NFL Week 3 picks against the spread

Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts (-2)

The Atlanta Falcons avoided a disastrous start thanks to Julio Jones’ speed alone. They scored a 54-yard touchdown with two minutes left. This, after the Eagles took the lead just a minute earlier. They ended up holding on and beating the Eagles 24-20.

The Indianapolis Colts also avoided a terrible start with a win over the Titans. They survived a bad game from Adam Vinatieri. He insinuated he could retire, but it seems the Colts have talked him out of it. This team has dealt with enough retirement this season.

There are so many questions still surrounding these teams. They are two of the few still remaining that aren’t what they thought they were. That makes this one incredibly hard to choose. We’re going with the Falcons because when in doubt, take the points. Pick: Atlanta (+2)

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5)

Lamar Jackson has been lighting the league on fire to start the year. He has close to 600 yards and seven touchdowns to no interceptions. He showed he’s not afraid to run after putting up 120 yards rushing last week. We thought the Ravens were going to use their defense and rushing attack to beat people every week, but now we know they can pass, too. This was against the Dolphins and Cardinals, so let’s not take this to the bank just yet.

The Kansas City Chiefs are the best test for a team on the rise. They can beat you in a million different ways. In Week 1, it was Sammy Watkins, in Week 2 it was Travis Kelce and Demarcus Robinson. This week, it could be Damien Williams and Mecole Hardman. This offense is nearly unstoppable. The Chiefs were the main team tied to Jalen Ramsey, but we don’t see them making the deal before this game.

Either way, you should bet on the Chiefs. This could be a really good matchup, but we see the Chiefs winning by at least a touchdown. Again, the Ravens haven’t played anyone significant yet. Going from the Cardinals and Dolphins to the Chiefs could come as a culture shock. Pick: Kansas City (-6.5)

Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings (-8)

The Oakland Raiders were one of those teams that surprised in Week 1, but we really knew it wasn’t what it seemed. This was a shock game after an offseason’s worth of hype. Now, the Raiders couldn’t stop the Chiefs, although that’s nothing to be that worried about. Derek Carr needs to do better at getting big plays without making a mistake like he did last game.

The Minnesota Vikings were also humbled in Week 2. After a big win in Week 1, the Packers took them to the woodshed. It’s a very strange setup they have. This is a team with Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph and a quarterback with an $84 million contract. Yet, they seem to only be running the ball over the first two weeks of the season.

This is a large line for a team that’s up in the air. We hate having to put our hard-earned money on the Raiders, but we hate even more giving up eight points to Kirk Cousins. The Raiders could keep this close with a good game from Josh Jacobs. Pick: Oakland (+8)

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles (-7)

The Philadelphia Eagles lost both Alshon Jeffrey and DeSean Jackson early in their game against the Atlanta Falcons. It clearly did a number on their offense, and now there are reports that the Eagles are canceling practice amid all the injuries. That’s a terrible sign, especially for a team that’s getting a touchdown on the betting line.

On the other side, the Detroit Lions defense came to play last week. They held the Los Angeles Chargers to just 10 points. We haven’t been very sold on the Lions from the get go, but we can’t deny their defense played very impressively. Their offense still leaves a lot to be desired, however. They just released C.J. Anderson, who did not find the magic he had last season with the Rams. They also dropped backup quarterback Josh Johnson for Jeff Driskel. Clearly, there’s some changes afoot.

This still feels like too many points. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: when Vegas gives you free points you have to take them. The Eagles are coming off an injury-riddled loss, and we already know Jackson is out. Go with the Lions just because of the points. Pick: Detroit (+7)