Bleacher Report's Week 3 NFL Picks
When NFL betting knocks you down, get back up, head to the lab and come out swinging the following week. Six of the biggest underdogs covered in Week 2, which sent some of us into a tailspin.
Bleacher Report's NFL expert panel, which includes analysts Brad Gagnon, Gary Davenport, Brent Sobleski and Maurice Moton, along with editors Wes O'Donnell and Ian Hanford and Vince Michelino from B/R Betting Strategy, mostly struggled last week, going 4-11 on consensus picks.
But now that the worst is behind them, they're back for a better week.
Right out of the gate, our crew is going with an underdog to open Week 3. Let's see how the panelists broke down the upcoming slate.
You can track B/R's expert picks against the spread via the standings below. Last week's records are in parentheses.
ATS Standings
T-1. Knox: 15-14-3 (7-9)
T-1. Michelino: 15-14-3 (6-10)
3. Moton: 13-16-3 (5-11)
T-4. Davenport: 12-17-3 (6-10)
T-4. Gagnon: 12-17-3 (8-8)
T-4. Hanford: 12-17-3 (4-12)
T-4. Sobleski: 12-17-3 (10-6)
8. O'Donnell: 11-18-3 (3-13)
Consensus picks: 11-15-1 (4-11)
Lines are from DraftKings as of Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 4 p.m. ET. Check DraftKings for the latest odds info. Information on public betting trends is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.
New England Patriots (1-1) at New York Jets (1-1)
1 of 16
DraftKings Line: New York -6.5
In the New England Patriots' post-Tom Brady era, they're 7-1 outright against the New York Jets. Gang Green won the last meeting 17-3 in New England.
Now the Jets have a viable starting quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, though the Patriots are still a scrappy, physical team.
At 1-1, the Patriots have the fifth-ranked scoring defense and the fourth-ranked rushing offense.
Most of our panel likes New England to cover a 6.5-point spread, but Michelino believes the Jets offense will hit its stride to win by seven or more.
"The Pats look impressive thus far playing with grit, solid defense and a strong rushing attack in the start of a new era. It's a nice formula to stay competitive most games and, at least on paper, taking the points on a short week here seems like the obvious pick, but there are some larger forces at play that give me pause.
"For one, this line shows a ton of respect for the talent on this Jets team despite their early struggles and injuries. We've seen some flashes as the offense has begun to jell, and I believe a breakthrough is inevitable.
"It's true, I'm a sucker for a narrative, and Rodgers making his much-anticipated home debut (part two) on TNF feels like all the motivation he needs for redemption. Things should start to click for this Jets team soon enough, and I'm boarding for takeoff."
Predictions
Davenport: Jets
Gagnon: Patriots
Hanford: Patriots
Knox: Patriots
Michelino: Jets
Moton: Patriots
O'Donnell: Patriots
Sobleski: Patriots
ATS Consensus: Patriots +6.5
Score Prediction: Jets 21, Patriots 17
New York Giants (0-2) at Cleveland Browns (1-1)
2 of 16
DK Line: Cleveland -6
In Week 2, the New York Giants made NFL history, but not in a good way. They became the first team to lose in regulation that scored three touchdowns and allowed none. The Washington Commanders kicked seven field goals to win 21-18.
The Giants lost Graham Gano (hamstring) after the opening kickoff, and they went for a couple of two-point conversions after punter Jamie Gillan missed an extra-point attempt.
Big Blue signed kicker Greg Joseph from the Detroit Lions practice squad to fill a void on special teams. Yet O'Donnell doesn't believe that's enough to keep the Giants within six points of the Cleveland Browns, who field the 22nd-ranked scoring offense.
"The Giants didn't give up a touchdown in Week 2. They actually scored three offensive touchdowns, too. They still lost. They didn't cover, either (granted, it was basically a pick 'em). That's what bad teams do; they lose. I can't make heads or tails of the Browns offense right now, but they're a better football team than the Washington Commanders.
"Cleveland got its doors blown off by Dallas at home in Week 1 but was 6-0 ATS as home favorites in 2023. I lean on that and reckon we'll get an ugly, ugly football game that sees the Browns take advantage of the Giants' mistakes."
