NFL Week 3 betting primer: Reacting to opening lines

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet

To say the start of the NFL season has been unpredictable would be an understatement. Upsets and injuries are creating plenty of uncertainty around the league. Super Bowl contenders are looking for answers, while preseason afterthoughts are off to 2-0 starts.

The spreads for Week 3 reflect the chaotic start. Let’s dive in.

The first spread that jumps off the page is the Raiders laying seven points at home to the Panthers, who are benching Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton. This number largely reflects how bad the situation in Carolina is, even though Las Vegas is coming off a big upset win in Baltimore.

The Raiders should be able to take care of the lowly Panthers, but there’s also a chance Antonio Pierce’s group finds itself in a let-down spot and the Panthers get their first cover of the season.

The most intriguing matchup of Week 3 is the Ravens-Cowboys tilt, but not for the reasons we expected at the beginning of the season. The Ravens are 0-2 and face what feels like a must-win contest for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Since 1979, only six teams have made the playoffs after starting the season 0-3.

On the other side of the ball, the Cowboys will attempt to quickly turn the page on an embarrassing home loss to the Saints. Oddsmakers have this game close to a pick'em, with Dallas getting one point at home.

The Dolphins head to Seattle for Skylar Thompson's first game as their indefinite starter. The Seahawks have wins over the Broncos and Patriots, and they're now 6-point favorites in a game where the Dolphins may have been favored if Tua Tagovailoa was still healthy.

Finally, the Steelers host the Chargers in a defensive clash of two undefeated teams. The Chargers top the league with only 13 points against, and the Steelers are second with 16. The total opened at 35.5, the lowest of any game this season.