2026 NFL Week 3 Betting Preview: Odds, Lines, and Best Bets

Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

Atlanta is 0-2 after a disastrous start to the 2026 NFL season. The Falcons offense has been historically bad this year, becoming just the fourth team in NFL history to fail to have at least one Red Zone drive in their first two games.

The Falcons are the 4th team since NFL Play-by-Play was first tracked in 1978 without a Red Zone Drive through two games, joining:

▪️2008 Rams
▪️1997 Lions
▪️1992 Patriots pic.twitter.com/wgU2m5t6Ah

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) September 21, 2026

Also, due to injuries and poor play, the Falcons could be starting rookie QB Jack Strand on a short week. Strand replaced Cooper Rush after the latter was benched on Sunday. The other options would be Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa, both of whom missed the beginning of the season due to injuries.

The Falcons’ struggles are a big reason Green Bay is a 7-point favorite this Thursday. The Packers offense has had its fair share of struggles, mainly due to issues on the offensive line.

Green Bay has averaged 64.5 rushing yards per game, the fewest in the NFL through two weeks, and is averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Jordan Love and the passing attack have made up for the team’s lack of rushing success, averaging 244.5 passing YPG.

Love will have a tough time covering up for the Packers’ lack of a running game with Jayden Reed (neck) likely out. Christian Watson (hand/wrist) and Bo Melton (stinger) also picked up injuries but should be good to go for TNF.

Even with their injuries and o-line issues, the Packers should hand the Falcons their third straight loss, but Atlanta is a good bet to cover the spread.

Falcons vs. Packers NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Atlanta +7 (-115)
• Moneyline Bet: Green Bay (-300)
• Over/Under Bet: Under 44 (-110)

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Buffalo Bills Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

The Chargers (0-2) have been among the most disappointing teams this season, losing two consecutive games as home favorites. Now, LA will travel to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and the Bills.

Buffalo (2-0) is coming off a 41-31 win over the Lions on TNF. The extra rest is good news for a Bills’ defense that has allowed 31 points in back-to-back games. Allen and co. are favored by 7 points over the visiting Chargers.

Both defenses have struggled, but the Chargers will be at an extra disadvantage this week. In addition to the Bills having extra rest after their mini bye, LA has to travel across the country for this 1 PM ET game.

Allen and the Bills offense having extra rest should be more than enough for Buffalo to win and cover the 7-point spread over a demoralized Chargers team.

Chargers vs. Bills NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Buffalo Bills -7 (-110)
• Moneyline Bet: Buffalo Bills (-320)
• Over/Under Bet: Over 50 (-108)

Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

Carolina is only 1-1, but the Panthers have been a top-five offense to begin the year. Through two games, Bryce Young and the Panthers have averaged:

• • 409 total YPG (T-4th)
  • 312.5 passing YPG (1st)
  • 35.5 PPG (2nd)

The Panthers’ defense also stepped up last week, allowing just three points on the road in Atlanta. Carolina is a 2.5-point road favorite this week against the Browns.

Top ✋ plays of the game

📲 NFL+ pic.twitter.com/kGcweb32hr

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 20, 2026

After a long weather delay, Cleveland picked up its first win under HC Todd Monken on Sunday, beating Tampa Bay 23-19. Despite the win, Deshaun Watson and the Browns are underdogs in their home opener.

Watson played better last week than in Week 1, completing 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Cleveland also did not turn the ball over in the win.

Assuming they can minimize the turnovers again and the offense continues to improve, the Browns have a chance at the upset. However, the Panthers’ offense will not be as easy to stop as the Bucs’ were on Sunday. Carolina should win, but I like the Browns’ chances of covering at +2.5.

Panthers vs. Browns NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Cleveland Browns +2.5 (+100)
• Moneyline Bet: Carolina Panthers (-150)
• Over/Under Bet: Over 41 (-112)

New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

The Jets and Lions both opened the season 1-0 but lost last week. New York fell at home to Green Bay in OT, while Detroit lost in Buffalo in the TNF season opener.

