NFL Predictions Week 3: Favorites That Will Easily Cover Spread

Week 3 of the NFL season is set for some massive blowouts.

The season has been full of close games to this point. Of the 16 games in Week 2, 10 games were decided by one score or less. This week, however, should be different.

These competitive games keep things exciting for fans, but gamblers are left in suspense throughout. Luckily, these games should put the bettors at ease as the teams should easily cover the spread.

Note: All lines courtesy of Vegas Insider

San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) over Minnesota Vikings

Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford could not do much against this defense. It is difficult to believe that Christian Ponder will succeed where these two have failed.

The 49ers have an incredibly talented defense that can shut down the run game and put the pressure completely on the quarterback. Ponder has been very efficient this season, but it has been against lesser competition.

In addition, San Francisco now has an offense that can hang with the best in the league. Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree have helped spread opposing defenses out to give more running room for Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. 

San Francisco is just too superior of a team for this game to stay close, regardless of where the game takes place.

Detroit Lions (-3.5) over Tennessee Titans

There are few things going well for the Titans through two games. They have scored the fewest points in the NFL to help them be outscored by a combined 49 points against the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers. They have also been out-rushed by their opponents 210-58. 

Detroit has struggled to a 1-1 record, but there is still a lot of good to take from those games. The Lions fought hard to come back to beat the St. Louis Rams with a late touchdown and were within a touchdown of the 49ers on the road.

This team has the talent to be competitive in the NFC throughout the year. On the other hand, Tennessee looks like it is already dead in the water. Do not be surprised if the blowout streak continues with the Titans.

New Orleans Saints (-9) over Kansas City Chiefs

Neither team has looked impressive in the first two weeks of the year, especially on defense. In fact, the Saints and Chiefs are tied for dead last in the NFL in points allowed.

New Orleans has struggled against mobile quarterbacks in its two losses. Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton each were able to pick apart the secondary as well as rack up yards on the ground against the Saints. Fortunately for the defense, Matt Cassel does not offer the same ability.

On the other side, Drew Brees should have as much success against the Chiefs as other teams, if not more. The key will be avoiding turnovers. He has thrown two in each game so far, but he should be safe against a defense that has not forced a single turnover all year.

The game is in the Superdome, where the team has had so much success over the years. Even without Sean Payton coaching, they should be able to get their first win of the year against a struggling opponent.

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