We’re headed to Week 3 of the NFL season. Our computer predictions hit on two of three bets last week. If they can do that every week, we’ll have a big season of profit. Here are the three bets for this week’s slate in the NFL.
Picks Summary
- Chargers-Steelers Under 36.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Colts -1.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Lions-Cardinals Over 52 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, September 22, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at Acrisure Stadium
After a couple of outstanding defensive performances between the Chargers and Steelers, the Under 36.5 looks to be the play for this battle between two undefeated teams.
The Chargers Look Really Good
The Los Angeles Chargers are playing terrific defense and scoring enough. At 2-0, they’ll take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will be its toughest test to date.
That said, the Chargers already beat the Raiders at home, which is something the Ravens couldn’t do.
As expected, Los Angeles also took care of business against the Panthers, 26-3. The Chargers’ only troubling issue is Justin Herbert’s health. However, he’s good to go after suffering an injury last week.
Who Starts For The Steelers?
Some expected Russell Wilson to be ready for the starting quarterback role by Week 3. It’s still unclear if he’ll play. However, with the Steelers at 2-0, Pittsburgh might stick with Justin Fields for another week.
Fields has plenty of potential, but he didn’t win the job over Wilson in the preseason. If Fields starts, the defense will likely stall more times than not. Either way, they’ll have a hard time moving the ball down the field against a quality Chargers defense that has allowed just 13 points in two games this season.
NFL Computer Pick
Consider the Under 36.5 for this game. Both teams have allowed no more than 16 points of offensive over the first two games of the season.
Even if both teams added 17 points, the Under 36.5 would still hit.
NFL Pick: Under 36.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, September 22, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at Lucas Oil Stadium
The Colts are slight favorites at home against the Chicago Bears. This should be another low-scoring game, but the Colts have more big-playmaking ability and should get the job done.
Chicago Doesn’t Trust Caleb Williams
The Chicago Bears have a lot of offensive potential. With wide receiver additions and D’Andre Swift at running back, the Bears have plenty of stars on the team.
Yet, the Bears won’t allow Caleb Williams to throw down the field. He’s averaged four yards per completion, which is unacceptable for an NFL quarterback.
The offensive line has struggled in the pass and run game, and Williams makes bonehead decisions when he escapes pressure.
Is Anthony Richardson Any Better?
The Colts will ride Anthony Richardson at quarterback this week. While his potential is there, Richardson has been very inconsistent himself.
That said, he’s made some incredible throws down the field and delivered massive 50+ yard plays against the Texans team that Caleb Williams and the Bears couldn’t.
NFL Computer Pick
I’d expect the Colts to earn enough big play to escape the Bears on Sunday.
NFL Pick: Colts -1.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals
Sunday, September 22, 2024 – 04:25 PM ET at State Farm Stadium
The Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals will likely have a shootout in Week 3. Arizona dominated the Rams with 41 points at home in Week 2, while the Lions will likely rebound from just 16 points in their game against the Buccaneers last week.
Detroit’s Offense Will Be Fine
The Detroit Lions struggled to score points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. The offense only accumulated 16 points despite earning 26 first downs.
The Lions literally had 83 plays and added 463 yards of offense, while the Buccaneers had just 216 yards of offense and still lost.
It’s ultimately why the Lions will be just fine. They just have to convert better in crucial situations.
Arizona Is The Real Deal
The Arizona Cardinals scored 28 points on the road against Buffalo and followed that up with a 41-point explosion against the Rams at home.
For one, they’ll be home again for this week’s game against the Lions. Secondly, Kyler Murray has already completed more than 73% of his passes and has thrown for four touchdowns with no interceptions.
The Cardinals even got Marvin Harrison Jr. involved. He leads the team with 134 receiving yards and just caught two touchdowns last weekend.
NFL Computer Pick
I’m expecting a high-scoring game in Arizona. Both teams have the ability to add four touchdowns.
NFL Pick: Over 52 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