Oddsmakers have the Lions as -290 favorites to be the team that bounces back this week. The Jets are listed as +240 underdogs and are getting 6.5 points as the visiting team.

Detroit’s offense has been great, scoring 31+ points in both games so far. However, the Lions’ defense is a major problem. DC Kelvin Sheppard’s defense has allowed:

• • 35.5 PPG (2nd-most)
  • 457.5 total YPG (2nd-most)
  • 310.5 passing YPG (2nd-most)
  • 147 rushing YPG (6th-most)

The silver lining for the Lions is that their struggles came against two of the most explosive offenses in the NFL this season. Geno Smith and the Jets should be easier to contain.

A few extra days of rest are also great news for the Lions’ offense, namely Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs has 299 yards from scrimmage, the second-most in the league through two games. Another heavy workload for Gibbs should help the Lions win and cover against the Jets on Sunday.

Jets vs. Lions NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Detroit Lions -6.5 (-110)
• Moneyline Bet: Detroit Lions (-290)
• Over/Under Bet: Over 48 (-112)

Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

Houston and Indianapolis are both searching for their first wins of the season. Neither team has played well defensively, with the Colts allowing 514.5 YPG, the most in the league, and the Texans giving up 338 YPG (12th-most).

Indy is a 1.5-point underdog at home for this AFC South matchup of winless teams.

Jonathan Taylor AGAIN. #INDvsKC on NBC pic.twitter.com/2PXVtuTo1O

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 21, 2026

The Texans are favored, but their offense laid an egg last week against the Bengals. CJ Stroud racked up 353 passing yards, but Houston managed only two field-goal drives. The Texans also mustered just 60 rushing yards on 18 attempts in last week’s loss.

Indianapolis, on the other hand, has lived and died on offense by Jonathan Taylor’s production. JT has 253 scrimmage yards and four scores so far, accounting for over 42% of Indy’s scrimmage yards and two-thirds of the team’s TDs.

Houston contained him last year, but Taylor has averaged 5.2 YPC against the Texans in his career. With both teams potentially missing their top WRs, it should be another healthy dose of Taylor in an upset win for the Colts.

Texans vs. Colts NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Indianapolis Colts +1.5 (-105)
• Moneyline Bet: Indianapolis Colts (+110)
• Over/Under Bet: Over 43.5 (-112)

New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

Jacksonville had an unsuccessful trip to Denver last week, losing to the Broncos 20-13 at Mile High. The Jags are back home this week and favored by 3 points against the visiting Patriots.

New England was undefeated on the road last season but started this year with a 13-10 loss in Seattle. The Pats bounced back last week with a dominant 20-3 win over the Steelers. A healthy Jags offense will be a much tougher test than what New England has faced thus far.

Jacksonville has a +2 turnover differential so far this year, tied for the fifth-best in the league. New England, on the other hand, has five turnovers in two games, tied for the second-most in the NFL. Four of the Pats’ five turnovers have been Drake Maye interceptions.

If Maye’s turnover issues continue against a feisty Jags defense, the Pats will be in trouble. New England also has to overcome several injuries, including the loss of G Mike Onwenu. His presence will be missed against a Jags’ defense that has five sacks through two games.

Lawrence is averaging 8.3 YPA this year, T-7th most, and can pick apart the Pats’ defense this weekend.

Patriots vs. Jaguars NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Jacksonville Jaguars -3 (+100)
• Moneyline Bet: Jacksonville Jaguars (-150)
• Over/Under Bet: Under 45 (-110)

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

The Chiefs kicked off the season with back-to-back wins in prime time, courtesy of monster games from Kenneth Walker III. KW3 leads the NFL in:

• • Scrimmage yards – 369
  • Rushing yards – 290
  • Rush attempts – 47

He has the most rushing yards by a Chiefs player through two games since 2012.

