NFL Week 3 odds: Early betting thoughts

We’re in Week 3 of the 2016 NFL season, and there is plenty to talk about. With the opening lines out for the matchups this weekend, I’ll dive right in with a thought or two on each contest.

Houston Texans (-2.5) at New England Patriots

If the Patriots (2-0) can win with Jacoby Brisett, there is truly no stopping them. Houston (2-0) should win this game, even with a short week and being on the road.

Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars (EVEN)

Jacksonville (0-2) desperately needs this game and Baltimore (2-0) doesn’t. If the Jaguars can’t win this game, Gus Bradley should start packing his boxes.

Washington Redskins at New York Giants (-4.5)

New York (2-0) is playing very good football and has a chance, at home, to bury Washington (0-2). Look for it to happen, with the Redskins getting the cover.

Arizona Cardinals (-4.5) at Buffalo Bills

Buffalo (0-2) is on the brink of exploding into oblivion, and it happens this week. Arizona (1-1) got right last week and its going to hammer the Bills, who are the deadest team in football.

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5)

Denver (2-0) doesn’t need this game and its due to lose one of these close games. Cincinnati (1-1) will rebound in its home opener, shutting down Trevor Siemian with ease.

Cleveland Browns at Miami Dolphins (-10)

Miami (0-2) should never be favored by 10 points. Ever. Not in a million years. Cleveland (0-2) is absolutely brutal and starting Cody Kessler, and I still pick the Browns to cover.

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans (-1.5)

Tennessee (1-1) is frisky in this game. Oakland (1-1) can’t play any defense at all, allowing an average of 500 yards per game. Look for the Titans to win at home, giving them a winning record.

Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers (-7)

Carolina (1-1) should cover with Adrian Peterson on the sideline. Minnesota (2-0) is playing very well, but a cover is a tough ask here with the injuries.

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (-8)

Green Bay (1-1) should not be picked to cover this spread. It’s a ton of points, and the offense is a mess. Detroit has no defense, but the offense can put up huge numbers.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-9.5)

Seattle (1-1) can’t score a point. Still, the defense has allowed one touchdown in two games and now gets Blaine Gabbert at home. This will be a win and a cover.

Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-5)

Tampa Bay (1-1) is going to take care of business. The Buccaneers were embarrassed last week and Los Angeles (1-1) is rancid beyond words.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-5) at Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh (2-0) will light up Philadelphia (2-0), but the Eagles could cover because Carson Wentz is absolutely legitimate.

San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts (-3)

This might be a race to 45 points. San Diego (1-1) has a real chance to win this game, but Indianapolis (0-2) will find a way in a desperate home game.

New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs (-3)

Kansas City (1-1) has been awful to this point, but look for the worm to turn. New York (1-1) is coming off a great game, but it will be very hard to maintain that level of play.

Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys (-4.5)

Have you seen Chicago (0-2)? Wow. Dallas (1-1) is going to hammer this mess.

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-3)

Atlanta (1-1) and New Orleans (0-2) are going to throw for a ton of yards. Look for the Saints to finally break through in the win column.