Week 3 brings another slate of compelling matchups as teams begin to settle into their identities after the first two weeks of the season. Markets are adjusting to early surprises, injuries are reshaping game plans, and bettors have more reliable data to lean on. Using BTA Sports’ projections, here are my top 5 betting insights for Sunday’s action:
1. Saquon Barkley Owns The Los Angeles Rams
Last season, Saquon Barkley was exceptional against the Rams. In two games, he ran for 460 yards and 4 touchdowns, all coming on runs of 60+ yards. Barkley heads into Week 3 looking to extend that dominance against a Rams defense that is currently ranked 16th against the run.
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- BTA Projections:
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- 100+ Rushing Yards (71.08%)
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- 125+ Rushing Yards (35.08%)
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- 150+ Rushing Yards (17.40%)
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- 1+ Touchdown (57.27%)
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- 2+ Touchdowns (20.72%)
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- BTA Projections:
2. Backup QB Battle in Minnesota
The Bengals and Vikings meet in Week 3 in a battle of the backups, with Jake Browning and Carson Wentz making their first starts since 2024. Browning, who entered the game last week in the second quarter, had his ups and downs but was able to secure the victory over the Jaguars. Carson Wentz will make history as the first player to start for six different teams in six consecutive seasons (PHI/IND/WAS/LAR/KC/MIN). Our model expects this game to be a pick ’em.
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- Spread:
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- Vegas: Minnesota -3.0
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- BTA: Minnesota +0.64
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- Spread:
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- Total:
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- Vegas: O/U 41.5
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- BTA: O/U 46.94
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- Total:
3. Mariota Time in D.C.
Marcus Mariota will get the start on Sunday with QB Jayden Daniels out with a knee injury. Mariota only saw a little bit of playing time last year behind Daniels, but showed flashes of his former self. He was 34-44 with 364 yards and 4 touchdowns, along with 92 rushing yards and a score. He faces the Raiders’ defense, currently ranked 27th against the passing game.
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- Spread:
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- Vegas: Washington -3.0
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- BTA: Washington -4.44
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- Total:
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- Vegas: O/U 43.5
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- BTA: O/U 51.83
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- Spread:
4. Cowboys Dominate in Chicago
The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 3 after an exciting OT win over the Giants, putting up 478 yards of offense. They are the #3 ranked offense in total yards and #5 offense in points scored. They face the Chicago Bears who just gave up 511 yards last week, which bodes extremely well for Dallas. Our model expects the Cowboys to dominate this game on Sunday.
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- Spread:
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- Vegas: Chicago +1.0
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- BTA: Chicago +7.4
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- Spread:
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- Total:
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- Vegas: O/U 50.0
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- BTA: O/U 49.38
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- Total:
5. JSN Can Make Franchise History
Through two weeks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has proven himself to be Sam Darnold’s favorite target. On Sunday he can become the first player in franchise history with three straight games of 100+ receiving yards to begin a season. He faces the Saints’ defense who hasn’t allowed a receiver to reach that mark in 8-straight games dating back to last year.
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- BTA Projections:
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- 5+ Receptions (75.75%)
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- 8+ Receptions (30.55%)
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- 75+ Receiving Yards (49.93%)
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- 100 Receiving Yards (22.50%)
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- 1+ Touchdown (84.65%)
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- BTA Projections:
