2025 NFL Week 3 Expert Picks
Week 3 of the NFL slate could feature up to five backup quarterbacks, with two set to face off in one matchup. Our betting crew will help you navigate through the unknowns and uncertainties.
Bleacher Report's expert panel, which includes analysts Gary Davenport, Brad Gagnon, Kris Knox, Moe Moton and Brent Sobleski, along with editors Wes O'Donnell and Ian Hanford had a solid Week 2. Five of them finished above .500 with their picks. Knox led the group at 12-4.
Now, we turn the page to the upcoming games. Our panel unanimously sided with two road teams. Four of our experts have lone-wolf picks.
Check out the expert standings against the spread, followed by our Week 3 picks.
ATS Standings
1. Knox: 18-14
T-2. Hanford: 17-15
T-2. Moton: 17-15
4. Sobleski: 16-16
5. Davenport: 15-17
6. Gagnon: 14-18
7. O'Donnell: 12-20
Lone Wolf Picks: 5-2
Lines are from DraftKings as of Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. ET. Check DraftKings for the latest odds info. Information on public betting trends is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.
Miami Dolphins (0-2) at Buffalo Bills (2-0)
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Gagnon: Bills (-12.5)
The Bills destroyed the Dolphins on a Thursday night in Miami last September. This time around, the Dolphins are in much worse shape, and the game is in Orchard Park. Let's not overthink this.
Moton: Dolphins (+12.5)
The Dolphins are a tough side to make a case for, given their lopsided loss in Week 1 and the dreaded players-only meeting that preceded a slow start last week.
However, the Dolphins showed some fight against the New England Patriots in Week 2. They erased a 12-point first-quarter deficit and took the lead midway through the fourth quarter of that game. If Miami plays with an ounce of pride against another division foe on a short week, it should be able to cover this massive line.
Predictions
Dolphins: Moton
Bills: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Green Bay Packers (2-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-2)
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Moton: Packers (-8.5)
It's a clean sweep across the panel in favor of the Green Bay Packers. Coming off a Week 2 victory over the Washington Commanders last Thursday, the Packers had extra time to prepare for an offensively inept Cleveland Browns squad that didn't score more than 17 points in either of its games. Meanwhile, Green Bay hasn't given up more than 18 points in either of its outings.
Rookie second-rounder Quinshon Judkins will provide a boost to the Browns' ground game, but it won't be enough for the team to cover this spread. The Packers' Super Bowl buzz will grow with another blowout victory.
Sobleski: Packers (-8.5)
Two excellent defenses will be on the field Sunday when the Cleveland Browns meet the Green Bay Packers. However, only one good offense will play as well. Offensively, the Browns simply aren't good enough to hold up against the Packers' ferocious front. Right tackle Jack Conklin continues to deal with an elbow injury, and left tackle Dawand Jones is inconsistent. To make matters worse, the 40-year-old Joe Flacco isn't exactly nimble. Thus, expect a big day from Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary, as the Packers wreck the Browns.
Predictions
Packers: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Los Angeles Rams (2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)
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Knox: Rams (+3.5)
The Rams came extremely close to knocking off the Eagles in the postseason last year, and I believe that L.A. has a better team now. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will test Philly's revamped secondary, and the Rams' defensive front will make it difficult for the Eagles to rely on the ground game. The Eagles' adjustment to new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo could create just enough hiccups for the Rams to even escape with a win.
O'Donnell: Eagles (-3.5)
This game would typically scream "Rams" for me, but what I typically do ain't been working. I also hate this being the second of back-to-back East Coast road games for L.A. Philly has several things to figure out, but the club is still unbeaten and coming back home off a Super Bowl rematch. I expect most of the panel—which, as a group, typically likes the Rams—hates this hook and sees a potential letdown here. I'll lay the points in belief that even a one-score game will require a touchdown.
Predictions
Rams: Hanford, Knox, Moton, Sobleski
Eagles: Davenport, Gagnon, O'Donnell
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at New England Patriots (1-1)
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Davenport: Patriots (+1.5)
This game is about as appealing as convenience store tuna salad sandwiches—you know you're going to pay for it in a few hours, but ya gotta eat. Don't trust either team on offense or defense. Both are headed for also-ran status. So, it's the home underdog—and pass the Mylanta.
