NFL Preseason 2024 Week 3 Picks
As the NFL preseason enters its third and final week, we're just two weeks away from the regular season kickoff! Week 3 is often unpredictable, with teams prioritizing the health of their starters and using the game as a last chance for roster evaluation. Some teams have key position battles and difficult roster cuts looming, leading to a mix of strategies. This is where we find betting opportunities, taking advantage of teams resting their stars or pushing backups into the spotlight. Here are our best bets for NFL Preseason Week 3:
Predictions
Chicago Bears -1.5 over Kansas City Chiefs (-108)
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions Under 35.5 (-110)
Baltimore Ravens Money Line over Green Bay Packers (+130)
PICK #1: Bears -1.5 over Chiefs (-108)
The Chicago Bears have had a strong NFL Preseason and we're backing them to finish with a perfect record by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bears have already announced that a “ majority” of their starters will sit out this final game, but that hasn’t slowed them down so far. Their defense has been dominant, allowing just six points to the Bills two weeks ago and three points to the Bengals last week. Head coach Matt Eberflus is still evaluating his defensive depth chart, which should ensure a high level of intensity from the reserves.
On the offensive side, Chicago is still sorting out the pecking order behind starting QB Caleb Williams, with Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien getting another opportunity to showcase their skills. In contrast, the Chiefs have little to gain here. Patrick Mahomes made a brief appearance last week, but it’s unlikely we’ll see him on the field in Week 3. Instead, Kansas City will likely rely on backups Chris Oladokun and Ian Book, who may struggle against a hungry Bears defense. With the momentum and motivation to complete a perfect preseason, the Bears are the pick here at -1.5.
PICK #2: Steelers vs. Lions Under 35.5 (-110)
Last week, our pick of Steelers -4 over the Bills didn’t pan out as the offense sputtered, managing only three points despite significant playing time for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The Steelers have now scored just 15 points over the last two weeks, and while head coach Mike Tomlin and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will surely make adjustments before the regular season, we can’t rely on this offense to suddenly explode in the final preseason game.
The Detroit Lions have also kept their starters’ playing time limited under head coach Dan Campbell, and Week 3 is likely to follow suit. Backup quarterbacks Nate Sudfeld and rookie Hendon Hooker are battling for the second-string role, while third-string running back duties are still up for grabs between Zonovan Knight and Sione Vaki. Although the Lions’ reserves will be motivated, they face a quality Steelers defense that should keep the game low-scoring. If you’re leaning toward the Lions, consider their spread at +6.5 (-105), but the safer bet is on under 35.5 points to be scored.
PICK #3: Ravens Money Line over Packers (+130)
If not for a late fumble in Week 1 against the Eagles, the Baltimore Ravens’ would be on the verge of returning to type and going unbeaten in preseason once again after a blip in 2023. However, they bounced back with a win last week, and we’re backing John Harbaugh’s squad to finish this NFL Preseason on a high note. The Ravens have always taken preseason seriously, and with their winning culture on the line, expect them to come out strong.
The Green Bay Packers, on the other hand, were thoroughly outplayed in a 27-2 loss to the Denver Broncos last week. The Packers haven’t placed much emphasis on the preseason, and their backup quarterback situation is less promising than Baltimore’s. While the Ravens will rely on veteran Josh Johnson and rookies Emory Jones and Devin Leary, the Packers are turning to unproven Sean Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt. Given the Ravens’ preseason pedigree and the edge in quarterback play, taking Baltimore on the money line at +130 odds offers excellent value.
