NFL Odds: Week 3 picks against the spread

New England Patriots (-7) @ Detroit Lions

The New England Patriots are coming off a loss. Bill Belichick is playing one of his former understudies in Matt Patricia. They just got a brand new weapon in Josh Gordon. Everything is point to the Patriots. Still, seven points is a lot on the road when the opponent isn’t the Bills or the Cardinals.

The Lions looked terrible in the first week, and average last week. That’s still progress. Patricia needs time to put in his system, but could he have something up his sleeve for his former boss?

The Lions seem like they just aren’t good enough to play up with the Patriots, especially a pissed off Patriots team. Tom Brady knows he could have played better, and he will. The Pats will use Gordon in some specialty packages. The defense will hopefully get pressure like they did in week 1. Go with the Pats, but tease it if you can.

New England 41, Detroit 31

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Pittsburgh Steelers (-1.5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

C’mon oddmakers, give Fitzmagic a little love. Ryan Fitzpatrick carried the Buccaneers to two wins against quality opponents, and now face a team in flux. The Pittsburgh Steelers had a helluva week, and nothing had to do with Le’Veon Bell. Antonio Brown told a former team employee to trade him, Bud Dupree is yelling at people on Twitter and it seems like Mike Tomlin is losing control.

The Steelers are still ultimately talented, but the Bucs were once again disrespected. They will use this to motivate the team on game day. Fitzpatcik won’t have trouble passing on this secondary.

The Steelers could easily win this game, but the smart money goes to Tampa. That Monday night crowd will be excited to have a great football product on the field, and Fitz will want to have one more great performance before Jameis Winston returns.

Tampa Bay 23, Pittsburgh 20