Hanford: Steelers (-1.5)
Steelers-Patriots usually sounds like a low-scoring game that everyone dreads watching, but Pittsburgh's defense has been dreadful this year, and New England just gave up 27 points to the Miami Dolphins. Teryl Austin's defense won't have an easier time against Drake Maye, who is coming off an excellent Week 2 performance, but I like Aaron Rodgers to make a few more plays than his young counterpart to give the Steelers a three-point win in a shootout.
Predictions
Steelers: Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell
Patriots: Davenport, Gagnon, Sobleski
Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) at Washington Commanders (1-1)
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Hanford: Commanders (-3.5)
Geno Smith and Las Vegas had a performance they'd like to forget against the Chargers on MNF, and now they're making a trip to the East Coast on a short week. Jayden Daniels' status is up in the air, but Marcus Mariota played well in two spot-starts last year, scoring five total touchdowns and avoiding turnovers. It won't be easy for the Commanders if Daniels can't go, and the hook worries me here, but give me Washington 20-16.
Moton: Raiders (+3.5)
As of Wednesday, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn hasn't given a definitive word on quarterback Jayden Daniels' status. Even if the Pro Bowl signal-caller suits up, he'll likely play at less than 100 percent due to a knee sprain.
In Week 7 of the previous season, Daniels suffered a rib injury, and his passing numbers were pedestrian compared to his pre-injury production. Between Weeks 8 and 11 of that campaign, he threw for four touchdowns and an interception while completing less than 56 percent of his attempts in two of those contests.
With a knee injury, Daniels will be less dynamic against a defense with six sacks in two games. His backup, Marcus Mariota, would also need to handle pocket pressure behind a shaky offensive line. The Raiders keep the score margin within a field goal or win outright.
Predictions
Raiders: Davenport, Gagnon, Moton, O'Donnell
Commanders: Hanford, Knox, Sobleski
New York Jets (0-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
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Davenport: Jets (+7)
Breaking news: Tyrod Taylor is an undiscovered gem. Sure, he's been kicking around the NFL for 15 years. Yes, he has played for seven teams. But the 36-year-old has been biding his time. Waiting for the ideal moment to unleash his greatness on an unsuspecting opponent. Sunday is that day. Or it could just be a big spread for a Tampa team that has needed all four quarters in both games this season.
O'Donnell: Buccaneers (-7)
The course correction is in full swing. I'll take my flogging and my seat on the oar deck of Baker's ship. While I expect the Jets (without Fields) to be more competitive than they were at home against the Bills a week ago, the Bucs have a tendency to beat teams they should beat by double digits at home. Their average margin of victory at home was more than two touchdowns a season ago, and this, being Tampa's home opener, has me feeling comfortable with laying these down.
Predictions
Jets: Davenport, Gagnon
Buccaneers: Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Indianapolis Colts (2-0) at Tennessee Titans (0-2)
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Gagnon: Titans (+3)
These teams have played four consecutive one-score games against each other, and I expect this to be close as well. Now on the road for the first time this season, I don't trust the Colts to easily start 3-0. Excluding a four-game win streak split by a bye week in 2023, they haven't won in three consecutive weeks since 2021.
Sobleski: Colts (-3)
Everyone wants to pump the brakes on the Indianapolis Colts' early-season success, particularly regarding an offense led by Daniel Jones. But this week may not be the right week to bet against them, with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo likely to have rookie quarterback Cam Ward's head spinning with all the different looks Indianapolis will present on defense.
Ward is going to make mistakes because he won't be able to trust his eyes. Meanwhile, Jones and Co. might not play as well, but the offense has more than enough firepower to push Indy toward a 3-0 start.
Predictions
Colts: Davenport, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Titans: Gagnon
Atlanta Falcons (1-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-2)
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Davenport: Panthers (+5.5)
For the record, any advice offered by this guy regarding the Atlanta Falcons or Tennessee Titans should immediately be Costanza'd. But this is a big spread to lay on the road for a Falcons team that might be good. Barring a slew of turnovers or Bryce Young becoming an NFL quarterback, Atlanta's ground game should overwhelm Carolina. But the backdoor cover looms.
Hanford: Falcons (-5.5)
Michael Penix Jr. has to get this offense going at some point, right? Carolina should come out fired up for its home opener, but Bryce Young has struggled to start the season, and a home crowd isn't going to fix that.
