This Week in the NFL: Week Three Kickoff, Best Bets, Odds, Lines, and More

Week 2 kicks off today, and we’ve got you covered at betJACK. Whether you are looking for odds and spreads, game storylines, or you’re a new member looking to get some insight on this weekend's slate of games. Speaking of new members, first-time signups can get up to $500 in bonus bets. But don’t worry, current users, we’ve got you covered with a Happy Hour bonus bet offer EVERY THURSDAY before the Thursday Night Kick Off!

Miami Dolphins (+570) @ Buffalo Bills (-770):

Spread: Buffalo Bills -12 Over/Under: 49.5

Storyline: This Bills team is very different from years past. The run game looks like it’s finally found some legs as James Cook propels them to a 30-10 win against the Jets. Even Mitch Trubisky came in for Allen (who had to step out for a bloody nose) and converted for them on a critical 3rd down. There’s something different about this Bills team than years past, and a lot of it stems from the improvement on the defensive side. Granted, there are still improvements to be made, and time will tell if they’ve truly found their footing. This week, they face an even easier challenge as the Dumpster Fire Dolphins come up from Miami. They should have no problem putting away this team and starting the season 3-0. Their opponent, however, faces starting the season 0-3 as Mike McDaniel continues to find excuses rather than solutions to one of the worst teams I’ve ever seen. After botching the game against a struggling Patriots team and then being dismantled by the Daniel Jones-led Colts in Week 1, it really is hard to find an upside on this team. McDaniel needs to hold accountability, or there’s a good chance this team looks drastically different come November.

Standings:

- Buffalo Bills 2-0 (1st in the AFC East)

- Miami Dolphins 0-2 (4th in the AFC East)

Atlanta Falcons (-245) @ Carolina Panthers (+200):

Spread: Atlanta Falcons -5.5 Over/Under: 43.5

Storyline: Michael Penix is slowly but surely finding his footing and place as an NFL QB, and with Kyle Pitts seemingly putting two and two together, this Falcons team looks primed for success. The biggest issue I have, though, is Penix. He’s a talented QB, but he needs to lean more into his ability as a rusher, especially with their O-line giving up 3 sacks against a good Vikings defense. He did it against Tampa Bay, and it added depth to their offense, so seeing more of that in the future will add to their game. Thankfully, Bijan Robinson hasn’t missed a beat since his rookie year, so he’s able to carry the offense when the passing game stutters. Speaking of sputtering, I don’t know how fans are continuing to attend Panthers games. I mean, Bryce Young is averaging 4.4 yards per attempt., Chuba Hubbard averaging 3.6… This is a disaster of an offense, one that would probably be improved by putting LITERALLY anyone else under control. The ONLY bright side is that it seems like rookie Tetairoa McMillan only seems to be getting better, and with that, maybe the offense can produce. However, that is just hopes and wishes; the only history the Panthers will be making is the first 0-17 team. 

Standings:

- Atlanta Falcons 1-1 (2nd in NFC South)

- Carolina Panthers 0-2 (3rd in the NFC South)

Cincinnati Bengals (+125) @ Minnesota Vikings (-152):

Spread: Minnesota Vikings -3 Over/Under: 41.5

Storyline: This is the kind of game I live for as a football fan: Jake Browning-led Bengals vs a Carson Wentz-led Vikings team. Honestly, Bengals fans have a lot to be hopeful about with having a backup like Browning taking over with the injury to Joe Burrow. He’s a competent starter and has already taken over due to a Burrow injury for a nine-game stretch in 2023. In that span, he managed a 70% completion rate on 243 attempts, almost 2,000 yards, 12 TDs, and 7 INTs, not to mention a handful of rushing attempts that added 3 TDs. I know he doesn’t have the flashy appeal of Burrow, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see this Bengals team continuing their winning streak. Carson Wentz, though, might prove more of a problem for the Bengals' defense than you would think. He’s a veteran QB playing for arguably one of the best play callers in the league, combining that with a franchise that has a history of making retiring QBs look like Hall of Famers… I think this game is definitely a must-watch for football fans, and there is a lot at stake for both teams, especially early in the season. Both teams are out their starting QB and trying to prove that they can continue to win. 

