NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds Betting Preview

NFL Preseason Week 3’s Notables

We are into the final week of preseason and the positional battles only heat up. This is led by the quarterback duels out in Pittsburgh and Seattle just to name the two most notable teams. The NFL Preseason Week 3 odds favor both teams as star rookie Kenny Pickett will share snaps with Mitchell Trubisky, who is looking to impress in his second shot at a starting gig.

Pickett Will Not Go Quietly into The Night

Trubisky may be the starter for Pittsburgh’s season opener, but if Pickett continues to play the way he has, he may just be “the guy” sometime in the season. Following his game-winning performance against Seattle, Pickett went 6-of-7 for 76 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville. It was more memorable than Trubisky who went 5-of-8 for 60 yards.

While Mason Rudolph should still get the brunt of the snaps against Detroit, look for both Pickett and Trubisky to assert themselves with the time they get on the field. Pittsburgh is favored by 4.5 points and is 2-0 in the preseason. Detroit edged Indianapolis 27-26 last week to give head coach Dan Campbell his first preseason victory.

More Starters Playing as Matchup Odds Indicate

While Pickett and Trubisky get playing time, some teams appear to be rolling out most of their starters. Teams like Carolina, Indianapolis, and Seattle will give their starters plenty of reps. The NFL Preseason Week 3 odds favor all three of them by at least six points. Carolina, in particular, got steamed on the online sportsbook as their opener of 1.5 points ballooned to where it is now.

Baker Mayfield, who was christened as Carolina’s Week 1 starting QB, will lead the Panthers. The Seahawks will see Drew Lock and Geno Smith continue to battle it out to determine next week’s starter. Coach Pete Carroll talked favorably of the two so expect them to light up Dallas. As for the Colts, they will play many of their starters against an injury-plagued Buccaneers team. Tom Brady is unlikely to play hence why the NFL preseason betting trends are against them.

Injuries Make Positional Duels Intense

Injuries have opened plenty of spots for players to compete over. Tampa Bay lost both center Ryan Jensen and right tackle Tristan Wirfs. The All-Pros will be sorely missed as Robert Hainsey and Fred Johnson look to fill in. In Seattle, Damien Lewis injured his leg. With Greg Eiland as the only player on the roster from his position, this may open up a roster slot to play for. The Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux also sprained his MCL. This leaves Jihad Ward and Oshane Ximines as the leading candidates to replace him.

Over in the AFC, the Chargers lost rookie Isaiah Spiller to a minor injury. In the meantime, the likes of Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree III figure to move up the depth chart. Josh Palmer, who is listed as the team’s third starting receiver, has been in concussion protocol leaving the coaching staff to choose over Jalen Guyton or Joe Reed if either impresses against New Orleans this Friday.

It’s worth noting that all of these teams are listed as underdogs per the NFL Preseason Week 3 odds.

Unbeaten Coaches Lead Favorites

When there are underdogs, we look at the favorites. Of course, John Harbaugh and his Ravens are the biggest favorites as they look to extend their 22-game winning streak against the Washington Commanders. Baltimore overcame a late rally from Arizona last week while Ron Rivera is at risk of failing to win a preseason game for the first time in his coaching career.

Robert Saleh and his Jets are 2-0 this preseason and 4-0 since last year. They take on their NFC counterparts, the Giants, as three-point favorites. Josh McDaniels will also look to go 4-0 with his new team, the Raiders, as they take on his mentor, Bill Belichick, as one-point favorites. NFL preseason betting tips may tout the Patriots here as the master will school the pupil.