The NFL Season is young, but there has still been plenty of games played. Now as Week 3 begins, the books are rolling out the odds for each contest and now is your chance to evaluate the spreads for each contest and find the best bets for you!
NFL Week 3 Odds & Spreads (Courtesy of Bovada)
Thursday Night Football (Sep. 21st)
8:15 PM EST
- Giants at 49ers (-9.5)
Sunday Football (Sep. 24th)
1 PM EST
- Chargers (-1.5) at Vikings
- Bills (-6) at Commanders
- Saints at Packers (-2.5)
- Falcons at Lions (-6)
- Titans at Browns (-5)
- Texans at Jaguars (-7.5)
- Patriots (-1.5) at Jets
- Broncos at Dolphins (-6)
- Colts at Ravens (-8)
4:05 PM EST
- Panthers at Seahawks (-4.5)
4:25 PM EST
- Cowboys (-11) at Cardinals
- Bears at Chiefs (-11.5)
8:20 PM EST
- Steelers at Raiders
Monday Night Football (Sep. 25th)
7:15 PM EST
- Eagles (-7) at Buccaneers
8:15 PM EST
- Rams at Bengals (-7)
>> Find the latest odds at Bovada <<
Overview of the 2023 NFL Season: Storylines to Follow in Week 3
Just two games into the season, there is plenty of unknown and headlines worth following. Here are some of the top ones to keep note of during Week 3.
Zach Wilson’s Second Audition
The Jets face off against the New England Patriots in an AFC East rivalry game that could have huge implications on the late-season standings. QB Zach Wilson has been fully reintegrated as the starting QB for New York and against a fiery Patriots defense, he will need to play a high level to establish himself as the answer for this offense following the loss of newly acquire QB Aaron Rodgers.
The Pressure Sets In
A rough start to the season can be detrimental to teams as they try to establish enough season-long success to reach the postseason. For teams like the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, and others… the heat is on to get back on track and score big Week 3 victories.
Super Bowl LVI Rematch
In 2022, the Rams defeated the Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl 56, now two seasons later the teams will face off again. The Rams have been better than expectations surrounding them to start the season, but the Bengals are still favored by a touchdown in this one. This could be a great game, and it’s even better to have it in primetime on Monday Night.
>> Check out MyBookie for the best odds <<
Explaining NFL ATS Bets: What They Are, and the Pros & Cons of Betting Them
What Are Spreads?
Spreads are point differentials put out by betting platforms in order to add an even betting line for people to wager on. Many contests have a team favored in their match, so books bring this option so that there is an even comparison between both teams to favor both sides of the bet.
Reading A Spread
When it comes to reading a spread, a point total is placed for both teams to assess betting lines for each contest.
The favorite in the game will likely be assessed with a spread that is a negative number (ex. -6.5) In this situation, a team would need to win by 7 or more points in order to cover.
The underdog would be given a positive number, and they must lose within that number in order to cover. For instance if they had a line of +4.5, they would need to lose by less than 4 points or win in order to cover.
PK signifies an even spread, and bettors may choose between both teams who they expect to win in the contest.
Advantages of Placing ATS Bets
Betting against the spread is a great way to go about placing wagers because it is the most analyzed category of betting. You can find plenty of research on the topic and find these bets available on all platforms. Not to mention, most sites offer alternate spreads and moneyline options to set you up to find bets you feel comfortable with.
Disadvantages of Betting Spreads
The issue with betting spreads is that there are countless plays that can alter the score of a game fairly easily. Even in contests where you think the score will be close, it could be totally blown up by a single turnover or big play that shifts the end result entirely. Betting spreads can be challenging, so be sure to do your research.
>> Find the latest NFL ATS Week 3 odds at BetOnline <<
NFL Week 3 Against the Spread Predictions: Game-by-Game Analysis
With the spreads out, here is an overview of each contest and the spread placed on the games. There is a promising amount of great lines to consider placing a wager on, here is some analysis breaking down every contest for the slate ahead.
Giants at 49ers (-9.5)
Analysis: The New York Giants travel to San Francisco with the lingering stink of the season-opening 40-0 blowout loss still following them. The Giants looked stronger in Week 2, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. They’ll look for the offense to be more effective in a great test against the 49ers.
The 49ers have started the season red-hot with one of the most efficient offenses in the league, coupled with a juggernaut defense. QB Brock Purdy has locked down the role as the starter of the future, and with the surrounding weapons, it should continue through the rest of the season. They’ll need to play a big part in Thursday’s attack at home against the Giants.
