After a strong Week 1, Week 2 was a real letdown. I finished 9-7 straight up but just 5-10 against the spread — not the rebound I needed. That drops my season straight-up record to 21-11 and ATS to 15-17. I need a bounce-back week, and I’m banking on a couple of upsets to get me back on track: I like Tampa Bay over Minnesota and Cleveland over Carolina. One poor week is enough for me.
All lines via DraftKings; times ET.
Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills (-7) — Pick: Bills 32, Chargers 23
The Chargers look disorganized at 0-2 while Buffalo has been sharp through two wins. I don’t see L.A. slowing Josh Allen, and Justin Herbert won’t be able to outduel him on the road. Bills cover.
Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns (+2.5) — Pick: Browns 23, Panthers 20
Bryce Young and the Panthers offense are clicking, but the Browns’ defense showed up in Tampa and should be strong again at home. I expect Cleveland to pull off a home upset.
New York Jets at Detroit Lions (-6.5) — Pick: Lions 28, Jets 23
Aaron Glenn returns to Detroit as the Jets’ head coach, and while New York’s defense has improved, matching the Lions’ offense is a tall task. Detroit should use its extra rest and take a close one.
Houston Texans (-3) at Indianapolis Colts — Pick: Texans 31, Colts 20
Both teams are desperate after 0-2 starts. The Colts’ defense has been shaky, and while Houston’s unit hasn’t impressed, I think the Texans’ offense wakes up enough to get their first win.
Kansas City Chiefs (-11.5) at Miami Dolphins — Pick: Chiefs 28, Dolphins 10
Kansas City travels for the first time this season, but the talent gap is big. Miami is rotating young players and appears to be in a longer rebuild — expect Patrick Mahomes to have a big day.
Tennessee Titans at New York Giants (-3) — Pick: Giants 23, Titans 14
The Titans face their first road test at 0-2. With Jaxson Dart sidelined, Jameis Winston will start for the Giants; he didn’t shine in relief, but the Giants should rally and win at home.
Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers — Pick: Bengals 23, Steelers 13
Cincy’s defense looked excellent last week and should contain an offense that’s struggled in Pittsburgh. Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense should be stronger and push them to 3-0.
Seattle Seahawks (-7) at Washington Commanders — Pick: Seahawks 24, Commanders 13
With Jayden Daniels out and Washington turning to Marcus Mariota, Seattle’s defense has an easier assignment. Drew Lock played well last week, and I expect the Seahawks to cruise.
New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) — Pick: Jaguars 21, Patriots 16
This is an important matchup for both squads. New England’s offense still looks shaky; Jacksonville should grind out a lower-scoring win and get back on track.
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers (-8.5) — Pick: 49ers 30, Cardinals 17
San Francisco has been dominant through two games and is a major test for a young Cardinals team that struggled on offense last week. Brock Purdy should outplay Jacoby Brissett in a convincing 49ers win.
Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1.5) — Pick: Bucs 21, Vikings 20
Minnesota is undefeated, but Tampa Bay’s defense can make this a tight game after a disappointing offensive outing versus the Browns. The Bucs’ defense should step up and eke out a home victory.
Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) at Dallas Cowboys (Brazil) — Pick: Ravens 33, Cowboys 30
Lamar Jackson vs. Dak Prescott is one of the week’s marquee matchups. After a rough home loss, I think Jackson bounces back in a high-scoring shootout — expect lots of points.
Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints (-3) — Pick: Saints 21, Raiders 14
The Raiders have started well at 2-0, but the Saints open their home slate and Tyler Shough should have another solid performance. I like New Orleans in their home debut.
Los Angeles Rams (-2.5) at Denver Broncos — Pick: Rams 30, Broncos 23
Two quality teams clash, but I favor the Rams despite the short week and travel. Stafford and L.A.’s offense should outpace Denver in a competitive game.
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears — Pick: Eagles 27, Bears 13
Chicago may be without Caleb Williams and potentially Tyson Bagent, which could force Case Keenum to start and hamper the Bears’ offense. Philly’s defense should control the line of scrimmage and let Jalen Hurts steer a comfortable road win.
Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers (-5.5) — Pick: Packers 27, Falcons 17
Michael Penix returns to quarterback the Falcons, which they desperately need. Green Bay’s defense rallied last week and should hold up again while Jordan Love gets the offense going.
Fan Take: These Week 3 outcomes could set early-season narratives — momentum swings now matter and shaky teams face mounting pressure. For fans, the matchups highlight how quickly team trajectories can change, influencing playoff races and how front offices evaluate coaches and rosters.
Source: www.cbssports.com
