2014 NFL Betting Against the Spread: Week 3

Locks of the Week

Three of the worst teams in the league will struggle to stay in the game against three teams with playoff aspirations.

Patriots (-14) vs. Raiders

Sorry, Derek Carr. Since 2001, Bill Belichick has a 14–5 record against rookie quarterbacks, with none of those losses coming at home.

Colts (-7) at Jaguars

Last season, Indy stomped out J-Ville by a combined score of 67–13. This season, the Jags have been outscored by a combined 75–27.

Cowboys (-1) at Rams

The Michael Sam Bowl is pretty much a pick ‘em. It’s always risky betting on Tony Romo and Co., but this is one the Boys should win.

Straight Up Upsets

These underdogs have Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks going up against inconsistent, albeit talented, young defenses.

Packers (+2.5) at Lions

Olivia Munn’s man, Aaron Rodgers, has not lost to the Lions since an ugly 7–3 defeat at Detroit in Week 14 of 2010.

Giants (+2.5) vs. Texans

Eli Manning has thrown two INTs in both games — both losses — he’s played this year.

Backdoor Cover

Debatable quarterback play has two road teams getting bigger numbers than they deserve. They may not win but they won’t get blown out.

Titans (+7) at Bengals

Jake Locker is playing for his future, while Andy Dalton has already been to the playoffs three times and inked a $96-million extension.

Redskins (+6.5) at Eagles

The Kirk Cousins Era begins with a division showdown with Chip Kelly’s comeback kids. Oh, and DeSean Jackson really, really wants revenge.

Sucker Bets

Stay away from these games unless you’re a degenerate or a hometown homer who has to have action on absolutely all the action.

Saints (-10) vs. Vikings

Remember when BountyGate nearly knocked Brett Favre out of the league?

Seahawks (-5) vs. Broncos

Too soon. Too soon.

Dolphins (-4) vs. Chiefs

Neither team has established its identity for 2014.

49ers (-3) at Cardinals

Jim Harbaugh is 5–1 against these NFC West division foes.

Panthers (-3) vs. Steelers

The battle of 6’5”, 240-plus-pound quarterbacks could be a shootout.

Bills (-2.5) vs. Chargers

Bet against West Coast teams playing 1 p.m. Eastern Time kickoffs.

Ravens (-1.5) at Browns

The original Jim Browns take on the expansion Courtney Browns.

Monday Night Moolah

Double down on this weekend’s winnings or get back from this weekend’s losses with a Monday night party.

Bears (+3) at Jets

Smokin’ Jay Cutler aims to shine in prime time for the second straight week.