Week 3 NFL Picks: Vegas Odds, Spread Advice and Predictions

Even after two weeks of NFL action, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding virtually every team in the league.

Between surprise squads at 2-0 and disappointing 0-2 teams, we still do not know what's real and which starts have just been flukes. Week 3 will be telling in a lot of cases as top teams look to prove themselves against each other.

This means the upcoming week could end up being unpredictable, but here is a guide to help you make the tough decisions.

Date	Away	Home	ATS Pick*
Sept. 18	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Atlanta Falcons	ATL (-6.5)
Sept. 21	San Diego Chargers	Buffalo Bills	SD (+1)
Sept. 21	Dallas Cowboys	St. Louis Rams	DAL (PK)
Sept. 21	Washington Redskins	Philadelphia Eagles	PHI (-7)
Sept. 21	Houston Texans	New York Giants	NYG (+1)
Sept. 21	Minnesota Vikings	New Orleans Saints	NO (-11.5)
Sept. 21	Tennessee Titans	Cincinnati Bengals	CIN (-7)
Sept. 21	Baltimore Ravens	Cleveland Browns	CLE (PK)
Sept. 21	Green Bay Packers	Detroit Lions	GB (+1)
Sept. 21	Indianapolis Colts	Jacksonville Jaguars	IND (-7)
Sept. 21	Oakland Raiders	New England Patriots	OAK (+15.5)
Sept. 21	San Francisco 49ers	Arizona Cardinals	ARI (+2.5)
Sept. 21	Denver Broncos	Seattle Seahawks	SEA (-5)
Sept. 21	Kansas City Chiefs	Miami Dolphins	MIA (-4)
Sept. 21	Pittsburgh Steelers	Carolina Panthers	CAR (-3)
Sept. 22	Chicago Bears	New York Jets	CHI (+2.5)

Closest Calls

San Diego Chargers (+1) over Buffalo Bills

DENIS POROY/Associated Press

The Bills have been one of the pleasant surprises in the NFL this year with a defense that is truly becoming one of the best in the league. With a strong running game and a quarterback who is avoiding mistakes, this squad can win a lot of games this year.

However, the Chargers have already provided the blueprint for how to beat this style after upsetting the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller broke down the key to the victory:

Meanwhile, the San Diego defense is better than people realize. Buffalo coach Doug Marrone discusses the issues, via Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com:

"

They’re a very physical football team. And if you get yourself in situations where you become one dimensional, you’re in trouble. The pass-rushers can get to you. They can cover well. There’s a lot of things that they can do well. … They keep you off-balance. They keep you guessing. They’re a very good football team.

"

Considering the Bills offense will have limited chances against the Chargers defense, this could end up being a low-scoring battle.

With each possession being important, the odds have to shift toward the veteran quarterback who has proved himself in these situations more often. Philip Rivers has been one of the more consistent passers in the league since the start of last season and should be able to carry his team to another win.

Green Bay Packers (+2) over Detroit Lions

Tom Lynn/Associated Press

While past stats do not always guarantee future success, Aaron Rodgers has been incredible against the Lions in his career, as noted by Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com:

Although the Detroit defensive line could put a lot of pressure on the quarterback in this game, the secondary remains suspect with players coming in and out of the lineup. As long as he has some time to throw, Rodgers should be able to find Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and others down the field.

Meanwhile, the Lions offense is coming off a disappointing showing against the Carolina Panthers where they scored just seven points. Matthew Stafford did a good job of spreading the ball around, but three team turnovers doomed the squad in the loss.

Detroit should have more success against an inconsistent Packers defense, but the team will not be able to score enough to keep up with the Packers in this one.

Arizona Cardinals (+2.5) over San Francisco 49ers

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Even with a lead for most of the game Sunday night, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick had 34 pass attempts while running backs were held to just 18 carries. Kaepernick responded with four turnovers in a disappointing loss.

CBS Sports' Will Brinson questioned the play-calling during the loss:

Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News discusses the problems for the 49ers at this point of the year:

Unfortunately, things do not get easier with a road matchup against a divisional rival that has played very well lately. The Cardinals earned a come-from-behind win over the Chargers in Week 1 before defeating the New York Giants with Drew Stanton at quarterback.

If Carson Palmer returns to action against the 49ers, he should be able to help the dynamic offense earn enough points to outscore his struggling opposition.

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