimore Ravens technically being hosted by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baltimore is favored by a field goal, according to OddsShark. Look for the Ravens to cover with one of the league’s best defenses going against Blake Bortles.
The biggest line of the week is between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots. New England is playing host and is laying two touchdowns in a game that looks like an absolute mismatch on paper. The Texans have only been able to score tow touchdowns this season, while New England laid 555 yards on the New Orleans Saints last weekend. This is a tough cover against Houston’s excellent defense, though.
One of the juiciest lines is the Philadelphia Eagles laying six points against the New York Giants. On the surface, it seems like betting on the Eagles would be the right move. Philadelphia is at home, has one of the best front sevens in the NFL, and is playing the rancid offensive line of Big Blue. Still, the Giants are a veteran group with a terrific defense. Look for the Giants to lose in a close game, but they cover.
Meanwhile, the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 2.5-point favorites against the Minnesota Vikings. Tampa Bay is catching a big break with the unfortunate injury to quarterback Sam Bradford, who is once again sidelined with a knee injury. The Buccaneers are thought of as an offensive team, but this is a very good defense. Look for the Vikings to struggle scoring points with Case Keenum, while Tampa Bay does enough to win and cover.
In the late games, there are two lines that can’t be passed up. The Tennessee Titans are laying 2.5 points as the host of the Seattle Seahawks. With all due respect to the Titans, it’s stunning that they are favorites in this game. Tennessee is a good, young team, but it is also flawed. The offense has gone in fits over the first two weeks against defenses that don’t compare to Seattle’s. In addition, the Seahawks are 1-1 and yet to play well. Look for them to make a statement against a very green team.
Finally, the Green Bay Packers are going to wipe the floor with the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. Green Bay is favored by 7.5 points and while the line is large, Aaron Rodgers and Co. should have no problem covering this against a team that is sinking with each passing game. The Bengals have talent, but it’s a dysfunctional group right now trying to take down a team that almost never loses at Lambeau Field.
