NFL bettors have had two weeks to evaluate the depth of teams. Now it’s time to get a good look at the starters, who should see a significant amount of playing time in Week 3.
Heading into the third slate of tune-up tilts we take a look at the best and worst bets in Week 3 of the preseason, digging all the way back to 1995. This is the one week that resembles the regular season the most because the starters generally play into at least the third quarter.
Records from Week 3 of the preseason over the past 16 years.
BEST WEEK 3 PRESEASON BETS
New York Jets (13-3 SU, 11-4-1 ATS)
The Jets have been outstanding in Week 3 of the preseason since 1995, but haven’t been able to get the offense going this year. New York has scored just nine points in its first two preseason contests and is 0-2 SU (straight up) and ATS (against the spread). Oddsmakers still have the Jets as 2.5-point home favorites over the Panthers on Sunday.
Seattle Seahawks (11-5 SU, 12-3-1 ATS)
The Seahawks are coming off a 30-10 victory over the Broncos last week and are 2-0 SU and 1-1 ATS this preseason. Seattle has put up 57 points in its first two preseason games and enters Friday’s contest in Kansas City as 1-point faves.
Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5 SU, 12-4 ATS)
The Jaguars have pulled out two slim victories over the Giants and Saints this preseason. Jacksonville is 1-1 ATS and is a 7-point dog in Baltimore on Thursday.
WORST WEEK 3 PRESEASON BETS
New York Giants (2-14 SU, 3-12-1 ATS)
The Giants have been the worst SU team in Week 3 of the preseason since 1995, with their last victory coming way back in 2006 over the Jets. New York is 1-1 SU and 2-0 ATS this preseason campaign. The Giants are 3-point favorites over the visiting Bears on Friday.
Kansas City Chiefs (3-13 SU, 3-12-1 ATS)
The Chiefs are seeking their first victory in Week 3 of the preseason since 2006 when they welcome the Seahawks. Kansas City is 1-1 SU and ATS this preseason after falling to the Rams, 31-17, in Week 2.
Chicago Bears (4-12 SU, 4-12 ATS)
The Bears responded with a 33-31 victory over the Redskins in Week 2 after getting pummeled by the Broncos, 31-3, in their preseason opener. Chicago is 1-1 ATS and enters as 3-point underdogs against the G-Men.