It’s that time again, Football Sunday. Just a few short weeks ago, it felt like football would never return and now we’re already on week 3. This season has been absolute insanity so far, with wild comebacks, and several teams with unexpected records. As always, we’re giving you a full NFL week 3 preview, odds, fantasy tips, and Wicked Wagers for every single NFL game.
NFL Week 3 Preview – Sunday Afternoon Games
New Orleans Saints (-139) at Carolina Panthers (+123) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
The Carolina Panthers is at home after just narrowly losing (again). Their week 2 game against the Giants was about as bad as any we’ve seen in a long time. Neither team managed to score more than 20 points. To make matters worse, on the one breakout run by Christian McCaffrey, they only came away with a field goal. The Panthers are playing to cautiously with CMC and it’s going to bite them in the ass. McCaffrey is averaging 5.4 yards per carry this year and 6.3 yards per reception.
Give the ball to your best player this week and try to grab a win at home.
Carolina Panthers Notable Injuries: Donte Jackson (Q), Stantley Thomas-Oliver (Q)
New Orleans split their first two games, one an impressive victory and the other an (expected) slaughtering from Brady’s Bucs. The Saints were without Alvin Kamara in week 2 and it stalled their offense when the passing game wasn’t working.
It looks like the Saints are still trying to figure out their identity on both sides of the ball. With an intra division game again this week, they’ll need to do it quickly.
New Orleans Saints Notable Injuries: Alvin Kamara (Q), Jameis Winston (Q), Alontae Taylor (O)
Fantasy Football Information
Christian McCaffrey has yet to truly break out this season, partially due to being treated like a porcelain doll. Either way, he’s a must start every week. DJ Moore has been trending upward, and even though Anderson put up points week 1, it won’t happen again.
If Kamara is healthy then he’s a must start, no matter what week 1 looked like. Michael Thomas is also a solid start but in a flex position, not as a WR1 or WR2. Taysom Hill got some looks after week 1 but put up a dud in week 2, he’s not worth the risk.
Saints at Panthers Prediction
Just like a father scolding their son: the Panthers are not a bad team, but they are making bad decisions. This is not Mayfield’s team, it is McCaffrey’s team, and it’s time to start game planning like it.
Carolina will take steps forward this week, but New Orleans comes away with the win.
Final Score: New Orleans 21 – Carolina 20
Wicked Wager – Panthers +2.5 (-110)
Wicked Player Prop – Christian McCaffrey Total Rushing & Receiving Yards over 98.5 (-112)
Las Vegas Raiders (-130) at Tennessee Titans (+114) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
The Raiders head to Nashville to take on the Titans, both teams looking for their first win of 2022. There was so much hype around the Raiders in the preseason after adding one of the best receivers in the league. Up to this point, they haven’t managed to come away with a win.
The Raiders have too much talent to just fade away this year. Not to mention a head coach that is out to prove he can do the job. Expect Las Vegas to put up points this week as their explosive offense will give the Titans defense fits.
Las Vegas Raiders Notable Injuries: Josh Jacobs (Q), Hunter Renfrow (O), Denzel Perryman (O)
The Titans are back at home after getting embarrassed on the road in Buffalo. This team is stacked with talent both on their roster and in their coaching ranks. However, they haven’t managed to put it together yet.
This week will be another test for their defense as the Raiders roll in with an excellent offensive unit. Tennessee also enters this game with two of their linemen already ruled out. This will make it hard on Tannehill as he goes head-to-head with Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby.
Tennessee Titans Notable Injuries: Taylor Lewan (O), Bud Dupree (O)
Fantasy Football Information
On the Raiders side, it’s a no brainer with Davante Adams and Derek Carr. They will connect early and often in this game, so start them both. Keep an eye on the injury report for Josh Jacobs and Brandon Bolden, the start may fall to Abdullah. Many fantasy owners believe strongly in Darren Waller, but here at TheUSGambler, we aren’t yet believers.
For the Titans, Derrick Henry hasn’t been himself yet, but he’ll get there. He’s a must start unless you’re super deep at the position. Through two games the Titans have only scored 3 touchdowns, all of them coming from the running back group. Tread lightly starting any other Titan, or their defense.
