The final week of the NFL preseason is already upon us, but before we make a bet that we might regret, let’s review the Week 3 exhibition slate and get sharp in our NFL picks.
Week 3 Strategy
The exhibition schedule has been reduced from four to three games, which means teams are strategizing a bit differently from before when they had a quartet of preseason performances to analyze before making their cuts.
Now the pressure is on and the precious few moments a player has to make an impression could mean the difference between a roster spot at a league minimum of $660.000 or selling cars at a local dealership and watching the games on Sunday like the rest of us. It’s all or nothing for many of these backups and roster clingers.
So, what does that mean for the average bettor looking to make a few bucks before the games kick for real? Well, it used to be that preseason Week 3 was the most reflective of what we would see during the regular season in terms of starters and their time on the field.
But because the schedule is now only three games, we know that the old preseason Week 3 is the current preseason Week 2, which just came and went.
What to Expect
Therefore, this Week 3 will be akin to the old preseason Week 4, and that means we will primarily see those players fighting for a roster spot. Even the backups on most teams won’t get much of a look unless they too are fighting for their professional lives.
This could be the most unpredictable preseason week of them all as many of the starters will be tucked away and kept safe for Week 1 –the real Week 1.
If you had any intention of going all-in this week then save your money because the names on the jerseys will look mostly foreign to the average fan. We don’t know how they will play because many of them haven’t had enough experience at the NFL level to give us a preview.
So, if you want a little action to get your blood flowing then simply cut your unit size down to at least half of your average bet if not more. You‘re much better off wagering a beer with a buddy than betting a bundle with a bookie.
Preseason Week 3 Betting Rules
Don’t Be too Confident
If you think you know how a team will fare in Week 3, you don’t, because no one knows how long the starters will play, if at all, and the superstars are likely to sit the game out.
As for the backups, you won’t know most of them so be careful trying to craft a mental script of a game without knowing the players.
Some head coaches believe winning is infectious and will go the extra mile to win, but don’t confuse that with covering the spread.
Cut Your Unit Size in Half
As stated above, this is not a week to bet a bundle. It’s not even a week to bet your average unit size because there are so many unknowns. Play it cool, Week 1 of the regular season is right around the corner.
On Live Betting
For those who enjoy in-game betting, be careful of betting the next quarter or the next half.
Wholesale lineup changes are in store on both sides so your predictions will erroneously be based on the players on the field right now, not those who will take the field after them.
Do Your Research
As we say during the regular season, don’t chase your losses and make sure to shop around and get the best NFL odds at the finest U.S. sportsbooks, which can all be found right here at OddsTrader.
Week 3 Preseason Schedule
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs: 08:00 PM EDT at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans: 08:15 PM EDT at NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Friday, August 26, 2022
Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers: 07:00 PM EDT at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys: 08:00 PM EDT at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Los Angeles Chargers at New Orleans Saints: 08:00 PM EDT at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
New England Patriots at Las Vegas Raiders: 08:15 PM EDT at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, August 27, 2022
Jacksonville Jaguars at Atlanta Falcons: 03:00 PM EDT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals: 06:00 PM EDT at Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens: 07:00 PM EDT at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns: 07:00 PM EDT at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH
Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins: 07:00 PM EDT at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans: 07:00 PM EDT at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts: 07:30 PM EDT at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos: 09:00 PM EDT at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
Sunday, August 28, 2022
New York Giants at New York Jets: 01:00 PM EDT at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers: 04:30 PM EDT at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
