Last week wasn’t fantastic as you’ll see below with my record. Again, the Titans, Redskins and Dolphins got the best of me. I’m ready to bounce back and in what will likely be the highest scoring week of the season. There are four game totals exceeding the 50-point mark which is what us fantasy enthusiasts want. I’m using the most recent lines leading up to Thursday Night kickoff, but keeping an eye on line movement. There’s no line in Jacksonville yet as the Titans are waiting to announce their starting QB. I don’t think it really matters as they’ll be in tough against that defense regardless of who is under center.
We’ll keep track of all my picks throughout the season, including my losses! Over time, we’ll find out if you should back me or straight up fade me. Send your complaints to @chrismeaney.
Last week:
SU: 6-9-1
AS: 7-9
O/U: 8-8
Season total:
SU: 15-15-2
AS: 17-15
O/U: 16-15
Week 3 NFL Picks
New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns -3 (41)
SU: Cleveland
AS: Cleveland
O/U: Under
The first overall pick this past season in Baker Mayfield is sitting on the sidelines watching the third overall pick in Sam Darnold, make his third NFL start. The Browns are winless to start the season, which is no surprise, but this team could easily be 2-0 if they had a kicker. The defense looks solid. Give me the Browns at home.
Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings -16.5 (40.5)
SU: Minnesota
AS: Minnesota
O/U: Over
The Bills have shown nothing offensively or defensively. It’s just a matter of the Vikings covering the big spread and if they’ll hit the 34 point mark. If they do, this game could still go under the number.
Green Bay Packers -3 @ Washington Redskins (45.5)
SU: Green Bay
AS: Green Bay
O/U: Over
Washington has allowed a league-best 494 yards in their two games, but Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are a much different beast. Even with Rodgers not being 100 percent.
Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens -5.5 (44.5)
SU: Baltimore
AS: Denver
O/U: Under
The Ravens let us down last week, but they are back home this week. The spread is a tad high as I expect this game to be close throughout.
Indianapolis Colts @ Philadelphia Eagles -6.5 (47.5)
SU: Philadelphia
AS: Indianapolis
O/U: Under
Carson Wentz is set to make his 2018 debut, while his offensive coordinator last season in Frank Reich, will be making his return to Philly. There are a ton of questionable players in this game, so keep an eye on it from a fantasy standpoint. Don’t be surprised if this game is closer than you think. There could be some rust on Wentz’s part, and the Eagles secondary has not looked great so far.
San Francisco 49ers @ Kansas City Chiefs -6.5 (55.5)
SU: Kansas City
AS: San Francisco
O/U: Over
This is the highest total of the season and it’s hard not to take the over. Patrick Mahomes has a ridiculous 10 touchdowns so far and his defense has allowed the most yards.
New York Giants @ Houston Texans -6 (42)
SU: Houston
AS: New York
O/U: Over
Deshaun Watson looked a bit better last week throwing for over 300 yards, while providing fantasy owners a few rushing yards along the way. Look for Odell Beckham Jr. to bounce back and keep this game close. Texans wins their home opener.
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons -3 (53.5)
SU: Atlanta
AS: Atlanta
O/U: Under
Atlanta beat New Orleans twice last season, and both games checked in at under 40 points. That was when the Saints’ defense was good. It hasn’t looked that way yet.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Carolina Panthers -3 (43.5)
SU: Carolina
AS: Carolina
O/U: Under
Cam Newton was very good last week in Atlanta and returns home to take on a 2-0 Bengals team. Cincinnati has allowed the third most passing yard and fifth most yards overall. They’ve also struggled against running backs over the past couple seasons.
Oakland Raiders @ Miami Dolphins -3 (44.5)
SU: Miami
AS: Miami
O/U: Under
I’ve already picked against the Dolphins twice this season, so I’ll lean Miami at home against the Raiders. Kenyan Drake has DFS sleeper written all over him this week. Interested to see if Amari Cooper can follow up last week’s solid game.
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
SU: Jacksonville
AS:
O/U:
The only way I won’t pick the Jags on the spread, is if it’s 14 points. Don’t forget the Titans won both of their games against the Jags last season. Jacksonville looked like Super Bowl contenders at home against the Patriots last week. Marcus Mariota and Blaine Gabbret are much worse than Tom Brady.
Los Angles Chargers @ Los Angeles Rams -7 (48)
SU: Rams
AS: Rams
O/U: Over
The battle of Los Angeles! I had this game circled on the calendar weeks ago, but the Chargers have lost a few pieces which has hurt their overall outlook. Even still, I feel like they can hang with the Rams for the most part. Love both running backs in this game.
Dallas Cowboys @ Seattle Seahawks -1.5 (41.5)
SU: Seattle
AS: Seattle
O/U: Under
The Dallas Cowboys have played in two unders so far, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. This team wants to play slow and run the ball with Ezekiel Elliott. Don’t be surprised if it’s a pick em’ by the time Sunday comes around. I’ll take Russell Wilson in the home opener, but things look awful in Seattle.
Chicago Bears -5.5 @ Arizona Cardinals (38)
SU: Chicago
AS: Chicago
O/U: Under
Arizona ranks last in yards, passing yards, yards per play and points. They ran one play in the offensive zone last week and have only ran eight plays in the red zone this season. Then you’ve got the Bears who lead the league in sacks with 10.
New England Patriots -6.5 @ Detroit Lions (53.5)
SU: New England
AS: New England
O/U: Over
Matt Patricia is going to be reminded quickly of how fortunate it was to have an offense led by Tom Brady. His defense has not looked great in Detroit. Expect a shootout, but give me the Patriots by a TD.
Pittsburgh Steelers -1.5 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (53.5)
SU: Pittsburgh
AS: Pittsburgh
O/U: Over
These two teams rank first and second in offense this season. It’s actually Tampa Bay who leads in yards and passing yards so far. Ryan Fitzpatrick has four touchdowns and 400 passing yards in each of his two games. Much has been made of Ben Roethlisberger’s offensive numbers on the road, but I’ll lean the more desperate team in PIT.
Like these Week 3 NFL Picks? Get more Chris Meaney on his new podcast, By Any Means. Each week he’ll bring in guests from around the industry to break down all the fantasy news you need to know for your march to the championship.