NFL

NFL Over Under Matchups for Week 3 (and Predictions)

NFL betting isn’t just about picking winners. Some of the sharpest edges come from totals—the over under lines that decide if games become shootouts or defensive grinds. Week 3 gives us plenty of matchups where pace, injuries, and early-season form line up to create betting value. Whether you’re the type to hammer overs with your buddies or fade the nfl betting public with sneaky unders, these are the Week 3 matchups you need circled.

Ravens at Bills – Over 52.5

This is the headliner for Week 3 NFL betting games. Buffalo leads the AFC in scoring through two weeks, putting up almost 31 points per game. Baltimore isn’t far behind at 30.5, thanks to Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability.

Defensively, both teams look vulnerable. The Ravens’ secondary is banged up, with two starters on the NFL injury report. Buffalo gave up 27 points in Week 1 and continues to struggle against tight ends, which means Mark Andrews is primed for a big day.

Vegas set the line north of 52 for a reason. Both quarterbacks can push tempo, both teams finish drives, and neither defense is fully healthy. For nfl betting this week, the over is the sharp play.

Prediction: Game sails over, 65 combined points.

Eagles vs. Giants – Under 45.5

Rivalry games bring chaos, but they also bring nerves. Philadelphia’s defense remains one of the best in the league, especially at home. They’ve held opponents under 20 points in 10 of their last 12 home games.

The Giants are dealing with offensive line issues, and Daniel Jones under pressure is not a recipe for points. Even if Saquon Barkley breaks a few plays, the Eagles’ secondary can keep things contained.

Point spread betting has Philly favored by nearly a touchdown. If they go up early, they’re happy to run clock with their dominant ground game. That sets up for a lower total than the line suggests.

Prediction: Eagles win 24–13, game stays under.

Lions at Packers – Over 48.5

Detroit and Green Bay know how to light up the scoreboard against each other. Last season, the Lions averaged 27 points per game in division matchups, while Green Bay’s offense finished top-10 in explosive plays.

Both defenses are middle of the pack against the run but struggle against the pass. Jared Goff has weapons in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, while Jordan Love continues to take shots downfield.

This is the kind of over under line where the NFL betting public hesitates, thinking divisional games mean low scoring. But history says otherwise—six of the last eight meetings have gone over.

Prediction: Lions win 30–28, game clears the total.

Cowboys vs. Commanders – Under 43

Dallas has the NFL’s nastiest defense right now, ranking top three in sacks and turnovers forced. Washington’s offensive line has been shaky, and young quarterback Sam Howell is still adjusting to NFL speed.

The Commanders won’t score much here. The Cowboys should, but Mike McCarthy’s style leans conservative once he has a lead. That means grinding clock and relying on defense.

The NFL odds and predictions have Dallas favored by about a touchdown with a low total. Sometimes the obvious play is the right one.

Prediction: Cowboys win 24–10, game stays under.

Dolphins at Jets – Over 47.5

Division games can be tricky, but this one sets up for fireworks. Miami’s offense averages over 28 points per game with Tua, Tyreek, and Waddle. The Jets’ defense is elite, but even elite defenses can’t erase pure speed.

On the flip side, the Jets’ offense has been sluggish but capable of explosive plays when given short fields. If Miami gets ahead, the Jets will be forced to open up, leading to chunk yardage and late scoring.

The nfl betting public is split here, but overs often cash when Miami plays. The pace and firepower are too much to ignore.

Prediction: Dolphins win 30–20, total goes over.

Vikings vs. Bears – Over 46

This is your sneaky over spot. Minnesota’s defense has been shredded two weeks in a row, ranking bottom five in passing yards allowed. That opens the door for Justin Fields to finally connect with DJ Moore for big plays.

Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson should torch Chicago’s secondary, which has given up over 275 passing yards per game. Even if the Bears struggle, garbage-time points are real in nfl betting props, especially player overs.

When both defenses rank bottom-tier, it’s simple: take the over and enjoy the fireworks.

Prediction: Vikings win 31–24, game hits the over.

How to Bet Over Under in Week 3

Totals aren’t about who wins, they’re about pace, matchups, and game scripts. Here’s how to think about them in Week 3 nfl betting spreads and props:

  1. Check the injury report – A missing cornerback or offensive lineman changes the game flow. Totals move fast when key names are ruled out.

  2. Look at pace stats – Teams like the Dolphins and Bills run plays fast, while others slow it down. Matchups between fast-paced teams often lead to overs.

  3. Weather matters – It’s September, so most games are clean. But always check for wind or rain, especially in Buffalo, Chicago, or New York.

  4. Public bias – The nfl betting public loves overs. If a total looks inflated, the contrarian under might hold value.

Favorite Week 3 Over Under Parlay

  • Ravens at Bills Over 52.5

  • Eagles vs. Giants Under 45.5

  • Lions at Packers Over 48.5

This three-leg combo pays around +600. It mixes a shootout with a defensive slugfest and a divisional over, giving you balance and upside.

For the bold:

  • Dolphins at Jets Over 47.5

  • Vikings vs. Bears Over 46

  • Cowboys vs. Commanders Under 43

That parlay pays closer to +1200, high risk but perfect bragging material when it cashes.

Final Takeaways

NFL betting totals are where smart fans find soft lines. Week 3 gives us everything—shootouts, defensive grinds, and sneaky overs hiding in plain sight. The key is knowing which matchups create pace and points, and which ones slow down into field-position battles.

Don’t just follow the nfl betting public on every over. Mix unders into your card, check injury news, and track line movement all week. With sharp reads, over under plays can be the cleanest wins of Sunday.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.

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