Kenneth Walker III has the most rushing yards in a two-game span (290) by a Chief since 2012 😳

The best two-game stretch of K9's career… so far 😤 pic.twitter.com/ww5o8a9gBw

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 21, 2026

Walker’s immediate impact is a major reason the Chiefs are the biggest favorite of the weekend at -10.5 against the Dolphins in Miami.

Miami’s defense has allowed 31 PPG, tied for the third-worst in the league so far this season. In theory, the Dolphins’ defense should be better in their home opener. However, Miami’s offense lacks the firepower to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

The weather could be the Dolphins’ best weapon this weekend. This game has a 1 PM ET kickoff time, and the weather will be hot and humid. Miami can’t win this one, but a tired Chiefs team in the second half could struggle to cover a double-digit spread.

Chiefs vs. Dolphins NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Miami Dolphins +10.5 (-110)
• Moneyline Bet: Kansas City Chiefs (-700)
• Over/Under Bet: Under 45.5 (-110)

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

The Bengals defense has looked significantly improved this season, holding the Buccaneers and Texans to a combined 33 points. Cincinnati has also allowed only 74.5 rushing YPG, the fourth-fewest in the NFL.

Joe Burrow and the offense, on the other hand, have struggled. Cincy has averaged 309 total YPG on offense despite scoring 26.5 PPG.

The Bengals are 3.5-point favorites this weekend against the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s offense has been among the worst in the league, averaging 249.5 total YPG (third-fewest) and 11.5 PPG (third-fewest).

A struggling Pittsburgh offense against an improved Cincy defense is a recipe for disaster for the Steelers. This matchup is also a great opportunity for Ja’Marr Chase to bounce back from a slow start. Chase has just nine catches so far this year, but he has averaged seven catches for 85.9 YPG in his eight career games against the Steelers.

Bengals vs. Steelers NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Cincinnati Bengals -3.5 (-105)
• Moneyline Bet: Cincinnati Bengals (-190)
• Over/Under Bet: Under 42.5 (-108)

Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Commanders Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

Seattle and Washington will both be starting backup QBs for their Week 3 matchup. Drew Lock has helped the Seahawks to wins in back-to-back weeks, but Marcus Mariota was unable to get the Commanders their first win last week.

Oddsmakers have the Seahawks as 6.5-point road favorites in this battle of backup passers.

#Commanders coach Dan Quinn said QB Jayden Daniels suffered another dislocated left elbow, and he is expected to miss time. X-Rays were negative.

The last time he had this injury, he missed about a month. pic.twitter.com/0lLwvQXAzz

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2026

The Seahawks defense has been the key to their ability to survive Sam Darnold’s absence. They held the Pats to 10 points in the opener and only allowed seven points last week to the Cardinals. Their 8.5 PPG allowed is the second-fewest in the league.

Washington’s offense will take a step back without Jayden Daniels, who dislocated his elbow on Sunday. WR Terry McLaurin is off to a slow start, catching just four of his 13 targets. McLaurin’s 30.8% catch rate is the lowest in the league for any receiver with 10+ targets.

A struggling Commanders’ offense will have trouble moving the ball against Seattle. So the Seahawks should win and cover as road favorites this week.

Seahawks vs. Commanders NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Seattle Seahawks -6.5 (-112)
• Moneyline Bet: Seattle Seahawks (-285)
• Over/Under Bet: Over 40.5 (-108)

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

The 49ers (2-0) host the Cardinals (1-1) in Week 3 and need a win to keep pace with Seattle in the NFC West division race. San Francisco has a +42 point differential, the largest in the NFL through two weeks.

After consecutive blowout wins, it is not surprising that the 49ers are 8-point favorites at home against the Cardinals.

Arizona was expected to be one of the worst teams in the league, but the Cards shocked the Chargers in Week 1. Unfortunately, Jacoby Brissett and co. were unable to repeat that performance in their 31-7 loss to Seattle last week.

San Francisco’s defense has been dominant so far and should be able to follow Seattle’s blueprint for shutting down Arizona. Likewise, Arizona’s defense is in for another long day against a divisional opponent with an explosive offense.

