It was a wild Week 2 in the National Football League as we saw plenty of upsets, plenty of long-scoring plays, and nearly 4,000 people knocked out of the $1 million Circa Survivor pool after the 1:00 p.m. batch of games. The point-spread picks fared slightly better, but only just.
This week, there are just two spreads bigger than a touchdown, with seven of the remaining 14 games sitting at a field goal or less.
If you're looking to pad the lead or get back into the race for your season-long office pool, I give you my NFL picks against the spread for Week 3.
Week 3 picks against the spread
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 Patriots vs  Jets |
(+6.5) |
 Broncos vs  Buccaneers |
(-6.5) |
 Texans vs  Vikings |
(-2.5) |
 Chargers vs  Steelers |
(+1.5) |
 Eagles vs  Saints |
(+1.5) |
 Packers vs  Titans |
(+2.5) |
 Giants vs  Browns |
(-6.5) |
 Bears vs  Colts |
(+1.5) |
 Dolphins vs  Seahawks |
(-6.5) |
 Panthers vs  Raiders |
(+5.5) |
 Ravens vs  Cowboys |
(+1.5) |
 49ers vs  Rams |
(-7.5) |
 Lions vs  Cardinals |
(+3) |
 Chiefs vs  Falcons |
(-4.5) |
 Jaguars vs  Bills |
(-5.5) |
 Commanders vs  Bengals |
(+7.5) |
Lines courtesy of FanDuel as of 9-16.
Week 2 ATS picks
Patriots vs Jets
Patriots (+6.5)
The New York Jets got into the win column last week, but now face a pissed-off New England Patriots side who let a winnable game slip away. Given what we've seen from the Patriots' defense through two teams, I'm willing to bank on the stop unit doing enough to frustrate the Jets' offense and keep this game close.
Broncos vs Buccaneers
Buccaneers (-6.5)
I've seen enough of the Bo Nix experiment to realize the Broncos are in a world of trouble. He's afforded no time in the pocket, but when he is, he continues to make the wrong decisions. The Bucs, led by Baker Mayfield, have something good going and should run away with this contest at home.
Texans vs Vikings
Texans (-2.5)
I'm willing to play the letdown spot here for the Vikings as they pulled off a good upset win vs. the 49ers last week. The Texans have an elite offense and while it didn't look smooth at times on SNF, C.J. Stroud & Co. should be able to grab a win as small road faves.
Chargers vs Steelers
Chargers (+1.5)
The Steelers are the Iowa of the NFL and while suffocating opposing offenses to death may be effective, it can only last so long. Justin Fields has shown very little, and the Chargers are in a good spot to benefit from playing three brutal QBs in a row to open up the season.
Eagles vs Saints
Saints (+1.5)
I'm not betting against the Saints' offense and neither should you.
Packers vs Titans
Packers (+2.5)
Titans head coach Brian Callahan wants to know "what the f - - -" Will Levis is doing, and so do I. Hopefully whatever he's doing (sucking) continues and Malik Willis and the Packers ride their defense to a good road win.
Giants vs Browns
Browns (-6.5)
The Giants scored three touchdowns, allowed none, and lost in regulation vs. Commanders last week. That pretty much sums up the Giants under Daniel Jones. While the Browns aren't world-beaters, the Giants don't have another flawless game in them.
Bears vs Colts
Bears (+1.5)
If the Bears' offensive line can hold up and give Caleb Williams some time, I think he'll be okay. The good news for them is the Colts have gotten next-to-no pressure on opposing QBs through two games, and Anthony Richardson looks lost.
Dolphins vs Seahawks
Seahawks (-6.5)
Do you really want to back the Dolphins flying cross-country after losing their starting QB? This could make for a good Ewing Theory play, but the Seahawks should be able to run the football down the Dolphins' throat. Skylar Thompson? No thanks.
Panthers vs Raiders
Panthers (+5.5)
The Raiders went into Baltimore and shocked the world, which makes them a little too fat and happy for my liking here. It's one thing to compete as an underdog and cover, but asking them to lay points is a whole new ball game. Did I mention Andy Dalton was getting the start? Panthers keep it close.
Ravens vs Cowboys
Cowboys (+1.5)
It may seem like bad practice to back a team that was shredded for 41 points, but there is only one way to go from there and that's up. To a man, the Cowboys defense was awful and I'm banking on a bounce-back effort. Not to mention, they are at home, and have an offense that is more stable than the Ravens'.
49ers vs Rams
49ers (-7.5)
I really wanted to take the Rams, but the news of Cooper Kupp being out for this one has me second-guessing. The Rams can only run the ball so much with Kyren Williams. The 49ers get right here with a lopsided win.
Lions vs Cardinals
Cardinals (+3)
The Bucs did what I expected them to do vs. the Lions and that was work the middle of the field. The Cards will have a similar strategy and the one-two punch of James Conner and Marvin Harrison Jr. should do enough to help the Cards pull off the upset.
Chiefs vs Falcons
Chiefs (-4.5)
The Chiefs continue to find ways to win ball games, even if it means paying off the refs and that champions mentality has served them well over the last couple of seasons. I'll chalk it up as an early wake-up call and they'll play better in Week 3 vs. a Falcons team due for a letdown after pulling off a MNF miracle.
Jaguars vs Bills
Bills (-5.5)
The Jaguars offense is pathetic and Trevor Lawrence appears to have taken several steps backwards this year. Now they must go to Buffalo to face a Bills side with extra rest and home field? The Bills should roll in this one.
Commanders vs Bengals
Commanders (+7.5)
The Bengals find themselves sitting at 0-2 this year and welcome a Commanders side that got a win without scoring a touchdown. What could possibly go wrong for the Bengals besides everything?
Not intended for use in MA.
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