Raiders at Titans Prediction
Las Vegas will come into Nashville and put up some points early. The Titans, who have struggled through two weeks to produce touchdowns, will struggle again in this game. The Raiders come up with their first win of the season on Sunday.
Final Score: Las Vegas 24 – Tennessee 17
Wicked Wager – Full Game u45.5 (-109)
Wicked Player Prop – Davante Adams Total Receptions over 7.5 (+104)
Buffalo Bill (-225) at Miami Dolphins (+195) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
The undefeated Bills roll into Miami to take on the undefeated Dolphins. The Bills are red hot and have beat their first two opponents a combined 72-17 on their way to 2-0. Here is what no one is talking about this week, the Bills will be missing at least four of their defensive starters. This injury list includes their star safety Micah Hyde. Missing key pieces in their secondary is less than desirable going up against an offense that put up almost 500 passing yards in week 2. Not to mention, Miami is just brutal for northern teams in September.
This will be a high scoring, but much closer game than people expect. If Buffalo wants to leave South Beach with a win, they will need to come out and play excellent coverage as a unit.
Buffalo Bills Notable Injuries: Micah Hyde (O), Jordan Phillips (O), Ed Oliver (O), Jordan Poyer (Q), Gabe Davis (Q)
Let’s take a minute to mention the insanity that was the Miami Dolphins week 2 comeback. It was one of the most fun games we’ve ever seen, and the Dolphins earned that win. This week will be a tougher test, with all due respect to the Ravens, but Buffalo is the Superbowl favorite.
Miami will come out guns blazing, knowing that the Buffalo secondary is missing key pieces.
Miami Dolphins Notable Injuries: Xavien Howard (Q), Terron Armstead (Q)
Fantasy Football Information
For the Bills, it’s a start week for any active pass catcher. Diggs went off last week and he will again. If Davis is healthy, he’s a great flex option, and same for McKenzie.
The Dolphins receivers, namely Hill and Waddle, will both feast this week so start either of them. Be cautious with Miami running backs because the Bills will still be stout up front.
Stay away from starting either of these defenses.
Bills at Dolphins Prediction
Final Score: Buffalo 31 – Miami 27
Wicked Wagers – Miami +5 (-110)
Wicked Player Prop – Tua Tagovailoa Total Passing Yards over 257.5 (-115)
Detroit Lions (+205) at Minnesota Vikings (-250) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
The 1-1 Lions visit the 1-1 Vikings for what is sure to be an exciting NFC North showdown. The Lions may not be the best team in the league, but they have been cooking on offense. Through two games, they’ve put up 30+ points in both contests. They get the Vikings this week, who gave up a massive offensive game to the Eagles on MNF. If the Lions want to win this one, they’ll need to put up 30+ points again but also find a way to slow down Justin Jefferson.
Detroit Lions Notable Injuries: D’Andre Swift (Q), Aidan Hutchinson (Q)
The Vikings come into this one after being embarrassed in prime time. Jefferson couldn’t create separation from Darius Slay and Cousins kept chucking it to him anyway. At least we got a fun meme out of it this week, “F*ck it! Darius Slay down there somewhere!”. The Detroit defense is not the Eagles defense, and the Vikings will find the end zone many more times in this one.
Justin Jefferson comes back big with two touchdowns as he looks to make a statement.
Minnesota Vikings Notable Injuries: Harrison Smith (O), Andrew Booth (O)
Fantasy Football Information
For Detroit, Swift is a must play but if he doesn’t suit up then it should be a big day for Jamaal Williams. Amon-Ra St. Brown will also get used heavily on offense, PPR owners should especially start him after hauling in 24 receptions through two weeks.
This is a start a Vikings pass catcher week. At home, against a bad defense, and looking for vengeance. Go ahead and start Jefferson, Thielen, Irv Smith, and of course, Dalvin Cook. Do not start the Vikings defense unless you must.