Standings:

- Cincinnati Bengals 2-0 (1st in the AFC North)

- Minnesota Vikings 1-1 (2nd in the NFC North)

Green Bay Packers (-455) @ Cleveland Browns (+335):

Spread: Green Bay Packers -8 Over/Under: 41.5

Storyline: It might be time for Dillion Gabriel to take over for Flacco. I mean, he looked horrible, granted Tillman, Bond, and Thrash didn’t do the offense any favors (4 catches on 11 targets), and the only thing the defense backed up was holding Derrick Henry to under 30 yards as they gave up 225 yards through the air and lost 41-17 in typical Cleveland fashion. Szmyt looked great, though, which is a refreshing breath of air (1/1 on FG attempts and 2/2 on extra points), but again, the focus is on Gabriel. 3-3, 19 yards and a TD against a SOLID defense. I, for one, and very excited to see what he can do in a full game. But with no sign from the Browns front office… we might have to watch another poor performance against one of the best teams in the league. Jordon Love and Tucker Kraft… absolutely insane duo. The Packers have been playing with an offense that looks more akin to something we’d see out of teams like Buffalo or Cincinnati. There were plenty of reasons to have doubts about this team heading into the start of the season, but after this week, I think the NFC North might have a clear #1 team. Add in the fact that their schedule only gets easier, and they have an early bye week to get their rest… Green Bay might have built something extraordinary, and they have another chance to prove it against a defense that was just bullied by the Ravens' passing game. 

Standings:

- Green Bay Packers 2-0 (1st in the NFC North)

- Cleveland Browns 0-2 (4th in the AFC North)

Houston Texans (+100) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-121):

Spread: Jacksonville Jaguars -1.5 Over/Under: 44

Storyline: Maybe OSU really can’t build NFL-ready QBs. The only reason the Texans didn’t lose by 20 is their defense, because CJ Stroud, again, looks like garbage. Granted, you can pin some of their failure on their offensive line, but Stroud made his name as a dual-threat QB during his time at OSU, so moving out of the pocket is something that should come more naturally for him. Now 0-2 to start the season and seeming to have lost the “spark” of his rookie year, something is going to have to happen in this team for them to find success, especially with the rival Colts outperforming every metric. Otherwise, they might be hoping for a wild-card spot in November. There might be no hope for the Jaguars because when the offense performs decently, the defense can’t get a stop. Sprinkle in another abysmal performance by Brian Thomas Jr. (4-12-49) and Travis Hunter looking NOTHING like a 2nd overall pick, only puts more pressure on Trevor Lawrence, who in turn continues to struggle. Honestly, it’s hard to look past the glaring holes in this team, and Lawrence (whose career has been nothing short of lackluster), starting drama with his HC. I think there’s a good chance that this team is selling at the trade deadline and making a change. Whether that be at HC or QB, only time will tell, and if they start the season 0-3… that pressure only builds. 

Standings:

- Houston Texans 0-2 (3rd in the AFC South)

- Jacksonville Jaguars 1-1 (2nd in the AFC South)

Indianapolis Colts (-195) @ Tennessee Titans (+160):

Spread: Indianapolis Colts -3.5 Over/Under: 43.5

Storyline: Indiana Jones… Not only one of the coldest nicknames I’ve ever heard, but he’s also one of the best QBs right now. In a year that has been full of surprises, seeing Daniel Jones not only play well but lead a comeback against a defensive unit that was ranked 7th IN THE LEAGUE last year… This is the Daniel Jones that Giants fans thought they were getting when he was drafted. Plus, Tyler Warren might become one of the best TEs in the league, and a WR room that looked bottom of the barrel last year is finding success quickly. Nobody expected the Colts to come out hot this year, and especially not THIS hot. Shane Steichen seems to have found his QB, and he’s still relatively young. The Colts might have found their long-term solution to a position that has struggled since Andrew Luck's retirement. But only time will tell if it is sustainable, and while the ceiling has been high for Jones, there is plenty of proof as to what happens when he finds that floor. Though for every good QB there are several bad ones, and Cam Ward might be the biggest bust of the draft. A 1st overall pick playing some of the worst football I’ve ever seen. Even Bryce Young is outperforming Ward, and the Panthers are a worse team in every respect. Granted, the Rams offense is an explosive one, and Tennessee’s defense isn’t anything great. Ward was never going to be a great NFL QB, and putting him into a situation like that in Tennessee is only showing how glaringly obvious it is. 

