NFL Week 3 Odds: 5 best bets against the spread

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) runs with the ball during the second quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) runs with the ball during the second quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (12) gets sacked by St. Louis Rams Aaron Donald (99) and Eugene Sims (97) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (12) gets sacked by St. Louis Rams Aaron Donald (99) and Eugene Sims (97) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

St. Louis Rams (+1.5) over Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys were relatively impressive in toppling the Tennessee Titans last week, but I am far from a believer. In fact, I am firmly in the camp that Dallas employs one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and even with Austin Davis under center, it is ludicrous for St. Louis to be getting points in their home building.

There are obviously match-ups where St. Louis is susceptible in this spot, as they are without Chris Long against a team that can exploit that absence, but it is difficult to predict that Dallas can run rampant as they did a week ago. The Rams still possess one of the best front sevens in football, and if they can slow Demarco Murray, there will be plenty of heat on Tony Romo.

The aforementioned Austin Davis likely won’t put up a great statistical performance, but he is capable of playing mistake-free against this level of competition, and the Rams should be able to run the ball effectively. These teams may, theoretically, be a coin-flip against each other on a neutral field, but given the venue and the line, I firmly believe that the Rams are the right side. Ride them.