NFL Preseason Picks: Our Best Bets For Thursday's Week 3 Games

The Panel's 2024 NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks

• Indianapolis Colts & Cincinnati Bengals Under 34.5 Total Points @ -108 With DraftKings
• Chicago Bears -1 Point To Beat Kansas City Chiefs @ -110 With Caesars
• Chicago Bears & Kansas City Chiefs Over 32.5 Total Points @ -110 With BetMGM

Our team of experts dive into the second week of the NFL preseason, focusing on insights and odds from top NFL betting sites. 

With our extensive knowledge and know-how, we will cover key matchups, highlighting players to watch, positional battles and potential surprises.

We’ll also offer a comprehensive look at where the smart money is going, break down each game while offering our own strategies and analysis.

Keep reading for The Panel's detailed coverage and expert predictions for the early portion of the second week of this NFL preseason.

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Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals - (O/U 34.5, Colts, -6)

The Colts and Bengals wrap up their preseason games with their match-up at Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium on Thursday night (8pm ET). 

Neither side will risk their starters in this game, as the back-ups look to secure a place on the final 53-man roster. 

The Bengals have managed just 17 points in two preseason games and that trend is likely to continue against Indianapolis. If Cincinnati wins, that would be a surprise. They are 3-11 in preseason games under head coach Zac Taylor.   

The total points in the Bengals' two games so far this summer have averaged 30.5, which is in line with the rest of the NFL. The Under has gone 26-7 through two weeks and one game.

The Panel see no reason why the Under doesn't land this time as well.        

The Panel Pick 1: Indianapolis Colts And Cincinnati Bengals Under 34.5 Points - DraftKings -108

Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs - (O/U 34.5, Bears, -1)

The Chiefs and Bears meet in Kansas City in Thursday's other preseason game. While the defending Super Bowl champions are 0-2, the Bears are a perfect 3-0, outscoring their opponents 81-26. 

The spread was as high as 3.5 points but is now 1 to 1.5 points. Some believe Chicago may rest even some of their second stringers more as they have played three preseason games already. 

No one wants to say it, but bluntly, Chicago wants to go 4-0 in the preseason, which would send them into the new season on a high. 

The Bears have had just one winning season since 2013, when they won 12 games in 2018. Extra confidence from a successful preseason could go a long way this season.

The Panel's pick is for Chicago to exact a fraction of revenge against Kansas City, who scored 41 points against them in Week 3 last season. Take the cover.

The Panel Pick 2: Chicago Bears -1 Point Vs Kansas City Chiefs - Caesars -110

Tilting To The Over In Kansas City

The numbers are moving considerably to the Over on Thursday night in Kansas City. 

Currently, the total for this game still resides at 32.5, and betting percentages suggest close to an 80-20 split tilted to the Over. 

Bettors and fans of Kansas City seemed to push this spread down. Was that wishful thinking, or are they on to something? One thing appears to be more certain, this could be a high-scoring contest.

Both offenses possess some depth to score points. The Over could be the bet to take advantage of before the number inches upward.      

Don't be too surprised if Chicago and Kansas City combine to score 33 or more points on Thursday night.  

The Panel Pick 3: Chicago Bears & Kansas City Chiefs Over 32.5 Total Points - BetMGM -110