NFL Week 3 Predictions: Ranking The Top 5 Best Bets of The Week

There is never a sure thing in the world of gambling—but I’ve determined there are five spreads that stand out as the best values for Week 3:

(Spreads courtesy of Cover.com)

1.) New Orleans Saints -4 vs. Houston Texans

The Saints looked great on both sides of the ball last week and are still right there with the Packers for best team in the NFC.

The Texans beat Kerry Collins and Chad Henne, which means we don’t have a clue how good this team really is.

Take the home team with the better offense and a defense that has already improved in every aspect from Week 1 to Week 2.

Key Trends:

Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.

Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.

2.) Cincinnati Bengals -3 vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Bengals have three former 49ers on their defense (Nate Clements, Manny Lawson, Taylor Mays) and a more balanced offense.

QB Andy Dalton may only have played six quarters of football, but it’s clear he’s already a better QB than Alex Smith.

With the home crowd, a defense familiar with the 9ers tendencies, and a more balanced offense the Bengals should win by more than just a field goal.

Key Trends:

Bengals are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

49ers are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog.

3.) Minnesota Vikings +3.5 vs. Detroit Lions

The Vikings are undervalued (could easily be 2-0) and the Lions are America’s new favorite team. That gives the Vikings a ton of value, and may I remind you the Lions haven’t won at the Metrodome since 1997.

Key Trends:

Lions are 3-7-2 ATS in their last 12 meetings.

Lions are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings in Minnesota.

4.) Baltimore Ravens -4 @ St. Louis Rams

Pissed off Ravens team vs a banged up and confused Rams team.  And you only have to lay four points?

Sign me up.

Key Trend:

Ravens are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite.

5.) Carolina Panthers -3.5 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

I’m pretty sure QB Cam Newton can put up 25-30 points on a less-than-stellar Jags defense.

The real reason this should be a Panthers romp is the fact Jacksonville is starting QB Blaine Gabbert.

Key Trend:

Jaguars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.