Week 3 in the NFL brings a mix of uncertainty and opportunity as teams approach the halfway mark of the early season. Will Brinson’s latest predictions focus on matchups where momentum and injury updates could tip the scales on Sunday’s games.
The Seattle Seahawks stand out as undervalued in the betting markets. Despite losing their starting quarterback, Sam Darnold, to injury last year, there’s a chance he might return this week. If Darnold suits up, Brinson sees the Seahawks’ flat touchdown line as good value. Even without him, Drew Lock has performed well enough to challenge the Washington Commanders’ defense, which has been weakened further by the loss of Jayden Daniels to a dislocated left elbow for the second year running. The Seahawks’ defense and running game remain solid, making them a candidate to cover double-digit spreads at Washington.
Another road favorite in Brinson’s view is the Philadelphia Eagles, who face the Chicago Bears. The Eagles’ defense is described as elite and capable of limiting Chicago’s offense, which has struggled without star quarterback Caleb Williams. Brinson doubts the Bears can muster enough points to cover the spread, especially with either Tyson Bagent nursing injuries or the 38-year-old Case Keenum likely to start. Philadelphia’s offensive production may not be explosive, but their defense should be enough to secure the win and cover.
Brinson singles out Dexter Lawrence’s impact on the Cincinnati Bengals defense as a game-changer. Despite early questions about the Bengals, their defense has improved, and their offense started to click last week. The Bengals face the Pittsburgh Steelers, who Brinson views as struggling offensively. He believes Lawrence’s pressure on the interior line will disrupt the Steelers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The prediction is for Cincinnati to score 25 or more points and leave Pittsburgh behind, making the Bengals a strong pick on the road with a spread of more than three points.
Detroit Lions are expected to win comfortably at home after a loss and a week of rest. Brinson forecasts the Lions will dominate the first half on offense, though he anticipates the New York Jets, led by a revitalized Geno Smith and a competent offense, to mount a late comeback. Frank Reich’s coaching and improved performances from Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson bolster the Jets’ chances of covering the spread, but the Lions should remain in control.
In a game with a large total and unusual field conditions in Brazil, Brinson looks to the Baltimore Ravens. He expects running back Mark Ingram, known as “The King,” to have a significant impact after limited carries in Week 2. The expectation is that the Ravens will lean on him to produce big runs and exceed the point spread, though this is described as a “ladder situation,” suggesting some risk depending on how the conditions affect the game.
Carolina Panthers’ running back Chuba Hubbard is another player Brinson recommends backing for receptions. With Jonathan Brooks out, Hubbard is expected to see increased playing time and targets. The Panthers’ pass-heavy opponent, the Cleveland Browns, allowed seven catches to running backs in their last game, indicating Hubbard could have a productive day catching passes.
Brinson continues to back Chiefs tight end Kelce’s teammate, Isiah Pacheco, for a touchdown in the Miami game. Despite competition for targets from Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce, Pacheco is seen as an undervalued contributor who will be used in specific plays designed to get him into the end zone. Brinson notes that this pick has hit at a 50 percent clip so far this season.
The Jets remain a team Brinson recommends for anytime touchdown bets, though the specific player is unconfirmed in the source material. He mentions a dip in betting prices closer to the weekend, indicating confidence in the Jets’ offensive potential this week.
Brinson cautions that with only the quarter-season point reached, many teams’ true identities remain uncertain. The early results can mislead, and he advises bettors to be selective. Most of his picks come with half-unit bets and include several plus-money touchdown shots, reflecting a balance of confidence and caution.
As Week 3 unfolds, injury reports and in-game developments will shape the outcomes. The Seahawks may hinge on Darnold’s status, while the Bengals’ defense and the Lions’ early offensive push will be factors to watch closely. Brinson’s predictions offer guidance rooted in recent performances and matchup details, but he acknowledges the unpredictability that remains in this stage of the NFL season.
According to CBS.