Lions at Vikings Prediction
There are just too many check marks in the Pro column for this Vikings team for them to lose this bounce back game. This will be a high scoring affair and expect both teams to end in the 30+ point range. However, Minnesota will out score the spunky Detroit Lions to go up 2-1 on the season.
Final Score: Minnesota 34 – Detroit 30
Wicked Wagers – Full Game o52.5 (-112)
Wicked Player Prop – Justin Jefferson 2 Touchdown Scorer (+360)
Philadelphia Eagles (-292) at Washington Commanders (+235) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
The first NFC East divisional matchup for both Philadelphia and Washington puts the Eagles in the nation’s capital this week. The Eagles are 2-0 after holding off a comeback in Detroit in Week 1 and embarrassing Minnesota in Week 2. Philadelphia’s offense has put up 62 points in two weeks, mostly due to Jalen Hurts being under center. Hurts has 576 yards and 1 touchdown through the air to go with 147 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing.
Philadelphia’s top receiver A.J. Brown is making his presence known in his first season in an Eagle’s jersey with 225 yards receiving in 2 games and the defense is coming off a spectacular performance that had 3 interceptions and allowed only 7 points to Minnesota.
Philadelphia Eagles Notable Injuries: Landon Dickerson (Q)
The Commanders are coming off their first loss of the season in a game in Detroit where they played from behind all game. Quarterback Carson Wentz had a good game, finishing with over 300 yards and 3 TDs, but this is the nature when you play mostly passing offense. Washington’s defense struggled against the Lion’s offense who had almost 200 yards on the ground and 250 yards through the air, to go with 4 passing TDs for Jared Goff. Wentz’s top two targets in Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin will each have to have big games if Washington can break through Philadelphia’s defense that made Justin Jefferson irrelevant last week. The running game has not been there much for the Commanders, with RB Antonio Gibson having only 86 yards on 28 carries so far.
Washington Commanders Notable Injuries: Brian Robinson (O), Daniel Wise (O), William Jackson III (Q)
Fantasy Football Information
It’s great to have a quarterback in fantasy that can score two ways, which makes Jalen Hurts a must start. Receiver A.J. Brown has also been targeted 10.5 times per game with almost 15 yards per reception. Brown will get that elusive first touchdown soon and add that to the yardage and receptions for a huge week.
Washington wide receivers Samuel and McLaurin are both great starting options. Samuel has been a surprise main target for Wentz so far this season.
Eagles at Commanders Prediction
The Eagles offense is going to be a lot for the Commander’s defense to contain. Washington’s only hope is to keep up in a high scoring game and that did not work out last week. Philadelphia will move to 3-0 with their first division win.
Final Score: Philadelphia 31 – Washington 21
Wicked Wager – Eagles -6.5 (-110)
Wicked Player Prop – A.J. Brown First Touchdown Scorer (+575)
Kansas City Chiefs (-250) at Indianapolis Colts (+205) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
Two teams coming off different games in Week 2, with totally different results. The Colts finally get a home game in Week 3 and look to get their first win of the season. In Week 2, Indianapolis got shut out in Jacksonville in a game where Matt Ryan had under 200 yards passing and 3 interceptions.
Last season’s rushing leader for both yards and touchdowns, Jonathan Taylor, only had 9 carries for 54 yards after 150 yards and a TD in Week 1. The defense also gave Jacksonville quarterback Lawrence all the time he needed to make plays, only hitting him twice and with no sacks.
Indianapolis Colts Notable Injuries: Shaquille Leonard (O), Yannick Ngakoue (Q)
Kansas City comes into Week 3 off a big division win over the Chargers a week ago and the benefit of a few extra days to prepare for the Week 3 matchup. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had 235 yards and 2 touchdowns, throwing to 9 different receivers in their first home game. In 2 weeks, Mahomes has 7 TDs and no interceptions.
The Kansas City defense allowed over 400 yards and 3 touchdowns last week, all through the air. They ultimately came up with a pick six in the 4th quarter that was the difference in the game. They will face Matt Ryan desperately looking to earn his first win with his new team.
