NFL Office Pool Selections for Week 3

This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.

Taking on an entire season of against-the-spread predictions is no small feat, especially with nearly 90% of the regular season left to navigate. It won’t just be a single fortunate win or loss that shapes your standing in the office pool; it’s about achieving consistent, positive outcomes throughout the 18-week season. In the previous week, we managed a 9-7 record against the spread, bringing our season total to 14-18. We’re on the right path to overcome our rocky start in Week 1 and inch closer to last season’s impressive 142-125-5 record. Favorites had another strong showing in Week 2, finishing 11-5 straight up and 9-7 against the spread. Now that the lines for Week 3 have been released, let’s dive in.

Buffalo Bills (-11.5) Over Miami Dolphins

This matchup might just be the largest disparity in the NFL right now. The Bills are thriving on both offense and defense, while the Dolphins are struggling significantly. We’ve witnessed major blowouts before on Thursday nights, but this one could be unprecedented. Expect Josh Allen to sit out the fourth quarter once the Bills establish a 30+ point lead. Bills 41, Dolphins 10

Washington Commanders (-3.5) Over Las Vegas Raiders

The injury concern around Jayden Daniels has caused this line to drop from 6 points to 3.5. Daniels remains questionable for Week 3, but even if he doesn’t play, Marcus Mariota is more than capable of leading the Commanders to a victory and cover. The Raiders possess a mediocre defense and an unpredictable Geno Smith on offense, leaving much to be desired on their road trip. Washington has playoff aspirations and will triumph regardless of who starts at quarterback. Commanders 24, Raiders 17

Carolina Panthers (+5.5) Over Atlanta Falcons

While the Falcons steamrolled over the Vikings on Monday night, this spread feels excessive for this matchup. Atlanta has yet to prove they can consistently score against any NFL team, and the Panthers continue to fight valiantly no matter the circumstances. This could be a backdoor cover opportunity or a game that goes down to the wire. Either way, we’ll take the points with the home team. Falcons 20, Panthers 17

Green Bay Packers (-7.5) Over Cleveland Browns

This spread raises eyebrows. Green Bay just dominated the NFC finalists on Thursday night, is well-rested, and now faces the struggling Cleveland Browns. Micah Parsons has transformed a good defense into a stellar one, while Jordan Love has demonstrated consistency in the pocket. The Browns are facing significant issues, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they fail to score a touchdown. Packers 27, Browns 3

New England Patriots (+1.5) Over Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh received a wake-up call against an aging Aaron Rodgers last week. While Rodgers still shows he can perform, the Steelers’ defense is no longer a powerhouse. New England has shown capabilities on both ends of the field, and I’m betting on them for a home win against their AFC rivals. Patriots 24, Steelers 21

Los Angeles Rams (+3.5) Over Philadelphia Eagles

This matchup is expected to be close, and I suggest taking the Rams with the added cushion. Philadelphia’s offense has faltered over the last several halves, while the Rams are firing on all cylinders. Los Angeles nearly upset Philadelphia in the playoffs last season and might seek revenge in this encounter. Matthew Stafford is still in his prime, and the thriving young defensive unit has positioned the Rams back in contention. Rams 24, Eagles 20

Tennessee Titans (+4.5) Over Indianapolis Colts

Cam Ward is making impressive strides with his new team and could be primed for his first career win against the Colts. While Daniel Jones has performed well for Indianapolis, this consistency may not be achievable weekly. This matchup between AFC South rivals should be entertaining, but I’m taking the points with the home side. Avoiding road favorites in divisional games is often a smart move, especially against a team as inflated in value as the Colts. Indianapolis may secure another narrow victory, but it will likely be a last-minute field goal rather than a convincing win. Colts 28, Titans 25

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-6.5) Over New York Jets

The Buccaneers continue to find ways to win, thanks to the heroics of Baker Mayfield. The Jets, however, have problems as their defense has significantly declined, and they’re heading towards trouble as they arrive in Florida. The Buccaneers often handle inferior teams with ease, and this matchup seems to set up for another easy win for Mayfield and his crew. Buccaneers 24, Jets 10

Minnesota Vikings (-3) Over Cincinnati Bengals

Both backups on the offensive side aren’t reliable, so I will side with Minnesota’s stronger defensive unit. Brian Flores will be dissatisfied with how his defense performed last Monday, but the Vikings can still contain Jake Browning and a struggling Bengals offensive line. This game may not be aesthetically pleasing, but the Vikings will secure a home victory. Vikings 17, Bengals 13

Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5) Over Houston Texans

The Texans will struggle to win games unless they can provide protection for CJ Stroud. Their horrid offensive line could contribute to another loss as they face a strong Jaguars pass rush. Jacksonville has flaws as well, but quarterback Trevor Lawrence usually makes sound decisions when given time. Stroud is likely to be sacked over five times, resulting in the Texans falling to 0-3. Jaguars 29, Texans 20

New Orleans Saints (+7.5) Over Seattle Seahawks

While Seattle may win this game, a seven-point spread against a disjointed offense seems too generous. New Orleans has already shown they can come from behind late, and another garbage-time touchdown might allow for a backdoor cover. Seattle boasts strengths on both offense and defense, but they lack the explosiveness necessary to cover such spreads. Seahawks 26, Saints 21

Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5) Over Denver Broncos

The Chargers are a well-rounded team excelling on both sides of the ball, significantly ahead of the Broncos in their rebuilding phase. Denver has shown moments of potential, but their subpar performances to start the season have dimmed early-season hopes. Justin Herbert is on track to become one of the top quarterbacks, and a line like this makes betting on the Chargers a no-brainer. Chargers 27, Broncos 19

Arizona Cardinals (+1.5) Over San Francisco 49ers

The Cardinals didn’t dazzle against the Saints and Panthers but managed to secure victories. Meanwhile, the 49ers are riddled with injuries and starting Mac Jones at quarterback, yet still favored against the 2-0 Cardinals. Arizona may not be Super Bowl contenders, but this presents a great opportunity to wager against the overhyped 49ers. Cardinals 30, 49ers 23

Chicago Bears (PK) Over Dallas Cowboys

The Chicago Bears’ defense hasn’t met expectations in the opening weeks. Dak Prescott is likely to succeed for Dallas, but it will necessitate another 30+ point performance to compensate for the Cowboys’ defensive frailties. Expect a high-scoring battle, and I anticipate this to be a breakout game for Caleb Williams and new head coach Ben Johnson. Bears 34, Cowboys 28

Kansas City Chiefs (-5.5) Over New York Giants

This marks the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era that the Chiefs are 0-2. With the Ravens looming next week, this game against the Giants is a must-win for the AFC champions. New York is one of the weakest teams in both offense and defense, while the Chiefs have the line strength to mitigate their formidable pass rush. Kansas City cannot afford to let this contest remain close. Chiefs 28, Giants 9

Detroit Lions (+5.5) Over Baltimore Ravens

The Lions proved their offensive capabilities with a stunning 52-point display in Week 2. Despite this, the odds indicate a straightforward win for the Ravens. While Baltimore is equipped to dominate offensively and defensively, expecting a decisive victory against an eager Lions squad is unrealistic. Baltimore will likely prevail, but the Lions will keep it competitive. Ravens 30, Lions 28

Season Record: 14-18

Previous Season Record: 142-125-5