Week 3 NFL Predictions: Buccaneers, Chargers, Texans go 3-0

Weeks 1 and 2 brought expected tough results for Jugo Mobile“Weekly NFL predictions against the spread. There are always plenty of unpredictable developments for most franchises, and this season was no exception.

The sample size has been increased slightly to help determine which teams are and which teams will be on a given list based on opponents. Week 3, in theory, should make things easier for predictions, but it also means planning for more contingencies.

Here’s a head-first dive into another bold prediction from professional soccer player betting tipsters.

Steve Roberts/USA TODAY NETWORK and Joseph Maiorana/USA TODAY NETWORK

• Midweek Match: Patriots vs. Jets (-6, 37.5 o/u)

Thursday 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video

This is the other half of the AFC East division rivalry for TNF after the Bills crushed the Dolphins last week. The Jets earned their first complete win against Aaron Rodgers thanks to their formula of running, defense and some timely passing plays. They should open things up a bit more in the passing game with growing confidence in the wide receivers and the Patriots likely focusing mostly on containing Breece Hall. The Jets defense can tear apart a compressed, undiversified offense led by Jacoby Brissett.

Take: The Jets win 23-13 and cover the spread.

• Game of the week: Ravens (-1, 49 o/u) vs. Cowboys

Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox

The Ravens are the better team in every aspect and lost last week because of penalties and some big situational mistakes. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the versatile receiving corps can also cause problems by playing to the Ravens’ strengths while exploiting the Cowboys’ weaknesses. The pressure against Dak Prescott will be a difference maker, as will the lack of dynamism in the run game and the support at receiver.

Take: The Ravens win 27-20 and cover the spread.

• Best of the week: Buccaneers (-6.5, 39.5 o/u) vs. Broncos

Sunday 1pm ET, Fox

The Buccaneers look good defensively, with surprising rushing ability and secondary production from Todd Bowles. They also look very comfortable in the passing game, with Baker Mayfield running the ball for offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Bo Nix will be crushed a lot on this long rookie road trip.

Take: The Buccaneers win 27-10 and cover the spread.

WEEK 3 FANTASY RANKINGS:
QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST | Kickers

• Surprise of the week: Chargers (+2.5, 35.5 o/u) at Steelers

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS

The Chargers have already become a tough road team under Jim Harbaugh. Their offensive line excels at run blocking and keeping an injured Justin Herbert clean. That’s key against the Steelers’ pass rush, and the Steelers’ run defense will be adequately attacked. Herbert will protect the ball and himself better than Justin Fields as the Chargers maintain their momentum toward at least an AFC wild-card spot.

Take: The Chargers win 20-17.

• Texans (-2.5, 45 o/u) at Vikings

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS

The Texans and Vikings traded some assists this offseason, with Danielle Hunter and Jonathan Greenard swapping spots. These defenses are nasty and can move all over the place to get after Sam Darnold and CJ Stroud, both of whom won’t have a good balance of running games. In a tough matchup, pick the better QB with better, healthier weapons to make the winning plays.

Take: The Texans win 20-17 and cover the spread.

• Eagles (-1, 49.5 o/u) at Saints

Sunday 1pm ET, Fox

The Eagles will plan their defense well with Vic Fangio to cause problems for Derek Carr, who is in great shape. The Saints won’t be able to run as easily with Alvin Kamara, and the Eagles will find ways to make Carr uncomfortable with pressure. The Eagles’ offensive line will then respond to Jalen Hurts, as his legs and big arm are the difference in key moments.

Take: The Eagles win 27-24 and cover the spread.

• Packers vs. Titans (-3, 36.5 o/u)

Sunday 1pm ET, Fox

This game is shaping up to be a rematch for Malik Willis on the road, with Jordan Love still injured. Will Levis isn’t playing well, but the Titans can rely on the running game with Tony Pollard to take the pressure off their young QB. Meanwhile, the Titans’ running defense will slow down Matt LaFleur’s adjusted game plan, preventing him and Willis from winning on their old stomping grounds in Music City.

