NFL Picks 2019: 5 Best Bets Against The Spread For Week 3 Include Browns, Seahawks, Redskins

The New Orleans Saints are in trouble without Drew Brees, though the Pittsburgh Steelers might exceed expectations with Ben Roethlisberger sidelined. Philip Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers are ready to get back in the win column. The Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins might pull off upsets at home in primetime.

There’s no such thing as a “sure thing” when it comes to gambling, but here are the five best bets against the spread for Week 3 of the 2019 NFL season. These are the betting odds from the Westgate Las Vegas Super Contest.

Seattle Seahawks (-4)

The Saints’ offense won’t be nearly as effective with Brees recovering from a thumb injury. They’ll have trouble keeping pace with Russell Wilson and Seattle on the road.

Don’t expect New Orleans to score a ton of points with Teddy Bridgewater under center. He’s a significant downgrade from Brees, who just set an NFL record for completion percentage last season. Bridgewater only had a 72.2 passer rating in relief of Brees in Week 2, and he was limited to 118 passing yards when he started the 2018 regular-season finale. Wilson gives the Seahawks a major edge at the game’s most important position.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+6.5)

Despite losing Roethlisberger for the year, the Steelers might not have as sizeable of a disadvantage at quarterback against the San Francisco 49ers as some might believe. Mason Rudolph and the visiting Steelers have what it takes to challenge Jimmy Garoppolo and Co. in San Francisco.

Rudolph is an unknown, though he did play well in place of Roethlisberger with 112 passing yards and a 92.4 passer rating in the second half of last week’s contest. Garoppolo remains a question mark, no matter how much he’s getting paid, given his limited experience and uneven start to the year. T.J. Watt and Stephon Tuitt could make Garoppolo look like he did in the season opener when the signal caller threw for 166 yards and a pedestrian 80.2 passer rating.

Los Angeles Chargers (-3)

The Chargers blew so many chances to win in Week 2—missing field goals, turning the ball over at the goal line and having two touchdowns erased by penalties. Look for L.A. to clean up those mistakes and take care of business when they host the Houston Texans.

Houston still can’t protect Deshaun Watson, who has already been sacked 10 times this season. That’s going to be a problem against a defensive line that includes Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, who are playing like they are in mid-season form. The Texans are giving up an NFL-high 6.0 yards per carry. Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson have both rushed for over 100 yards on a combined 5.6 yards per carry.

Cleveland Browns (+3)

The Browns were way overvalued entering the season when they were considered to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Now that Cleveland has played poorly in two straight weeks, they actually have some value as three-point home underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Rams are on the verge of blowing an upcoming game, having survived poor offensive line play and less than spectacular performances by Jared Goff. After beating a hobbled Cam Newton and Teddy Bridgewater, L.A. will have their hands full with Baker Mayfield. The quarterback has something to prove following a lackluster start to the year. Look for him to come up big at home in front of a national TV audience. Myles Garrett and Odell Beckham have favorable matchups Sunday night.

Washington Redskins (+4)

Mitchell Trubisky shouldn’t be favored by more than a field goal on the road. The Chicago Bears were lucky to escape Denver with a two-point victory in Week 3. They might not be so fortunate when they visit Washington Monday night.

Every preseason concern regarding Trubisky appears to be warranted. The quarterback had a 62.1 passer rating in the opener with months to prepare for the Green Bay Packers at home. He wasn’t any better on 10 days' rest in Denver, where he only threw for 120 yards. Chicago’s defense could win the Bears the game, but they aren’t covering this spread without a defensive touchdown. Case Keenum is just good enough that the Redskins might stumble into their first win of the season.

Season Record: 4-6