NFL Week 3 Schedule, Odds, and Score Predictions

Week 3 of the NFL is here, with divisional rivalries, early NFC showdowns, and a primetime slate loaded with storylines. Here’s a game-by-game look, complete with odds and score predictions for every Sunday and Monday game.

Bengals (2-0) vs. Vikings (1-1)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 12 p.m.
Line: Vikings -3.5

With Joe Burrow sidelined for three months, Jake Browning is under pressure to keep Cincinnati afloat. He got the win last week, but three interceptions highlighted just how raw he remains. The Bengals’ upcoming slate of elite defenses makes this a pivotal stretch.

Minnesota, on the other hand, flopped on primetime at home. The offensive line struggled badly, and J.J. McCarthy is now out with an ankle injury. Carson Wentz will get the start, and this week’s matchup against a shaky Bengals defense provides a chance to bounce back.

Prediction: Vikings 27, Bengals 24

Both teams are leaning on backups, but Minnesota’s defense should win the turnover battle.

Steelers (1-1) vs. Patriots (1-1)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 12 p.m.
Line: Steelers -1.5

Pittsburgh’s problems are familiar: leaky pass protection and a soft run defense. Asking a 41-year-old quarterback to run for his life is not a recipe for success.

The Patriots remain unpredictable. Drake Maye impressed against Miami, but this week he faces a Steelers defense that rarely makes things easy.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Patriots 14

Mike Tomlin thrives in these scrappy games, and this one has the makings of a low-scoring defensive battle.

Colts (2-0) vs. Titans (0-2)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 12 p.m.
Line: Colts -3.5

Daniel Jones looks comfortable in Shane Steichen’s system, Jonathan Taylor is back to form, and suddenly the Colts look like contenders in a wide-open AFC South.

Tennessee has played close, but close still counts as 0-2. Rookie QB Cam Ward competes hard, yet the Titans’ offensive line has already surrendered 11 sacks. That’s not sustainable.

Prediction: Titans 21, Colts 20

This feels like a trap game. Ward gets his first win in an upset.

Texans (0-2) vs. Jaguars (1-1)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 12 p.m.
Line: Jaguars -1.5

Jacksonville squandered a winnable game last week with sloppy execution and turnovers. Trevor Lawrence must protect the ball better against a ball-hawking Houston secondary.

The Texans are desperate. At 0-2, this divisional game already feels like a must-win. Their defense has been stout, but the offense hasn’t topped 20 points yet.

Prediction: Texans 24, Jaguars 20

Houston’s defense carries the day as they finally notch their first win.

Falcons (1-1) vs. Panthers (0-2)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 12 p.m.
Line: Falcons -3.5

Atlanta’s defense has quietly impressed, with a pass rush that finally looks competent. The offense, however, settled for five field goals last week, a red-zone problem they’ll need to fix.

Carolina hasn’t shown any growth. The offense sputters, the defense remains porous, and patience is running thin.

Prediction: Falcons 27, Panthers 13

Bijan Robinson against a defense giving up 5.2 yards per carry is a mismatch. Atlanta controls the game on the ground.

Rams (2-0) vs. Eagles (2-0)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 12 p.m.
Line: Eagles -3.5

Two NFC powerhouses collide in what could shape playoff seeding down the line.

The Rams are balanced, top-10 in both offense and defense, but Matthew Stafford has already been sacked eight times. Keeping him upright will be key.

Philadelphia’s passing game is under the microscope after Jalen Hurts threw for just 101 yards against Kansas City. Wins matter most, but the lack of air production is concerning.

Prediction: Rams 21, Eagles 20

A coin-flip game. LA pulls off the upset in a statement win.

Jets (0-2) vs. Buccaneers (2-0)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 12 p.m.
Line: Buccaneers -7.5

The Jets’ season is already on shaky ground. Their only consistent spark has been the Fields-Hall rushing duo, but Fields will miss this game with an injury, so Tyrod Taylor will step in and have a tough test in front of him.

Baker Mayfield, meanwhile, keeps delivering in crunch time. Banged up but unfazed, he led another late game-winning drive last week. Tampa Bay is playing tough, physical football on both sides.

Prediction: Buccaneers 27, Jets 20

The Jets can keep it close, but Tampa is simply the better team.

