Updated Week 3 NFL Preseason odds announced

Even as the NFL rolls into its second half of meaningless games, there are still opportunities for bettors to make meaningful money.

Featuring lines from seven of the top sports books on FiftyFourPercent.com, this week’s matchups will likely give us the last chance at getting any substantial look at the presumed starters for most teams before the regular season begins.

The first two games commence on Thursday with the narrowest and widest lines: The Miami Dolphins (-1) look to give the Atlanta Falcons its first loss of the preseason. Meanwhile the Seattle Seahawks are giving up to six points to the Dallas Cowboys.

The most interesting of Friday’s five contests is the Carolina Panthers (-3.5) against the undefeated New England Patriots. As per usual, the Pats are again having an eventful offseason. Over the past two days, they have traded away their starting center and dealt for a former No. 6 overall pick.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams continues its Hard Knocks saga against defending Super Bowl-champion Denver Broncos (-5). Both teams drafted a quarterback in the first round (Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch, respectively) this year, yet both picks are in danger of starting the season third on the depth chart.

To add further televised drama to head coach Jeff Fisher’s quest to avoid another 7-9 campaign includes some erratic behavior with the team’s starting running back, as well as its backup.

Next: 2016 NFL season: Record predictions for all 32 teams

The final three games wind down on Sunday, including the Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5) hosting the Cincinnati Bengals. The Jaguars also had a busy offseason, revamping its defense to go along with a fantasy-league offense. They are looking for their first win of the summer. More importantly, they are looking for their first playoff appearance since 2007.

With the third week of the preseason always being the most meaningful, this is the time to start paying attention to the NFL.