USA TODAY Sports Weekly

Two road teams you can back to cover

- Nathan Beighle

Top wagering picks for NFL Week 3 based on lines from BetMGM:

Patriots at Jets

The Jets beat the Bills in Week 1 to many people’s surprise. In Week 2, they were trampled by the Cowboys. They are 1-1 against the spread (ATS). However, starting QB Zach Wilson threw three intercepti­ons against Dallas, and without a nice 68-yard throw to Garrett Wilson, the Jets may have lost by more. Confidence at home should be at a low, and the Patriots, while they didn’t win at home in the prime-time Sunday game, showed promise, holding the Dolphins to 24 and losing by 7. Expect the dominant New England defensive front to show its might and come out strong. Couple that defense with Mac Jones having the advantage in terms of accuracy and consistenc­y, and the Patriots should cover as a favorite. Back the PATRIOTS (-3).

Texans at Jaguars

The Jaguars were held at bay in their loss to the NFL reigning champion Chiefs in Week 2. They lost 17-9 as the Under hit with ease. In Week 1, they put up 31 points on the Colts in a 31-21 victory. QB Trevor Lawrence didn’t have a score in Week 2 but should bounce back well. He had only two games without a touchdown last season, so he should have a big Week 3. Similarly, C.J. Stroud, who was the No. 2 overall pick for the Texans in the 2023 NFL draft, threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns against the Colts, following up on a 242-yard performanc­e against the Ravens in Week 1. The Texans may not be good, but they should be able to score. Stroud’s continued experience should help them move the ball and push the pace. Houston ranks No. 2 in the NFL in plays per game with Jacksonvil­le sitting 12th. These teams should be able to move the ball quickly. Both play fast and have an aggressive, young quarterbac­k. Back the OVER (44).

Colts at Ravens

While the status of rookie standout Anthony Richardson is unknown after he entered concussion protocol against the Texans, Gardner Minshew took over and performed well during some of the first and the entire second half. He ended up going 19-for-23 as a passer. RB Zach Moss had 88 yards rushing and a TD as well. The Colts have a competent offense with several weapons and should be able to hang with the Ravens. Baltimore is getting far too much despite being at home. The Ravens beat Cincinnati despite missing two key secondary players and two star offensive linemen. While they won and covered on the road in Week 2, the Ravens may have taken advantage of a struggling Bengals team, not necessaril­y having the most impressive showing themselves. They beat the Texans 25-9 to open the season, and that was an uneven performanc­e for Baltimore. It hasn’t proved that it should be more than touchdown favorites. Fade the Ravens here. Take the COLTS (+7.5).

 ?? MARIA LYSAKER/USA TODAY SPORTS ?? Houston’s C.J. Stroud has thrown for 626 yards in his first two NFL games.
MARIA LYSAKER/USA TODAY SPORTS Houston’s C.J. Stroud has thrown for 626 yards in his first two NFL games.

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