If you’re coming here looking for picks, that’s not what this is. We’ll get to those later in the week.
This right here is an early betting preview of the upcoming action in the NFL, with a first impression of each game and betting line, with a few trends and hints sprinkled in. Sometimes, bettors can overthink things and talk themselves out of making the right pick. So these are just baseline thoughts before we take a deeper dive into the numbers later in the week.
Spreads and over/under numbers are from Tipico Sportsbook and BetMGM. They are likely to change after this is published.
Dolphins at Bengals (-3.5)
Dolphins: 3-0 (3-0 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Bengals: 1-2 (1-2 ATS, 0-3 O/U)
The Bengals’ win on Sunday was more important than Miami’s, even if Miami’s felt like a bigger deal. Cincy was desperate and finally got its season on track. As for the Dolphins, I could see a let down this week after an intense battle with the Bills.
Vikings at Saints (+2.5)
Vikings: 2-1 (1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Saints: 1-2 (0-3 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Jameis Winston and the Saints’ offense have been bad through parts of each of their first three games. The defense should give them a chance in this one, but they’re hard to trust right now.
Jaguars at Eagles (-6.5)
Jaguars: 2-1 (2-1 ATS, 2-1 O/U)
Eagles: 3-0 (2-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
The Jaguars are mowing through a tough early-season schedule, notching wins over the Colts and Chargers. This feels like another game they should lose, but public confidence in the Jags has to be growing at this point.
Jets at Steelers (-3.5)
Jets: 1-2 (1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Steelers: 1-2 (1-1-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Nobody should be rushing to bet on this matchup. Who knows what’s going to happen. The Steelers just lost to the Browns, who lost to these Jets. But would you actually feel good betting on the Jets to win this game? And the spread looks like a trap.
Bears at Giants (-3)
Bears: 2-1 (1-1-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Giants: 2-1 (2-1 ATS, 0-2-1 O/U)
The Giants offense stinks, but confidence in their ability to win increases against a team whose offense might be even worse. This is not going to be a pretty game to watch, and the under is probably a good lock.
Browns at Falcons (+2)
Browns: 2-1 (2-1 ATS, 3-0 O/U)
Falcons: 1-2 (3-0 ATS, 3-0 O/U)
If I had to pick one dominant element from either of these teams that I’m most confident will show up in this game, it’s Nick Chubb and the Browns running game. I’m curious what his rushing props will be for this one. The over is also feels like an obvious play.
Commanders at Cowboys (-3)
Commanders: 1-2 (1-2 ATS, 2-1 O/U)
Cowboys: 2-1 (2-1 ATS, 0-2-1 O/U)
There’s whispers that Dak Prescott could return for this one, but after seeing Dallas’ pass rush Monday night against the Giants — and Cooper Rush play another solid game — the Cowboys would probably be fine letting him heal for another week.
Chargers at Texans (+5)
Chargers: 1-2 (2-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Texans: 0-2-1 (2-0-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
This is a game the Chargers should win, even if they don’t get completely healthy. The Texans aren’t really in their class. If the Chargers can get up by enough, they can pull Justin Herbert early and let him do the healing they probably should’ve made him do last week.
Seahawks at Lions (-6)
Seahawks: 1-2 (1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Lions: 1-2 (3-0 ATS, 3-0 O/U)
Detroit blew a win over Minnesota last week but continues to prove its ready to compete week in and week out. This is a rare opportunity for the Lions to be favored again, but I wouldn’t take the Seahawks too lightly.
Titans at Colts (-3)
Titans: 1-2 (1-2 ATS, 2-1 O/U)
Colts: 1-1-1 (1-2 ATS, 0-3 O/U)
After starting 0-1-1 in the division, the Colts need to get in the win column here. But I’m not so sure their win over the Chiefs means things are looking up just yet. They haven’t proven to be so much better than the Titans.
Bills at Ravens (+3.5)
Bills: 2-1 (2-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Ravens: 2-1 (2-1 ATS, 2-1 O/U)
Buffalo is going from one huge AFC showdown to another. The QB matchup between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson is what we’ll all be watching though, as they’re currently two of the three leaders in MVP odds. Looking at the matchup, Baltimore’s defense could struggle in this one.
Cardinals at Panthers (-1.5)
Cardinals: 1-2 (1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Panthers: 1-2 (1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
The point total for this game is 44, which seems very low for a Cardinals game. But that’s the new reality of Arizona, as its offense hasn’t been nearly as explosive as it has been in the past. And we know Carolina isn’t scoring many points no matter the defense its going against.
Patriots at Packers (-10.5)
Patriots: 1-2 (0-2-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Packers: 2-1 (2-1 ATS, 0-3 O/U)
Mac Jones is likely out, and so that leaves Brian Hoyer in a QB battle against Aaron Rodgers. It’s hard to imagine he’ll lead his underwhelming crew of receivers to a better day than Rodgers and his underwhelming crew.
Broncos at Raiders (-2)
Broncos: 2-1 (1-2 ATS, 0-3 O/U)
Raiders: 0-3 (0-3 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Two of the more disappointing teams in the NFL relative to expectations, the Broncos and Raiders each have a chance to change the narrative of their seasons. Those division and title odds might be worth another look after this one.
Chiefs at Buccaneers (+2.5)
Chiefs: 2-1 (1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
Bucs: 2-1 (2-1 ATS, 0-3 O/U)
One team scores a lot, and the other doesn’t score at all. It’ll be a battle of strengths between the Chiefs offense and Bucs defense. Tampa is not going to make it easy, but I don’t see how the Chiefs don’t muster more than whatever the Bucs get on offense.
Rams at 49ers (-2.5)
Rams: 2-1 (1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U)
49ers: 1-2 (1-2 ATS, 0-3 O/U)
The games between these teams last season were fantastic. They’ll probably be good again this season, because neither is really all that much better than the other. I could see the defenses having their way on Monday night.
