Fansided

NFL Week 3 picks against the spread

By Nick Villano

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019: Nose tackle Eddie Goldman #91 of the Chicago Bears gets a roughing the passer call after hitting quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of the game on Sunday, September 15th at Empower Field at Mile High. The Denver Broncos hosted the Chicago Bears for the game. (Photo by Eric Lutzens/The Denver Post)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019: Nose tackle Eddie Goldman #91 of the Chicago Bears gets a roughing the passer call after hitting quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of the game on Sunday, September 15th at Empower Field at Mile High. The Denver Broncos hosted the Chicago Bears for the game. (Photo by Eric Lutzens/The Denver Post) /
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(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

New York Jets at New England Patriots (-23)

The New England Patriots faced an incredibly high line in Week 2, but still covered the 18-19 points they were given against the Miami Dolphins. In fact, they more than doubled it thanks to two defensive touchdowns. This could be the best team in all of the NFL, and now they’re playing a team in shambles.

This was supposed to be the matchup of a new Jets team taking on the team that’s dominated for two decades. They were supposed to build Sam Darnold up with a rejuvenated Le’Veon Bell and a defense that has a ton of upside. Now, they’re going into this game with Luke Falk and whoever they sign off the street (David Fales).

Things are going as terribly as possible for Adam Gase in year one as Jets coach. Not only did he lose his quarterbacks, his hate for the team’s big signings leaked, and their prized defensive signee CJ Mosley get hurt, but he also sat his best player Jamal Adams for a missed assignment. Things are going to go from bad to worse with the Patriots here. Pick: New England (-23)

Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills (-6)

We are not sold yet on the Buffalo Bills, especially with Devin Singletary dealing with a hamstring injury, but the real Cincinnati Bengals stood up this past weekend. After staying competitive with Seattle, the Bengals were annihilated by the 49ers. They lost by 24, and it should have been worse. The calls that Zach Taylor might be enough to carry this team to relevancy were way overstated.

The Bills have been rolling with Josh Allen playing an incredible two-way game. He’s been rushing well, and his passing is getting better. It helps having a weapon like John Brown to throw to, and Cole Beasley isn’t a slouch himself. They do need Singletary to play, however, because T.J. Yeldon and Frank Gore is a tandem better suited for 2015.

Six is a lot of points here, but we think the Bengals are bad. Especially if Joe Mixon is still hurt, the Bengals will be hard pressed to keep this one competitive. Pick: Buffalo (-6)

Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys (-21)

It is rare to see a 20-plus point line in the NFL. In college, it happens all the time, but the NFL is supposed to have much better parity than the NCAA. This season, things just seem different. The best teams are head and shoulders better than the worst teams, and 21 points doesn’t seem crazy.

The Miami Dolphins are so bad, and they just got worse by trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick. Ryan Fitzpatrick will get another start under center, but it really doesn’t matter. How could he keep this game competitive? Even with a little Fitzmagic, he’s not going to be able to score. When Josh Rosen came into the game, he actually made a couple really nice throws, but they were dropped. One time a Dolphins player basically handed the ball to Jamie Collins, which he then ran back for a defensive touchdown.

We haven’t talked much about the Dallas Cowboys. Ezekiel Elliott looked like his old self last weekend. That’s bad news for Miami’s defense. This is the first time since 1987 that two teams will be going into the week with 20-plus point spreads, and we’re picking both teams to cover them. Pick: Dallas (-21)

Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers (-8)

The Green Bay Packers are a really good team, but this game feels about two points too high. The Packers were able to squeak by the Bears and Vikings in divisional matchups. This line shows Vegas’ love for Aaron Rodgers and its hate for Joe Flacco.

The Broncos were a last-second field goal away from feeling pretty good about the season. The Chargers lost, showing they were more vulnerable than we thought. The Raiders were brought back to Earth after beating the Broncos on Monday night. The Broncos could have put themselves right back into the playoff conversation with a win. They didn’t win, however. There are major holes, and especially at left tackle. Flacco needs time to prepare the deep ball.

The Packers are really good. However, getting the points over the touchdown makes the Broncos a much better bet. Yes, it’s in Lambeau Field, but this line would be better for a bad dome team. The Broncos can play in the elements (even if there hardly are any in September). Pick: Denver (+8)

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