Predictions
Davenport: Giants
Gagnon: Browns
Hanford: Giants
Knox: Browns
Michelino: Giants
Moton: Giants
O'Donnell: Browns
Sobleski: Browns
ATS Consensus: None
Score Prediction: Browns 21, Giants 14
Denver Broncos (0-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
3 of 16
DK Line: Tampa Bay -6.5
Even though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who became the Carolina Panthers head coach, their offense is still operating at a high (and efficient) level with new play-caller Liam Coen.
Baker Mayfield is tied with Derek Carr for a league-leading five touchdown passes. The Buccaneers offense ranks within the top nine in third- and fourth-down conversions and red-zone scoring.
On the opposite side of the offensive production spectrum, the Denver Broncos are 30th in scoring and 29th in total yards. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix is tied with Anthony Richardson for most interceptions (four).
The Broncos' top-10 scoring defense has made it difficult for opponents to rack up touchdowns. However, our panel, in a unanimous decision, picked the Buccaneers to cover the 6.5-point spread.
Gagnon couldn't justify backing arguably the league's worst team in this spot. He expects the Buccaneers to throttle the Broncos at home.
"The Broncos are the AFC's worst team in terms of DVOA, and I don't envision them hanging with a Buccaneers team that has won seven of its last eight regular-season games dating back to the start of December. Denver is just too sloppy and ineffective on offense to be trusted right now."
Predictions
Davenport: Buccaneers
Gagnon: Buccaneers
Hanford: Buccaneers
Knox: Buccaneers
Michelino: Buccaneers
Moton: Buccaneers
O'Donnell: Buccaneers
Sobleski: Buccaneers
ATS Consensus: Buccaneers -6.5
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 22, Broncos 12
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Los Angeles Chargers (2-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)
4 of 16
DK Line: Pittsburgh -1.5
These two teams could bring back 1960s football in this matchup–tough defenses and a heavy dose of the ground game.
The Los Angeles Chargers have the league's second-best rushing offense, and while the Pittsburgh Steelers rank 12th in that regard, they're averaging 139 rushing yards per game.
These clubs have committed to a rugged style of play, and it has worked as both come into this matchup 2-0.
Hanford probably wagered an absurd amount of money on the under (35.5). He's siding with the Chargers because of quarterback Justin Herbert, who's dealing with an ankle injury but improving, according head coach Jim Harbaugh.
"This game might be a race to six points. The Chargers have allowed 6.5 points per game this season. The Steelers have allowed eight points per game. Neither team seems interested, at least so far, in changing the formula that has both of them averaging far less than 150 passing yards per game through two weeks of play, instead leaning on the running backs to shoulder the load.
"I'll take the team with the best QB in Justin Herbert. Justin Fields' stat line was misleading last week as penalties took away a chunk of yards and a touchdown to George Pickens, but the Steelers still don't seem like they want to unleash his arm (or his legs) through two starts. Give me the points with L.A."
Predictions
Davenport: Steelers
Gagnon: Steelers
Hanford: Chargers
Knox: Chargers
Michelino: Chargers
Moton: Chargers
O'Donnell: Chargers
Sobleski: Chargers
ATS Consensus: Chargers +1.5
Score Prediction: Chargers 17, Steelers 16
Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) at New Orleans Saints (2-0)
5 of 16
DK Line: New Orleans -2.5
The Philadelphia Eagles must dust themselves off after a shocking loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Monday.
They had a 97.6 percent chance to win that game with 1:56 to go, but running back Saquon Barkley dropped a wide-open pass in the flat that would've put the game away, and the Falcons answered with a game-winning touchdown drive in the last minute.
Barkley's untimely drop has skeptics questioning head coach Nick Sirianni's decision to throw on third down instead of running the ball to milk the clock. Atlanta didn't have any timeouts left.
The Eagles defense also deserves criticism, allowing a late touchdown and ranking 27th in scoring.
Despite all the concerns and questions in Philadelphia, Hanford picked the Eagles to pull off an upset over the high-scoring New Orleans Saints.
"The Saints have been one of the biggest surprises in the league through two weeks, and the Eagles defense looks like it has some serious holes, but I'm not ready to write off Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia in Week 3," Hanford said.
"Vic Fangio's defense is allowing nearly 400 yards per game, but this week, it does just enough to give the offense a chance to get right on the road after a heartbreaking loss to Kirk Cousins and the Falcons.
