NFL Week 3 Picks Against The Spread 2021: Predictions ATS, Betting Odds, Matchups

In each of the first two weeks of the 2021 NFL season, underdogs have had a winning record against the spread. Will that trend continue in Week 3 with half the games featuring a betting line of more than five points?

Here are picks against the spread for every game in Week 3, as well as updated betting odds. Betting lines come from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Carolina Panthers (-7.5) at Houston Texans

The Panthers should win this game with Davis Mills likely replacing the injured Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, but the Texans have shown they can be feisty. Houston is 2-0 against the spread, even putting up a fight in Cleveland. Carolina hasn’t been tested yet.

Prediction ATS: Houston

Indianapolis Colts (+5.5) at Tennessee Titans

Indianapolis’ quarterback will either be Carson Wentz recovering from two sprained ankles or Jacob Eason in his first-ever start. Neither choice is a great option for an offense that ranks 23rd in yards per play. The Titans could start to pull away from the rest of the AFC South early in the season.

Prediction ATS: Tennessee

Arizona Cardinals (-7.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville is on a 17-game losing streak. Trevor Lawrence has completed just 50% of his passes in double-digit losses to Houston and Denver. The Jaguars have little chance of slowing down Kyler Murray.

Prediction ATS: Arizona

New Orleans Saints (+3) at New England Patriots

It’s hard to know what to make of the Saints after they blew out the Packers but weren’t competitive in Carolina. New England’s defense is the best unit in this game. Bill Belichick can confuse Jameis Winston, who returned to his old ways with a couple of bad interceptions in Week 2.

Prediction ATS: New England

Los Angeles Chargers (+6.5) at Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs keep letting teams hang around, going 1-11-1 against the spread in their last 13 games. Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offense is good enough to put up points and make this interesting. Kansas City has given up more total yards than anyone through two weeks.

Prediction ATS: Los Angeles

Atlanta Falcons (+3) at New York Giants

The Giants look like the same team that’s missed the playoffs in four straight years. New York doesn’t have a discernible edge over the Falcons. Atlanta should be able to move the ball against a Giants’ defense that is 24th in opponents’ yards per play.

Prediction ATS: Atlanta

Washington Football Team (+8.5) at Buffalo Bills

Washington can keep this a one-score game and make Buffalo sweat. Josh Allen hasn’t played great football, completing 56% of his passes on 5.3 yards per attempt. Taylor Heinicke has thrown for over 300 yards in each of his last two starts.

Prediction ATS: Washington

Chicago Bears (+7.5) at Cleveland Browns

The Browns could have trouble running away with this one. Jarvis Landry is out with an injury and Odell Beckahm still hasn’t played since tearing his ACL in the middle of last season. Cleveland can control the game with their rushing attack and win a somewhat low-scoring game.

Prediction ATS: Chicago

Cincinnati Bengals (+4.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh offense have been mediocre since last season, and that likely will be the case for the rest of 2021. Devin Bush and Joe Haden missed Week 2, while T.J. Watt suffered a groin injury and could sit Sunday. The Steelers are vulnerable for an upset if their defense doesn’t get healthy.

Prediction ATS: Cincinnati

Baltimore Ravens (-7.5) at Detroit Lions

Baltimore usually blows out very bad teams. Ending last season with four of their last five games against opponents that missed the playoffs, the Ravens won every matchup by at least two touchdowns with an average margin of victory of 20.5 points. Detroit has given up 76 points in two games.

Prediction ATS: Baltimore

Seattle Seahawks (-1.5) at Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota and Seattle both blew games they should’ve won in Week 2. They’ve got explosive offenses that could put up a ton of points Sunday. The Vikings are one of the NFL’s best home teams, making them the right pick as they play in front of Minnesota fans for the first time in two seasons.

Prediction ATS: Minnesota

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1.5) at Los Angeles Rams

How can you bet against the Bucs when they are getting points? Including last season’s Super Bowl run, Tampa Bay has won nine straight games while scoring at least 30 points in each contest. Los Angeles’ defense hasn’t been overly impressive against a pair of mediocre quarterbacks. Tom Brady already has nine touchdown passes.

Prediction ATS: Tampa Bay

New York Jets (+10.5) at Denver Broncos

As well as Teddy Bridgewater has played to start his Broncos’ career, Denver’s offense isn't built to keep blowing teams out, especially with Jerry Jeudy sidelined. New York’s defense has impressed, ranking 10th in opponents' yards per play. This could be similar to Week 1 when the Jets lost 19-14 on the road in a one-sided game.

Prediction ATS: New York

Miami Dolphins (+3.5) at Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders always seem to disappoint just when they start to look like playoff contenders. Let’s see Las Vegas’ defense have another good week before declaring it much better than in previous seasons. Miami’s defense makes enough plays to keep this close.

Prediction ATS: Miami

Green Bay Packers (+3.5) at San Francisco 49ers

Getting more than a field goal, the Packers are the best bet in San Francisco. There’s not enough evidence through two weeks to show that the 49ers are the better team. Aaron Rodgers is still a much better quarterback than Jimmy Garoppolo, and Davante Adams could have a big night against San Francisco’s secondary.

Prediction ATS: Green Bay

Philadelphia Eagles (+3.5) at Dallas Cowboys

Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia’s offense came crashing back down to earth with just 11 points in Week 2. Dallas is the best team in the NFC East. The Cowboys have what it takes to outscore every divisional opponent, decisively.

Prediction ATS: Dallas

Season Record: 15-16-1