NFL Picks Against the Spread 2014: Week 3

Before Week 3 of the 2014 NFL season kicks off, I thought we would have some fun by taking a look at the spreads for this week's round of games. (Click here for NFL Week 3 picks without regard to the spread.)

Here are my suggestions when trying to beat Vegas. You can find all of today's NFL betting lines and more at the SB Nation odds page. My record so far this season: 12-18. (Last week's picks.)

Week 2 was better to me but I was still below .500 at 7-8. I have a feeling I'll continue to do better as I get a better feel for some of these teams.

2014 NFL WEEK 3

San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills (-1): I'm not sure anyone saw the Bills getting off to a 2-0, but here they are. Buffalo has earned two quality wins by beating the Bears on the road and then the Dolphins at home. The Chargers will likely be their toughest test yet. I'm tempted to take the Bills because they're at home. Buffalo was 4-4 at home in 2013 with 2 losses coming in overtime. Pick: Bills -1

Oakland Raiders at New England Patriots (-14.5): The Patriots are huge home favorites here. The Raiders are not very good. They were destroyed at home by Houston last week. Life on the road won't be easier for them. I'll take the favorites. Pick: Patriots -14.5

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (-10.5): The Saints are big home favorites despite being 0-2. The Vikings will be without Adrian Peterson, however, and the Saints are typically a totally different beast at home. Expect the Saints to get their first win of the season in this one. Pick: Saints -10.5

Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals (-7): Cincy is really good at home so I doubt the Titans have a chance to win here. I'm really just not impressed by the Titans at all. Take the home team. Pick: Bengals -7

Houston Texans (-1) at New York Giants: The New York Football Giants enter their third game of the season as home underdogs. How about that. Last week the G-men lost to Drew Stanton somehow. I'm sure Ryan Fitzpatrick and this hot Houston Texans team can beat NYG. Pick: Texans -1

Baltimore Ravens (-2) at Cleveland Browns: In two straight weeks, the Browns have covered the spread. Can they make it a third straight week? They're at home and they're playing a division rival so I say why not. Pick: Browns +2

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5): Hmm. I think I actually like Washington here to cover, but I think the Philadelphia Eagles will win. Give me the points but a Philadelphia victory. Pick: Washington +6.5

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (-1): I haven't been all that impressed by the Packers through two games. Aaron Rodgers is still very good but I think the Lions can take them here. Pick: Lions -1

Dallas Cowboys (-2) at St. Louis Rams: Sorry, Austin Davis, but you'll have to do more than beat the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers to convince me the Rams can win with you at quarterback. Give me Dallas as the road favorites. Pick: Cowboys -2

Indianapolis Colts (-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars are terrible. Gus Bradley isn't as good as some make him out to be. The Colts should stomp all over this team, pun intended. Pick: Colts -7

San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Arizona Cardinals: Drew Stanton is starting the line is only -3? Take the 49ers. Pick: 49ers -3

Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins (-4): I don't love this match-up. The Dolphins may be one of those teams that beats a good team early on in the season (the Patriots) so everyone assumes they're better than they really are. Meanwhile, I'm not high on the Chiefs, but they played well in Denver. I guess I'll just take the favorites here. Pick: Dolphins -4

Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks (-5.5): It's a Super Bowl 48 rematch. Call me crazy but I think it'll be closer this time around. I know the game is in Seattle but I'll happily take the points. Pick: Broncos +5.5

Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers (-3): The Carolina Panthers defense should make life difficult on the Steelers. I can't take Pittsburgh. Pick: Panthers -3

Chicago Bears at New York Jets (-3): The Bears are 3-point road favorites after going into San Francisco and getting a win, huh? I have no problem taking the points here. Pick: Bears +3