"Derek Carr and the Saints will enjoy more success this year offensively, but their blistering pace is unsustainable, and they hit a speed bump here at home."
Predictions
Davenport: Saints
Gagnon: Eagles
Hanford: Eagles
Knox: Saints
Michelino: Saints
Moton: Saints
O'Donnell: Eagles
Sobleski: Saints
ATS Consensus: Saints -2.5
Score Prediction: Saints 28, Eagles 23
Houston Texans (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (2-0)
6 of 16
DK Line: Houston -2.5
In one of two matchups between unbeaten teams, the Houston Texans will go on the road to face a surprising Minnesota Vikings squad that beat the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 at home last week.
Under head coach Kevin O'Connell, an established play-caller, Sam Darnold is playing his best football. In two games, he has thrown for four touchdowns and two interceptions with a 72 percent completion rate.
Knox sees this matchup as a potential statement game for Darnold, but he expects the Vikings quarterback to struggle against the Texans' third-ranked total defense in a loss.
"This game will tell us a lot about just how good the Vikings are. Last week's convincing win over San Francisco showed that Minnesota can be a player in the NFC race, and there are plenty of reasons to believe that game wasn't a fluke. Brian Flores has the defense clicking, Justin Jefferson is as dangerous as ever, and Darnold is providing above-average quarterback play.
"That said, I have a feeling that Darnold comes back to earth a bit against a Texans defense that can make life miserable for opposing signal-callers. Jefferson (quad) may not be at 100 percent, and we still don't know the status of Jordan Addison, who missed last week's game with an ankle injury. Houston survived a sloppy game against Chicago last Sunday, and I think a more focused effort gets them a win in this one."
Predictions
Davenport: Texans
Gagnon: Texans
Hanford: Vikings
Knox: Texans
Michelino: Texans
Moton: Texans
O'Donnell: Texans
Sobleski: Texans
ATS Consensus: Texans -2.5
Score Prediction: Texans 27, Vikings 21
Green Bay Packers (1-1) at Tennessee Titans (0-2)
7 of 16
DK Line: Tennessee -2.5
As Jordan Love recovers from an MCL sprain, the Green Bay Packers won their first game without him, knocking off the Indianapolis Colts at home thanks largely to the ground attack.
The Packers ran the ball 53 times for 261 yards. Josh Jacobs led the run-first attack with 151 rushing yards.
That said, quarterback Malik Willis fared well as a fill-in starter, completing 86 percent of his passes in the 16-10 win.
Moton sided with Green Bay, highlighting the revenge angle for Willis.
"Even if Willis publicly downplays the importance of this game, he will probably come into it motivated to beat the team that traded him to the Packers less than a month ago," Moton pointed out.
"Thanks to the Packers' good coaching, Willis performed at his best as a pro last week, completing 12 out of 14 pass attempts for 122 yards and a touchdown. He also logged six carries for 41 yards.
"Meanwhile, Titans head coach Brian Callahan is frustrated with quarterback Will Levis' boneheaded mistakes. Levis is responsible for all five of Tennessee's turnovers. He's likely to cost his team in a matchup against a well-coached opponent."
Predictions
Davenport: Packers
Gagnon: Titans
Hanford: Titans
Knox: Packers
Michelino: Packers
Moton: Packers
O'Donnell: Titans
Sobleski: Titans
ATS Consensus: None
Score Prediction: Packers 18, Titans 16
Chicago Bears (1-1) at Indianapolis Colts (0-2)
8 of 16
DK Line: Indianapolis -1
Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams doesn't look comfortable in the pocket. He's thrown two interceptions with a 56.1 percent completion rate and has taken nine sacks (tied with Gardner Minshew II for most in the league).
The Bears offensive line has to protect Williams better to see him play up to the expectations of a No. 1 overall pick.
That said, the Bears should game-plan to attack the Indianapolis Colts' league-worst run defense (in total yards).
On Tuesday, the Colts placed All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on injured reserve, which is a big blow to their front line.
The Colts' inability to stop the run, coupled with Buckner's injury, could spell trouble for the home team. Sobleski thinks the Bears will ride their run game to victory.
"The Colts defense is exactly what the Bears offense needs to see right now. While Chicago is struggling, particularly along its offensive line, Indianapolis currently features the league's second-worst defense. In fact, Gus Bradley's unit is dead last in rushing yards allowed by a rather large margin.