Writer’s Pick: 49ers -9.5
Thursday Night Football is one for chaos, so expect the unexpected. However, the 49er’s defense should be able to create issues for New York, which should lead to a controlled result and San Francisco covering.
>> Check out BetOnline for more odds <<
Chargers (-1.5) at Vikings
Analysis: The Minnesota Vikings look to score a big time cross-conference victory when they host the Chargers in Week 3. The passing attack is one of the scariest in football behind veteran QB Kirk Cousins with WRs Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TE TJ Hockenson all being dependable weapons, making them bound to produce in any game.
For the Chargers, there is a sense of urgency for Head Coach Brandon Staley & company as the team hasn’t gotten out of the gates as well as they’d have hoped. The team still looks promising offensively under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, but the defense hasn’t played up to standard to this point. They’ll get another challenge here against Minnesota.
Writer’s Pick: Chargers -1.5
This will be an exciting contest that promises to feature plenty of production; however expect the Chargers to win in a battle of production. The 1.5 line is too close to worry about spread, expect Los Angeles to be able to cover should they come out victorious.
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Bills (-6) at Commanders
Analysis: Buffalo travels to Washington as the clear favorite in an intriguing contest for both teams. Head Coach Sean McDermott was once the defensive coordinator for Washington Head Coach Ron Rivera back in Carolina, so this game brings a sense of familiarity. The Bills offensive attack will need to be sharp, with stars QB Josh Allen and WR Stefon Diggs playing the lead roles for the team’s success on the road.
The Commanders scored a Week 1 victory against Arizona but came up short against Denver in Week 2. There are still uncertainties surrounding the team’s direction, but if QB Sam Howell plays at a high level, they have the talent to match up with anyone. Is it enough to stay within six points?
Writer’s Pick: Bills -6
Buffalo was slow to start the year with a disappointing opener, but they seem to be getting things in order. Expect a solid outing here in Week 3, and that should be enough to win and cover in this one.
Saints at Packers (-2.5)
Analysis: Green Bay has entered the Jordan Love at Quarterback era with some optimism, and the team is strong enough to succeed if he’s playing at a high enough level. The Packers scored a big divisional win in Week 1, but they need to score some other victories in the NFC to make a potential playoff run. This game against New Orleans could be a big step toward that.
The Saints have had their ups and downs, but QB Derek Carr has truly helped this team take a step up in terms of competitiveness. The Saints haven’t had the strongest draw for their first two games of the season, but winning manageable games is crucial to a successful season. Green Bay is another one, can New Orleans move to 3-0?
Writer’s Pick: Saints ML
Both teams have their share of pros and cons, but the Saints appear to be the more complete roster right now. With a line so close, roll with New Orleans to pull off the upset and win on the road.
>> Find out more at SportsBetting.ag <<
Falcons at Lions (-6)
Analysis: For the Detroit Lions, things couldn’t have started better with a season-opening victory against the Chiefs. Head Coach Dan Campbell has done a tremendous job getting this team to take steps forward each season, and they look to have taken another this year. In Week 3, they’re in for a physical match-up with the Falcons.
Atlanta is one of the younger teams in the league, but still have started out the season well. The RB duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier provide this offense with a great bulldozer mentality, and if they can continue that against Detroit, then their success could carry over into Week 3.
Writer’s Pick: Falcons +6
The Lions have a good team, but their run defense likely won’t fare well against the Atlanta rushing attack. Expect the Falcons to cover and potentially even pull off a surprise upset.
>> Find the latest NFL betting odds at SportsBetting.ag <<
Titans at Browns (-5)
Analysis: Cleveland finally gets out of the AFC North in Week 3 as they host the Titans in a game featuring two of the league’s best running backs. For the Browns, RB Nick Chubb is the centerpiece of the offensive success. However, it’s their improved defense that has helped this team look to be in for a great season. Many NFL betting sites post some of the best odds for them.
For QB Ryan Tannehill, the pressure is on to produce in order for this Titans team to be at their best. RB Derrick Henry is always going to be the identity of this offense, but Tannehill must be able to take advantage through the air in order to open up opportunities on the ground. Cleveland won’t make it easy.
Writer’s Pick: Titans ML
This game could be one of the better matchups of the week, but this five-point spread seems like an oversight by the books. Tannehill will need to play well, but the Titans are more than capable to cover and win on the road here.