Kansas City Chiefs Notable Injuries: Mike Danna (O), Harrison Butker (O)
Fantasy Football Information
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has long been a must start for fantasy owners. Going this week against a defense that couldn’t stop Trevor Lawrence he should be again. Tight end Travis Kelce is also likely the most wanted tight end in all leagues in the first season without Gronkowski.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is worth watching, with the potential to break out for 100+ yard games. We just haven’t seen that yet this season. Additionally, if Pittman is healthy and plays, look for him to have a similar week to week 1.
Chiefs at Colts Prediction
At some point, the Colts need to be ready for a big win. Coming off a season where they choked and missed the playoffs, starting 0-1-1 is not a fun place to be. In Week 3 they are going to be desperate and that always leads to wild outcomes.
Final Score: Indianapolis 31 – Kansas City 27
Wicked Wager – Colts ML (+205)
Wicked Player Prop – Jonathan Taylor Longest Rush (-114)
Houston Texans (+130) at Chicago Bears (-155) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
In Week 3 the winless Texans will head to Chicago to take on the Bears coming off a loss to division rival Green Bay. Chicago will be happy to be home again where they earned the first win of the season in an exciting game in crazy weather. In Green Bay, the Bears’ offense only scored 10 points and had 250 yards of total offense, 180 yards of which was on the ground. David Montgomery averaged over 8 yards per carry and quarterback Justin Fields added 20 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
In the passing game Fields had only 70 yards and an interception. This type of offense should match well against a Houston team ranked 30th in rushing yards allowed.
Chicago Bears Notable Injuries: Ryan Griffin (O), Roquan Smith (Q), Matthew Adams (O)
Houston is probably happy with that tie from Week 1 in a game many thought the Colts would win. However, they then went to Denver in Week 2 and had an equally poor offensive showing. The Texans also had just over 250 yards of total offense and settled for 3 field goals on the game. Rookie running back Dameon Pierce had 69 yards and in week 3 will face a run defense even worse than the Texans. Chicago has allowed the most rushing yards on the season in the league.
Houston Texans Notable Injuries: Pharoah Brown (O), Maliek Collins (Q), Isaac Yiadom (O)
Fantasy Football Information
This game features two sophomore quarterbacks battling it out, and neither one is a good addition to any fantasy roster. Houston wide receiver Brandin Cooks is the best receiver in this game but still worth watching over starting. Cooks has been targeted 22 times but only has 11 receptions for 136 yards on the season. It will be easy for the Bears’ defense to focus on him.
For the Bears, Montgomery is a must start as he’s the only constant the offense has. Fantasy owners are still waiting for a good game from Darnell Mooney that had everyone drafting him so high.
Texans at Bears Prediction
Both teams have scored 29 points in the first two games combined and this one will not be much more exciting, but the Bears can stay in pace with the rest of the NFC North with a second win at home.
Final Score: Chicago 20 – Houston 13
Wicked Wager – Full Game Under 39.5 (-110)
Wicked Player Prop – Brandin Cooks Total Receiving Yards over 60.5 (-113)
NFL Week 3 Preview – Sunday Late Afternoon Games
Jacksonville Jaguars (+143) at Los Angeles Chargers (-170) – Sunday, 4:05 PM EST
This was the season fans expected Trevor Lawrence to step up under new coaching, and so far, he hasn’t disappointed. He has over 500 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. He’s coming off a victory where he had a 121.5 passer rating and 2 touchdowns, both to Christian Kirk.
His offensive line also deserves some of the credit as the Colts put no pressure on Lawrence. They didn’t allow a single sack all afternoon. The Jacksonville defense also stepped up with 3 interceptions in Week 2, adding to the 2 in Week 1.
Jacksonville Jaguars Notable Injuries: Shaquill Griffin (Q)
In Week 3 they will face the similarly 1-1 Chargers. Los Angeles is coming off a Week 2 loss in Kansas City where they kept up with the Chiefs’ offense, despite QB Justin Herbert suffering a rib injury. The game was ultimately altered by a pick six.
Now back in Los Angeles, the Chargers will be hoping Herbert is ready to go 2-0 at home this season. The Chargers are benefiting from a few extra days rest off a Thursday night game in Week 2.