Standings:

- Indianapolis Colts 2-0 (1st in the AFC South)

- Tennessee Titans 0-2 (4th in the AFC South)

Los Angeles Rams (+160) @ Philadelphia Eagles (-195):

Spread: Philadelphia Eagles -3.5 Over/Under: 44.5

Storyline: Now this game is going to be a good one. A powerhouse defense versus a powerhouse offense. Two Super Bowl champion QBs. Two undefeated teams. Everything about this game screams must-watch football. Matthew Stafford seems to be aging backwards, Puca Nacua turning into a prime Jerry Rice. This defense is even finding its place to shine. Then on the other side, you have an Eagles team where Hurts hasn’t had to do much but dump the ball off or hand it over to Saquon. It is going to be an excellent game. And one that we could see again in the NFC Championship. The biggest thing is keeping Stafford healthy and keeping Saquon healthy. If these two teams can keep their stars on the field, then there is very little reason to think that either of these teams will be anything but playoff contenders. Though I have my money on the Rams, even with the Eagles' ability to control the clock, the Rams can and will strike quickly. It’ll be interesting to see if the Eagles can keep pace, as they have yet to face an offense known for putting up points quickly. 

Standings:

- Los Angeles Rams 2-0 (3rd in the NFC West)

- Philadelphia Eagles 2-0 (1st in the NFC East)

Las Vegas Raiders (+160) @ Washington Commanders (-195):

Spread: Washington Commanders -3.5 Over/Under: 44.5

Storyline: If you look at the box score, Ashton Jeanty has been disappointing. But if you’ve watched the games, you’ll see just how talented this kid is. He is primed to be an RB that goes down in NFL history, and while he isn’t the prototypical downhill bruiser that you see in other RBs (like Chubb, Henry, and McCaffery), he is shifty, and with more and more backs becoming receivers out of the backfield, this is what you want in a young RB. Unfortunately, he’s a victim of the poor offensive line that the Raiders have. The same offensive line that has already given up 7 sacks. And Geno Smith seems to have become a shadow of the QB he was last year; the Raiders might be in a tough spot. They’ll need to find a solution to one of these problems quickly if they want to help Jeanty grow into the RB that he can become. In terms of promise, the Commanders have a lot of it, but they’ll need to figure things out quickly. Daniels looked rough in his first test of his 2nd NFL campaign and struggled to lead the offense until the 4th quarter. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, though, is poised to have a solid rookie campaign. Putting up the same amount of yards as veteran Austin Ekeler on half the carries. Now with him on IR due to an Achilles injury, he could see even more opportunities to cement himself as the clear RB1. Though they’ll need consistency both on the ground and through the air if they want to find success. 

Standings:

- Las Vegas Raiders 1-1 (3rd in the AFC West)

- Washington Commanders 1-1 (2nd in the NFC East)

New York Jets (+240) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-315):

Spread: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -6.5 Over/Under: 44

Storyline: Tyrod Taylor is back under center this week as Justin Fields nurses a concussion. Granted, that might be for the best as Fields continues to struggle to perform. 3-11-27 yards against a Bills defense that has proven time and time again to be one of the weaker position groups. If Tyrod finds success, then this may be the end of Justin Fields’ NFL career. They face a tough challenge this week as Tampa Bay hosts them, coming off a good win against a rocky Texans team. And the Bucs are primed to start the season 3-0 largely due to rookie WR Emeka Egbuka has started the season off hot 8-13-96 and 3 TDs. The rookie is exactly the safety net that they were expecting to get when they drafted him. Additionally, with Chris Godwin’s return looming any week now, the Bucs have the opportunity to be one of the most fun teams to watch, even with a beat-up offensive line and Bucky Irving getting better with every week (and establishing himself as another target for Mayfield), there’s a lot to be hopeful for and excited for if you are a Bucs fan. With a tough stretch of games ahead, a win here is not just expected but almost necessary. 

