BRENNAN’S BETS: Week 3 NFL picks

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BENGALS 1-1 AT STEELERS 1-1
LINE: Pittsburgh by 3
CHEWABLE: Painfully apparent, particularly for him, is that Joe Burrow wants higher safety. He’s already been sacked 9 instances and is now going through a defence that led the league in placing QBs on their again final season, and one that is also little question anxious to rebound from a disappointing house debut one week in the past. Pittsburgh’s harm state of affairs isn’t as dire because it as soon as appeared, with Devin Bush again and T.J. Watt being a restricted participant in apply. Additionally laborious to think about a “pec” harm sidelining Large Ben, who loves his popularity as a giant, robust dude who performs via ache that might make lesser males curl up with a blanket. No Diontae Johnson, if that seems to be the case, means extra Ju-Ju and Claypool. Choose your poison … Steelers have received 14 of the final 16 and 47 of the final 62 … Indicators level to a giant day for Najee Harris, however we mentioned we noticed those self same indicators earlier than he had 10 carries for 38 yards in his Heinz Discipline debut. This time it’s not a mirage.
TAKING: PITTSBURGH -3
SCORE: Steelers 28, Bengals 17

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JETS 0-2 AT BRONCOS 2-0
LINE: Denver by 10.5
CHEWABLE: Needs to be little doubt about Denver successful this sport and bettering to 3-0, however the unfold will scare some individuals. It shouldn’t. Whereas Broncos are taking part in their house opener towards yet one more dangerous crew, their schedule is getting significantly harder after this (Ravens, Steelers, Raiders, Browns), to allow them to’t idiot round with the Jets … Rookie QB Zach Wilson has already been sacked 10 instances and now he has to cope with not solely the skinny air at Mile Excessive however Von Miller, who has three sacks this season and 109 in his profession … Wilson additionally threw 4 picks in final week’s 25-6 loss to New England .. Teddy Bridgewater has been sharp in his first two video games as a Bronco, throwing for 592 yards, 4 TDs and no interceptions. He additionally virtually all the time covers the unfold.
TAKING: DENVER -10.5
SCORE: Broncos 24, Jets 3

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PACKERS 1-1 AT NINERS 2-0
LINE: San Francisco by 3.5
CHEWABLE: Enjoying on a Monday evening then touring 3,540 km (I counted) to face an undefeated San Francisco crew taking part in its house opener is actually an unenviable set of circumstances. Particularly when the 49ers have such a very good defence, and we’re not completely positive if Inexperienced Bay’s true id is nearer to what we noticed in Week 1 or (the second half of) Week 2. Additionally to be thought-about is the very fact Aaron Rodgers is 5-6 (together with 0-3 within the playoffs) towards his hometown crew, which simply so occurred to crush his childhood desires when taking Alex Smith first general within the 2005 draft earlier than he fell to twenty fourth. All that apart, the factors are too good to go up, particularly when one crew has Aaron Jones as its working again and the injury-ravaged Niners might be all the way down to Trenton Canton, who seems to be the sixth title on their depth chart on the place. As uninterested in we’re of the smugness and pettiness, we’ll take Rodgers and the Pack on this spot.
TAKING: GREEN BAY +3.5
SCORE: Packers 30, Niners 27

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SURVIVOR PICK

CARDINALS 2-0 AT JAGUARS 0-2
LINE: Arizona by 7.5
CHEWABLE: The quantity appears low because the Playing cards boast an explosive offence led by MVP candidate Kyler Murray and the Jags are who we thought they have been. Count on them to lose their third in a row by double digits, solely as a result of there received’t be sufficient time for Murray to succeed in triple digits … Trevor Lawrence had a depressing day (14-of-33, 118 yards, one TD, two picks) in his house debut towards the Broncos final week and now goes to work with Chandler Jones and J.J. Watt searching him down … To nonetheless be in it on the half, the Jags will want James Robinson to search out a couple of of the holes Dalvin Prepare dinner did final week with 131 yards on 22 carries. However then, Robinson isn’t Prepare dinner, is he … Jags are 15-41 ATS towards NFC groups within the final 14 years.
TAKING: ARIZONA -7.5
SCORE: Cardinals 40, Jaguars 20

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WFT 1-1 AT BILLS 1-1
LINE: Buffalo by 7.5
CHEWABLE: Payments have owned Washington whereas successful their final 5 conferences at Orchard Park. Complete rating: 133-39 … Troublesome to doubt Payments after the massive bounce-back from a season opening house loss towards a division rival that’s imagined to be an element. No one was calling for them to beat the Dolphins 35-0 in Miami … WFT’s Taylor Heinicke proved he’s a succesful starter with a giant sport and one-point win over Giants final Thursday, however that is his first-ever street begin and the Payments aren’t more likely to disappoint the Mafia for the second time in three weeks … Washington’s defence allowed the G-Males 29 factors, however that included 5 area objectives, three of which have been over 47 yards … If Daniel Jones was allowed to rumble 95 yards on 9 carries towards WFT, Josh Allen is able to simply as a lot injury along with his ft, and he’s a significantly better passer … Payments are a positive factor straight up, but when Chase Younger will get untracked the WFT ‘D’ might maintain it attention-grabbing.
TAKING: BUFFALO – 7.5
SCORE: Payments 24, Soccer Group 14

