NFL Preseason Predictions, Odds and NFL Best Bets for Week 3

⭐ Colts -3.5 at FanDuel

Newly-named starting QB Anthony Richardson did not play in the Indianapolis Colts' 24-17 Week 2 preseason win over the Chicago Bears, but the backup QBs were efficient enough to record a win. Gardner Minshew completed 13 of 15 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, while Sam Ehlinger converted on 9 of 14 passes for 124 yards and led the Colts to two fourth-quarter touchdown drives to secure the comeback victory. 

We're going with the Colts -3.5 at FanDuel since we want to back a team with multiple efficient QBs in the preseason. With so much uncertainty around the availability of starters, a solid QB can keep things from falling apart in the NFL preseason. Against Chicago, the Colts gained 343 yards and averaged 5.6 yards per play. The rushing game was also effective, finishing with 123 yards rushing on 31 attempts. 

Philadelphia is still winless this preseason after losing to the Baltimore Ravens and tying the Cleveland Browns. QB Jalen Hurts has yet to play this preseason, and we expect him and the other top starters for the Eagles to sit out the last preseason game as they prepare to make another run to the Super Bowl. 

Best Betting Pick: Colts -3.5 at FanDuel

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⭐ Panthers to win (-130) at BetMGM

The Detroit Lions decided to primarily use backups in its preseason matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 of the preseason, and it did not go well. Detroit was blown out 25-7 in a game where the offense manufactured just 131 yards and averaged 2.6 yards per play. That performance alone is enough for us to want to fade Detroit. 

We are going with the Panthers to win (-130) at BetMGM, mostly because it feels likely the Lions will once again sit out the majority of their starters for this game. Detroit plays Kansas City in the season-opening game on Sept. 7, and it is likely the team will sit out the top players as they prepare for the Chiefs. Detroit has a shorter timeframe to prepare for its regular-season debut, so it makes sense the starters would once again sit out. 

Carolina showed improvement in its second game under Frank Reich with Matt Corral converting on 9 of 13 passes for 71 yards and backup Jake Luton throwing a touchdown, while Raheem Blackshear scored one of his own. The positive steps Carolina made last week are enough for us to like them over the Lions.

Best Betting Pick: Panthers to win (-130) at BetMGM

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⭐ Over 41.5 (-110) at FanDuel

The matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks features one of the highest posted totals for Week 3 of the NFL preseason schedule. Despite the high total, we're going to target the over. Both teams have displayed the ability to put up points in each of their first two preseason games, and we feel it will continue into the final week of the preseason. 

We're going with  over 41.5 (-110) at FanDuel. Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur already confirmed starting QB Jordan Love will play against Seattle. Love has steadily been efficient in his two preseason games, completing 12 of 18 passes for 130 yards, two touchdowns and a 124.7 QB rating. He's contributed a touchdown in each start, and if that efficiency continues, should help the Packers put up more points in this game. 

Green Bay backup Sean Clifford has also been strong at QB and is coming off a 13 for 19 performance for 137 yards against the Patriots. Solid QB play from both has led the over to hit in each of the first two Packers preseason games. 

Seattle has also had a strong offense, putting up 24 points in the win over the Minnesota Vikings and 22 in the victory against the Dallas Cowboys. Drew Lock has keyed the Seahawks' offensive success. The former starting QB completed 17 of 25 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings and was 5 for 6 for 119 yards versus the Cowboys. 

With both teams excelling at quarterback, we like the over in this game.  

Best Betting Pick: Over 41.5 (-110) at FanDuel

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