NFL Week 3 betting preview: Cowboys favorites for the first time this season

We’re into Week 3 of the 2021 NFL regular season. Before the games kick off this Sunday, here’s your Week 3 betting preview. (Odds via BarstoolSportsbook)

Record YTD: 11-2

Biggest Favorite: New York Jets at Denver Broncos (-10.5)

Highest Over: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams OVER 55.5

Lowest Under: New York Jets at Denver Broncos UNDER 42

Four Picks Of The Week

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

1) Cincinnati Bengals (+3) at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Bengals have not beaten the Steelers at Heinz Field since 2015, but Sunday they seem to have a real shot at breaking this streak. After an impressive overtime win over Minnesota in Week 1, Cincinnati really struggled last week against Chicago. Bengals’ signal-caller Joe Burrow had one of his worst days as a pro. The former number one pick snapped his 200 consecutive passes with no interceptions streak by throwing three interceptions on three straight offensive snaps. Even after all that, the Bengals still only lost by three, and had a chance to get the football back after the two-minute warning but failed. This week, Cincinnati is due for a bounce-back against an injury-plagued Steelers team. Star pass-rusher T.J. Watt has already been ruled out with a groin injury, and starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will likely play but is dealing with a pec injury.

The Bengals haven’t had much success in Pittsburgh in quite some time, but that changes Sunday. Burrow and the Bengals cover the spread and pull off the upset win.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

2) Miami Dolphins (+4) at Las Vegas Raiders

If you were ranking the most impressive teams in football through two weeks, the Las Vegas Raiders would be right near the top of the list. The Raiders have recorded two victories over the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, something no one saw coming. Vegas has the fifth-best passing offense and sixth-best defense in football through two games, according to Pro Football Focus. Interestingly enough, the Raiders are the 38th team in NFL history to start the year against three straight teams that won 10 games or more the previous season. All 37 previous teams have failed to go 3-0. Even after getting routed by Buffalo last weekend, the Dolphins still have the third-best defense in football, according to PFF. This one might be a bit of an ugly game, but take Miami and the points.

Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1) at Los Angeles Rams

Two weeks into the season, 44-year-old quarterback Tom Brady continues to defy logic. The 22-year veteran has the most touchdown passes (nine) in football and is by far the highest-ranked quarterback in the NFL, via PFF.

This week Brady has to go up against a highly-talented Rams defense, but don’t bet against the GOAT. Matt Stafford will surely put up a good amount of points for the Rams, in what likely figures to be a high-scoring affair, but just like he did against Dallas, Brady always finds a way. Take the Bucs on a last-second field goal in this one.

Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images

4) Green Bay Packers (+3.5) at San Francisco 49ers

The Pack are on the road, but it’s shicking they are 3.5 point underdogs at San Francisco on Sunday night. Sure, Green Bay struggled in Week 1, but last Monday night Aaron Rodgers looked like the MVP we saw last season. The 37-year-old completed 81.5% of his passes for 255 yards and four touchdowns in a blowout win over the Lions. Even against a good 49ers defense, Rodgers is going to be able to move the football and put up points. On the flip side, Jimmy Garoppolo won’t be able to match Rodgers’ offensive production. Take Green Bay both ways, as they’ll come into San Francisco and get an upset victory on Sunday Night Football.

Cowboys Corner

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5)

The Pick: Cowboys -3.5

The Cowboys are a better team than the Eagles. The Cowboys have a much better quarterback and a better offensive line and offense that should be able to carry them through this game. With all the injuries/COVID issues on defense, the Dallas offense will pick up the slack in this game and carry their defense to a win. Dak is going to go off as will Zeke/Pollard in the run game. Take the Cowboys and the points at home.

Player Prop Of The Week

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

CeeDee Lamb Touchdown Scorer (+112)

Take it.