Week 3 in the NFL kicks off Thursday night, and injuries have already started to become a factor. The New England Patriots and Chicago Bears are expected to be without their starting quarterbacks, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers will be without their starting running backs.
Game of the Week
Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers
Favourite: Panthers -7
The Vikings head south to face the Panthers, who are now 1-1 after recovering from a Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos. They beat San Francisco last week, putting up 529 yards of offense and 46 points. However, the Panthers had four turnovers and gave up 27 points against the 49ers, so they need more balance on both sides of the ball.
Sam Bradford made his Minnesota debut against Green Bay and played very well, but now he’ll be under increased pressure because of injured running back Adrian Peterson and left tackle Matt Kalil. Minnesota is a touchdown underdog in Carolina, but they’ve managed to cover 15 of their last 20 as an underdog.
Game with the Biggest Spread
San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks
Favourite: Seahawks -9
The Seahawks have struggled so far this season, but oddsmakers are expecting them to bounce back. Seattle is a 9-point favourite this week when they host the San Francisco 49ers. The team has a lot of talent, but Russell Wilson's ankle hampered him in their loss to Los Angeles, and they scored just one touchdown in two games. This could be the week they turn things around, though; the Seahawks are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 at home with their NFC West rivals from San Francisco.
Game with the Smallest Spread
Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Favourite: Ravens -1
It hasn’t been pretty, but the Baltimore Ravens have moved to 2-0. Considering they won only five games last year, they’ll take wins any way they can get them. Now they have a good opportunity to move to 3-0 against a Jaguars team that’s struggling to start the season. Deemed a sleeper, the Jags are 0-2 and coming off a 38-14 blowout loss to San Diego. Pressure is starting to mount on head coach Gus Bradley as the Jaguars have now dropped 38 of 50 games in his tenure.
The Jaguars have been one of the worst September teams over the last three seasons; they’ve lost eight of nine games straight up and against the spread. Meanwhile, the Ravens have covered their last five games on the road.
*Odds as of September 22, 2016