2024 NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds: Will the Chiefs Bounce Back?

Detroit Lions (+7) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Detroit Lions conclude their preseason at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. There is still a lot going on in Detroit despite the starting job solidified. Jared Goff hasn’t played a snap and is highly unlikely to see the field in the third week of the preseason.

That being said, there is still a quarterback battle ongoing for the backup job. Second-year QB Hendon Hooker and journeyman Nate Sudfeld continue to duke it out for the reserve spot behind Goff. With this in mind, there should be some competition for the Lions in this one.

Hendon Hooker keeps it for the score 🙌#DETvsKC | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/hor0mVtTWO

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 17, 2024

Last week, the Lions went into Kansas City as a 6.5-point underdog and emerged with a win outright on the moneyline. The Chiefs’ starters played for a full quarter, and the Lions managed to come from behind to capture a 24-23 victory!

Detroit stepped up defensively and did a fine job at preventing the Chiefs from extending their lead after Mahomes exited the field. Russell Wilson stated he’ll be playing against the Lions. He played in five series in a 9-3 preseason loss to the Bills, but didn’t lead the Steelers to any points.

Mike Tomlin has historically had a strong record in the preseason. However, they are 0-2 this year, with the offense showing little signs of life. On paper, the Steelers look like the play with Wilson and Justin Fields, though the quarterback battle between Hooker and Sudfeld is worth keeping in mind.

Laying seven points on a Steelers squad failing to sort things out in the preseason is a tough ask. Consider backing the Lions to cover the point spread for your NFL Week preseason picks in this Saturday afternoon preseason finale!

Los Angeles Rams (+6.5) vs. Houston Texans

The Los Angeles Rams are on the road to wrap up their preseason schedule at NRG Stadium. Matthew Stafford hasn’t stepped onto the field in the preseason and that is unlikely to change. As a 14-year veteran, Stafford doesn’t need to see the field in exhibition games.

The Rams have been giving a heavy dose of reps to Stetson Bennett who was out of football for a year. The national championship-winning QB leads the preseason in passing attempts (69) and completions (41).

Stetson will once again receive the brunt of the work for the Rams. Last week, he passed for 213 yards and a touchdown in a 13-9 victory over the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The former Georgia Bulldog shook off four interceptions in the preseason opener against the Cowboys and looked much more comfortable.

Stet called game!

📺: #DALvsLAR on @NFLNetwork#GoDawgs | #DawgsInTheNFL pic.twitter.com/J9k6FnaBm3

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) August 11, 2024

He was the only quarterback to play in either game for the Rams. With two full games under his belt, I like the rapport and chemistry he’s been able to generate in the preseason. This is one of the few teams in the preseason that has ridden with one QB for every minute.

Although I like what Case Keenum provides the Texans in a backup role, Tim Boyle might be under center when it matters the most in the fourth quarter. Presumptive regular season QB2, Davis Mills, is currently bothered by a rib injury, forcing him to miss the Texans’ 28-10 win over the Giants.

With Bennett getting a big look this preseason, expect him to be sharp for the preseason finale. The offense won’t have to adjust to a new quarterback and cadence given Bennett’s extensive playing time in this one.

In review, the points on the Rams is the best bet to consider playing at Bovada!

Seattle Seahawks (+2) vs. Cleveland Browns

The Seattle Seahawks are home underdogs at home for their series finale against the Cleveland Browns. They have played reasonably well, with a 16-15 loss in the preseason opener, and then a comfortable 16-3 win over the Chargers this past weekend!

Sam Howell was in sharp form against the Chargers. He passed for 153 yards and a touchdown on 11/14 passing. Howell has plenty of starting experience from his time in Washington with the Commanders.

In 2023-24, Howell passed for 3,964 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions on 63.4% completions! There were moments when he looked like a competent starter and the potential future of the Commanders. However, too much inconsistency has prevented him from taking the next step.

Sop for six! 🤌 pic.twitter.com/FeioECkS8M

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 17, 2024

Against backups in the preseason, though, Howell is the perfect fit. Additionally, the Seahawks have another quarterback expected to play with some starting experience. Phillip Walker isn’t winning any starting job and will concede the backup job to Howell.

However, Walker should be confident against a third-team defense. Despite starter Geno Smith sitting out the preseason, Howell and Walker were efficient enough to handle the Browns in this matchup!

The combination of Tyler Huntley and Dorian-Thompson Robinson is coming off a dreadful effort against the Vikings. Huntley threw two interceptions, while Robinson tossed another in a 27-12 loss at home.

With just 22 points scored in the preseason, the backups have not been in sync in Cleveland. I have no interest in laying points in a Browns squad traveling to the West Coast in this spot. The betting value is on the Seahawks at +2!