Take: The Titans win 17-16 but fail to cover the gap.

• Giants vs. Browns (-6.5, 38.5 o/u)

Sunday 1pm ET, Fox

The Browns are back in full force defensively with Myles Garrett, who will take advantage of this opportunity to hit Daniel Jones often after containing his two key weapons, rookie receiver Malik Nabers and new tailback Devin Singletary. Deshaun Watson will work hard with more help from the running game to create enough field goal drives to keep a good distance at the end.

Take: The Browns win 23-14 and cover the spread.

• Bears vs. Colts (-1.5, 42.5 o/u)

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS

The Bears will reinvigorate their offense this week by putting more faith in D’Andre Swift and the running game and getting more successful throws from Caleb Williams to his receivers. Matt Eberflus’ defense will win the battle against Shane Steichen’s offense when he returns to Indianapolis. The pressure and coverage won’t bode well for Anthony Richardson, who is losing ground.

Take: The Bears win 24-20.

• Dolphins vs. Seahawks (-5.5, 41 o/u)

Sunday 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS

The Dolphins will work to be ready to play outside, likely without Tua Tagovailoa. They can do a lot of things on offense with De’Von Achane and the running game helping receivers see more favorable coverage. The Seahawks have done a lot of good things on offense, and they should also use the intermediate run and pass game effectively, improving their record to 3-0.

Take: The Seahawks win 24-20 but fail to cover the deficit.

Take: The Raiders win 24-20 but fail to cover the gap.

• 49ers (-8, 45.5 o/u) at Rams

Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

The Rams defense will be shredded by Brock Purdy and the 49ers passing game, featuring Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle. Purdy will bounce back from a tough game in Minnesota and hit plenty of deep balls before giving way to Jordan Mason to play closer and Nick Bosa to hit Matthew Stafford.

Take: The 49ers win 31-20 and cover the spread.

• Lions (-3, 51.5 o/u) at Cardinals

Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox

The Lions will be ready to improve their passing game in the right way with Jared Goff on the road, playing better on the run and working the middle of the field rather than forcing the action downfield. Aidan Hutchinson will be busy chasing and containing Kyler Murray so his team can manage one more attack than the host.

Take: The Lions win 30-27 and cover the gap.

• Chiefs (-4.5, 46.5 o/u) at Falcons

Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

The Tony Gonzalez Bowl will be marked by a lot of buzz surrounding tight ends Travis Kelce and Kyle Pitts. Quarterback co-stars Patrick Mahomes and Kirk Cousins ​​will exploit gaps to effectively use their arms in the deep middle. Other receivers will be involved, and the Chiefs will be good at combating what Atlanta can do on the ground.

Take: The Chiefs win 27-24 but fail to cover the gap.

• Jaguars vs. Bills (-5.5, 48 o/u)

Monday 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

The Bills have been fantastic in their last two games with Josh Allen leading a more efficient, run-oriented offense and a diverse passing game under Joe Brady. Their defensive weakness is the run and coverage in the middle of the field, but with Trevor Lawrence looking too far downfield, they can put a lot of pressure on him on the outside. Meanwhile, Allen will be able to use his deep arm more often against a overwhelmed defense.

Take: The Bills win 24-17 and cover the spread.

• Commanders at the Bengals (-8, 48 o/u)

Monday 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC

The Bengals last played the Commanders four years ago, when Joe Burrow tore his ACL in his rookie season. Cincinnati got back on track offensively last week at Kansas City and can take on a weak secondary here with Ja’Marr Chase and others stretching the field. Jayden Daniels will do his best to keep Washington in the game, but it won’t be enough.

Take: The Bengals win 27-20 but fail to cover the deficit.

Statistics of the week

Week 2 Review: 9-6

Week 2 Review Against the Spread: 10-5

Season to date: 21-10

Season to date against the spread: 17-14