We had another winning slate in Week 3, going 2-1 with recommendations from this column. For the season, I am 5-3-1 with my underdog picks. Let’s try to keep things rolling with three more wagers to consider in Week 4. All odds were obtained from the DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints: Lions +4.5
The key for the Saints will be the status of Michael Thomas, who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury. They lost both games with him on the sidelines, falling to the Raiders on the road and the Packers at home. Despite adding Emmanuel Sanders during the offseason, the Saints don’t exactly have stellar depth at wide receiver behind Thomas. So if he doesn’t play, they will have to once again rely heavily on running back Alvin Kamara to be productive.
The Lions got on the board with their first win of the season in Week 3, defeating the Cardinals on the road. It also marked the return of star receiver Kenny Golladay, who caught six-of-seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown. Getting him back makes them a much more dangerous offense moving forward. If Thomas doesn’t play in this game, the Lions could win outright. Even if he does return, he might be limited, so I’ll take a chance here on the Lions getting the points.
Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts: Bears +2.5
The Colts have had an easy schedule through the first three weeks, facing the Jaguars, the Vikings and the Jets. They’ve emerged from it 2-1 with their lone loss coming against the Jaguars in Week 1. They demolished the Jets last week, picking off Sam Darnold three times on their way to a 36-7 win.
It’s not often that you see a 3-0 team make a change at starting quarterback, but that’s exactly what the Bears have done. Out is Mitchell Trubisky and in is Nick Foles, who led them to a comeback win over the Falcons last week. He threw three touchdown passes in the victory and could help the Bears offense be more dangerous moving forward. Allen Robinson sure was happy to see the change at quarterback, finishing the game with 10 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. With Foles now under center, not only do I envision the Bears keeping this game close, but I think he could even help the Bears pull off a win.
Cleveland Browns at Dallas Cowboys: Browns +4.5
The Cowboys have been a disappointment at 1-2. They could easily be 0-3 if not for a comeback win against the Falcons in Week 2. Scoring has not been the problem, it’s been their defense. They have allowed at least 38 points in each of their last two games and will continue to be tested by teams who try to throw a lot in order to keep up with Dak Prescott and their high-flying offense.
If there is one thing that the Browns have, it’s weapons on offense. From Odell Beckham Jr. to Jarvis Landry to Nick Chubb, they are dangerous. The only thing holding them back has been Baker Mayfield, who hasn’t lived up to lofty expectations at this stage of his career. They have become a run-heavy team because of his struggles and it’s worked, so far, with Chubb and Kareem Hunt leading the way. Considering how poorly the Cowboys’ defense has played, this has the makings of a close game that could go either way.
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