Admin September 21, 2024
NFL Week 3 picks and predictions: Why Texans, Packers are a smart play
Lorenzo Reyes is locked and loaded for Week 3 in the NFL and provides us with the smartest bets of the weekend.
Sports Pulse
The Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders, two teams heading in seemingly opposite directions, are set to square off in Week 3 as the 2024 NFL season rolls on.
For Carolina, the start to this campaign has been grim. After quarterback Bryce Young lead the team to just 352 total yards across two ugly losses, Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced that Andy Dalton would replace the 2023 no. 1 overall pick as the team’s starting quarterback. While Young has undoubtedly struggled, completing barely over half of his passes and holding a 0:3 touchdown/interception ratio, it’s still a shockingly quick change.
Coming off of a miserable 2-15 season last year, it’s just one more hard knock for a team whose issues run deeper than who takes the snaps.
Bryce Young: Why it’s too soon to call 2023 No. 1 NFL draft pick a bust
The Raiders in Week 2 bounced back from an unimpressive season-opening loss to the the Los Angeles Chargers, going cross-country to knock off the Baltimore Ravens 26-23. Some key red-zone defensive plays kept the Raiders in the game, setting up a late comeback keyed by from wide receiver Davante Adams (110 yards, nine receptions, one touchdown). However, with starting defensive linemen Christian Wilkins and Maxx Crosby both questionable, Las Vegas may not be as well-poised to take advantage of a flimsy Carolina offensive line as one would think.
Panthers vs. Raiders odds, moneyline, over/under
Las Vegas enters this match as solid favorites to win, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
PLAY TO WIN $5K: USA TODAY’s Pro Football Survivor Pool is free to enter. Sign up now!
- Spread: Raiders (-6)
- Moneyline: Raiders (-275), Panthers (+220)
- Over/under: 40 points
Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Monday Night Football odds.
New to sports betting? USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.
NFL Week 3 odds, predictions and picks
Jets vs. Patriots | Browns vs. Giants | Colts vs. Bears | Vikings vs. Texans | Saints vs. Eagles | Steelers vs. Chargers | Buccaneers vs. Broncos | Titans vs. Packers | Raiders vs. Panthers | Seahawks vs. Dolphins | Cardinals vs. Lions | Cowboys vs. Ravens | Rams vs. 49ers | Falcons vs. Chiefs | Bills vs. Jaguars | Bengals vs. Commanders
USA TODAY: Raiders 21, Panthers 16
Tyler Dragon says: “The Panthers decided to bench Bryce Young after another horrendous start. The Panthers have the NFL’s worst total offense and are last in points per game. The Raiders had a huge comeback win against Baltimore in Week 2. The win should give Las Vegas confidence, especially at home against a reeling Carolina club.”
Forbes: Raiders 28, Panthers 16
Vincent Frank says: “The Raiders should win this game going away. Carolina has lost 17 of 19 dating back to the start of last season. It is winless on the road during this span, being outscored by a combined 161 points in 10 games… Pierce has his Raiders riding high heading into this one. Look for another stellar outing for the Silver and Black in their regular-season home opener.”
Sports Illustrated: Raiders 20, Panthers 13
Iain MacMillan says: “The Raiders were set as 7-point favorites in this game but when it was announced that former No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young, would be benched in favor of Andy Dalton, the line dropped two points to Raiders -5. Is Young that bad of a quarterback that Dalton starting is worth two points? I don’t think so. Young didn’t do himself any favors, but the Panthers’ roster leaves a lot to be desired and their defense ranks 25th in the NFL in opponent yards per play at 5.7.”
Sporting News: Raiders 24, Panthers 20
Vincent Iyer says: “The Panthers will get a spark from Andy Dalton on the road, as he’ll make better use of downfield passing opportunities for Dave Canales. The Raiders will run better to win late after Gardner Minshew gets the needed, big early plays from Davante Adams and Brock Bowers.”