NFL Week 3 Betting: Predictions & Picks for 5 Biggest Games

The 2024 NFL season continues as Week 3 looms over the horizon. From perfect starts to surprising upsets, the new football season has featured a ton of excitement and we’ve barely even scratched this year’s schedule.

Betting News will cover your NFL Week 3 needs throughout the coming days, and this article will highlight some predictions and betting picks for five of this week’s biggest matchups.

What are you waiting for? Keep scrolling and dive in!

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NFL Week 3: 5 Biggest Matchups Predictions & Picks

All NFL odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 11:15 a.m. ET. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

1. Houston Texans vs Minnesota Vikings Odds & Picks

• Moneyline: Texans (-139) | Vikings (+119)
• Spread: Texans -2 (-116) | Vikings +2 (-104)
• Total: Over 46.0 (-115) | Under 46.0 (-105)

The NFL Week 3 schedule features a pair of matchups between undefeated teams, including Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET showdown between the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings.

The Texans remained perfect with a 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears as QB C.J. Stroud connected with WR Nico Collins for eight receptions, 135 yards, and a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Vikings pulled off a major 23-17 upset win against the San Francisco 49ers in a game where Minnesota didn’t trail for a single second.

When it comes to this game, taking the Over on the 46-point total is a no-brainer. Not only are both teams’ offenses playing well, but the Over is 5-2 in Houston’s last seven Week 3 matchups and 4-2 in Minnesota’s last six outings dating back to last season. Considering how four of the last five Texans-Vikings matchups exceeded 46 points, I’m expecting a ton of offense this weekend.

You can also read more about this showdown in Colby Marchio’s Texans vs. Vikings preview.

Texans vs. Vikings NFL Week 3 Prediction: HOU wins

Best Texans vs. Vikings Bet: o46 Total Points (-115)

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2. Philadelphia Eagles vs New Orleans Saints Odds & Picks

• Moneyline: Eagles (+132) | Saints (-152)
• Spread: Eagles +2.5 (+100) | Saints -2.5 (-120)
• Total: Over 49.5 (-105) | Under 49.5 (-115)

The Philadelphia Eagles are entering Week 3 as they hope to rebound from a collapse that led to a 22-21 loss against the Atlanta Falcons. Bouncing back won’t be easy, though, given that the New Orleans Saints improved to 2-0 with a 44-19 blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

While both teams are among the NFC’s better units, I can’t go against the Saints at the moment. New Orleans’ offense is currently the No. 1 attack in the NFL and that won’t change as long as the likes of Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and Rasheed Shaheed are maintaining their momentum. The Eagles have solid players too, however, more consistency is needed before they can be trusted.

With the Eagles being 1-8 ATS in their last nine games dating back to 2023, take the Saints to cover.

Eagles vs. Saints NFL Week 3 Prediction: NO wins

Best Eagles vs. Saints Bet: NO -2.5 (-120)

3. Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers Odds & Picks

• Moneyline: Chargers (+105) | Steelers (-125)
• Spread: Chargers +1 (-104) | Steelers -1 (-116)
• Total: Over 35 (-110) | Under 35 (-110)

Check out Colby’s Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Week 3 preview for a full write-up on this showdown. You read all about why he doesn’t expect a big day from the Chargers’ offense.

Chargers vs. Steelers NFL Week 3 Prediction: PIT wins

Best Chargers vs. Steelers Bet: LAC u17.5 Total Points (-126)

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4. Baltimore Rvaens vs Dallas Cowboys Odds & Picks

• Moneyline: Ravens (-120) | Cowboys (+100)
• Spread: Ravens -1 (-118) | Cowboys +1 (-102)
• Total: Over 48.5 (-110) | Under 48.5 (-110)

The Baltimore Ravens are off to a shocking 0-2 start following last week’s 26-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Conversely, the Dallas Cowboys could also use a win after their blowout loss against the Saints marked the end of a 16-game win streak at AT&T Stadium.

I could see this game going either way, however, I see the Ravens winning. QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry are both game-changers on the ground, and now the pair gets to face a Cowboys defense that surrendered 190 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 39 carries in Week 2. If the Ravens can exploit those same holes, we could have another ugly contest on our hands.

With that in mind, let’s take the Over on the 48.5-point total. Baltimore’s first two games averaged 48.0 points while Dallas’ saw an average of 56.5. Three of the last four meetings between these teams also featured 51 or more points score, meaning I’d be shocked if we don’t see a ton of offense at AT&T Stadium.

Ravens vs. Cowboys NFL Week 3 Prediction: BAL wins

Best Ravens vs. Cowboys Bet: o48.5 Total Points (-110)

Read about the latest NFL Week 3 expert picks today!

5. Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons Odds & Picks

• Moneyline: Chiefs (-175) | Falcons (+155)
• Spread: Chiefs -3.5 (-107) | Falcons +3.5 (-113)
• Total: Over 46.5 (-110) | Under 46.5 (-110)

This week’s Sunday Night Football matchup will be played between the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs are heading on the road for the first time this season following last week’s 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals while the Falcons are feeling good about themselves after their surprise victory against the Eagles.

While the Falcons looked good in Week 2, I’m taking the Chiefs this time around. Kansas City is far from perfect, however, we have a good idea of what to expect from Patrick Mahomes & Co. each week. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if the Falcons beat the Eagles by a fluke or if they’re ready to take the next step.

Given that the Falcons are only 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games while the Chiefs have covered in 11 of their last 14 Week 3 outings, I expect the road team to get things done Sunday night.

Chiefs vs. Falcons NFL Week 3 Prediction: KC wins

Best Chiefs vs. Falcons Bet: KC -3.5 (-107)

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