After two weeks of the 2025 NFL season, we’ve certainly seen our fair share of surprises. For instance, the Kansas City Chiefs’ poor form from February apparently has carried over into this season, where they find themselves 0-2. On the flip side, the Indianapolis Colts have seemingly found their leader in Daniel “Indiana” Jones. Bettors start to get a better sense of the teams, but our NFL Week 3 preview cautions about some of the heavy favorites.
Green Bay Packers vs Cleveland Browns
Has any team in the NFL looked as good as the Green Bay Packers through two weeks of the 2025 NFL season? The Packers made headlines when they traded with the Dallas Cowboys to acquire Micah Parsons just before the start of the season. Parsons has helped the Packers become one of the league’s best and most feared defenses. As a result, they’ve seen their Super Bowl odds go from +1600 at the start of the season, all the way down to +650.
Sunday, they’ll take on the struggling Cleveland Browns. It’s not much of a surprise to see the Browns at 0-2. They held their own against the Cincinnati Bengals in their opener, allowing just seven yards in the second half, but were blown out in Week 2 by the Baltimore Ravens. Now, they’ll host perhaps the best team in the NFL with the Packers favored by eight points. Before you rush out and lay the points with the Packers, don’t forget that even some of the league’s worst teams can look competitive.
Myles Garrett is in a class of his own and could make it a long afternoon for Jordan Love and company. No doubt that the Packers will win this game, but covering the eight points could be tricky at that number. The Packers are great candidates to put in a teaser for Week 3, but taking them on the spread might be a bit of a stretch.
New York Jets vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Many fans of the New York Jets had high hopes after Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. While it resulted in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was a high-scoring affair, and Justin Fields looked like he was meant to be a Jet all his life. However, that didn’t carry over into Week 2 when they took on their division rival and AFC juggernaut, the Buffalo Bills, where they fell 30-10. To make matters worse, Justin Fields left the game with a concussion and will miss the Week 3 game against the Bucs.
The Bucs have looked far from world beaters so far this season. While they’re 2-0, it’s required consecutive fourth-quarter comebacks to reach that mark. They’re also not scoring at the same rate as they were under former offensive coordinator Liam Coen. The spread has moved under the key number to 6.5, but this could easily end up at seven or 7.5 by kickoff.
Tyrod Taylor will be under center for the Jets, but bettors should beware. Two years ago, for the New York Giants, Taylor almost led them to an upset over the Buffalo Bills in primetime, but fell short, 14-9. Taylor can keep this game close. While the Bucs might feel like the obvious pick here, don’t totally count out the Jets, especially if it moves past the key number of seven.
New Orleans Saints vs Seattle Seahawks
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the New Orleans Saints at 0-2 through the first two weeks of the 2025 NFL season. They were atop multiple odds boards, such as “team to finish with the worst record” and “last winless team”. Quarterback Spencer Rattler is winless through his eight career starts in the NFL, and that streak may continue for some time. The Seattle Seahawks are 1-1 through the first two weeks after a tough battle against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 and a 31-17 win over the Steelers in Week 2.
Sam Darnold is starting to settle into the offense and is looking more comfortable by the week. However, even though the Seahawks looked like they were firing on all cylinders last week, this could be a letdown for Seattle, especially covering into the 7.5 range. The Seahawks will likely be in everyone’s teaser in Week 3, but bettors should beware of taking them ATS in this one.