2017 NFL Week 3 Betting Tips
The 2017 NFL season continues this weekend and we take a look at the three primetime matches and two of the best value games in our NFL Week 3 Preview and Betting Tips.
San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams (Friday 10.25am AEST)
The 49ers have started the season 0-2 and have struggled in their opening two games of the year. The offence has been poor and they are still searching for their first touchdown of the season (Colin Kaepernick anyone) but surprisingly the defence has taken a huge step forward. They were in the contest until the fourth quarter against the Seahawks as they shutdown Russell Wilson. It is still early days though and as offences begin to find their groove, the 49ers defence could collapse.
Meanwhile the Rams have split their matches to start the year. Second year quarterback and 2016 number one overall pick Jared Goff has shown big improvement in the opening two games, despite only averaging a touchdown pass in each game. He is averaging 9.7 yards per attempt and we are backing him to lead the Rams to a narrow victory in a tight contest with the 49ers on the road.
TIP: Rams to win – $1.83 with CrownBet
Washington Redskins vs Oakland Raiders (Monday 10.30am AEST)
The Raiders are flying under the radar to start the season. They are perfect with two wins from two contests and more impressively are yet to turn over the ball. NFL games are won by maintaining possession and capitalising on their opportunities and Derek Carr has been leading the offence to a terrific start with the ball in hand. Marshawn Lynch has also made a big difference at running back in his return to the game.
The Redskins had a terrible start to the year, losing in embarrassing fashion to division rivals the Eagles. However, the side bounced back and continued their rollercoaster form from previous seasons with a big win last week against the Rams. The victory was built on the back of a dominant running game and they will need it to be at its best if they are to cause an upset this Monday morning. We can’t see that happening though as we are backing the Raiders to remain perfect.
TIP: Raiders at the line (-3) – $1.92 with Sportsbet
Arizona Cardinals vs Dallas Cowboys (Tuesday 10.30am AEST)
The Cowboys were embarrassed last week but it did come on the road against arguably the strongest defence in the NFL. Running back Ezekiel Elliot had by far his worst game in the league, rushing for only nine yards. However, we are backing the second year player to bounce back strongly this weekend, like all great players do.
Carson Palmer showed the Cardinals won’t be laying down this season after the season ending injury to running back David Johnson last week. Palmer came up clutch in the fourth quarter against the Colts, passing the ball for 20 yards or more on three occasions to send his team into overtime, and then eventually earn the win. However, the Cowboys’ offence is better than the Colts and as mentioned, we are predicting Elliot to go into beast mode this Tuesday.
TIP: Cowboys at the line (-3) – $1.91 with William Hill
Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills (Sunday 3am AEST)
This match will be the battle of defences. The Bills have allowed only one touchdown this year and they shutdown the Panthers’ offence last week but their attack let them down. They managed only three points themselves, which saw them lose by six.
Meanwhile everyone knew the Broncos’ defence was going to be one of the best in the league heading into the season. However, no one knew how boss Trevor Siemian was going to be. He has thrown for six touchdowns, including four against the Cowboys lost week. He has help with some great wide receivers but he is summing the situation up well and getting massive production out of running back C.J. Anderson. The broncos will start the season 3-0 with a convincing win.
TIP: Broncos at the line (-3) – $1.92 with Sportsbet
Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints (Sunday 3am AEST)
Division rivals will go head-to-head in this one and we are predicting the Panthers to come out on top. The Panthers went into the season with question marks surrounding their defence but they are quickly finding answers early. They have allowed only six points in total across the two games and we are predicting them to find their offensive groove this weekend. Cam Newton hasn’t been at his best but he will be able to pick a part the Saints defence, which has been disappointing.
As mentioned, the Saints defence has been terrible. They showed positive signs in pre-season, but of course, it was just pre-season. Drew Brees is still dominant even at 38-years of age but unfortunately for Saints fans, even he can’t stop the defence from letting this side down. He hasn’t turned the ball over which is a positive for this side but ultimately we are predicting the Panthers to earn a double digit figure in this one.
TIP: Panthers at the line (-6) – $1.90 with William Hill
TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’S OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