Los Angeles Chargers Notable Injuries: Justin Herbert (Q), Keenan Allen (Q), J.C. Jackson (D)
Fantasy Football Information
Assuming Herbert plays in this game he is a great option for a starting quarterback for any fantasy owner. He is averaging over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns per game with only one turnover. Wide receiver Mike Williams is also a good starter with Keenan Allen being questionable. Last week Williams stepped up for 113 yards and a touchdown.
On the Jaguar’s side, wide receiver Christian Kirk has been an absolute stud this year. He was a complimentary piece last year with the Cardinals but has stepped up big in 2022. In week 2, he was Lawrence’s top target after putting up decent numbers in week 1 as well.
Jaguars at Chargers Prediction
With Herbert having 10 days to recover and coming back like a hero in his home stadium, watch for the Chargers to cruise to a victory in Week 3.
Final Score: Los Angeles 33 – Jacksonville 20
Wicked Wager – Full Game Over 42.5 (-110)
Wicked Player Prop – Austin Ekeler Total Rushing Yards over 52.5 (-115)
Los Angeles Rams (-194) at Arizona Cardinals (+162) – Sunday, 4:25 PM EST
Game Preview
The Cardinals are coming off a remarkable come from behind overtime victory over the Raiders in Las Vegas. They’ll be returning home for a date with the defending champs, the Los Angeles Rams. Kyler Murray will need to play the way he did in the second half against the Raiders if the Cardinals are going to win this game. The Rams will be a stronger opponent then the Raiders, so the early woes won’t be sustainable for the Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals Notable Injuries: Rondale Moore (O), James Connor (Q)
The Rams picked up their first win of the year last week after nearly allowing the Falcons to mount a massive comeback. Matthew Stafford looked better than he did in Week 1 but still threw 2 picks. If the Rams want to go on another deep run this year, they’re going to need better quarterback play. Stafford is reportedly dealing with an elbow injury and has not looked like himself early on. He’ll need to do a better job of taking care of the football on Sunday.
Los Angeles Rams Notable Injuries: Van Jefferson (O), Jordan Fuller (Q)
Fantasy Football Information
Leave Matthew Stafford in your lineup this week because the Cardinals defense is questionable. Stay away from starting Kyler Murray if you can. The Ram’s defense is talented, and Murray’s best shot at putting up points is in garbage time. Cooper Kupp as always is a must start.
Rams at Cardinals Prediction
Matthew Stafford will have his best game of the season, as he throws for 4 touchdowns with 2 of them going to Cooper Kupp. The Cardinals will once again have a poor first half, but this time they aren’t able to put together a comeback.
Final Score: Los Angeles 38 – Arizona 17
Wicked Wagers – Rams -3.5 (-110) / Over 48.5 (-110)
Wicked Player Prop – Matthew Stafford over 268.5 Passing Yards (-114)
Green Bay Packers (-102) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-116) – Sunday, 4:25PM EST
Game Preview
The Packers picked up a much-needed bounce back victory on Sunday Night Football over the Bears. Aaron Rodgers looked like his normal self again, picking apart the Bears defense. The Packers also got some wide receiver help with the return of Allen Lazard from injury. Lazard only had two catches but one of them was a touchdown. The Packers don’t have a deep receiving core so any additional help will go a long way.
Green Bay Packers Notable Injuries: Sammy Watkins (O), Randall Cobb (Q), David Bakhtiari (Q)
The Buccaneers moved to 2-0 last week after a 10-point victory over the Saints. The defense picked off former Buc Jameis Winston 3 times, including 1 that was returned for a touchdown. Tom Brady has yet to look elite this year, but he’s doing enough to win games. Aside from a few early injuries, this Buccaneers team is great, and once Brady gets back into top gear, look out.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Notable Injuries: Chris Godwin (O), Leonard Fournette (Q), Russell Gage (Q), Julio Jones (Q), Breshad Perriman (Q), Tom Brady (P)
Fantasy Football Information
You must start Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers in the first game ever that features two players that have won 3 MVPs. Mike Evans is suspended, and the Buccaneers wide receiver group is hammered on the injury report. Whoever ends up being Brady’s top guy this week is a must start, especially if that guy is Julio Jones.
