NFL Picks: Week 3 Against the Spread

Super Bowl rematch!

Division rivalries!

Beer and pizza at my place!

We’re only into the third week of the NFL season, and yet there is still plenty to get excited about. So kick back, crack a cold one and let’s figure out how we can all make some money this weekend all while drinking heavily in our boxers (although, if you’re invited, it’s a pants-party over here).

Lines are again courtesy of CoopersPick.com:

Washington Redskins (1-1) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)

Odds: Eagles -7

No Robert Griffin III, but that may be a good thing with how well backup Kirk Cousins has looked. The Eagles are 2-0 even though they’ve essentially sleepwalked through the first halves of both games.

The Redskins defense has its work cut out for it. DeSean Jackson gets his homecoming and plans to take the field, even with a bum shoulder. I wonder what the over/under for boos to cheers will be for him.

According to NFLPicks2014.com, the favorite has covered the spread in six of the last seven games between these teams. The Redskins are 5-2 ATS in their last seven against the Eagles in Philly.

Pick Against the Spread: The Eagles will soar to a win of more than a touchdown, thus covering.

Green Bay Packers (1-1) vs. Detroit Lions (1-1)

Odds: Lions -2

The Packers got their first win of the season last week but narrowly avoided the upset to the New York Jets. The run game for Detroit has struggled but at least this week will face a Green Bay run defense that only ranks 31st in the league.

The favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last four between each other, and the Packers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games facing the Lions.

Pick Against the Spread: Green Bay has not looked great, but Aaron Rodgers will have another good game, Eddie Lacy will break out and the Packers will at least cover the spread.

Baltimore Ravens (1-1) vs. Cleveland Browns (1-1)

Odds: Pick

After losing their season openers, both the Ravens and Browns were impressive in notching their first win of the season last week. Quarterback Brian Hoyer has played well in leading the Cleveland offense this season, but the D has struggled, ranking 29th against the pass and run.

The Ravens are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against the Browns in Cleveland.

Pick Against the Spread: The Browns’ offensive defense will be their downfall in this game, as the Ravens will win.

San Francisco 49ers (1-1) vs. Arizona Cardinals (2-0)

Odds: 49ers -2.5

The 49ers were shocked at home last week, giving up 21 points in the fourth quarter in their loss to the Bears. Colin Kaepernick made some big late mistakes in the game, but at least he will face an Arizona team that has struggled to defend the pass this season, even though it’s 2-0.

The 49ers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games against the Cardinals.

Pick Against the Spread: Sorry, Arizona. 3-0 is not in the cards. 49ers win and cover.

Denver Broncos (2-0) vs. Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

Odds: Seahawks -4.5

The Broncos may have a little chip on their shoulder after getting smoked in last season’s big game. Seattle was upset in its last game, and the usually stellar defense let the team down in giving up 30 points to the San Diego Chargers. Peyton Manning and the Broncos are 2-0, but they have not been overly impressive in a couple close games where they really lost steam in the second half.

The Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games, and the Seahawks are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a loss.

Pick Against the Spread: It’ll be closer than the contest in February, but at home the Seahawks will not be beat—and they will cover as well.

Chicago Bears (1-1) vs. New York Jets (1-1)

Odds: Jets -2

The Bears have to be confident after a huge road win over the 49ers last week, but they still have some issues. After two games, Matt Forte has only rushed for 103 yards and averaged just 3.6 yards per carry. The Jets came close to the upset in Green Bay, and while Geno Smith has been decent, it’s the Jets’ top-ranked rushing offense and run defense that has led the way.

The Bears are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games facing the Jets.

Pick Against the Spread: The Jets will run the ball and in turn run Chicago out of town this Monday night, winning and covering the spread.

Last Week's Picks: N/A

Season: 4-3