NFL Betting: Week 3 Odds
If the first two weeks of the 2010 NFL season are any indication, football odds could be tougher to diagnose than an episode of House.
Teams that were supposed to lead the pack, like the Vikings and Cowboys, are staring down strike three after starting the year 0-2. And teams like the Chiefs and Buccaneers, who were predicted to be planning their draft strategy by Week 3, are perfect to start the season.
That's led oddsmakers to post some interesting numbers for Week 3. Here are a couple matchups to keep an eye on as Sunday draws closer:
Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans (-3, 47)
I'm sure Cowboys faithful thought it would be a cold day in Texas when Dallas was no longer the best team in the state. But, after America's Team stumbled out of the gate and Houston stopped the Colts and Redskins, there is a new sheriff in the Lone Star State.
Books have set the Texans as 3-point home favorites for Sunday's showdown with the Cowboys. The early action is coming in on the Cowboys, dropping the spread to 2.5 at some markets. Dallas suffered injuries to key players including tight end Jason Witten and corner Mike Jenkins in Sunday's loss to the Bears. But with those bodies expected to be on the field in Week 3, more money will land on Big D as kickoff gets closer.
Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers (+3, 38.5)
The Bengals remained dominant over AFC North foes, picking up a Week 2 win against the Ravens. Cincinnati goes out of the division this weekend, facing a Panthers squad that hands the ball to a rookie quarterback. Carolina will start first-year passer Jimmy Clausen in place of Matt Moore, who is benched after turning the ball over six times in the team's two losses. Clausen went 7-for-13 for 59 yards and an interception in limited action in Week 2's loss to the Bucs.
Oddsmakers installed the Panthers as 3-point home underdogs, not overly impressed with Cincinnati's victory over Baltimore. The Bengals defense came up big, stuffing the Ravens for just 259 total yards and 10 points, including four interceptions. This spread should climb throughout the week. Cincinnati's offense is nothing to write home about, but it will get a lot of touches with Clausen fumbling through the Panthers' playcalling.
San Francisco at Kansas City (N/A)
Cleveland at Baltimore (-10.5, 36.5)
Detroit at Minnesota (-10.5, 41.5)
Tennessee at N.Y. Giants (-3, 42.5)
Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay (+1, 33.5)
Atlanta at New Orleans (N/A)
Buffalo at New England (-13, 42.5)
Washington at St. Louis (+3.5, 38)
Philadelphia at Jacksonville (+3, 44.5)
San Diego at Seattle (+5.5, 43.5)
Indianapolis at Denver (+6, 48)
Oakland at Arizona (-4, 39.5)
N.Y. Jets at Miami (-1, 35)
Green Bay at Chicago (+3, 46)