NFL Week 3 Odds: 5 best bets against the spread
By Brad Rowland
Philadelphia Eagles (+2.5) over New York Jets
I just can’t quit the Eagles.
Normally, I would avoid a line that has already moved 4.5 points, but Philly is now getting nearly a field goal against what I still perceive as an inferior team. Make no mistake, the Jets have performed much better than the Eagles on the field to this point, but Chip Kelly’s team is still the more talented bunch, and that should shine through here.
Motivation is often overstated in handicapping terms, but the Eagles must realize that their season could fly off the rails forever with a loss here, and provided their talented front seven can generate pressure on Ryan Fitzpatrick, I like the road team in this spot.
Dallas Cowboys (+1.5) over Atlanta Falcons
As soon as Tony Romo’s injury was announced earlier this week, I knew I would be on the Cowboys.
That won’t make sense to anyone that doesn’t appreciate the “fade the public” philosophy, but no one on earth likes Dallas without Romo. That is evident in the line, where Dallas would have been more than a field goal favorite with Romo. Now, Brandon Weeden and company are actually a home underdog against the 2-0 Falcons, and that is an overreaction.
It is more than fair to display skepticism surrounding Weeden, but Jason Garrett will limit his workload by utilizing that dominant offensive line. Fading Matt Ryan for Brandon Weeden is terrifying, but the Cowboys should be favored and they are getting points at home. That’s an automatic play for me.
Next: Bears-Seahawks and Bills-Dolphins