Cardinals vs. 49ers NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: San Francisco 49ers -8 (-112)
• Moneyline Bet: San Francisco 49ers (-390)
• Over/Under Bet: Over 48 (-110)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

Minnesota’s defense has led the Vikings to a 2-0 start, with both wins coming against NFC North opponents. The Vikings will look to remain unbeaten as they travel to Tampa Bay to take on the struggling Buccaneers (0-2).

The #Vikings blitzed a league high 73% of the time yesterday, per @PFF.

They have sent a blitz on 77.5% of their defensive plays this season 😭 pic.twitter.com/HkmYiAwfKR

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) September 21, 2026

The Bucs had a chance to beat the Browns last week but failed to convert on a 4th-and-11 in the Red Zone with seconds left. Tampa Bay is a 2.5-point home underdog this week against Minnesota.

Kyler Murray could return this week for Minnesota, but even if Carson Wentz has to start again, the Vikings are the safer pick. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs struggled against Cincy and Cleveland’s defenses.

Brian Flores and the Vikings defense should have a field day against the Bucs’ offense, which has already allowed seven sacks and turned the ball over five times.

Vikings vs. Buccaneers NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Minnesota Vikings -2.5 (-112)
• Moneyline Bet: Minnesota Vikings (-135)
• Over/Under Bet: Under 43.5 (-120)

Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

The Raiders (2-0) travel to the Big Easy to take on the Saints (1-1) this weekend. New Orleans nearly beat the Lions in Week 1 and completed the upset of the Ravens on Sunday. They are favored by a field goal this week against Las Vegas.

Tyler Shough leads the NFL with 662 passing yards through two games. He has also completed 68.9% of his passes (ninth-best) and has four passing TDs (T-9th). The bad news is that Shough’s eight sacks are the second-most in the NFL, behind only Miami’s Malik Willis (9).

The Raiders’ defense has racked up eight sacks this year, tied with Cincy for the most in the NFL. If Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ pass rush can get to Shough this week, they have a chance at their first 3-0 start since 2021.

Las Vegas’s cause should be boosted by the expected return of TE Brock Bowers, who missed the first two games of the year while recovering from knee surgery. Bowers can provide a boost to a Raiders’ offense already averaging over 26 PPG.

Raiders vs. Saints NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Las Vegas Raiders +3 (+100)
• Moneyline Bet: Las Vegas Raiders (+155)
• Over/Under Bet: Over 43 (-112)

Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

Baltimore (1-1) and Dallas (1-1) will square off this week, but not at Jerry World. Instead, they travel to Brazil for the second international game of the season.

Dallas is the designated home team, but the Cowboys are 3-point underdogs this weekend. Baltimore is a -155 favorite in the latest moneyline odds between 1-1 teams, and the over/under is set at 52.5 points.

Derrick Henry in the wildcat leads to a Baltimore TD!

CBS I @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/pVLGdk1Rdf

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 20, 2026

The Cowboys defense has not lived up to expectations after spending the better part of the last 12 months retooling following the trade of Micah Parsons. Through two games, opponents are averaging 24 PPG and 173.5 rushing YPG against Dallas this year.

Enter Ravens RB Derrick Henry, who ranks second with 212 rushing yards this year. King Henry also has four rushing scores and is averaging 5.3 YPC this year.

Baltimore’s defense struggled to stop the Saints and will likely struggle again against Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. However, the Ravens’ ability to control the line of scrimmage with Henry and the run game should lead Baltimore to the win in Brazil.

Ravens vs. Cowboys NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Baltimore Ravens -3 (+100)
• Moneyline Bet: Baltimore Ravens (-155)
• Over/Under Bet: Over 52.5 (-115)

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

Week 3 ends with a Monday Night Football matchup between the Eagles (2-0) and the Bears (1-1) in Chicago. Philadelphia is a 3.5-point road favorite for this prime-time matchup of NFC playoff teams.

The Eagles are undefeated, but barely. Philly needed a missed 2-point conversion to beat Washington and a crunch-time TD to secure a comeback win over the Titans.

