NFL Predictions: Picking Week 3 against the spread

By Michael Burke | Sep 19, 2014

Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 36-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

6 of 8

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Game: Oakland Raiders at New England Patriots (-14.5)

Pick: Raiders (+14.5)

I learned my lesson last week, when I laid 13.5 points on the Broncos against the Chiefs. From this day forward, I refuse to lay more than 12 points on any team, under any circumstance. The Raiders are quite possibly the NFL’s worst team, but they’ll cover. I hope.

Game: San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Cardinals (+3)

If there’s one Week 3 spread I don’t quite understand, it’s this one. Does Vegas realize 49ers blew a 20-point lead at home to the Bears last week? Does Vegas realize the Cardinals are in first place in the NFC West? Does Vegas realize the Cardinals are at home? I like the 49ers, but they have yet to hit their stride, and I can’t imagine them doing so in Arizona, where the Cardinals are 7-2 since the start of last season.

Home/NFL