>> Start placing your bets at BUSR <<
Texans at Jaguars (-7.5)
Analysis: Houston is in a rebuilding season in the first year of their Head Coach DeMeco Ryan, and QB CJ Stroud. Still, they’ve shown promising signs that could lead them to success this season. With an AFC South match up against Jacksonville, a win could change the narrative for the season expectations.
As for Jacksonville, they sit as the favorites to win the division. A part of that, though is handling business in games they’re favored. Houston isn’t going to just keel over and let them win easily. The Jaguars offense will need to continue to shine to carry them to victory.
Writer’s Pick: Jaguars -7.5
Jacksonville seems to be the team to beat in the AFC South, and while the Texans have shown promise, they likely aren’t to the Jaguars level. Expect the Jags to handle business and cover at home.
>> Start betting at BetAnySports <<
Patriots (-1.5) at Jets
Analysis: When QB Aaron Rodgers went down on the first drive, many felt the Jets season went with it. However, this team is still very strong, so writing them off would be a mistake. QB Zach Wilson will need to step up from his past seasons play, though if the team will still be capable of reaching the postseason.
For New England, things looks much better offensively under Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien. QB Mac Jones is operating with a new found confidence that has helped elevate this team, and with a Head Coach like Bill Belichick, that makes this team capable of playing with anybody.
Writer’s Pick: Patriots -1.5
This is going to be a defensive affair, but expect the Patriots to prevail here. New England has the makings to win in close contests, they should be able to edge out the victory in a big AFC East match up.
>> Get the best NFL odds at BetOnline <<
Broncos at Dolphins (-6)
Analysis: Miami has lit the world on fire with their offensive attack, and QB Tua Tagovailoa has become a legitimate early-season threat to compete for the MVP award. WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are elite playmakers who can turn any snap into a big play, that will carry them through the season to their success.
For Head Coach Sean Payton, this game against Miami could be a massive victory to get the team over .500 and the momentum behind them for season-long success. QB Russell Wilson is still working himself back into a rhythm while RB Javonte Williams continues to work toward 100%, both will need to play a high level to potentially win this one.
Writer’s Pick: Dolphins -6
Miami is capable of scoring points at any moment. This puts them in a position to win and sometimes win big. If the Broncos offense isn’t running smoothly, this could result in a blowout. Roll with the Dolphins to cover.
>> Find the latest odds at EveryGame <<
Colts at Ravens (-8)
Analysis: Baltimore has had their share of misfortune with injuries but appears to be on track for a strong season regardless. QB Lamar Jackson is the engine for this offensive attack, and as long as he stays healthy, this team will compete. In Week 3 against the Colts, they will look to continue to produce on both sides of the football.
The Colts are a young team still in the process of rebuilding, but QB Anthony Richardson has shown great flashes that could make this team win any Sunday. Overall, Indianapolis has some drawbacks, but as 8-point underdogs, they may be able to cover this spread and keep this final score closer.
Writer’s Pick: Ravens -8
Baltimore is one of the better teams in the NFL, while Indianapolis is in a rebuilding year. Any given Sunday, anyone can beat anyone, but expect the Ravens to control this one early and win by over eight points to cover.
Panthers at Seahawks (-4.5)
Analysis: Seattle started the season off horribly, getting demolished by their division rival Los Angeles Rams, but Week 1 is never the season-long story, so this team still has plenty of promise. However, they’ll need a strong Week 3 outing to beat this Carolina team. QB Geno Smith has plenty of surrounding talent on the offense, he needs to pull through to take the victory.
The Panthers have more long-term vision with QB Bryce Young getting acclimated to the NFL, but he’s shown plenty of promise so far. Against the young, talented secondary of the Seahawks, Young will have quite the challenge. Overall, Carolina has promise, they could potentially keep this one closer than the 4.5-point spread.
Writer’s Pick: Seahawks -4.5
Seattle set off alarms to start the season, but the Seahawks are still a strong team overall. They should be able to succeed here at home and cover against a young Panthers team.
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Cowboys (-11) at Cardinals
Analysis: Dallas hits the road where they’ll travel to Arizona in a game they’re heavily favored in. Things have looked promising for this Cowboys team, and their offseason additions of WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore have played a major part in that. Things are never easy in the NFL, but Dallas has a clear upper hand to take advantage of here.
For the Cardinals, they’ve matched the expectations so far of being a team that has struggled tremendously. The offense has failed to get in a rhythm, and while the defense has looked alright, there hasn’t been enough flash to buy into their chances of success. However, a few big plays could flip the script and help them cover or potentially pull out an upset. Decent option for NFL betting overall.
