As Week 2 of the NFL season concludes, two facts are evident: Based on the results of two games, we can start to identify trends and formulate some preliminary conclusions. Certain teams remain without victories, while others are still unbeaten, indicating that it is no longer only the initial week’s anxiety and disorder. The field is beginning to divide, and while the sample size remains minute, visions of some serious contenders are becoming clearer.
Which teams will prevail in their NFL Week 3 matchups?
Join us and find out as we dive headfirst into the top-four NFL key matchups for Week 3, analyze the odds, and give you our expert opinion.
New York Giants at Cleveland Browns
The Giants selected Malik Nabers sixth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Following a commendable performance in Week 1 (7 targets, 66 yards), he truly displayed his potential as a future star in Week 2.
Nabers had an impressive 18 targets against Washington. He had ten receptions for 127 yards and one score. However, one-man teams were not viable since his abilities were insufficient to overcome the Commanders, resulting in New York’s record falling to 0-2.
Cleveland improved slightly following a disappointing home performance against Dallas in Week 1. In Week 2, they traveled to Jacksonville and secured a victory with a score of 18-13. Their offense was quite well-balanced, as this team is evidently gelling as a unit… Nine separate players had a target, and five achieved a carry.
Cleveland is a significant home favorite in Week 3 at most top sportsbooks, and justifiably so.
The Spread: Giants (+6.5) @ Browns (-6.5)
Bottom Line
The Browns are at home, where they have a 6-1 record against the spread as a favorite since their last campaign. Cleveland has yet to generate a turnover in two games, but we can expect this trend to end when faced with Daniel Jones and the pass rush.
For the Browns to win, they’ll rely on the running game to win. Oppositely, New York, who’s producing three sacks per game, can significantly impact the outcome if they can get to Deshaun Watson. Otherwise, the Browns will dominate in front of a home crowd.
With a 0-2 start to the season, New York has demonstrated poor performance as a road team – a 2-8 straight-up record since the previous season – and ultimately, Cleveland will again show that they’re dominant against visiting teams.
Prediction: Giants 10, Browns 25
Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints
On paper, the Saints appear to be genuine playoff contenders this season. Following a decisive victory against the Panthers, they triumphed over the Cowboys in Dallas with a score of 44-19.
Derek Carr has recorded just nine incompletions (30 of 39) throughout two games, accumulating 443 yards and five touchdowns, demonstrating remarkable efficiency with a passer rating of 142.4 and 11.4 yards per attempt.
Undoubtedly, Alvin Kamara dominated the spotlight in Week 2. Kamara produced four touchdowns and 180 scrimmage yards in the significant victory of Week 2. Unfortunately, their truest test to date is about to arrive, as they’ll host the Eagles, a squad competing on a truncated week following a Monday Night Football game concluding Week 2.
The Spread: Eagles (+1.5) @ Saints (-1.5)
Bottom Line
The Eagles are entering a busy week and will confront the most unexpected contenders in the league. Derek Carr tops the NFL in quarterback ratings under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, so they’ll need to mind their PS and Qs. That said, the Eagles appear to be a better-balanced unit with the acquisition of Saquon Barkley. This alleviated the strain on Jalen Hurts, and last season, the Philly bunch recorded a 4-4 straight-up and a 3-4-1 against the spread record as an away favorite.
Prediction: Eagles 28 – Saints 24
Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks
The Dolphins’ defeat in Week 2 was marked by an injury to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. We know that no team solely relies on one player, but losing your star quarterback early in the season isn’t ideal, as Tagovailoa took a huge blow during a scramble and departed the game prematurely. Skyler Thompson entered the game as a substitute and completed 8 of 14 passes for 80 yards, which isn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.
One positive aspect is that De’Von Achane managed to perform despite an injured ankle, accumulating 96 running yards on 22 runs and 69 receiving yards on seven targets.
At the other end, Seattle triumphed over the Patriots in overtime during Week 2, highlighted by a standout effort from wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. JSN converted a team-leading 16 targets for 12 receptions and 117 yards. He was not the primary receiver, though; DK Metcalf recorded 129 yards and a score on 14 targets.
The Spread: Dolphins (+6.5) @ Seahawks (-6.5)
Bottom Line
Thompson can manage the Dolphins’ attack, but Seattle saw difficulties in executing their running game last week without Kenneth Walker III. Geno Smith had a 73.9 percent completion rate after two weeks, ranking fourth in the NFL. The Dolphins must disrupt that to have a shot away from home, and while every man and their dog is fading the Miami squad based on Tua’s absence, we believe they can outperform the latest NFL betting odds available and at least cover the spread here.
The Dolphins have a record of 2-9 straight up as an away underdog under Mike McDaniel. However, they are 5-6 against the spread. Thompson will keep it close, but no cigar.
Prediction: Dolphins 20 – Seahawks 24
Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons will appear in primetime for the second consecutive week following their matchup against the Eagles this past Monday. However, keeping the unbeaten 2-0 record alive might be tough as they are hosting the undefeated 2-0 Super Bowl winners, the Chiefs.
Kansas City’s 2-0 record is accompanied by a +8 point difference following two narrow triumphs (by seven and by 1 point). Patrick Mahomes has an equal number of interceptions (3) and touchdowns (3) while averaging 8.3 yards per attempt.
Rashee Rice, with 12 receptions for 178 yards and one score, is the team’s primary receiver, succeeded by Xavier Worthy, who has 64 yards. Travis Kelce has recorded only 39 yards and seven targets throughout two games.
The biggest setback for Kansas is that prominent running back Isiah Pacheco suffered an ankle injury late in Week 2 and will likely miss this Sunday.
The Spread: Chiefs (-4.5) @ Falcons (+4.5)
Bottom Line
What strategies will the Chiefs employ in the rushing game without Isiah Pachecoi? That’s easy…Patrick Mahomes. He is accustomed to such circumstances and ultimately thrives under pressure. Mahomes excels undercover; from ten career starts at domed stadiums, he has achieved a record of 10-0, with 23 touchdown passes, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 105.4… He loves a roof, but that won’t stop him from blowing it off.
Prediction: Chiefs 31 – Falcons 24
