It's Thursday, the first day of the start of Week 3! Check out TRO's picks against the spread for the upcoming Week!
via PanthersWire / USA Today
Each week, TRO will be making picks against the spread. While we will make picks for every game, we will place emphasis on our "First Four Downs" which will the four picks we feel most confident about. Our record against the spread will be kept on the Green Zone page, be sure to check it out each week!
Last week, TRO finished 9-7 in its picks, a step up from 8-8 from the week before, Stick around with us as we continue to climb!
TRO'S FIRST FOUR DOWNS:
1st Down: Carolina Panthers (-8) @ Houston Texans
via Grant Halverson / Getty Images
The Panthers defense is currently first in virtually every statistical category possible. They menaced Zach Wilson in Week 1, and tormented Jameis Winston in Week 2. Up next is Davis Mills getting his first career start after only playing one full year of college football as a starter. The Panthers have had a tendency to disappoint in nationally televised games they are favored in, but this is a new regime. Their defense will continue flying all over the field, Christian McCaffrey will be Christian McCaffrey, and Sam Darnold will continue to look good. Panthers by 10+.
2nd Down: Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) @ Dallas Cowboys (MNF)
via Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
Dallas should win this game, but this one will be very close. Philadelphia looked great in Week 1, and hung in there against a top notch San Francisco team in Week 2. Dallas has some holes on the defensive side of the ball because of injuries, and this thing should turn into a shootout. Hurts will have lots of room to run around, and the Cowboys offense will be good as well. At most, this should a 3 point or less win for either team.
3rd Down: Washington Football Team @ Buffalo Bills (-7.5)
via Rob Carr / Getty Images
Buffalo should certainly win this football game, but Washington is far too talented on the defensive side of the ball to give up 7.5 to them. Look for the Football Team's defense to play far much more like what they're capable of than they showcased after a short week against a desperate New York Giants team in Week 2. Ron Rivera does a good job of having his teams play up to their competition, and Taylor Heinicke is so scrappy, that the sort of disappointing level of play we've seen from Josh Allen thus far won't allow the Bills to blow out the WFT.
4th Down: Miami Dolphins @ Las Vegas Raiders (-4.0)
via Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports
The Raiders shockingly handled the Steelers after an exciting Week 1 win against the Ravens. The Dolphins are coming off of a blowout 35-0 loss where they looked putrid. They will be starting Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, whereas the Raiders look to have Derek Carr and Josh Jacobs both cleared to suit up. Week 1 showed us that the Roomba looks like a legitimate home field advantage. Only 4 points seems generous for a team firing on all cylinders, returning home to meet a team that is reeling. Las Vegas will pull this one out by 7+.
THE FIELD:
Baltimore Ravens (-8.0) @ Detroit Lions
Lamar Jackson appears to have this Ravens team rolling after its emotional victory over the Chiefs last Sunday night. We were high on Detroit last week after their Week 1 rally to cover the spread, but they fell short. This team has a hard time stopping opposing offenses, and Lamar Jackson should run wild, forcing the Lions to play from behind where the Ravens' secondary will feast on Jared Goff.
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants (-3.0)
Two teams that will be difficult to pick and predict all year. They both have awful offensive lines and have had trouble running the ball. The Giants are much better on the defensive side of the ball than Atlanta, and if Saquon Barkley will have a get-right game, this one will be his best opportunity all year.
New Orleans Saints @ New England Patriots (-3.0)
While the Saints will play much better than they did in Week 2, the Patriots will continue to play good defense and relatively mistake free offensive football, leading to a 4-7 point win.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.0)
This is an interesting game. Pittsburgh has some injury concerns to work through this week, but will have enough firepower to make things right after disappointing their home fans in Week 2.
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans (-5.0)
Carson Wentz might be a no go, and if he does suit up, he will be far from 100% after suffering 2 sprained ankles. Derrick Henry appears to be back in full form, and the Colts defense will only be able to keep them in the game but for so long. Titans win by 6+.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs (-7.0)
This game will turn into a shootout, and the Chiefs have had a tendency to play in close games this year. Look for the Chargers to hang around, covering the spread, but coming up short.
Arizona Cardinals (-7.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars still need time and additional work to grow. They will not take any major leaps against a confident cardinals team. Arizona will cruise past them by 10+ points.
Chicago Bears @ Cleveland Browns (-7.0)
Justin Fields will get his first start against a stout Browns defense. He'll be able to run around and make enough plays to keep the game relatively close, but ultimately fall short. The Browns are a bit dinged up, and the Bears defense appears to be gaining confidence.
New York Jets @ Denver Broncos (-10.0)
The Broncos are a complete football team, and the Jets are anything but that. Zach Wilson will continue to make mistakes against this elite secondary while the Broncos cruise to a 12+ point win at home.
Seattle Seahawks @ Minnesota Vikings (-1.5)
This game has Game of the Week potential. Both teams are coming off of brutal losses. The problem for Minnesota is their secondary, and Russell Wilson will be out looking to have his coach eating crow. Seahawks will win a nail-biter late by 3ish points.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1.5) @ Los Angeles Rams
This crowd is going to be electric, but the Buccaneers are going to be just a bit too much to handle for Stafford and company. Another game with major Game of the Week potential.
Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers (-3.0)
Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Jones appear to be back in mid-season form after a Week 1 disaster. The Packers will come into San Francisco and light it up.
Come back next Wednesday for Week 4's picks!
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