Standings:

- New York Jets 0-2 (3rd in the AFC East)

- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-0 (1st in the NFC South)

Pittsburgh Steelers (-127) @ New England Patriots (+106):

Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers -2 Over/Under: 44

Storyline: It looks like maybe the Rodgers gas tank got emptied in Week One as they fell to the Seahawks. The Patriots are a little weaker on the defensive side, but with the return of standout rookie Christian Gonzalez prepping for a return, it may prove to be a tough challenge for a Steelers offense that is looking to take advantage of the injury to Joe Burrow and the floundering Browns. But the Patriots have a lot to play for as well. A win will help them in the long run, and while Miami continues its struggles and Buffalo maintains dominance, they need to take advantage. Again, though, New England is trying to be something that they very clearly aren’t. Drake Maye is being forced to throw the ball +40 times a game despite them drafting a running back 38th overall, who is steady in terms of his production. With a team that is as young as this one is, an identity crisis is only going to slow down this group. With Vrable leading the team, they should be a run-heavy team after his time as the Titans HC. Nevertheless, this has too much talent to continue to run their offense the way that they do. A change needs to happen if they are to find success; otherwise, they may be looking to the draft rather than the Super Bowl. 

Standings:

- Pittsburgh Steelers 1-1 (3rd in the AFC North)

- New England Patriots 1-1 (2nd in the AFC East)

Denver Broncos (+125) @ Los Angeles Chargers (-152):

Spread: Los Angeles Chargers -2.5 Over/Under: 46

Storyline: We are 2 weeks into Jim Harbaugh’s second year as the Chargers HC, and it’s safe to say that he has turned this team into the powerhouse that Chargers fans have been adamant that they have. Justin Herbert looks as comfortable as he has ever been in this revamped offense. Omarion Hampton has been a steal of a draft pick, Quentin Johnston's resurgence, and Ladd McConkey continuing to dominate. This team looks like the playoff-caliber team they should’ve been since Herbert was drafted. Only time will tell if this dominance can continue. But things look good, and if this team can stay healthy, as they continue to build chemistry, there’s a good chance that the AFC West has a new powerhouse amid the Chiefs' fumbling start to the season. The Broncos are in for a tough challenge as they visit their division rivals. After being one of the most dominant position groups in the league last year, they’ve been inconsistent to start the season off, and if that inconsistency carries into the Chargers game, then there’s a slim chance that they come out of there with a win. Especially as the offense is as inconsistent as the defense. Bo Nix, though, seems to have found that magic that he had during his rookie season. So hopefully, the momentum of improvement can carry into this matchup.

Standings:

- Denver Broncos 1-1 (2nd in the AFC West)

- Los Angeles Chargers 2-0 (1st in the AFC West

New Orleans Saints (+265) @ Seattle Seahawks (-360):

Spread: Seattle Seahawks -7.5 Over/Under: 41.5

Storyline: Rattler finally showed promise this week, despite the Saints losing to the 49ers. 25-34-207, 3 TDs and 0 INTs. A more than serviceable stat line for a starting QB, and with Kamara averaging only 4.7 yards a carry, this Saints team looked as good as they ever had in recent memory. But whether that can turn into wins remains to be seen. Especially with Sam Darnold drawing on some of the magic from last year. The Seahawks are a young team and have a lot of talent offensively. JSN finding his place as their tried and true WR1, Kenneth Walker II leading the backfield, and Kupp as a safety net target for Darnold, this team is primed to be competitive well into the season. If Darnold can find success without turning the ball over, then they should be in a good spot heading into the postseason. 

