Week 3 of the NFL preseason gets underway tonight with two games (Packers-Chiefs, 49ers-Texans), and with it comes some compelling odds and potentially profitable betting opportunities. The rest of the preseason slate kicks off this weekend with four games on Friday, eight games on Saturday, and two games on Sunday.
With NFL teams needing to cut their rosters down to 53 men by Tuesday, Aug. 30th, Week 3 of the preseason provides an opportunity for numerous players to win or lose a roster spot. It isn’t always the most aesthetically pleasing viewing experience, but betting on the preseason undoubtedly makes the games more watchable.
Below, we’ll look at Caesars Sportsbook’s current odds on Week 3 of the preseason and see if any potential wagers stand out as particularly good values.
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All odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook
Best NFL preseason Week 3 bet against the spread: Ravens vs. Commanders
Ravens vs. Commanders Spread
- Commanders +6.5: -110 (implied probability 52.38 percent)
- Ravens -6.5: -110 (implied probability 52.38 percent)
Best Bet: Commanders +6.5 (-110)
Yes, the Ravens are power rated as the best team in the preseason, but against a Commanders team with a competent QB room, a 6.5-point spread is a bit steep. Everyone and their brother knows that the Ravens don’t lose in the preseason, but we’re fading that narrative and grabbing Washington and the points (and a +240 moneyline sprinkle for those brave enough).
The Commanders lost 24-14 last week to the Chiefs, failing the cover as +5.5 points underdogs. That box score is a bit misleading considering Kansas City scored 14 of their 24 points when Patrick Mahomes was in at QB. Without Mahomes, Kansas City’s backups didn’t do much, and Washington outscored the Chiefs 14-10 following Mahomes’ departure.
While Tyler Huntley is one of the best backup QBs in the league and is capable of getting the Ravens off to a similar start to what Mahomes did, Huntley won’t be playing during “cover time.” Rookie QB Anthony Brown will be the man under center toward the end of the game, and at that point you can’t quantify the Ravens being close to a TD favorite. Baltimore almost let Arizona get in the backdoor last Sunday night, and it’s certainly possible the Commanders are able to get in the backdoor on Saturday.
With this preview being put out on Thursday morning, there’s a chance the Commanders get to +7 or better prior to kickoff. In this instance, it might be beneficial to wait until post time to get your Commanders’ spread bet in.
Other worthwhile preseason Week 1 sides: Broncos (PK) vs. Vikings, Bengals -2.5 vs. Falcons
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Best NFL preseason Week 3 over/under bet: Colts vs. Buccaneers
Colts vs. Buccaneers over/under
- Over 40.5: -110 (implied probability 52.38 percent)
- Under 40.5: -110 (implied probability 52.38 percent)
Best Bet: UNDER 40.5 (-110)
The Colts-Buccaneers total is currently the second highest over/under on the board at 40.5, and while the Colts offense has impressed the first two weeks of the preseason, they might be in line for a rougher offensive performance against Tampa Bay. Fourth-string QB Jack Coan could get more playing time with Sam Ehlinger and Nick Foles clearly above him on the depth chart entering the final cuts.
No offense to Coan, but the more snaps he plays the better chance this game goes UNDER. Additionally, the Buccaneers’ offense is a shell of what it will be in the regular season. Second-year QB Kyle Trask will see the majority of the snaps and sports a 1:2 TD-to-INT rate on 57 pass attempts. Look for the offenses to consistently stall out and fail to convert TDs in the red zone.
Other worthwhile preseason Week 3 totals: Browns-Bears UNDER 40.5, Ravens- Commanders UNDER 39.5
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