"To make matters worse, the Colts placed their best defensive player, Buckner, on injured reserve this week because of a balky ankle. The group already lost its top corner, JuJu Brents, to season-ending injured reserve.
"Furthermore, safety Julian Blackmon didn't play last weekend because of a shoulder ailment. The Bears should be able to get their run game going, which will open up things for Caleb Williams."
Predictions
Davenport: Bears
Gagnon: Bears
Hanford: Bears
Knox: Bears
Michelino: Bears
Moton: Colts
O'Donnell: Colts
Sobleski: Bears
ATS Consensus: Bears +1
Score Prediction: Bears 23, Colts 20
Carolina Panthers (0-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-1)
9 of 16
DK Line: Las Vegas -5
The Carolina Panthers hit the pause button on Bryce Young's development as a starter. On Monday, head coach Dave Canales discussed the team's decision to bench Bryce Young for Andy Dalton after an 0-2 start.
In two games, Young only completed 55.4 percent of his passes and threw three interceptions. He took six sacks.
As a starter, Dalton is 3-0 with seven touchdown passes (zero interceptions) against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite Dalton's sparkling track record against the Silver and Black, Moton took Las Vegas to cover because he doesn't see how the Panthers keep pace with the Raiders' passing game.
"Carolina's offense should see a significant boost with Dalton under center, but he won't improve the team's doormat defense," Moton said.
"The Panthers waived Eku Leota. He was the only player on their defense with a full sack. Carolina's pass rush has the league's lowest pressure rate (8.3 percent). Panthers lead cornerback Jaycee Horn allows a 104.2 passer rating in coverage.
"Gardner Minshew II, who's leading the league in completion rate (77.5), will have ample time to pick apart the Panthers' poor defense. Carolina won't have an answer for Davante Adams and Brock Bowers in the passing game.
"Dalton won't have the same success that he's had in the past against the Raiders, who have a tougher defense led by Maxx Crosby, Robert Spillane and Jack Jones at each unit level."
Predictions
Davenport: Panthers
Gagnon: Raiders
Hanford: Panthers
Knox: Raiders
Michelino: Panthers
Moton: Raiders
O'Donnell: Panthers
Sobleski: Panthers
ATS Consensus: Panthers +5
Score Prediction: Raiders 24, Panthers 20
Miami Dolphins (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (2-0)
10 of 16
DK Line: Seattle -4.5
On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve after he suffered the third documented concussion of his NFL career. Skylar Thompson will fill in for Tagovailoa, though the Dolphins signed Tyler Huntley to the practice squad.
Thompson has starting experience, but he hasn't played well in those spots. In three games as the Dolphins' lead signal-caller, Thompson has thrown for one touchdown and two interceptions and completed less than 54 percent of his passes in two outings.
Davenport doesn't think Thompson will keep the starting job for long, and he holds the Seahawks to higher regard than oddsmakers.
"That Seattle is this small a favorite over the Fighting Skylar Thompsons shows just how much the Powers That Setteth The Spread don't trust a 2-0 Seattle team that has logged a pair of close wins against bad teams to open the season. But even I, master of denying reality that I am (I'm an excellent writer, see? You can't teach that level of denial. Some people are just born with it), cannot Costanza myself into only getting 4.5 with Thompson under center.
"By Week 5, Tyler Huntley will be starting at quarterback in Miami, the team will run Barry Switzer's Oklahoma offense from the early 1980s, De'Von Achane will be rushing for a buck-fitty a week and Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will both be questionable with hurt feelings. Gonna be a fun year in Miami, folks."
Predictions
Davenport: Seahawks
Gagnon: Dolphins
Hanford: Seahawks
Knox: Seahawks
Michelino: Seahawks
Moton: Seahawks
O'Donnell: Seahawks
Sobleski: Seahawks
ATS Consensus: Seahawks -4.5
Score Prediction: Seahawks 26, Dolphins 14
San Francisco 49ers (1-1) at Los Angeles Rams (0-2)
11 of 16
DK Line: San Francisco -7.5
The San Francisco 49ers went into the season without star running back Christian McCaffrey. They'll also be without wideout Deebo Samuel (calf) for the foreseeable future.