Bears HC Ben Johnson told @ESPN1000 that he expects QB Caleb Williams to be “week to week” with the hamstring injury that he suffered Sunday. Williams underwent an MRI this morning. pic.twitter.com/t8pryZXBKy

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2026

Chicago will likely be without starting QB Caleb Williams, who injured his hamstring in last week’s loss to Minnesota.

All hope is not lost for the Bears, though. Chicago leads the NFL with 212.5 rushing YPG and is the only team with over 400 yards on the ground so far this season. Philly, on the other hand, has allowed 127 rushing YPG.

The Eagles are dealing with injury issues of their own, namely RB Saquon Barkley. He missed most of the first half last week with a stinger, and the Eagles’ offense struggled without Barkley.

If Barkley is unable to produce at his usual level, the Bears have a good chance of pulling off the upset.

Eagles vs. Bears NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Chicago Bears +3.5 (-105)
• Moneyline Bet: Chicago Bears (+165)
• Over/Under Bet: Under 44.5 (-117)

Tennessee Titans vs. New York Giants Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

The Giants were a 6-point favorite over the Titans prior to New York’s MNF loss to the Rams. However, QB Jaxson Dart sprained his MCL on the first drive, and the Giants lost in blowout fashion, 28-6. Star WR Malik Nabers also briefly exited with a shoulder injury but returned to the game.

Following the loss, New York’s odds faded from -6 to -3.5 for its matchup against the Titans. The total points market also dipped from over/under 43.5 points to over/under 40.5. Points.

#Giants QB Jaxson Dart is believed to have suffered a sprained MCL based on the initial exams, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.

X-Rays were negative and the MRI is coming Tuesday. Dart is expected to miss some time, though in general, positive news. pic.twitter.com/re7lr0aGXX

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2026

The G-Men are at home, but they are on a short week and will be without Dart. Also, their flight home from LA further cuts into their rest and preparation.

Tennessee nearly beat Philadelphia, in large part due to injuries to key Eagles stars like Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert. The Titans could have similar success against a Jameis Winston-led Giants team.

Winston was just 11 of 27 for 111 yards and a QBR of 17.2 in relief of Dart. The former first overall pick is too inconsistent to bet on confidently, and the absence of Dart gives Tennessee a chance to knock the goose egg off of their record this weekend.

Titans vs. Giants NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Tennessee Titans +3.5 (-115)
• Moneyline Bet: Tennessee Titans (+145)
• Over/Under Bet: Under 40.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Rams vs. Denver Broncos Preview: Odds, Betting Lines, Best Bets

The Rams and Broncos both improved to 1-1 with impressive home wins in Week 2. Now, they will square off on Sunday Night Football to see which team will have a winning record for the first time this season.

LA is a 1.5-point road favorite over the Broncos in Denver. The line was Rams -2.5 but shifted away from LA after Puka Nacua missed Week 2’s win over the Giants. LA will have a tough time moving the ball against Denver’s stout defense if Nacua is absent again.

Denver’s defense played much better at home than it did in the opener against the Chiefs in Arrowhead. The Broncos allowed KC to rack up 220 rushing yards and 31 points. On Sunday, they held Jacksonville to 13 points and just 95 yards on the ground.

The Broncos defense needs to step up again for Denver to upset the Rams. They will also need a big day out of their rushing attack, but the Broncos’ RB room is hampered by injuries. RJ Harvey missed Week 2 with a hamstring injury, and JK Dobbins picked up a hamstring injury of his own in the win.

LA looked much better in Week 2 and has a better QB-HC duo and could have Nacua back. It should be a close game between top defenses, but I trust the Rams to overcome their injuries more than the Broncos.

Rams vs. Broncos NFL Week 3 Best Bets:

• Points Spread: Los Angeles Rams -1.5 (-115)
• Moneyline Bet: Los Angeles Rams (-122)
• Over/Under Bet: Under 45.5 (-105)