Best Bets for Every AFC West Matchup in Week 3

Bill Williamson

September 20th, 2018

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Quick Tips:

• Bet Broncos-Ravens over 43 with 888Sport.
• Bet the Chiefs-49ers over 56 with 888Sport.
• Bet the Chargers +6.5 over the Rams with 888Sport.
• Bet the Raiders +3.5 over the Dolphins with 888Sport.

Denver Broncos Storylines

The Broncos are a surprising 2-0, as they are one of seven undefeated teams in the NFL. That was not expected from a team that went 5-11 last season. Will Denver sustain it? We will see.

The two teams Denver has beaten, Seattle and Oakland, are both winless. Denver won those two games by a total of four points and it played both games at home. So, the case can be made that this 2-0 start may be fluffed up a bit.

But on the other hand, Denver has shown the ability to make plays in the clutch in both games. New quarterback Case Keenum has thrown four interceptions and has been shaky at times, but he has led Denver when it counts and the Broncos’ running game is strong.

Defensively, Denver is still led by Von Miller. It isn’t what it was a few years ago, but it’s still a plus group.

Kansas City Chiefs Storylines

The Chiefs are one of the most talked about teams in the NFL right now. They are also 2-0 and they have been spectacular. Kansas City has won the two games on the road, against the Chargers and the Steelers. Both of those teams entered the season expected to be major players in the AFC.

So, these are two strong wins by the Chiefs. All the Kansas City talk, of course, begins with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who turned 23 on Monday. He is the runaway MVP of the NFL in the early going.

Mahomes has thrown 10 touchdown and no interceptions in two games. It’s a record-setting pace. And it doesn’t look like a fluke. Mahomes, who was the Chiefs’ first-round pick last year, has a tremendous number of weapons to work with.

Defensively, the Chiefs are lacking. But if Mahomes can continue to set the tone offensively, the Chiefs can deal with it.

Los Angeles Chargers Storylines

The Chargers are 1-1. They had a convincing win over Buffalo on Sunday to even their record after losing to the Chiefs at home.

The Chargers may be the most talented team in the AFC. They started horribly last year at 0-4 but finished 9-7. So, this team can overcome an opening-season defeat.

Oakland Raiders Storylines

Jon Gruden is 0-2 in his much-talked about return. The Raiders were better against Denver than they were against the Rams, but they still are winless.

The key for Oakland is the second half. It has been outscored by a total of 43-7 in the second half. Once Gruden figures out how to make some late adjustments. Oakland could start winning some games.

Injury Updates

The only real serious injury issue hovering over the AFC West going into Week 3 is in Los Angeles with defensive end Joey Bosa.

The star pass-rusher has been out all regular season with a bone bruise. He is expected to remain out for a few more weeks. So, the Chargers will have to continue to try to win without Bosa for awhile.

Betting Tips and Picks

Here are some things for NFL betting fans to consider for each AFC West team in Week 3:

Broncos-Ravens Over/Under

888sport has the over/under at 43, and I like the over here.

Both the Broncos and the Ravens have shown they can score some points. The Ravens will be well rested after having 10 days off. Both teams have decent defenses, but they can also be scored on.

I can see this game getting to 44 points fairly easily. Denver is averaging 23.5 points a game and Baltimore is averaging 35 points a game. Bet over 43 at 888Sport.

Chiefs-49ers Over/Under

The over/under at 56, and here’s my advice on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense: Take the over until they prove otherwise. Here is my advice on the Chiefs’ defense: Take the over until proven otherwise.

The fact that the Chiefs are playing Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers makes me feel even better about it. The opportunity or big points will be there. The Chiefs’ two game totals are 66 and 79. The 49ers’ two game totals are 40 and 57.

I think this one goes over, folks, and you can bet it at 888Sport.

Chargers-Rams Against-the-Spread

The Rams are a 6.5-point favorite, and this game has a chance to be one of the best on the Week 3 slate. Both teams are among the most talented in the NFL.

The Rams are playing better, and they are the home team. That will be a big deal in this battle of LA because the Rams have more fans in the city. I would like the Chargers’ chances if this game was later in the season and Bosa was there.

But the Chargers can play with the Rams, and I think it can be close enough that taking the Chargers and the 6.5 points at 888Sport makes sense.

Raiders-Dolphins Against-the-Spread

I think Oakland can play in Miami. The Dolphins are not as good as their 2-0 record indicates, perhaps that’s why they are only giving 3.5 points.

Oakland is due, and it is a confident team despite its winless record. The Raiders won in Miami last year and I can see them doing it again. Take Oakland and the points at 888Sport.