NFL Week 3 2022: 5 teams on upset alert

Looking at the NFL Week 3 slate, these five teams need to play well or face an upset at the hands of an underdog.

5. Minnesota Vikings (-6) vs. Detroit Lions

This isn’t the same old sorry Lions we’ve seen for a long time. Detroit can actually score points, as evidenced by it leading the league in the category through two weeks. While the offense is good, the defense isn’t, but this is where the Vikings enter the picture. Minnesota’s defense isn’t great either,  especially on the back end. And the Vikings are coming off a short week after being handled on Monday night by the Philadelphia Eagles. Don’t sleep on Detroit in this spot.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (-5.5) at Indianapolis Colts

The Chiefs are clearly the better team and should be favored, but this is a classic spot for the underdog to cover and perhaps outright win. Indianapolis is a talented team that sits 0-1-1 after tying the Houston Texans and being blown out 24-0 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now the Colts have their home opener against a team they know will smash them unless Indy puts forth its best effort. Candidly, Kansas City wins if it plays a quality game, but if the Chiefs aren’t ready for a dogfight, the.Colts could catch them napping.

3. Los Angeles Chargers (-7) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

This one has a few layers. On the surface, it makes no sense. The Chargers have extra rest, they are at home, they have the better roster, and the Jaguars have to fly all the way across the country. However, Los Angeles could be dealing with a limited Justin Herbert, who is dealing with rib cartilage fractures. Additionally, the Chargers have a long-standing history of losing games like this; opponents with decent talent who can be overlooked. The Jaguars have a real coach, a real quarterback and a real chance.

2. Cincinnati Bengals (-6) at New York Jets

Let’s be straightforward. The Jets have to get pressure, create turnovers and capitalize to beat the more-talented Bengals. And guess what? Cincinnati has been giving up sacks and turning the ball over all season. The Bengals should be favored by a decent amount on the road, but the way they’ve played all year, this is a real test.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1) vs. Green Bay Packers

The Buccaneers have so many injuries, you wonder who is left. There’s a real chance we don’t see Mike Evans, Chris Godwin or Julio Jones this week on the outside. The offensive line is a mess. Tom Brady, great as he is, is 45 years old and immobile. This isn’t a recipe to beat a very good defense with an MVP quarterback on the other side.