Writer’s Pick: Cowboys -11
Dallas is a very strong team this year and heavily outmatches this Arizona squad. The 11-point spread is intimidating, but the Cowboys should be up for the challenge.
>> Start betting on NFL ATS Week 3 at SportsBetting.ag <<
Bears at Chiefs (-11.5)
Analysis: There were some with high hopes for this Bears team, but there appears to be some much needed improvement in order for them to achieve that. Still, the season is young, and things can easily change. QB Justin Fields will need to lead that, though., as the offense has failed to get in rhythm with a lack of a superstar to depend upon.
For Kansas City, the Chiefs started out sluggish, but the team looked better in Week 2. Assuming QB Patrick Mahomes II will continue to play at an elite level he usually does, the Chiefs should be in a position to succeed.
Writer’s Pick: Chiefs -11.5
Now that Kelce is back, the Chiefs offense should be fully rolling and that should result in a nice showing here at home against Chicago. They should run it up against a lackluster Bears defense.
>> Place your bets at BetUS <<
Steelers at Raiders (PK)
Analysis: The Pittsburgh Steelers looked rough to start the season against San Francisco, but with Head Coach Mike Tomlin, they’ll always be competitive. QB Kenny Pickett needs to elevate his play up to this point in the season, but the Steelers defense should be able to give them a chance to succeed so long as the offense is at least competent.
For the Raiders, they notched a victory over Denver to start the season but couldn’t score a win over Buffalo in Week 2. Still, this team has shown promise that could lead to them being one of the surprise overachieving teams this season. QB Jimmy Garoppolo will need to continue to play efficiently for them to pull out the victory, but that’s something he’s more than capable of.
Writer’s Pick: Steelers ML
Pittsburgh is a team capable of competing with anyone when they’re playing at their best. Tomlin should have them at that level in this one and as a result, they should be able to pull off a nice Sunday Night victory.
>> Start betting at BetAnySports <<
Eagles (-7) at Buccaneers
Analysis: Philadelphia travels to Tampa Bay looking to score a nice in-conference victory against one of the NFL’s best defenses. The Eagles seem to have avoided the Super Bowl hangover and now look to just continue down the path of success. A win in Tampa Bay will solidify their hot start.
The Buccaneers proved that despite losing QB Tom Brady, this team is still good enough to compete with anyone. The Eagles won’t make things easy, but if QB Baker Mayfield comes out hot, then this team is more than capable of pulling off the upset at home.
Writer’s Pick: Eagles -7
Philadelphia is one of the best teams in the NFL, and for that reason they should get in control in this one. Tampa Bay is very capable, but follow the Eagles to win this one by over a score.
Rams at Bengals (-7)
Analysis: For many the expectation of the Rams was that the team was in for a bad season, but so far things have been promising. QB Matthew Stafford looks to have found his groove, and is making it work while the defense has held up well. Now against the Bengals, they’ll get their third straight strong test, but it should help the team in the long run.
For Cincinnati, early season struggles seem to be a tradition. However, this team is plenty capable of getting things back on track and working themselves back into being contenders. QB Joe Burrow is still one of the NFL’s best and with a Super Bowl 56 rematch, he and the rest of this team should come out with plenty of intensity.
Writer’s Pick: Bengals -7
Both teams will come in with a lot of intensity, but the Bengals have the Super Bowl defeat chip on their shoulder with a more balanced-roster to win. They should be able to cover the spread in their victory on Monday night.
>> Check out the latest odds at Lucky99 <<
How to Bet on NFL Spreads For Week 3 of the Season
It’s never too late to get in on the action, but you don’t want to miss out on the weekly opportunities. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bet on the NFL online:
Step 1: Register for a Sportsbook Account
- Visit Bovada and click the green ‘Join’ button
- Fill out all the signup information as needed to register
Step 2: Activate Your Account
- Check your email account for the verification link
- If you can’t find it, try checking your junk folder
- Once you’ve found it, verify your account by clicking the confirmation link
Step 3: Make Your First Deposit
- Deposit money into your account using your preferred payment method
- Take advantage of the site’s promotional offer
Step 4: Place Your Bets Online
- Go to the Sportsbook
- Start placing your bets
Week 3 NFL Against the Spread Betting Tips & Strategies
You have your information, but when it comes to betting there are some simple tips that can take your betting to another level. Here is an overview of a few various strategies to consider when placing your bets for Week 3 of the NFL.
