Week 2 of the NFL season is in the books and now we're turning our attention to Week 3.
The pregame narrative: The Buffalo Bills flexed their muscles last Sunday and are a nice pick to beat the Washington Commanders and cover. The Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings are both staring down an 0-3 start, but we're picking the former to win. Lastly, the Atlanta Falcons are primed to cover against the Detroit Lions.
Here are our best early NFL Week 3 picks.
Best early NFL Week 3 picks overview
Click link to add selection to betslip. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.
| Early Week 3 picks | Odds | Bet now ⬇️ |
| Bills -6.5 | -112 | Add to betslip |
| Chargers moneyline | -110 | Add to betslip |
| Falcons +3 | -110 | Add to betslip |
NFL odds as of 11:58 a.m. on 09/19/2023.
Go to full NFL betting markets.
Best early NFL Week 3 picks
Best Bet: Bills -6.5 (-112)
Buffalo showed why it's very capable of covering this number in Week 2.
The Bills handled the Las Vegas Raiders with ease, winning the game 38-10. Allen demonstrated that he's still among the game's best passers, completing 31-of-37 attempts for 274 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
James Cook totalled 123 rushing yards, but it's the passing attack that should be successful against Washington.
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The Commanders haven't really gone up against anybody near Allen's skill level, facing Josh Dobbs and what's left of Russell Wilson. They've also needed fourth-quarter comebacks to beat lowly teams in the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos. We're expecting them to be out of striking distance by that point against the Bills.
Buffalo will likely keep its foot on the gas in this game, too, as Washington's defensive front is the strength of the unit. Through the air will be the best path to victory for the Bills and that should result in plenty of points.
Key stat: The Commanders have been outscored 40-31 through the first three quarters this season.
Quick picks
Chargers moneyline (-110): Putting any morsel of faith in Los Angeles is a trying exercise, but it's one we'll be partaking in once again.
The Chargers have found ways to lose each of their first two games, but they've largely played well. They're tied for the sixth-most yards per play (5.5) and haven't committed a single turnover.
This seems like a get-right spot against the Vikings. Ball security has been a strength for Los Angeles, but it's an issue for Minnesota as it leads the NFL in giveaways (seven). Expect that to be the difference.
Falcons +3 (-110): Thirdly, taking Atlanta and the points is the right side in Week 2.
The Lions haven't been very convincing. It narrowly defeated a shorthanded Kansas City Chiefs team and lost at home to a banged-up Seattle Seahawks squad. The Falcons have an identity. They're strong on the offensive line and can run the football well.
Atlanta is fourth in rushing yards per game (170.5) and eighth in yards per attempt (4.8). Atlanta is well-equipped to drag this game into the mud and make it close.
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