In this article, we will look for 3 underdogs that could perform better than the sportsbooks expect this weekend. Some of these teams could even complete the upset and earn their first win of the season… I’m looking at you, Carolina.
Let’s take a look at our best underdog bets for Week 3 of the 2022 NFL season.
We have NFL picks for every game on the Week 3 slate
Carolina Panthers +3 (-118) over New Orleans Saints
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
Carolina is still searching for its first victory of the season, and as a home underdog it has a perfect opportunity for win #1. Even though the Panthers are 0-2, they could easily be 2-0 given that their first two games were lost by late, extremely long field goals. By no means has Baker Mayfield been a terrific quarterback in his first season in Carolina, but I’d rather have him than a hurt Jameis Winston. Mayfield has more upside in this matchup, and this game deserves to be closer to a pick ’em. The Saints opened as the favorites in this game, which was very surprising since they have not been playing like they deserve to be favored.
In Week 2 against the Buccaneers they held their own for most of the game, but Winston fell apart in the 4th quarter and Tampa Bay never looked back. Winston is supposedly managing a back injury while playing, and it’s pretty obvious.
Be sure to check out our full New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers predictions
Washington Commanders +7 (-115) over Philadelphia Eagles
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing
The Carson Wentz revenge game… Not only do I think Wentz will have a chip on his shoulder for this game, but I also think the Eagles are being valued just a little too high. Being able to get the Commanders at +7 covers several key numbers in football, so this is a great line to buy low on a team. Through the first two games of the season, I still don’t think we have seen the Commanders reach their potential. Their wide receiver corps of Jahan Dotson, Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel is very strong and — to be honest — underrated.
They also have Antonio Gibson in the backfield and he should find success on Sunday because it has been the Eagles’ defense that has been their weakness. I do not doubt that Jalen Hurts will lead the Philadelphia offense to several scores, but their defense will probably allow the Commanders to stay close in this game.
Be sure to check out our full Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders predictions
Green Bay Packers +1.5 (-112) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
I don’t love the idea of fading Tom Brady, but this is an instance in which I’m fading the scenario in which Brady has been put. He will be without his #1 receiver, Mike Evans, since Evans was ejected in Week 2 against the Saints and later suspended for one week. That already is tough luck for Brady, but when you consider that Chris Godwin and Julio Jones are also dealing with injuries, the Buccaneers receiving corps is incredibly thin. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers beat the Bears 27-10 in Week 2, and it was a lot more one-sided than the score indicates.
Green Bay dominated on offense, and Rodgers looked like he was finally on the same page as some of his young receivers. If Godwin or Jones are ruled out for this matchup, there’s a chance the spread could move to a pick’ em or even in favor of Green Bay — so I’ll back the Packers while I can still get a point and a half.
Be sure to check out our full Green Bay Packers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers predictions
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