The 49ers struggled to put points on the board in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week, but Jordan Mason, McCaffrey's replacement, has 247 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, and quarterback Brock Purdy leads the league in passing yards. Brandon Aiyuk could have his 2024 breakout game.
Half of our panelists think San Francisco still has enough offensive firepower to cover a 7.5-point spread. Michelino believes the Rams' familiarity with the 49ers in a desperate spot will allow them to keep the margin tight.
"Both teams come limping into this division matchup at SoFi Stadium extremely banged up and badly needing a stabilizing win. Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay have proved to be among the brightest offensive coaching minds in the league, but both have their work cut out for them down significant playmakers.
"These teams know each other well, and I could see a more conservative, run-first game script making this a surprisingly low-scoring affair. Yes, defense travels, which is no doubt advantage 49ers, but winning by more than seven on the road in this league is very hard to do, especially against a division rival. I think Stafford makes enough plays to keep things interesting and within a score."
Predictions
Davenport: Rams
Gagnon: Rams
Hanford: 49ers
Knox: 49ers
Michelino: Rams
Moton: 49ers
O'Donnell: 49ers
Sobleski: Rams
ATS Consensus: None
Score Prediction: 49ers 26, Rams 21
Detroit Lions (1-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-1)
12 of 16
DK Line: Detroit -2.5
In the biggest blowout of Week 2, the Arizona Cardinals offense looked like a juggernaut in a 31-point victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw for three touchdowns, two of them to rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. Arizona also ran for 231 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
The Cardinals' offensive production is what we thought the Detroit Lions unit would put up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' injury-riddled defense last week, but that didn't happen.
The Lions offense has been inconsistent, particularly inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Detroit ranks 27th in red-zone scoring.
Davenport isn't down on the Lions offense, though. He envisions a get-right game for Jared Goff and Co. in a high-scoring matchup.
"Going against a home underdog that just dropped a 41-10 piano on the Los Angeles Injuries is quite possibly asking for trouble—it's been that kind of season so far. But if we still believe the Lions are one of the best teams in the NFC, then they should be able to beat the Redbirds by a field goal.
"If not, the Pepto Bismol will flow like a river in Motown, and the Cardinals will be hyped as a legit contender after back-to-back wins over 2023 playoff teams. Order is restored to the universe in Week 3 by a three-point Lions win (wow, that's a weird-looking sentence), but take the over—there will be some points scored Sunday afternoon."
Predictions
Davenport: Lions
Gagnon: Lions
Hanford: Lions
Knox: Cardinals
Michelino: Cardinals
Moton: Lions
O'Donnell: Lions
Sobleski: Cardinals
ATS Consensus: Lions -2.5
Score Prediction: Lions 35, Cardinals 31
Baltimore Ravens (0-2) at Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
13 of 16
DK Line: Baltimore -1
The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys are both coming off deflating losses in different fashion.
Baltimore squandered a 10-point fourth-quarter lead in a 26-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, who accumulated just 43 total yards through the first two quarters of that game.
The Cowboys didn't have a shot against the New Orleans Saints' red-hot offense. By halftime, they trailed 35-16 and lost 44-19.
Our panel rolled with the slight home underdog to bounce back in Week 3. Knox sees a lot of holes on both sides of the ball in Baltimore and too much on Lamar Jackson's plate, so he went with Dallas.
"This is essentially a pick 'em, and while it's hard to trust the Cowboys after last week's disastrous display, I trust the Ravens even less. Baltimore's defense just isn't the same after Mike Macdonald's departure, and its offensive game plan still seems entirely too reliant on Lamar Jackson magic. Right now, it's hard to pinpoint any one area in which the Ravens excel.
"I don't envision Todd Monken exploiting Dallas' defense the same way that Klint Kubiak did a week ago, and Baltimore's offensive line grows increasingly worrisome with each passing week. Baltimore is probably the more desperate team, but I don't know that it matters in this matchup."
Predictions
Davenport: Ravens
Gagnon: Ravens
Hanford: Cowboys
Knox: Cowboys
Michelino: Cowboys
Moton: Cowboys
O'Donnell: Ravens
Sobleski: Cowboys
ATS Consensus: Cowboys +1
Score Prediction: Cowboys 30, Ravens 28
Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) at Atlanta Falcons (1-1)
14 of 16
DK Line: Kansas City -3.5
The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a nail-biting Monday night victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and must focus on the reigning champions.