The Falcons seem to have (finally) found their pass rush in rookies James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker, and they've only allowed 325 passing yards through two weeks. Young's struggles continue, the seat gets hotter for Dave Canales and this is the week fantasy managers stop regretting making Drake London a priority as Penix finds him for a TD.
Predictions
Falcons: Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell
Panthers: Davenport, Sobleski
Houston Texans (0-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)
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Knox: Texans (+1.5)
It's time to ponder whether the Texans actually peaked during C.J. Stroud's rookie season. He hasn't looked like the same decisive signal-caller in roughly a year, and there are legitimate concerns elsewhere on the roster. The line remains a work in progress, as does the new-look receiving corps. The defense has shown a real vulnerability against the run. Houston is desperate, though, and its pass rush is scary good. Unfortunately for the Jags, Trevor Lawrence is still closer to Caleb Williams than Baker Mayfield.
Sobleski Jaguars (-1.5)
Understandably, the Jacksonville Jaguars are not receiving a lot of trust, especially after last weekend's Cincinnati Bengals comeback victory. However, the Houston Texans offense is a mess right now because the unit is not set along its offensive line.
The Jaguars have the talent along their defensive line to make life miserable for quarterback C.J. Stroud, who might face another week of consistently checking down in order to get something going in the passing game. While the Texans also feature strong pass-rush bookends, Trevor Lawrence can't wait any longer to really get on the same page with Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter. It should be an emphasis to get Jacksonville's offense going.
Predictions
Texans: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell
Jaguars: Sobleski
Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (1-1)
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Davenport: Bengals (+3)
How can we, as mere mortals, even begin to comprehend a titanic quarterback battle like Jake "Golden" Browning vs. Carson "Damn You Nick Foles" Wentz? The third-stringers for both teams are in play here—both offensive lines are lousy. Neither defense can cover a wall with paint. This has a "Week 3's zaniest, highlight-filled, Giants/Cowboys last week game" vibe written all over it. Settle in with some nachos and a beverage and take the points.
Knox: Vikings (-3)
In a battle between terrific skill groups and backup quarterbacks, I'm inclined to favor the home team. While I actually trust Jake Browning more than Carson Wentz at this point, I also have no faith in Zac Taylor's desire to establish the run. The best way to attack Brian Flores' defense is on the ground, and I expect the Bengals to coach their way out of a winnable road game.
Predictions
Bengals: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Vikings: Knox, Moton
New Orleans Saints (0-2) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1)
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Gagnon: Saints (+7.5)
The Saints are not good, but they've played two one-score games out of the gate. Seattle is 1-7 straight-up and 1-6-1 ATS at home dating back to the start of last October. No way I'm laying those points.
Moton: Seahawks (-7.5)
This is a tricky call because the Seahawks have a divisional road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on a short week next Thursday. They could take their foot off the gas pedal to avoid overexerting guys on a short turnaround, which leaves the back door open for a Saints cover.
That said, the Saints will play in their first road game of the season. In three career away games, Spencer Rattler has completed just 55 percent of his passes. Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald is one of the league's best defensive play-callers, and his offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, held the same position with New Orleans last season, so he knows the Saints' personnel.
The Seahawks cruise to a double-digit win at home.
Predictions
Saints: Gagnon, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Seahawks: Davenport, Hanford, Knox, Moton
Denver Broncos (1-1) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)
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Davenport: Broncos (+2.5)
Two weeks into the season, the Chargers look like the best team in the AFC West of Buffalo. But just about every team in the AFC is west of Buffalo, and no one is running away with the AFC West. Denver's defense is better than it looked in Indy. The Broncos are going to run the ball more than Vegas did a week ago. And it's the Chargers, who hate success more than any team in the league. Like sunlight and vampires. Broncos win outright in a nailbiter.
Hanford: Chargers (-2.5)
I'm buying the Chargers after two weeks. Yes, I know they tend to do this every year before a string of inexplicable bad fortune and blunders hit, but they look strong and have a chance to grab an early hold on the AFC West in this one.
Justin Herbert is in command of the (pass first?) Greg Roman offense. The defense plays fast and aggressively, which could make it difficult for Bo Nix to navigate. And Denver's defense looked beatable last week against Daniel Jones and the Colts. Give me the home team by a field goal, but it wouldn't stun me if the Chargers won by a bit more.
