Here are my picks against the spread for the morning games in Week 3 of the NFL season. Lines as always from Bovada.com
Dallas Cowboys -8 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week the Bucs allowed Eli Manning to throw for 510 yards and weren't able to pull out the win despite the two time Super Bowl MVP tossing three first half interceptions. I expect the Tampa Bay secondary to have similar issues dealing with Tony Romo, Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. I like the Cowboys to win by double digits.
San Francisco 49ers -7.5 @ Minnesota Vikings
The 49ers have been the best team in the NFL through two weeks. Minnesota is improved and has two All-Pro type weapons in Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin, but Christian Ponder isn't ready to play a defense like San Francisco's. I'm giving the points and taking the Niners.
Detroit Lions -4 @ Tennessee Titans
This is one of the tougher games for me to judge. Tennessee gets Kenny Britt back for his normal amount of snaps compared to last week when he was limited. I'm interested to see how that impacts their offense. This has bounce back game written all over it for the Lions after they were mauled last week by the 49ers. Detroit should be able to move the ball through the air against a Titans team that is allowing just over 8 yards per pass attempt. I'm going with the Lions.
Washington Redskins -3 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are getting healthier, while the Redskins are a mess. Washington lost defensive end Adam Carriker and linebacker Brian Orakpo for the season in their Week 2 loss to the St. Louis Rams. Cincy should be getting back running back Bernard Scott and defensive end Carlos Dunlap. Despite that I don't the Bengals defense will be able to stop the Skins offense in their home opener. I'm rolling with RG3.
New York Jets -3 @ Miami Dolphins
If the Jets have any hope of making the playoffs this is a must win game. After this week they take on the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers in back to back weeks. Reggie Bush has been on a roll and is exactly the type of quick running back in space the Jets linebackers struggle with. With my homer pick of the week I'm taking the Jets.
New Orleans Saints -9 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
A battle of two winless teams with defenses that can't stop anyone. The Saints have more talent on the offensive side of the ball and are less likely to commit turnovers in this particular match-up. I'll predict New Orleans wins by two touchdowns.
Buffalo Bills -3 @ Cleveland Browns
Cleveland showed some actual progress in their loss last week to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bills bounced back from their crushing Week 1 loss to the Jets with a win over the Chiefs. I believe in the Browns defense more than Buffalo's. Cleveland picks up its first win of the season.
Indianapolis Colts -3 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Browns won't be the only team to grab their first win of the season. Last season Maurice Jones-Drew ran for 283 yards in two games against Indianapolis. His success will continue and Justin Blackmon shows why the Jaguars took him with the 5th pick in the draft. I'm taking the points and the Jags.