Kirk Cousins had a more efficient performance in Week 2 than in his Falcons debut, completing 69 percent of his passes without turning the ball over.
Still, aside from running back Bijan Robinson, who ran for 97 yards, the offense looked stagnant for most of the game against Philadelphia's 27th-ranked scoring defense.
Most of our panelists doubt Cousins' ability to carry over the momentum from his game-winning drive into a matchup with the Chiefs' 31st-ranked pass defense. They came to a consensus in favor of Kansas City.
Gagnon believes the Falcons ride a momentous wave from their Monday night victory over the Eagles.
"The Chiefs are 2-0, but they could easily be 0-2," Gagnon said. "Meanwhile, the Falcons have the talent to at least hang in and should be fired up after a thrilling win in Philadelphia. I'll take that hook and run."
Predictions
Davenport: Chiefs
Gagnon: Falcons
Hanford: Chiefs
Knox: Chiefs
Michelino: Falcons
Moton: Chiefs
O'Donnell: Chiefs
Sobleski: Falcons
ATS Consensus: Chiefs -3.5
Score Prediction: Chiefs 28, Falcons 24
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) at Buffalo Bills (2-0)
15 of 16
DK Line: Buffalo -5.5
Between these teams, a couple of patterns haven't changed going back to last year.
The Buffalo Bills are still the club to beat in the AFC East. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to struggle with offensive inefficiencies.
Currently atop the AFC East with a top-eight scoring offense and defense, Buffalo will host a Jacksonville squad averaging 15 points per game. The Jaguars are 28th in third-down conversion rate. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is completing 51 percent of his passes.
Our NFL experts don't see how the Jaguars will score enough points to keep this matchup close on the road. O'Donnell doesn't see Jacksonville snapping out of its stupor Monday night.
"So, we're all on the Bills. Usually a recipe for disaster. The Jags aren't going to lose forever, but getting right in Buffalo on MNF probably isn't the place to start. Jacksonville is averaging 15 points per game to start the year and has won only one game dating back to the start of last December (1-7).
"The league has proved to us early this season that big spreads matter little. In fact, home favorites are 10-13-1 so far this season. However, the Bills are coming off a long week and should be rested–Josh Allen in particular after throwing only 19 passes, carrying the ball only twice and taking no sacks on TNF. Prime time usually tightens up games that shouldn't be that close, but this is how little we think of the Jags right now."
Predictions
Davenport: Bills
Gagnon: Bills
Hanford: Bills
Knox: Bills
Michelino: Bills
Moton: Bills
O'Donnell: Bills
Sobleski: Bills
ATS Consensus: Bills -5.5
Score Prediction: Bills 30, Jaguars 21
Washington Commanders (1-1) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)
16 of 16
DK Line: Cincinnati -8
At 0-2, the Cincinnati Bengals are in familiar territory. In 2022 and 2023, the Bengals lost their first two games, and by Week 7 of both years, they were .500 or better in the win-loss standings.
Cincinnati has a good chance to pull itself out of an early rut in a home game against the Washington Commanders.
The Commanders beat the New York Giants last week, but they've allowed the most passing touchdowns (six) in two weeks, which could be an issue on the road against Joe Burrow and Co., especially if wideout Tee Higgins (hamstring) returns to action.
Most of our experts sided with the Bengals. Yet Sobleski went against the grain to take the points with the Commanders.
"The Commanders are primarily a spread play. Aside from Washington's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1, these two teams have kept games close," Sobleski said.
"Furthermore, Washington's seven sacks are only two behind the league leaders. Meanwhile, the Bengals offensive line remains a sore spot. Clearly, Joe Burrow and Co. aren't clicking on all cylinders.
"As long as Washington can apply pressure, this contest should remain close, or even favor the Commanders. Also, expect continued improvement from Jayden Daniels, who's been the best of a weak rookie quarterback group to date.
"Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is slowly opening up the offense. Daniels gets the ball out quickly, takes a few shots when available and adds a significant presence as a runner."
Predictions
Davenport: Commanders
Gagnon: Bengals
Hanford: Bengals
Knox: Bengals
Michelino: Commanders
Moton: Bengals
O'Donnell: Bengals
Sobleski: Commanders
ATS Consensus: Bengals -8
Score Prediction: Bengals 34, Commanders 20
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