NFL Picks Week 3: 10 Underdogs Who Will Cover the Spread

The NFL season is still early, so it is difficult to predict what will happen each week.

Few would have expected the Baltimore Ravens and the Chicago Bears, who both won big on opening day, to be as thoroughly dominated as they were in Week 2. And it is even harder to forecast what will happen this week after star quarterbacks Tony Romo and Michael Vick sustained injuries.

Here are ten underdogs who will cover the spread in week three.

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys (-5.5)

The Dallas Cowboys may be favored to beat the upstart Washington Redskins, but the ‘boys will be in trouble if the injuries quarterback Tony Romo sustained last week continue to bother him. Romo is dealing with a punctured lung and a cracked rib.

Games between the Redskins and Cowboys are usually tight, and this game should be no exception. Dallas’ defense has been strong during the first two games, and they will make things difficult for Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman.

The Redskins’ defense may give up significant yardage but they don’t allow many points. Their balanced offense and capable defense should at least cover the spread, and probably win the game if Romo is out.

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-5.5)

The Eagles will have a difficult time covering the spread against the Giants if quarterback Michael Vick cannot start this weekend. Vick, who suffered a concussion against the Atlanta Falcons, has not yet been cleared to play, and head coach Andy Reid has hinted that he might not even practice this week.

Without Vick, the Eagles would likely have to play third-string rookie quarterback Mike Kafka as backup if Vince Young continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

The Giants’ pass defense has been bad during the first two games, but they will look much better if the Eagles have to start Kafka. Expect a typical, close NFC East matchup even if Vick plays.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Carolina Panthers (-3.5)

Do not expect the quarterback play to go smoothly in this matchup of the two expansion teams from 1995.

Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton has thrown for 854 yards, but he has also thrown four interceptions. Jaguars quarterback Luke McCown looked awful against the New York Jets, throwing four interceptions and registering a 1.8 quarterback rating.

The Jaguars’ pass defense has been average but could create problems for Newton. It is only a matter of time before the underdeveloped Newton gets exposed, and this game could do just that. Expect a sloppy game and possibly a Jaguars win.

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1.5)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan came to life during the team’s comeback victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he should be able to build off of that success against a weak Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass defense.

Falcons running back Michael Turner could have a big day against the Buccaneers, who have given up 312 rushing yards this season. Also look for Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez to help Ryan lead the Falcons to an upset victory.

New England Patriots (-9) at Buffalo Bills

This could be the highest-scoring contest of Week 7.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has already thrown for 940 yards and seven touchdowns in this season, while Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has also thrown seven touchdowns.

Neither teams have great defenses, but both have explosive offenses that should put up big numbers on Sunday. Expect the Patriots to win, but don’t be surprised if the Bills keep this game close.

San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5)

It may be early in the season, but so far the 1-1 Cincinnati Bengals have looked better than most had expected. Quarterback Andy Dalton was impressive in his first two outings and nearly led the Bengals to a comeback win against the Broncos on Sunday.

The San Francisco 49ers’ offense has not been great, but there is enough talent on their roster to put up good numbers against the Bengals.

Expect Cincinnati to look as bad as most had predicted them to be as the 49ers will upset the Bengals.

Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) at St. Louis Rams

After dominating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, the Baltimore Ravens were thoroughly outplayed against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.

The St. Louis Rams, on the other hand, have shown flashes of good play during the first two games, but have yet to win.

The Rams will have to rely on quarterback Sam Bradford’s arm to carry them against the Ravens, who will bring a heavy pass rush against the young quarterback. But if Bradford can find his receivers, the Ravens will have a hard time winning this game.

Green Bay Packers (-3.5) at Chicago Bears

This game between two of the NFL’s oldest teams should be another classic.

Week 2 was a rough one for the Chicago Bears, who got blasted by the New Orleans Saints while linebacker Brian Urlacher played despite losing his mother earlier in the week. Week 2 was more of the same for the Green Bay Packers, who scored and allowed plenty of points.

The Bears have revenge on their mind after they were defeated by the eventual Super Bowl champion Packers in last season’s NFC Championship game. Expect this to be a close game and don’t be surprised if the Packers’ offense has trouble moving against the Bears.

Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints (-4)

In what could be one of the more exciting contests of week three, the stellar defense of the Houston Texans faces off against the New Orleans Saints and their offensive juggernaut.

The Texans have the type of front seven that can make things tough for Saints quarterback Drew Brees. And although the Texans don’t have a great offense, they are capable of moving the ball with a balanced attack.

Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans (-7)

The Tennessee Titans shocked the favored Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 as quarterback Matt Hasselbeck turned back the clock and threw for 358 yards.

Hasselbeck could have another big day through the air against Denver’s suspect pass defense, but expect this game to be another close game for the Broncos. Tennessee should win, but nobody knows how good the Titans really are now that former coach Jeff Fisher is gone.