Navigate

NFL Week 3 Odds, Picks & Predictions: Underdog Bets (2023)

by |

In Week 2, we saw 6 underdogs win outright. Once again, underdogs are covering the spread every week and it will only continue in Week 3. It wasn’t as wild as Week 1, which had some big underdogs win outright. But teams like Seattle and Washington were able to get huge road wins, while the Steelers pulled out a much-needed win on Monday night in Week 2. Let’s dive into our best Week 3 underdog bets!

    NFL Week 3: Top Underdog Bets

    Los Angeles Chargers (+1) vs. Minnesota Vikings

    Not a huge underdog here, but an underdog nonetheless. It’s no fun to bet on this Chargers team, as it’s evident that they have underlying issues within the team. Whether it’s Coach Brandon Staley, this defense, or just their inability to win out close games, it’s hard to believe a team this talented struggles like they do.

    On the bright side, this Vikings team has looked just as bad, if not worse. Despite the Vikings’ inspiring 2nd half in Philadelphia last week, I simply don’t think this team is very good. There are glaring weaknesses with this offensive line and the defense in general. They come in with a league-worst 34.5 rushing yards per game. That bodes well for a team that typically struggles against the run like the Chargers. If they can lock in on Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson and get after Kirk Cousins, it could be a long day for this Vikings offense.

    On the other side, only time will tell if Austin Ekeler will be healthy enough to play on Sunday. I’m not expecting him to and it seems like this line is predicting he will sit out as well. The Chargers missed him last week, as they only totaled 61 rushing yards on an average of 2.9 yards per carry. I’ll chalk some of that up to being on the road against a solid Titans defense, and I think they will have their way on offense this week against a less formidable Vikings defense.

    I’ll take the Chargers to win outright and avoid a dreaded 0-3 start.

    Bet: Chargers +1 vs. Vikings (-115)

    New Orleans Saints (+2) vs. Green Bay Packers

    The Saints will travel to Green Bay and face the Packers, who are off to a good 2-0 start. But I’m just not buying this Packers team and Jordan Love yet. They’ve been pretty good on offense, but Jordan Love isn’t going to throw 3 touchdowns every game, especially against a good Saints pass defense. In addition, it looks like Aaron Jones might miss another game, which is a big piece for them. Christian Watson is still working his way back from a hamstring injury and won’t be 100% if he’s able to give it a go on Sunday. This should allow the Saints to get after it with no key threats to spotlight. Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, and company should be able to get to the quarterback, especially if David Bahktiari doesn’t play again.

    I think the key is how this Saints offense will play against a solid pass defense in Green Bay. Jaire Alexander will surely take looks away from Chris Olave. But can guys like Michael Thomas and Rashid Shaheed step up to make big plays when it matters? They’ll have to get it done on the ground with a committee of Tony Jones Jr. and Kendre Miller, as Jamaal Williams got hurt last week and Alvin Kamara can’t return until Week 4 following his suspension.

    Derek Carr will need to take over this game and produce points on the road in order to pull this off, which is easier said than done. But I believe he’ll be able to with some help from the Saints defense.

    Bet: Saints +2 vs. Packers (-110)

    Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5) vs. Las Vegas Raiders

    The Steelers will travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders in their second straight primetime game. This is a pivotal game for both of these 1-1 teams, but it seems like the Steelers offense needs to prove themselves this week against an average Raiders defense. After facing two strong defenses in the 49ers and Browns, the Steelers get a little breather here against a team that isn’t very intimidating on the defensive line. Is the Steelers offense as bad as they’ve looked, or have they just played two great defenses early in the season? I have reason to believe they will bounce back and put up a better performance this week.

    The Raiders look like they will be without Chandler Jones again, meaning Maxx Crosby will need to carry this defense in order to get a win. I think George Pickens and Kenny Pickett will build off their solid game last week and continue to find success here. It’s crucial that they also get the running game going with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in order to take some pressure off Pickett.

    On the other side of the ball, this Steelers defense played very well last week, especially on the defensive line. I’m not sure the Raiders have the guys necessary to slow down TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith on the edge, so Jimmy Garoppolo could be under duress all night. The Raiders will also need to find success running the ball in order to win this game. Josh Jacobs finished with -2 yards on 9 carries last week. And with Watt and Highsmith firing off the edge, the Raiders are not going to be able to drop back and pass every play.

    Give me the Steelers as their defense will travel and there are too many question marks with this Raiders team right now to take them as a favorite.

    Bet: Steelers +2.5 vs. Raiders (-110)

    Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday:


    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts

    Try Premium for FREE in our mobile app

    BettingPros App