1. Sign Up With Multiple Sportsbooks
Creating an account with various platforms is an excellent way to put yourself ahead as a bettor. To start, most platforms will give you a sign-up offer that will help your initial funds, but after that you still can benefit from surfing odds to find where your bets will bring you back the most returns when you succeed.
2. Find & Utilize Promotional Offers
You may have your wagers in mind, but there are countless bettors who don’t take advantage of promotions that sites run daily. Whether it’s the sign up promotion or it’s the daily boosts/special offers, you should at least check around and see what options are available, and if you like them you could find a great way to earn more back on your bets.
3. Use the Spread & Moneyline Approach Wisely
Spreads can be effective, but be sure to consider the fact that moneyline betting is also a nice way to capitalize when betting on underdogs. Those who cover the spread in the NFL are largely the team that ends up winning outright, so when betting on underdogs keep that in mind. In the same regard, don’t be afraid to bet on favorites to win with the points, even though it’s okay to do on occasion.
Check out our similar articles:
Best Sites to Bet Against the Spread On Week 3 Of The 2023 – 2024 NFL Season
Bovada: Bovada is a great all-around sports betting platform that is efficient at getting lines out each and every week. On top of that they also offer a 50% deposit match for new sign-ups up to $250 using fiat currency or a 75% match up to $750 with Bitcoin using code BTCSWB750. A 5x rollover applies to both bonuses.
BUSR: BUSR is constantly offering promotions to where you can take advantage of odds boosts or no sweat betting options to utilize each week. Those who sign up are eligible to take advantage of their welcome offer, where you’ll receive a $1,500 sign-on bonus.
BetOnline: BetOnline is an easy user-friendly platform with a great selection of lines perfect for finding options and building parlays. For those who choose to sign-up that grants a 50% deposit match up to $1,000, although you’ll have to make a $55 deposit and meet a 10x rollover.
MyBookie: MyBookie generally keeps their lines smaller, perfect for betting on spreads and selecting who to bet on. They offer a sign-up promotion so that you could be eligible for a 50% deposit match of up to $1,000 with a $50 minimum deposit.
Sportsbetting.ag: Sportsbetting.ag is an excellent platform if you like to bet on underdogs as they tend to give better odds to those who aren’t favored to win. Users who sign up today are eligible for a 50% welcome bonus up to $1,000 using code SB1000, although a $55 minimum deposit and 10x rollover apply.
Guide to NFL Week 3 ATS Betting: Frequently Asked Questions
As Week 3 of the NFL approaches, there is still plenty that you and others may be curious about. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the third week of football.
Is Betting ATS On the NFL Safe?
Betting against the spread is safe with dependable platforms and is one of the most common betting styles across many platforms. Of course, you will need to be sure to bet responsibly and with research in order to succeed, but if you do so, it is a good line to bet on.
Make sure you have a good NFL betting system before you start placing wagers – a good strategy can help you out.
When Will Week 3 of the NFL Start?
Week 3 of the NFL season will begin Thursday, September 21st when the New York Giants travel to San Francisco to face off against the 49ers. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8:15 PM EST and will be streams on Amazon Prime Video.
Why Should I Bet On Spreads Over Other Options?
Choosing to bet spreads is a great way to select with even odds so that you are getting back the money you are wagering. Of course, you should bet what you feel comfortable with, but spreads are a foundational piece of sports betting where you often find the most research and analysis to ensure you feel confident in your decisions.
Check out our other predictions:
Ready to Place Your NFL Week 3 Against the Spread Bets?
The season is still young, but you don’t want to miss out on pivotal weeks to get in on the action and start placing bets over the course of the season. Betting on spreads is a great way to start getting involved, and after reading up on the games, betting information, and everything else, you’re ready to get started.
For a recommended sportsbook, we think Bovada is your best option, but any of the sites we reviewed above are all great options. Regardless of where you decide to place your bets, we advise that you do so safely and responsibly.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. While online gambling can come as an entertainment form, you should never prioritize gambling to solve financial problems.
Do you have problems with gambling, or do you know someone that does? Regardless of what party it might be, it’s crucial to quickly get a hold of this situation by calling the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. When you call, you’re immediately transferred to an advisor on hand to give you the desired help needed to make gambling safer for you and your loved ones. That said, it’s crucial to remember that all gambling sites and guides are for those who are 21+ only.
Remember, casino sites listed in our reviews might not be accessible in your region. As a result, it’s necessary to check local laws and regulations to see whether online gambling is legal or not.
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