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NFL Week 3 Predictions by Steve Makinen

NFL expert Steve Makinen shares his top picks and forecasts for Week 3 games.

NFL Week 3 Top Picks by Steve Makinen
NFL Week 3 Top Picks by Steve Makinen

NFL Week 3 Predictions by Steve Makinen

As we dive into Week 3 of the NFL season, let's take a look at some intriguing trends and insights that could shape the outcomes of some highly anticipated matchups.

Colts vs Titans: Road Rams Dominate?

A staggering 71% of the money is on the road rams in the Colts vs Titans game, but the author's power ratings show a closer -2.8 point spread projection. The Colts' impressive 2-0 record may not accurately represent their true ability, which could make for an interesting contest.

Bengals Without Burrow: A Tough Spot Awaits

The Bengals will be without Joe Burrow for their Week 3 matchup, and the author believes this could be a challenging situation for Cincinnati. However, Jake Browning has proven capable of keeping the team afloat in Burrow's absence. The author expects a tough spot for the Bengals without their star quarterback.

Giants and Chiefs Square Off in Week 3

Both the Giants and Chiefs are 0-2 and will face each other in a Week 3 Sunday night contest. The Giants have a strong record against Kansas City, going 8-1 ATS since 1992.

Rams Face Eagles: Underdogs on the Rise?

The Rams have beaten two teams that have combined to score less than 15 points per game, but they're the underdogs in their Week 3 matchup against the Eagles, who are the defending champions and currently 2-0. Interestingly, underdogs are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 ATL-CAR divisional games.

Lions Struggle in Baltimore

The Lions have historically struggled in Baltimore, losing their last four ATS. This could be a tough spot for the Lions, especially considering their new defensive coordinator and scheme may have its hands full.

Winless Teams Shine as Underdogs

Winless teams in Week 3 are 66.1% ATS when playing as underdogs of +3.5 points or more since 2010. This trend could potentially benefit teams like the Titans, Bengals, and Giants.

Veteran Quarterbacks and Home Advantage

Veteran quarterbacks playing with their new teams at home have a 55.2% ATS record since 2010. This could be something to watch for in games featuring quarterbacks like Russell Wilson (NY Giants) and Lamar Jackson (Ravens).

NFL Teams with Explosive Offenses

NFL teams that have gained an explosive 8.75 yards per play or more in any given game have responded the next week by going 37% SU and 37% ATS in their last 48 tries. This could bode well for offenses like the Rams and Ravens.

ATS Wagers and Majority Handles

When more than 68% of the handle has been on a particular side of an ATS wager, this majority group has a 46.7% ATS record. This trend could potentially impact games like Colts vs Titans, where 71% of the money is on the road rams.

NFL Teams with Strong Home Records

The Eagles have a strong record at home, with a 26-5 overall record since 2022, and a 17-7 ATS record as a single-digit home favorite since 2021. This could be a factor in their Week 3 matchup against the Rams.

Atlanta's Struggles as Favorites

In NFL divisional games since 2012, Atlanta is 38-67 ATS as a single-digit favorite. This could be something to consider in their Week 3 matchup.

Minnesota's Success Against AFC Opponents

Minnesota is 30-17 SU and 31-14 ATS versus AFC opponents since 2014. This could potentially benefit them in their Week 3 matchup.

The Impact of NFL Teams with +25 Point Differentials

Since 2008, undefeated teams with a +25 point differential after two weeks have a 36.7% ATS record in Week 3. This could potentially affect the performance of teams like the Eagles and Rams.

Teams with Impressive Yards Per Play

Teams gaining more than 6.75 yards per play in the first two weeks have continued their impressive play in Week 3 with a record of 71.4% SU and ATS since 2015. This could potentially benefit teams like the Rams and Ravens.

The author's two-week record for NFL Best Bets stands at 6-12 ATS. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis as we delve deeper into Week 3 of the NFL season.

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