On the Packers side, Aaron Jones is a good start and expect Allen Lazard to have a breakout game this week if you’re looking for a flex option.
Packers at Buccaneers Prediction
The duel between Brady and Rodgers will once again go Brady’s way. It will be a tight matchup, but Brady will come up big in the fourth quarter. The Packers will leave with more questions than answers and a 1-2 record.
Final Score: Tampa Bay 30 – Green Bay 27
Wicked Wagers – Buccaneers -1.5 (-108) / o41.5 (-115)
Wicked Player Prop – Allen Lazard Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+195)
Atlanta Falcons (-104) at Seattle Seahawks (-112) – Sunday, 4:25 PM EST
Game Preview
The Falcons will be coming into this one looking for their first win of the season. They suffered two tough defeats; one in which they blew a big lead and one where they nearly made a huge comeback. Quarterback Marcus Mariota has been decent for the Falcons through two games. He’ll need more help from tight end Kyle Pitts though. Pitts had big expectations coming into the year, but he’s put together back-to-back poor performances to begin the season.
Atlanta Falcons Notable Injuries: None
The Seahawks will be returning to Lumen Field after a disappointing 20-point loss to the 49ers. Geno Smith has been efficient throwing the football so far this season, but he’ll need to be more aggressive moving forward. In Week 2, Smith had 24 completions for just 197 yards. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett will be looking to build on his 100-yard performance this past Sunday.
Seattle Seahawks Notable Injuries: Shelby Harris (O), Quandre Diggs (Q)
Fantasy Football Information
There are not many guys you’ll want to put in your fantasy lineup in this game. Kyle Pitts used to be a good start but hasn’t gotten involved much in the first two weeks.
Wide receivers Tyler Lockett and Drake London could be good flex options this week.
Falcons at Seahawks Prediction
It will be a low scoring game, but Marcus Mariota will put together a game winning drive that delivers the Falcons their first win of the season. Geno Smith will start strong but have trouble getting things going in the second half.
Final Score: Atlanta 17 – Seattle 14
Wicked Wagers – Falcons Moneyline (-104) / Full Game u41.5 (-106)
Wicked Player Prop – Geno Smith under 214.5 Passing Yards (-114)
NFL Week 3 Preview – Sunday Night Football
San Francisco 49ers (-126) at Denver Broncos (+108) – Sunday, 8:20 PM EST
Game Preview
The 49ers are fortunate to have not dealt Jimmy Garoppolo in the off-season. The veteran quarterback was forced to return after Trey Lance went down with a season ending ankle injury this past Sunday. After we all thought his days were numbered in the Bay, Jimmy G will be tasked with leading the Niners once again.
San Francisco 49ers Notable Injuries: Trey Lance (O) Arik Armstead (Q)
The Denver Broncos haven’t had a smooth start to the Russell Wilson/Nathaniel Hackett era. It started with a clock management error in Week 1 that cost them the game. Then Wilson was not sharp last week vs the Texans, but the Broncos were still able to hang on for the victory.
Wilson will have a much bigger test this week against the talented Niners defense. It will be another chance for him to establish himself in his new uniform.
Denver Broncos Notable Injuries: Jerry Jeudy (Q), Pat Surtain II (Q)
Fantasy Football Information
If you had Russell Wilson as your starter the last couple of weeks you may want to turn to your backup, as Wilson has shown inconsistency so far this year.
On the Niners side, Deebo Samuel is a must start. You’ll also want to put George Kittle in your lineup. The tight end is expected to make his season debut on Sunday.
49ers at Broncos Prediction
The Niners will go up early and won’t look back. Russell Wilson will continue to have trouble, and Nathaniel Hackett will hear the boos from the loud Denver crowd.
Final Score: San Francisco 30 – Denver 17
Wicked Wager – 49ers -1.5 (-114)
Wicked Player Prop – Deebo Samuel Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+115)