Standings:

- New Orleans Saints 0-2 (4th in the NFC South)

- Seattle Seahawks 1-1 (4th in the NFC West)

Arizona Cardinals (+102) @ San Francisco 49ers (-124):

Spread: San Francisco 49ers -1.5 Over/Under: 43.5

Storyline: Trey McBride and James Conner continue to be the best parts of this Cardinals team as Harrison took a massive step back from the season opener, and Murray struggled to perform against an extremely weak Carolina defense. This week, they have a much tougher task as they take on a beat-up but strong 49ers team. Both teams are undefeated still, and the 49ers have proven to be one of the most consistent teams as they power through an injury-riddled offense. Mac Jones looked fantastic as he took over the reins for Purdy, who is nursing an injury, even without their starting tight end and their WR2. With a line of 29-36-3, Jones could propel the 49ers to a safe spot until Purdy is rested and healthy again. If this success continues, and San Francisco gets healthier, there’s a real chance that they steal the NFC bye week from the Rams and Eagles as their schedule eases up. 

Standings:

- Arizona Cardinals 2-0 (2nd in the NFC West)

- San Francisco 49ers 2-0 (1st in the NFC West)

Dallas Cowboys (-113) @ Chicago Bears (-107):

Spread: Chicago Bears -0.5 Over/Under: 50.0

Storyline: Tyson Bagent might be the future for the Chicago Bears, and they were absolutely dismantled by Ben Johnson's old team. Caleb Williams has proven again that he is not an NFL-ready QB as he continues to underperform as a passer. With Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, and Cole Kmet doing their best to carry the passing game, and D’Andre Swift doing his best to keep the run game alive. The blame falls on Williams' shoulders; he has the weapons to be successful, but just lacks the talent or skill to do so. The Cowboys, despite losing their defensive star, have been nothing short of a competitive football team, and there’s no reason that they shouldn’t take the win as they head to the Windy City. Dak Prescott continues to prove he is a regular-season superstar, and CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson continue to be reliable targets for him. Not to mention the rise of Javonte Williams as a tried and true RB1. Vegas has this game a lot closer than I think it will be, especially with Prescott's track record and the performance they put on last week against the Giants. 

Standings:

- Dallas Cowboys 1-1 (3rd in the NFC East)

- Chicago Bears 0-2 (4th in the NFC North)

Kansas City Chiefs (-278) @ New York Giants (+225):

Spread: Kansas City Chiefs -6 Over/Under: 45

Storyline: If you asked me before the season started who would win this game, I would say the Chiefs without a doubt. But offensive woes continue to plague this team. Mahomes has looked the worst he has ever looked as the Chiefs start the season 0-2 for the first time since Andy Reid took over as head coach. Cam Skattebo is slowly becoming the RB1, and after a heartbreaking loss to the Cowboys, Russel Wilson is looking to carry the gunslinger mentality into this game against KC. If he can do this, and the defense can take advantage of the lack of offensive production from their opponents, the Chiefs could start the season 0-3, and if they do that, the schedule doesn’t get any easier. With the way the Chargers are playing, there’s a good chance that the Chiefs come into December fighting for a wildcard spot for the first time in Mahomes’ tenure as starting QB.

Standings:

- Kansas City Chiefs 0-2 (4th in the AFC West)

- New York Giants 0-2 (4th in the NFC East)

Detroit Lions (+200) @ Baltimore Ravens (-250):

Spread: Detroit Lions +5 Over/Under: 51.5

Storyline: Detroit is starting to look like its old self as it dismantled the Chicago Bears, but the Ravens' defense is a lot more talented than Chicago’s, and Jared Goff has had struggles when playing outdoors. Plus, the Lions' defense is one of the weaker groups in the league, and with a Ravens offense that is full of high-level skill players, Detroit has a tough challenge ahead of it. They struggled against the Packers, who have shown they are a high-end defense, and they’ll need Goff on his A-game if they are to come out of Baltimore with a win. But both teams have a lot to play for and a lot to lose after disappointing losses to open the season. If Henry can put his poor performance against Cleveland behind him, then the Ravens will have no trouble handling business. But if their offense starts to miss a beat, Detroit will take advantage. And they are a team that, once the ball starts to roll, they’re hard to stop.

Standings:

- Detroit Lions 1-1 (3rd in the NFC North)

- Baltimore Ravens 1-1 (2nd in the AFC North)