Before you even think about betting on NFL’s week 3 slate of games, you HAVE to read this. We’ve hand-picked three teams we think will either cover the spread or win on the moneyline. Our expert NFL betting advice is free if you keep on scrolling!
Moneyline: Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals might be the league’s most disappointing team. They’ve lost both its games (inside the division) and are marginal moneyline favorites over the Rams — all while being Super Bowl contenders just a few weeks ago. Here’s the latest LA-Cincinnati moneyline odds:
Part of Bengals' struggles are on Joe Burrow — the quarterback they enriched with a new contract just three weeks ago. He hasn’t been good, but he also doesn’t appear to be healthy. A calf injury he sustained in training camp was reaggravated this past Sunday, and no one, not even Burrow himself, knows the true extent of injury.
But here’s what we do know: Burrow can’t hit the long ball to save his life right now, whether it’s because of the calf or not. Burrow is 0 for 12 on passes of 15 or more air yards so far. That’s made Cincy’s once-high-powered attack suddenly easy to defend against with no over-the-top threats.
The Bengals are in trouble, we really believe that. This Sunday’s game against the Rams is only going to make things worse. Los Angeles has rebounded since last year’s Super Bowl letdown — a championship they won over this same Cincinnati team. Matt Stafford is still playing like an elite quarterback and rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua is playing like Cooper Kupp (the Super Bowl MVP over Cincy). The Rams are going to steal this game on the road, bank on it!
Against The Spread: Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are heavy favorites overs the Colts — perhaps too heavy. We mean, this is a divisional rival so there’s an aura of familiarity in both sides. Here’s how the NFL’s best betting sites have the Indy-Baltimore spread pegged at:
One reason why the Colts are such underdogs is because they might not have starting quarterback Anthony Richardson. He suffered a concussion on Sunday that knocked him out half the game so his Week 3 status is very much in question. But here’s the thing: Indy has quite a competent backup in Gardner Minshew. He’s started 24 games in the NFL so he’s not your run-of-the-mill backup.
This game is going to be closer than bookies are presuming. Look, we do believe Baltimore is the team to beat in the AFC North. This team is rolling with its usual blend of run-oriented offense and physical defense. But at the same time, the Colts are on the up and up. They’re no longer pushovers like a season ago.
New head coach Shane Steichen is a big reason why we’re optimistic about Indy’s present state and future too. He’s a brilliant mind on offense, and you can tell Philadelphia — where he called plays a year ago — is missing him so far. Indy won’t win Sunday, but they’ll sure cover the spread.
Against The Spread: Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There are nine NFL teams that are 2-0 right now. After this, there will be one less because both are undefeated. In spite of that, the Eagles are firm favorites on the spread versus the Bucs. Here’s how the lines shake out:
We’re going to be blunt here: Tampa Bay is in for a rude awakening this game. Yes, they’ve navigated the post-Tom Brady era well so far but they’ve also beaten up on a pair of bad teams — Minnesota and Chicago, who are both 0-2. The Bears, in particular, are heading for a top-5 NFL Draft pick most likely and the Bucs needed a late pick-six to secure a victory in that one.
The Eagles also beat that same Vikings team. But it’s how Philly won that really impressed us: they forced four turnovers and aired out the ball offensively with ease. That’s the exact brand of football that had them a few plays within winning last year’s Super Bowl. We anticipate Philly to roll in this game, certainly enough to cover the spread.
How To Bet On NFL Week 3 Games?
While we’re enamored with the three NFL Week 3 bets above, we sure know there are plenty of opportunities elsewhere too. For a complete list of football bets available this week — from spreads to over/unders to props (plenty of these!) — hit one of the bookmakers featured below. Per our newest sportsbook reviews, all five sites you see are industry leaders.
One reason for this leading edge is the lucrative sportsbook bonuses offered. From site to site, there are hundreds to thousands of dollars in free play on the table. With money like that, all your NFL Week 3 betting could be completely free. Our favorite promos are listed in the table. Pick one and you’ll really be off to the races.
