Week 2 of the NFL season was a big one for upsets, as nine teams beat the Vegas spread to win. While Week 3 probably won’t produce the same kind of havoc, there are a handful of matchups on the schedule capable of producing surprises.
Using odds from Sports Book Review, we’ve identified these five games as potential Week 3 upsets.
San Diego (+2.5) at Minnesota
There’s a lot to like about the Vikings, especially after Adrian Peterson and Mike Zimmer’s defense came alive in Week 2. But don’t sleep on Philip Rivers, who can will the Chargers to a win anywhere. He has completed 80.9 percent of his passes on the young season, while averaging 9.5 yards per attempt and producing a passer rating of 107.4. Rivers’ quick release and anticipation give him a chance to chew up the Vikings, completion by completion.
Cincinnati (+2.5) at Baltimore
The 2-0 Bengals are a road underdog to the 0-2 Ravens. Finally coming home to Baltimore will help the Ravens, but there’s also plenty working against the home favorites. Joe Flacco has thrown 18 career interceptions against the Bengals, while Cincinnati has won four of the last five matchups—including a sweep last season.
Oakland (+3.5) at Cleveland
No one is buying into the Raiders, who beat the Ravens in a thrilling Week 2 contest in Oakland. That’s quite understandable, given the fact that the Raiders haven’t won back-to-back games since 2012. And Oakland’s 2-22 record on the road over the last three years doesn’t exactly provide a warm, fuzzy feeling. This team is due. Most would take Derek Carr over Josh McCown any day of the week, and Latavius Murray could go off against Cleveland’s 32nd ranked run defense. Also, where do the Browns get offense if Travis Benjamin doesn’t bust off a few huge plays? Raiders roll.
Atlanta at Dallas (+1.0)
Both clubs are 2-0, but no Tony Romo and Dez Bryant means Atlanta is a road favorite in Dallas. The Cowboys are crippled on offense, but new starter Brandon Weeden wasn’t a train wreck in mop up duty in Philadelphia. He’ll have the benefit of playing behind a dominant offensive line, and it seems likely that Dallas will go back to playing run-first, smash-mouth football. More importantly, the Cowboys defense suddenly looks capable of keeping Dallas in any game.
Buffalo (+2.5) at Miami
One week, the Bills are a favorite against the Patriots. The next, a road underdog in Miami. Vegas can’t figure out Buffalo. We’ll now see if Ryan Tannehill can figure out the Buffalo defense, especially with left tackle Branden Albert unlikely to play. His Dolphins are averaging under 20.0 points per game this season, and life isn’t about to get easier against Buffalo’s front. Can the Miami offense replicate the way New England played the Bills last week? Doubt it. Rex Ryan’s defense should get back on track, and that should mean a Buffalo win.