The NFL season is starting to take shape and Week 3 brings a fascinating Monday slate. Several teams are looking to rebound from slow starts, while others aim to prove their early momentum is no fluke. With divisional implications and playoff hopes already in play, these matchups feel bigger than your standard September football.
NFL Week 3 Monday Betting Tips
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots
3.00am (AEST)
The Steelers enter Week 3 at 1-1, coming off a solid opening day but a disappointing loss to the Seahawks. Aaron Rodgers has shown flashes of his old brilliance, but the running game has been flat and the offensive line is already banged up. Losing Max Scharping for the year weakens their depth and the absence of Joey Porter Jr. and DeShon Elliott in the secondary will put their defense under real pressure.
The Patriots are also 1-1 and look much improved under Mike Vrabel. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye is settling into the system and the defense has been dominant, particularly at home. Their ability to generate pressure and force mistakes could prove decisive against a Steelers offensive line that has looked vulnerable.
This game has the makings of a tight contest, but the Patriots’ pass rush and homefield advantage tip the balance. New England should edge it by a field goal to a touchdown in a low-scoring battle.
Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears
6.25am (AEST)
The Cowboys sit at 1-1 and while they have looked inconsistent at times, there are positive signs. Javonte Williams is emerging as a reliable running threat, giving balance to their attack. The defense has not been at its best, conceding big plays last week, but there is still enough talent to believe improvement is coming.
The Bears have had a miserable start at 0-2. The defense is ravaged by injuries in the secondary and at linebacker, leaving them badly exposed. D’Andre Swift’s uncertain status only adds to their offensive issues. Chicago has shown effort, but depth and experience are clearly lacking.
Dallas has the edge on both sides of the ball and should make that count. Expect the Cowboys to control this one from early on and win comfortably by double digits.
Kansas City Chiefs at New York Giants
10.20am (AEST)
The Chiefs have started the season 0-2, which is almost unthinkable for a Patrick Mahomes-led team. A wrist concern has hampered him, and the offense has lacked its usual fluidity. Kansas City is still waiting for someone to emerge as a consistent playmaker alongside Travis Kelce, though the return of Xavier Worthy could spark the attack.
The Giants are also 0-2 and while their offense has put up some points, the defense has been a major problem. They are conceding explosive plays far too easily and struggle to get off the field on third down. Without significant improvement, they could be in trouble once more against Mahomes.
This feels like the week the Chiefs steady the ship. It may not be pretty and Mahomes is still not 100 percent, but Kansas City has too much quality to fall to 0-3. Chiefs by a touchdown looks about right.
Other Tips
Las Vegas Raiders at Washington Commanders - Commanders -3 ($1.88 at Dabble)
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers - Panthers +5.5 ($1.90 at Dabble)
Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns - Packers -7.5 ($1.88 at Dabble)
Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles - Rams +3.5 ($1.91 at Dabble)
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans - Colts -4.5 ($1.89 at Dabble)
New York Jets at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Under 43.5 ($1.90 at Dabble)
Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings - Vikings -3 ($1.90 at Dabble)
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars - Jaguars -1.5 ($1.91 at Dabble)
New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks - Under 41.5 ($1.87 at Dabble)
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers - Over 45.5 ($1.88 at Dabble)
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers - Over 44.5 ($1.90 at Dabble)