Predictions
Broncos: Davenport
Chargers: Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, Sobleski, O'Donnell
Dallas Cowboys (1-1) at Chicago Bears (0-2)
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Moton: Cowboys (+1.5)
Surprisingly, the panel is all on one side for essentially a pick 'em game. Usually, that should make you nervous, but the Dallas Cowboys have the superior offense with quarterback Dak Prescott throwing to wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Meanwhile, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is still trying to figure things out in head coach Ben Johnson's system. Jaylon Johnson is out indefinitely due to a groin injury, meaning the Bears' 32nd-ranked pass defense will be without its top cornerback to cover Lamb.
Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will get revenge on the team that fired him in November of last year.
O'Donnell: Cowboys (+1.5)
We're all on the Cowboys. That's probably a mistake, but clearly the Bears need to prove some things before we buy into them—if, at all. The Dallas defense leaves a lot to be desired, and this could be another surprise shootout in the making, like last week's OT thriller between the Giants and Cowboys. I'll take the points and the more experienced difference makers in this setting until the Bears prove otherwise.
Predictions
Cowboys: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, Sobleski, O'Donnell
Arizona Cardinals (2-0) at San Francisco 49ers (2-0)
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Gagnon: Cardinals (+1.5)
The Cards went 2-0 against beat-up San Francisco last season. Why shouldn't we expect the same against once-again beat-up San Francisco this year? Arizona is simply the better team with injuries taken into consideration right now, and the 49ers are just 4-8 ATS in their last 12 home games.
Hanford: 49ers (-1.5)
I don't trust the San Francisco offense at all, but I do trust its defense way more than I trust Kyler Murray and the inconsistent Cardinals' offense at the moment. In fact, I might trust Mac Jones in this matchup more than I trust Kyler Murray. I can't believe I just said that.
Jones played well in Week 2, and while Arizona's defense is better than New Orleans', I can't stop replaying Kyler Murray's red-zone interception last week in my head every time I want to back Arizona. I like Robert Saleh's defense to make things difficult for a Cardinals' offense still trying to find consistency, and Jones to play well enough to give the 49ers a win in their home opener.
Predictions
Cardinals: Gagnon, Sobleski
49ers: Davenport, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell
Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at New York Giants (0-2)
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O'Donnell: Chiefs (-6.5)
The Chiefs are 0-2. They won't fall to 0-3. The Giants have looked like two completely different teams in their outings thus far. That probably doesn't matter here against a team with Super Bowl aspirations backed into a corner. This spread falls right in line with the type of victories we grew accustomed to seeing from K.C. last season, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Chiefs cover easily against a Giants team not well-equipped to give strong back-to-back performances.
Sobleski: Giants (+6.5)
The New York Giants aren't good. But they showed last week against the rival Dallas Cowboys that they're good enough to keep a game close. As it turns out, Russell Wilson isn't completely cooked. Really, this selection is purely about the point spread, with some confidence in the Giants being able to move the ball while the Kansas City Chiefs flounder a bit compared to their normal standard. The Chiefs can finally get their first win of the season, but no one should expect it to be easy.
Predictions
Chiefs: Davenport, Gagnon, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell
Giants: Hanford, Sobleski
Detroit Lions (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
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Knox: Ravens (-4.5)
I don't believe that Baltimore's roster is that much better than Detroit's. However, I do think we'll see some of the growing pains the Lions showed sans Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn in Week 1. Beating up on Johnson and the Bears provided the Lions with a get-right game, but, schematically, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are a very different and less-familiar challenge. The last time the Lions beat Baltimore, Joey Harrington and Anthony Wright were the starting quarterbacks.
Baltimore's defensive injuries should make this a very close contest, but I expect a back-and-forth battle with the Lions making just a few more mistakes and the Ravens winning on a walk-off touchdown.
O'Donnell: Lions (+4.5)
This should be a great game. The Ravens are the better overall football team, but they're well-documented fourth-quarter choke artists. Even if they don't blow it, they're incredibly susceptible to allowing a backdoor cover to a Lions offense that can score very quickly when needed. And if it's going the other way, I'd rather have the safety of the points should Baltimore have the ball last.
Predictions
Lions: Davenport, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Ravens: Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton
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