Week 3 NFL Betting Pretenders/Contenders

Welcome to Week 3’s edition of the NFL Betting Pretenders/Contenders article. We will analyze three teams that are pretenders/contenders on the field and against the spread. With that, let’s look at the teams that made a list. Remember you want to stay away from teams that fall into the pretender category.

 

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(The odds expressed in this article come from DraftKings Sportsbook.  Please be aware that lines may vary.  If you are unaware of where to bet please utilize our easy to use site to find other sportsbooks in your state.)

Betting Pretenders:

Las Vegas Raiders Record: (0-2) ATS Record: (0-2)

The Raiders are loaded with talent on offense. Even with the addition of Davante Adams, the Raiders have shown in their first two games Derek Carr might not be the answer. That is reflective of their record and their ATS record. The Raiders failed to cover in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers and managed an all-time choke job to lose outright to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. For now, stay away from the Raiders including this week against Tennessee. 

Tennesse Titans Record: (0-2) ATS Record: (0-2)

How fitting that the Titans and Raiders both play each other this week. The Titans have been extremely disappointing through the first two weeks of the season. Not only did they somehow lose at home to the New York Giants but they also lost by 34 to the Bills on Monday Night. The Titans are a team to stay away from, and I know people out there that got eliminated in survivor because of them as well. The Titans will not be making the postseason I can tell you that.

Carolina Panthers Record: (0-2) ATS Record: (0-2)

The Carolina Panthers have a problem scoring the football. Baker Mayfield has taken over the reins at quarterback this year and nothing has changed. The Panthers lost at home as favorites to the Browns and lost last week to the Giants failing to cover. This team is not a fun watch if you plan on betting them. So let me save you the pain and stay away from this Panther team as much as possible this season.

Betting Contenders: 

Houston Texans Record: (0-1-1) ATS Record (2-0):

The Houston Texans aren’t a great football team. What they are however is a great football team and here is why. “Good teams win, Great teams cover.” That is exactly what the Houston Texans have done through the first two weeks. They have been massive underdogs to start the year and at no point in time were they in jeopardy of not covering. If the Texans had a consistent offense they would be 2-0 this year. For now, keep betting on this team when they are big dogs.

Buffalo Bills Record: (2-0) ATS Record: (2-0)

Buffalo is a great football team and in my mind the best team in the NFL. After two weeks they have completely dominated perennial playoff contenders winning by a combined margin of plus 55! This team has the pieces on offense but now it also has a top-tier defense. Going forward expect the Bills to be heavy favorites but with their talent level, I don’t mind laying the points.

Detroit Lions Record: (1-1) ATS Record: (0-2) 

Hard Knocks hype is real with the Lions. Detroit has been ultra-competitive through the first two weeks of the season. Amon Ra St. Brown is becoming the new Cooper Kupp. Detroit has a lethal offense that will fight until its last breath to cover the spread. They did so in Week 1 against the Eagles and won outright in Week 2 against the Commanders. Moving forward I love Dan Campbell's group and betting on them to cover as dogs.