There are so many different ways to get in on the action at DraftKings Sports this NFL season. One of the best ways is by joining a weekly NFL Pick ‘Em pool. These pools require you to pick every game on the NFL slate against the spread.
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NFL Week 3 Pick’Em Pool Picks, Predictions and Strategy
Here are my five favorite selections to use this week in NFL against-the-spread pools.
Week 3 Picks
Falcons +6.5 at Packers — The Falcons are getting Michael Penix Jr. back at quarterback for Thursday Night Football against the Packers. Green Bay has not looked great through two weeks. In Week 1, they lost by double digits to the Carson Wentz-led Vikings. Then, in Week 2, they went to overtime against the Geno Smith-led Jets. In that game, the Packers’ offense was held to less than 200 total yards. The Falcons’ defense looked solid in Week 1 but couldn’t hold up with the dreadful display the offense put on in Week 2. With Penix back providing some stability on the other side of things, the Atlanta defense should keep things in check.
Penix is not an elite quarterback by any means, but he has had success getting the ball to Atlanta’s two elite weapons, Bijan Robinson and Drake London. That is exactly what Geno Smith and Carson Wentz were able to do the last two weeks, and Penix should do the same. Despite not facing high-level opposing quarterbacks in the first two weeks, Green Bay ranks 20th in defensive EPA/play. This number is just too big in ATS pools and has already dropped to Falcons +4.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Jets +6.5 at Lions — The Jets are 2-0 ATS to start the season. They dominated the Titans in Week 1 and went to overtime with Green Bay in Week 2. In that game, the Jets outgained the Packers by nearly 100 yards, but late-game errors cost them the win. Meanwhile, the Lions are 0-2 ATS to start the season. Detroit struggled at home against the Saints, requiring overtime to get the win. Then, in Week 2, they were blown out by the Bills.
Geno Smith and the Jets’ offense should be able to move the ball against this Detroit defense that has really struggled. The Jets rank ninth in the NFL in offensive EPA/dropback, while the Lions rank 24th in the NFL in defensive EPA/dropback. Smith should find AD Mitchell, Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall in the passing game and keep the chains moving. That will make life easier on the Jets’ defense, which ranks seventh in the NFL in EPA/play and fifth in success rate this season. The Jets should keep it close here.
Rams -2.5 at Broncos — After losing in Week 1 and losing Myles Garrett for the next few weeks, the Rams showed in Week 2 that the rumors of their demise were greatly exaggerated. The injuries to Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers were certainly a factor, but the Rams looked to be in a different league than the Giants on Monday night. Despite their poor Week 1 performance, the Rams are already back into the top 10 in the NFL in offensive success rate and defensive EPA/play.
The Broncos got the win in Week 2 against the Jaguars, but it was a tight game the whole way. The Denver offense only scored six points through three quarters, but a fourth-quarter surge got them the come-from-behind win. Denver’s offense has played seven bad quarters this season, however. They rank 26th in offensive EPA/play and 21st in offensive success rate. The Rams’ defense should shut them down. The Rams’ offense should be able to win and cover by only scoring 21-24 points, making them a strong bet this week.
Ravens -2.5 at Cowboys — This line has moved from -2.5 to -3.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook, making the -2.5 that exists in Pick ‘Em Pools a very strong play. That -3 number is the most important number in the NFL, and the Ravens moved across that number for good reason. The Ravens blew a fourth-quarter lead against the Saints in Week 2. That was a learning experience for Jesse Minter, but it doesn’t change my perspective of the team. Baltimore looked excellent in Week 1 and in the first half of Week 2.
The Ravens rank fifth in the NFL in offensive EPA/play and second in offensive success rate. Once they get Zay Flowers back, which could be for this game, their offense will be almost impossible to slow down. That is bad news for the Cowboys, who have serious problems on defense. Dallas ranks 29th in the NFL in defensive EPA/play and dead last in defensive success rate. Baltimore should just have too much offense and completely control this game against the Cowboys.
Jaguars -2.5 vs. Patriots — The Jaguars have played seven great quarters this season. They dominated against the Browns in Week 1, winning by a score of 34-10. In Week 2, they led 13-6 on the road against the Broncos, but lost the fourth quarter 14-0 to lose the game. That was a tough road trip, and they should bounce back here. Jacksonville gets the defending AFC champions at home in this one and should win by at least a field goal.
New England bounced back from its Week 1 loss to the Seahawks by getting a home win against the Steelers. However, the putrid Pittsburgh offense was not a real test. Jacksonville ranks in the top six in the NFL in offensive EPA/play and offensive success rate, despite playing two of last season’s best defenses, Cleveland and Denver. They should put up points in this game and force Drake Maye to try to keep up, which is where he makes mistakes.