Raiders (1-1) vs. Commanders (1-1)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 12 p.m.
Line: Commanders -3.5

Las Vegas has struggled offensively, though it’s fair to note they’ve faced two top defenses. Ashton Jeanty has yet to find his rhythm in the run game, and Geno Smith’s turnover issues have carried over from Seattle with red-zone interceptions proving costly.

Washington lost Austin Ekeler for the season, a massive blow. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt now steps into the RB1 role. Chasing Philadelphia in the East is a tall task, so games like this are must-wins.

Prediction: Commanders 30, Raiders 21

The Raiders’ run defense is solid, but Washington leans on Jayden Daniels both through the air and with his legs to take control.

Packers (2-0) vs. Browns (0-2)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 12 p.m.
Line: Packers -7.5

Green Bay’s defense looks elite, and Jordan Love continues to steady a team still searching for reliable receivers.

Cleveland boasts a championship-caliber defense, but their offense is dragging them down. Joe Flacco looks spent, and desperation changes may be looming.

Prediction: Packers 17, Browns 14

The Browns’ D keeps it close, but their offense lets them down again.

Broncos (1-1) vs. Chargers (2-0)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 3:05 p.m.
Line: Chargers -2.5

With Kansas City at 0-2, this game could be crucial in the AFC West race. Denver is coming off a crushing loss to Indianapolis where Jonathan Taylor ran wild. Denver has protected Bo Nix well, but the passing game remains stuck in neutral.

The Chargers’ defense has been a surprising force for this team, causing turnovers and limiting big plays. Herbert looks comfortable again, and Keenan Allen remains reliable. 

Prediction: Broncos 24, Chargers 20

This could be one of the best games of the day. Denver rebounds behind a sharper defensive performance.

Saints (0-2) vs. Seahawks (1-1)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 3:05 p.m.
Line: Seahawks -7.5

New Orleans has played hard but fallen short. The defense is solid,, but Spencer Rattler’s growing pains are evident.

Seattle handled Pittsburgh last week behind a strong defensive effort. They held Aaron Rodgers to 203 passing yards with two interceptions. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is emerging quickly as a star and sits second in the league in receiving yards.

Prediction: Seahawks 20, Saints 17

Seattle edges it, but expect another close one.

Cardinals (2-0) vs. 49ers (2-0)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 3:25 p.m.
Line: 49ers -1.5

The NFC West is stacked with a combined 7-1 record and a perfect 6-0 mark outside the division. Kyler Murray has been efficient, but the Cardinals need more offensive production against a San Francisco defense that ranks near the top of the league.

Mac Jones looked sharp in his first start for the 49ers, albeit against the Saints. Christian McCaffrey returned to form with 107 total yards and a touchdown, reminding everyone he can still carry this offense. The question is whether Jones has another solid game or makes costly mistakes.

Prediction: Cardinals 30, 49ers 17

Arizona’s run defense has been excellent, and if they slow McCaffrey, they will seize control of this game.

Cowboys (1-1) vs. Bears (0-2)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 3:25 p.m.
Line: Cowboys -1.5

Dallas’ offense looks explosive, but their defense is alarming. Giving up 450 passing yards to Russell Wilson isn’t a good look.

Chicago has been overmatched, giving up 52 points last week. Rookie coach Ben Johnson needs something positive to build on.

Prediction: Cowboys 34, Bears 27

Expect fireworks, but Dallas has more weapons. The growing pains continue for Johnson’s Bears.

Chiefs (0-2) vs. Giants (0-2)

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 7:20 p.m.
Line: Chiefs -6.5

Kansas City hasn’t looked right. For the first time in his career, Patrick Mahomes has now lost three straight including the Super Bowl, and Travis Kelce’s struggles have been glaring.

The Giants have been up and down, but Malik Nabers is emerging as the next superstar receiver. If New York’s pass rush hits home, they can make this interesting.

Prediction: Giants 21, Chiefs 20

An upset call: New York rides its defense to a statement win.

Lions (1-1) vs. Ravens (1-1)

Monday, Sept. 22 – 7:15 p.m.
Line: Ravens -4.5

Detroit’s offense was explosive last week, led by Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown. The challenge now is exploiting Baltimore’s struggling secondary.

Lamar Jackson, meanwhile, rebounded from a slow start to torch Cleveland for four touchdowns. Adding DeAndre Hopkins has opened the field, and the Ravens are always dangerous at home.

Prediction: Ravens 33, Lions 21

Both offenses will score plenty, but Baltimore’s defense will make more big plays and tip the balance.

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