Week 3 NFL Picks: Highlighting Top Games to Bet Big

Week 3 of the 2013 NFL campaign is already underway, with the Kansas City Chiefs taking care of business against the Philadelphia Eagles.

If you’ve heeded my advice, you’ll already be up a few units on the week and be in position to let it ride going into Sunday’s slate of action. If you backed the Eagles, fret not, as we have a number of plays that will get you back to even and well ahead in no time.

Keep reading to find out the latest lines for each contest, my picks for every game against the spread and a closer look at three matchups you don’t want to miss out on betting big.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (+2.5) over Houston Texans

The Ravens are one of the best plays of the week and have great value right now. Plus, there’s a chance this line moves to +3 prior to kickoff.

Whichever number you do get it at, there is plenty of reason you should feel confident about the bet. The Ravens are a great team, playing in front of a home crowd and taking on an overrated Texans squad that has somewhat struggled in the early going.

While Baltimore hasn’t been manufacturing many points lately, there’s a good chance that backup running back Bernard Pierce has a chance to pound the rock and energize this offense. Ray Rice is dealing with a strained hip flexor and will likely not be anywhere near 100 percent by the start of this one.

There’s also Marlon Brown, who's emerging in the receiving corps and giving Joe Flacco another weapon to throw to. He’s good for at least one touchdown, while Torrey Smith distracts the defense and is always a threat to catch the deep ball.

Then you have to look at the Houston defense, a unit that has given up 52 points in two games and looks vulnerable against the run.

It took a furious comeback for the Texans to overcome the San Diego Chargers in Week 1 and an overtime strike to lead them past the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. They will not be as fortunate in Week 3, as the Baltimore Ravens will outright win and cover this spread.

 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (-7) over Cleveland Browns

This game didn’t look too appealing until the Browns decided to throw in the towel on their 2013 season and trade Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts. By giving up on their top playmaker and third overall pick in the 2012 draft, the Browns submarined any chance they had of overcoming the Vikings in this one.

Starting quarterback Brandon Weeden will not even benefit from the return of Josh Gordon from suspension, as the signal-caller is being forced to sit with a thumb injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Third-stringer Brian Hoyer is penciled in as the QB1 in this matchup, and it will be almost impossible for him to spark any sort of offensive production. His arm strength leaves much to be desired, and he’s little more than a game manager.

The Vikings should have no problem gashing the Cleveland defense with star back Adrian Peterson and could pile up possessions and eat up the clock due forced to three-and-outs and turnovers on defense.

As long as this line remains under the double-digit mark, you should back Minnesota at home as the team goes for its first win of 2013.