Injuries have plagued the first two weeks of NFL betting action, and as a result, we’ve seen the Under come out on top 19 times so far this young regular season. Week 3 poses some interesting matchups that will clarify whether or not team offenses will pick up. As we go to press, five of 16 matchups have totals above 45, including the Atlanta Falcons-Detroit Lions.
Atlanta Falcons (-3) at Detroit Lions, Sunday at 1 PM ET
The Falcons and Lions have generated nearly the same amount of points through two weeks; the Lions rank sixth with 59 total points scored, while the Falcons sit seventh with 57 points. As the only game this week featuring two 2-0 teams, big things are expected from this Sunday afternoon matchup, which has a total of 50.5 points as we go to press.
Atlanta rebounded nicely in Week 2 after a shaky first game against the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Matt Ryan tossed for 252 yards and one touchdown, while WR Julio Jones led all receivers with 108 yards. Through the first two weeks of the season, Matt Ryan ranks first in the NFL with a Total QB Rating of 78.7. He’ll need to maintain that precision and put up big points against Matt Stafford and the offensive-minded Lions.
Detroit’s strength lies in their team balance; they boast an above average defense, have numerous weapons on offense and field reliable special teams squads. Stafford has already thrown for six touchdowns to four different receivers, and the team’s defense ranks second in takeaways with five. If the Falcons can solve the Lions’ defense, this one may be a shootout between quarterbacks.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-6), Sunday at 1 PM ET
In Week 1, the Giants lost 19-3 in Dallas – a game in which they didn’t have 3X Pro Bowl receiver Odell Beckham. He returned the following week to make 4 receptions for 36 yards in a 24-10 loss to the Detroit Lions. Through two games, Eli Manning has thrown two interceptions, fumbled the ball once and has tallied only one touchdown. He’ll need to be better in Week 3 if the Giants have any hope in Philadelphia.
The Eagles got off to a good start in Week 1, with a 30-17 victory over the Washington Redskins. In Week 2, they evened their record after falling 27-20 to Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams will have something to prove coming off of Week 2 losses.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3) at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday at 4:25 PM ET
The Chiefs have looked impressive so far this season. They opened the schedule with a surprising 42-27 beatdown of the defending Super Bowl Champions in Week 1, and followed it up with a 27-20 victory over the Philadelphia Eagers at home. Quarterback Alex Smith has led the team with 619 passing yards, 5 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.
The Chargers, meanwhile, are 0-2 after close losses to the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. Although this game may appear deserving of a larger spread, LA has held its own and should give Kansas City all they can handle.
*Odds as of September 21, 2017