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BEARS 1-1 at BROWNS 1-1
LINE: Cleveland by 7
CHEWABLE: This would be the fourth assembly between the groups since 2009. Chicago has received the final three … Bears defence appeared like its former self by creating 4 turnovers, together with a Choose 6, towards Joe Burrow and the Bengals in a 20-17 Week 2 win. Extra of the identical might be wanted for Chicago to drag off the upset … It’s a tricky spot for Justin Fields, even when he does really feel at house down the street from Ohio Stadium. Browns have a few stable corners in Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II, and towards a suspect line, Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney needs to be in Discipline’s face for a lot of the day … Browns have had a quiet begin, shedding to Okay.C. and having their fingers full with Houston, however they get some swagger again with the anticipated return of Odell Beckham Jr. … Browns win it straight up with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt inflicting probably the most injury, however Fields, who was 20-2 as a starter for the Buckeyes, and David Montgomery ought to maintain individuals of their seats.
TAKING: CHICAGO +7
SCORE: Browns 30, Bears 27

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RAVENS 1-1 AT LIONS 0-2
LINE: Baltimore by 8
CHEWABLE: Solely factor that may forestall Ravens from successful this one is that if Lamar Jackson winds up in a physique solid after lacking the touchdown on one other finish zone flip. Even then, backup Tyler Huntley might beat the Lions … Ravens have received 4 of the 5 conferences on this collection, together with the final three … Lions have lined simply eight of 27 instances they’ve been underdogs by six or extra factors since 2011. Even greater downside is that they’ve been six-plus factors canine 27 instances within the final 10 years. Should be very robust to be a Lions fan … Ravens haven’t solely lined seven of their final eight common season video games, however they’ve scored at the least 34 factors in 5 of them.
TAKING: BALTIMORE -8
SCORE: Ravens 38, Lions 20

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COLTS 0-2 AT TITANS 1-1
LINE: Tennessee by 5
CHEWABLE: Actually wish to soar on the winless street canine on this divisional sport, however simply can’t see a rookie (or apply squad) QB out-duelling a veteran right here, even it’s Ryan Tannehill. Masking this unfold is a special story. Frank Reich is a brilliant coach and he’ll make certain whoever replaces the hobbled Carson Wentz – both strong-armed Jacob Eason or the just lately promoted Brett Hundley, who began 9 video games for the Packers in 2017 and took nearly all of snaps at Wednesday’s apply – retains issues easy and depends closely on the crew’s proficient backs … After a sluggish begin Derrick Henry is coming off a 182-yard dashing sport and averaging 86.4 yards per outing in 10 towards the Colts. Titans are 21-4 in video games he runs for greater than 86 yards, however two of these ‘L’s have been dealt by Indy … Colts have received 28 of the final 36 conferences. If Wentz in some way fits up, it will likely be 29 of 37. However let’s assume he received’t.
TAKING: INDIANAPOLIS +5
Rating: Titans 21, Colts 20

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CHARGERS 1-1 AT CHIEFS 1-1
LINE: Kansas Metropolis by 6.5
CHEWABLE: Shedding eats at some superstars greater than others, and my good pal Patrick Mahomes might be very anxious to bury final week’s loss to a Ravens crew who was lacking quite a few defensive starters however nonetheless saved the Chiefs from scoring within the fourth quarter. In opposition to a weak run defence, so will Clyde Edwards-Helaire, whose pricey late sport fumble prevented the Okay.C. from pulling out a win … Mahomes (39-9-0) has solely misplaced two video games in a row twice as a starter and is 4-1 towards the Chargers, with 10 TD tosses and two picks … Tread fastidiously right here, although. Chiefs have lined simply two of their final 13 and are 1-4 ATS versus the Chargers within the final 5 conferences.
TAKING: KANSAS CITY -6.5
SCORE: Chiefs 31, Chargers 21

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SAINTS 1-1 AT PATRIOTS 1-1
LINE: New England by 3
CHEWABLE: Sean Payton is a superb coach and nice coaches normally have their crew redeeming themselves after a humiliating loss, just like the Saints suffered by the hands of the Panthers … Payton is 18-9 ATS in back-to-back street video games and 9-4 ATS as a canine after shedding as a favorite … How a lot did the very fact eight of his assistants missed final week’s sport as a result of they have been on the COVID checklist? In all probability some. Jameis Winston couldn’t make obligatory changes in placing up a stat line of 11-for-22, 111 yards, zero TDs, two picks and 4 sacks. Alvin Kamara (eight carries, 5 yards) couldn’t get untracked both. Invoice Belichick was taking a variety of notes … Damien Harris is coming off a 100-yard sport and, behind a stable O-Line, ought to have success towards a Saints ‘D’ that was shredded by Christian McCaffrey … Patriots have received 5 or their final six towards the Saints and lead the collection 10-4 … Saints final received at Gillette in 1995 with Jim (Don’t Name Me Chrissy) Everett as their QB.
TAKING: NEW ENGLAND -3
Rating: Patriots 20, Saints 14

