Week 3 NFL Picks: Predictions on Vegas' Midweek Betting Odds and Lines

Week 2 was a rough one for predictions in the NFL, with several surprising results. So if you didn't have the Buffalo Bills moving to 2-0 or the New Orleans Saints losing to the Cleveland Browns—don't worry, you weren't alone.

Myriad franchises are still searching for an identity, and bettors are befuddled trying to figure out what will happen next. This week, a Super Bowl rematch and NFC North clash are two of the difficult matchups to predict.

Prior to the bye weeks beginning, this weekend features all 32 teams facing off for the last time until Week 13. Before the action kicks off on Thursday night, here's a look at the latest spreads and predictions for the NFL schedule.

Date	Road	Home	Line	Pick
Sept. 18	Buccaneers	Falcons	ATL -6.5	ATL
Sept. 21	Chargers	Bills	BUF -1.5	SD
Sept. 21	Cowboys	Rams	DAL -1.5	DAL
Sept. 21	Redskins	Eagles	PHI -7	PHI
Sept. 21	Texans	Giants	HOU -2	HOU
Sept. 21	Vikings	Saints	NO -9.5	MIN
Sept. 21	Titans	Bengals	CIN -6.5	CIN
Sept. 21	Ravens	Browns	Even	BAL
Sept. 21	Packers	Lions	DET -1.5	DET
Sept. 21	Colts	Jaguars	IND -7	IND
Sept. 21	Raiders	Patriots	NE -15	OAK
Sept. 21	49ers	Cardinals	SF -2	SF
Sept. 21	Broncos	Seahawks	SEA -4.5	DEN
Sept. 21	Chiefs	Dolphins	MIA -4.5	KC
Sept. 21	Steelers	Panthers	CAR -3	CAR
Sept. 22	Bears	Jets	NYJ -1.5	CHI

Top Matchups

Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks

Call me crazy, but I believe Peyton Manning will come into this matchup slightly more prepared for the Seattle Seahawks defense. The master of preparation fell flat in the Super Bowl, but he gets a chance at revenge Sunday.

One weapon Manning will look to utilize this time around will be Julius Thomas, who has already gotten off to a hot start through two games. Lindsay Jones of USA Today noted just how often Manning has gone to his tight ends:

"

All of Peyton Manning's TD passes this year have been to tight ends. Now, Jacob Tamme gets one.

— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) September 14, 2014"

Of course, those numbers will change with Demaryius Thomas finally getting in on the action. But with a huge target like Julius Thomas, it's clear Manning can exploit the Seahawks defense much like Philip Rivers did the week prior.

Antonio Gates compiled seven catches for 96 yards and a staggering three touchdowns against the Seahawks in Week 2. With a similar build and athleticism, expect Thomas to do the same as the Broncos win a close rematch.

Prediction: Broncos 20, Seahawks 16

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Two up-and-down weeks for the Green Bay Packers have left more questions than answers surrounding the franchise. Heading into a tough road matchup with the Detroit Lions, they will need an all-around performance to move to 2-1 on the young season.

Some bettors might point to the fact that the Lions were stymied in Week 2 by the Carolina Panthers, but the Packers simply don't offer the same punch. When attempting to answer a question about the issues with Green Bay's defense, Michael Schottey of Bleacher Report chose all of the above:

Sure, the Packers defense only allowed three points in the second half against the Jets, but getting down early applied pressure to the offense. Part of that was also down to Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who called a timeout that nullified a late touchdown.

Rather than hoping that the Lions will fail to produce as they did in Week 2, look for Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson to produce like they did in the opener. Therefore, the Packers will drop to 1-2 and behind the Lions in the division.

Prediction: Lions 24, Packers 21

Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers

The traditional powerhouse Steelers match up with the resurgent Carolina Panthers. Both teams typically feature great defenses, but it's the Panthers corps that stands out this season.

Through two weeks, the Panthers have gone 2-0 without major components on offense. Derek Anderson had to get the job done in Week 1, and Jonathan Stewart had to carry the load in Week 2 without DeAngelo Williams.

Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer pointed out the snaps for the Panthers backs:

If Williams is able to return on Sunday night, Carolina might finally have all of its weapons on the field and someone to lighten the load. Regardless, the defense will look to have a field day against the Steelers' struggling offense.

Pittsburgh has scored just nine points in its last six quarters of play. If the Panthers can continue the same pressure they applied against the Lions, look for an easy victory for the reigning NFC South champions.

Prediction: Panthers 27, Steelers 10

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