Early bets for Week 3: Three games to target right away

Sep 21, 2026, 11:27 AM ET

With most of Week 2 in the books, we're already looking ahead to Week 3. Which games grabbed our analysts' attention?

The Green Bay Packers host the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on Thursday after escaping the New York Jets in OT in Week 2 and are touchdown favorites. The Jets are again underdogs this week on the road against the Detroit Lions.

Also of immediate interest is the matchup between the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Matt Bowen, Pamela Maldonado and Eric Moody break down the games share the bets they're backing before potential shifts later in the week.

Note: Odds by DraftKings and subject to change.

Check out the latest Super Bowl odds and major NFL awards futures.

Detroit Lions -6.5 vs. New York Jets

Bowen: The Lions need to make defensive corrections. We can all see that, right? But with extra rest/prep off the Thursday night game, I think Detroit builds a game plan to limit Geno Smith and the Jets. Plus, this Detroit offense, which has averaged 31 points per game over the first two weeks of the season, will have answers for the New York defense. Yes, it's a big spread, but it's also one I'm willing to bet for Dan Campbell's team.

Green Bay Packers -7 vs. Atlanta Falcons

Moody: Green Bay's offensive line has struggled, putting more pressure on Jordan Love and the passing game, but the Packers still rank ninth in passing yards per game. Atlanta's defense has its work cut out, especially with its own offense ranking 29th in total yards and 31st in points per game. The Packers are 9-3 against the spread in their last 12 home games, and I don't see Atlanta scoring enough to keep this close. Give me Green Bay to cover.

New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars total points UNDER 44.5

Maldonado: The Patriots are at their best when they run the ball, protect Drake Maye and let the defense control things. Though the Jaguars are capable of hitting a few big plays, Trevor Lawrence followed his huge opener with a quiet afternoon in Denver. Neither offense has been reliable enough, and New England is unlikely to invite a faster-paced game on the road. As long as turnovers don't hand out easy touchdowns, this should stay fairly low scoring.