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FALCONS 0-2 AT GIANTS 0-2
Line: New York by 3
CHEWABLE: Daniel Jones ought to have extra time than he had towards a robust Washington ‘D’ as he tries to go two consecutive video games and not using a turnover for less than the second time in his profession. He’s additionally coming off his finest day dashing the ball (9 instances, 95 yards and a TD). With Saquon Barkley’s workload rising, each he and Jones ought to have a giant day towards a crew that has averaged 40 factors allowed in two video games … Giants CB James Bradberry ought to reduce the affect of the Matt Ryan-Calvin Ridley mixture, however rookie TE Kyle Pitts ought to discover some area … Finest saved secret within the NFL – Giants veteran Sterling Shepard was tied for the league lead in receptions after two weeks with 16. Keep in mind, Jones is his quarterback.
TAKING: NEW YORK -3
SCORE: Giants 27, Falcons 21

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DOLPHINS 1-1 AT RAIDERS 2-0
LINE: Las Vegas by 3.5
CHEWABLE: If they’d their beginning QB in tow, we’d say the Fish are primed for an upset over the riding-high Raiders. They don’t seem to be practically as dangerous as they have been towards Buffalo final week, simply because the Raiders in all probability aren’t practically nearly as good as they’ve appeared in beating Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Derek Carr has a sizeable lead in passing yards (817 to Kyler Murray’s 689) however look ahead to him to come back all the way down to earth a bit towards a Miami crew that should present its character … Jacoby Brissett might be making his first begin since Dec. 29, 2019, when he accomplished 12 of 25 passes as Indy misplaced 38-20 Jacksonville.
TAKING: MIAMI +3.5
SCORE: Raiders 17, Dolphins 14

BUCCANEERS 2-0 at RAMS 2-0
LINE: Tampa Bay by 1
CHEWABLE: Not an insignificant truth is that the Rams are the final NFC crew to beat the Bucs, taking a 27-24 squeaker in L.A. 10 months in the past. It was not a banner evening for Tom Brady, who accomplished 26-of-48 for simply 216 yards, with a few TD tosses and a few pics. The nice ones embrace each bit of additional motivation they will, and count on Brady to be at his finest. Will it’s adequate towards a Matthew Stafford-guided Rams crew that may be a licensed championship contender? Bookmakers see it as a flip of the coin. However will go together with the crew that simply turned the primary to win 9 straight video games during which they scored at the least 30 factors in every, and with the quarterback who – together with curiosity in successful the place he misplaced final season – is on tempo to throw 77 TD passes in 2021. How’s that for capturing your age?
TAKING: TAMPA -1
SCORE: Bucs 34, Rams 31

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SEAHAWKS 1-1 at VIKINGS 0-2
Line: Seattle by 1.5
CHEWABLE: Russell Wilson is main the league with an astronomical 146.9 QB score and oh yeah, he’s additionally 7-0 in his profession towards the Vikings, protecting the unfold in 5 of these video games. For its house opener, Minnesota is coming off a pair of losses by three or fewer factors whereas permitting opponents a league-high 77.8 completion share. Simple pickin’, proper? Gotta take Wilson and the birds? Not this man. As a lot as I don’t imagine in Kirk Cousins, he’s off to a very good begin, with simply two fewer passing yards and one fewer TD toss than Wilson, with neither having thrown an interception. As dangerous because the Vikings ‘D’ appears to be like, Seahawks allowed 532 complete yards to Tennessee, with Derrick Henry working round them like they have been pylons. Count on Dalvin Prepare dinner to do one thing comparable.
TAKING: MINNESOTA +1.5
SCORE: Vikings 31, Seahawks 28

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MONDAY
EAGLES 1-1 AT COWBOYS 1-1
LINE: Dallas by 4
CHEWABLE: When all is claimed and performed, the Cowboys might have the most effective offence within the league this season. Large D’s “D” did a very good job on an explosive offence final week, spoiling the Chargers house opener by limiting them to 17 factors … The Cowboys O-line was dominant final week, opening holes for Zeke Elliott and Tony Pollard to run for nearly 200 yards … Along with his risk of taking off on a protracted, long term, Jalen Hurts will current the completely different problem. However the Eagles couldn’t end drives towards San Fran final week, and that might be an enormous downside towards this opponent. Count on Hurts to point out himself effectively in his MNF debut, however Cowboys have received the final three conferences in Dallas they usually’re about to make it 4.
TAKING: DALLAS -4
SCORE: Cowboys 32, Eagles 27