NFL Trends That Matter Week 3: Trouble Brewing in the Dawg Pound

Joe Osborne: Senior Betting Analyst at Covers
Joe Osborne • Senior Betting Analyst 16+ years betting experience
Updated: Sep 24, 2026 , 08:00 AM ET • 4 min read

Despite pulling off a road win in Tampa Bay, Cleveland is primed for a Week 3 letdown against a surging Carolina squad.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4).
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4).

A 3-0 sweep in Week 2 for this column deserves a quick victory lap, but let’s keep this thing rolling. 

My Week 3 NFL Trends feature a familiar Cleveland tradition, a Seattle team that handles its business against inferior opponents, and a Tampa Bay squad that somehow made Deshaun Watson look respectable — as a football player, to be clear.

Here are the top three trends driving my NFL picks this week.

Best NFL trends for Week 3

For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.

Trend Pick
Kalshi
Panthers CAR vs Browns CLE
• CLE is 6-17-2 ATS after a win
Panthers -2.5
53%
Seahawks SEA vs Commanders WAS
• SEA is 14-4-1 ATS as a favorite
Seahawks -7.5
46%
Vikings MIN vs Buccaneers TB
• TB is 0-11 ATS in its last 11 games
Vikings -1.5
50%

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps

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Panthers vs Browns trends

Trend: Cleveland is 6-17-2 ATS after an outright win since 2022

Why it matters for Week 3:

  • The Browns are coming off a Week 2 win and are catching a spread inside three points against the surging Panthers

Week 3 pick: Panthers -2.5

Kalshi probability: 53%

Easy, Cleveland Browns fans. One win doesn’t mean you can put the paper bags away. 

Cleveland is an even uglier 2-11-1 ATS as an underdog after an outright win since 2022, and Deshaun Watson starting the home opener has a potential riot written all over it.

The Browns are averaging just 16.5 points and 65.5 rushing yards while converting on a pathetic 28.6% of third downs. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers offense has been a buzzsaw, producing 35.5 points through two games. 

Cleveland lacks the ground game to control the clock and keep that offense off the field. Asking Watson to win a shootout? That’s not happening.

Seahawks vs Commanders trends

Trend: Seattle is 14-4-1 ATS as a favorite since the start of last season

Why it matters for Week 3:

  • Seattle doesn’t play down to its competition, and the vulnerable Commanders look like their next victim

Week 3 pick: Seahawks -7.5

Kalshi probability: 46%

The Seattle Seahawks are also 9-1 ATS on the road since the start of last season, outscoring opponents by an average of 13.2 points per game. They’ve allowed just 17 total points through two games and now get a matchup with backup Marcus Mariota, who went 2-6 as the Washington Commanders' starter last season.

Meanwhile, Drew Lock has looked like a seasoned starter, completing 72.9% of his passes for 422 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. If Sam Darnold still isn't ready to return, I remain confident in this offense with Lock under center.

The defensive contrast is extreme: Seattle ranks first in yards per play allowed, while Washington is 28th. The Commanders are also letting opponents convert 52% of third downs, keeping an already awful defense on the field even longer.

Dan Quinn’s days could be numbered if his defense keeps getting eviscerated. Seattle is a miserable opponent to face while trying to dig out of an early-season hole.

Vikings vs Buccaneers trends

Trend: Tampa Bay is 0-11 ATS in its last 11 games

Why it matters for Week 3: 

  • Tampa Bay’s decline looks real, and the gritty Vikings could make an already ugly start even worse

Week 3 pick: Vikings -1.5

Kalshi probability: 50%

Speaking of coaches running out of excuses, Todd Bowles might want to keep his resume handy.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have limped through an extremely sloppy start with five turnovers, then blew a 10-point second-half lead as a big home favorite against Cleveland. Losing to the Browns should require a written apology to season-ticket holders.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have shown they can win in completely different ways, beating Green Bay 39-22 before grinding out a 9-3 victory over Chicago. The Vikings can survive a rock fight, while Kyler Murray’s return could give their offense a much-needed lift.

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Other notable NFL trends for Week 3

(Trend rating: 🟢 = good, 🔴 = avoid)

  • 🟢The Cowboys' last eight games are 8-0 to the Over 
    Ravens vs Cowboys Over 52.5
  • 🟢The 49ers are 9-0 ATS in their last nine games as a favorite
    49ers -8.5
  • 🔴The Saints are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games
    Avoid Saints -3.5
  • 🔴The Patriots are 9-1 SU in their last 10 road games
    Avoid Patriots +2.5

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Joe Osborne Senior Betting Analyst Covers.com
Senior Betting Analyst

Joe is an industry veteran who loves the entertainment aspect of the sports betting industry. His opinions are always backed by data and he enjoys digging into the numbers and coming up with interesting nuggets to share with sports bettors.

Joe takes a high-energy and fun approach to covering his favorite sports which include the NFL, MLB, UFC, NBA and NHL, and there’s no bet type he loves more than an NFL six-point teaser. Joe is the host of our daily sports betting program, Before You Bet, while he also leads our weekly UFC show, P4P Picks, and our 'Covers on the Ground' series where he's covered many UFC, NFL and NBA games in person. A monthly highlight for Joe is conducting interviews with UFC legend Georges St-Pierre ahead of every UFC PPV.

Outside of his work at Covers, Joe has appeared on many top media brands including ESPN Radio, Mad Dog Sports Radio, VSIN, TSN, and SportsNet. He always recommends not reading too much into narratives when placing your bets as those factors are already cooked into the lines set by oddsmakers.

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