RYAN STEELE'S NFL WEEK 3 PICKS AND BEST BETS

By Ryan Steele

Already chalked up a BEST BET winner Thursday night on Kansas City (+3) and looking to further improve my already great 8-3 mark for the season with four more pick prime plays this week.  Here is the rest of the slate with some free leans thrown in.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS (-2) VS. Detroit Lions:  Man have the Redskins stunk it up this season.  You almost can't lay money on them no matter the situation given how dreadful they have been.  As far as where I would lean, the desperation factor is clearly in the Redskins' corner since this pretty much is their season here as an 0-3 mark will doom them before September is through.  The Lions also don't have a good history of playing on the road either as they struggled way too much against a mediocre Vikings team in the opener.  THE PICK:  Washington Redskins (-2)

CAROLINA PANTHERS (-1) VS. New York Giants:******THIS GAME IS ONE OF RYAN STEELE'S BEST BETS FOR THE WEEK AND IS FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.*****

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (-7) VS. Arizona Cardinals:  The knee-jerk reaction here is to side with New Orleans since Arizona is traveling east for an early game.  However the Cards have a solid recent history as an underdog or 8 or less as shown by a 12-4 mark ATS.  The Saints defense will have a tough time with the three receiver element the Cards can present in Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, and Andre Roberts.  THE PICK:  Arizona Cardinals (+7)

DALLAS COWBOYS (-3.5) VS. St. Louis Rams:******THIS GAME IS ONE OF RYAN STEELE'S BEST BETS FOR THE WEEK AND IS FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.*****

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-7) VS. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:******THIS GAME IS ONE OF RYAN STEELE'S BEST BETS FOR THE WEEK AND IS FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.*****

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (-6) VS. Cleveland Browns:  Boy this is a major sucker bet here as no one in their right mind would take the Browns here after dealing away Trent Richardson and now having to go with Brian Hoyer at QB in place of Brandon Weeden.  The Vikings are nothing to write home about though and the one strength of the Browns is their run defense which should help against Adrian Peterson.  The angles actually favor the Browns here so I am leaving this messy game alone.  THE PICK:  PASS

Green Bay Packers (-3) VS. CINCINNATI BENGALS:  Interesting game here as the Bengals have not lived up to the preseason hype so far this season and are a home dog in a non-divisional game which usually is a good betting trend.  However the Packers are a beast on offense and the angles favor them in some capacities.  Tough one to call but slight edge to Green Bay.  THE PICK:  Green Bay Packers (-3)

TENNESSEE TITANS (-3) VS. San Diego Chargers:  Another tough one as the Chargers are traveling east for the second week in a row which is a betting no-no.  However the Titans are still a joke at QB with the pathetic Jake Locker and Philip Rivers is locked in right now no matter who he is throwing to.  I would ride the hot arm in this game.  THE PICK:  San Diego Chargers (+3)

Houston Texans (-2.5) VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS:  Truth be told the Texans have gotten a bit lucky to be 2-0 due to some late game breaks.  They haven;t played that well through the first two games but the record speaks for itself.  The Ravens are going to be ticked off at being home underdogs only three weeks into their Super Bowl defending season.  I don't like this game one bit.  THE PICK:  PASS

MIAMI DOLPHINS (-2.5) VS. Atlanta Falcons:  Don't discount the Dolphins' 2-0 start as they are riding a great defense and also improved play at QB with Ryan Tannehill.  The Falcons hurt badly right now with injuries taking a major bite out of their offensive line and receivers leading into the game.  Miami playing with confidence and have the rush to be in Matt Ryan's face throughout this contest.  THE PICK:  Miami Dolphins (-2.5)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (-19) VS. Jacksonville Jaguars:  I always advise never to bet on games where the line is above 15 and that still holds true.  Late game letdowns and boredom lead to backdoor covers but the Jags are so inept I can actually consider this game as a bet.  Seattle could shut them out.  Amazing how big this line is however.  THE PICK:  Seattle Seahawks (-19)

SAN FRANCISCO (-10) VS. Indianapolis Colts:  We will see a very annoyed 49ers team coming into this one after getting destroyed by the Seahawks last week.  However the DUI bust and likely looming suspension of top pass rusher Aldon Smith is a major distraction and he will be on the bench for this one.  The Colts meanwhile feel like they stole their difference-maker in RB Trent Richardson despite the fact he will play little this week in his first game there.  I like the points given the turmoil enveloping the 49ers at this juncture.  THE PICK:  Indianapolis Colts (+10)

NEW YORK JETS (-2.5) VS. Buffalo Bills:  Sorry I just can't bet on the Jets no matter what given their awful offensive play.  They should give rookie QB E.J. Manuel fits in this one as their defense is solid but two bad teams equals no thank you.  THE PICK:  PASS

Chicago Bears (-2.5) VS. PITTSBURGH STEELERS:******THIS GAME IS ONE OF RYAN STEELE'S BETS BETS FOR THE WEEK AND IS FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.******

DENVER BRONCOS (-15) VS. Oakland Raiders:  Letdown game here as the Broncos come off an emotional win over Peyton's brother Eli last week.  The Raiders have a history of playing well against the Broncos and remember top Peyton protector Ryan Clady is done for the season which will lead to some issues with the opposing pass rush.  The Raiders have enough to keep it from being a whipping.  THE PICK:  Oakland Raiders (+15)

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