NFL Week 3 Preview and Free Picks

Last Updated on September 16, 2025 11:16 am by Erwin Noguera

Week 3 of the 2025/26 NFL season promises excitement from the outset, with a classic divisional clash in the AFC East. The Miami Dolphins will be looking for their first win of the year when they visit the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. While Buffalo is off to a strong start after beating the Jets to go 2-0, Miami faces the challenge of reversing its poor start after two consecutive losses, the most recent against New England. Unsurprisingly, the odds heavily favor the Bills, who are shaping up to be solid contenders.

Sunday will bring key matchups between teams with contrasting realities. On one hand, the Philadelphia Eagles will host the Los Angeles Rams in a clash of undefeated teams that could set the tone in the National Conference. Also, the Arizona Cardinals will travel to face the San Francisco 49ers, another high-stakes matchup where both teams look to confirm their strong start to the season. These Sunday games not only put undefeated records on the line, but could also have a direct impact on playoff qualification.

The day will close with highly anticipated matchups in prime time. On Sunday Night Football, the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs will face off under pressure to secure their first win of the year after painful losses in the first few weeks. Finally, Monday Night Football will put the finishing touch with an attractive matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens, in a game that promises intensity and could define early standings in the Conference.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the predictions for the NFL, the final bets for this Matchday, and the odds for each match.

NFL Week 3: Bills vs. Dolphins

Thursday Night Football in Week 3 brings a divisional clash with two very different scenarios. The Buffalo Bills are undefeated after two wins that consolidate their position as the team to beat in the AFC East, while the Miami Dolphins are still struggling to find their footing and are 0-2.

Buffalo has shown versatility: Josh Allen was the hero in Week 1’s comeback against Baltimore, and in Week 2 against the Jets, the spotlight shifted to the ground game. James Cook shone with 132 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense completely shut down the opposing passing attack. That ability to adjust will be key in such a short schedule.

Miami, in contrast, is still searching for its identity. Although Tua Tagovailoa passed for over 300 yards against New England, the offense does not look synchronized, and injuries further complicate the situation. The offensive line is patched up, and the secondary is weakened, a serious problem against an opponent as complete as Buffalo. If the Dolphins do not show immediate improvement, they could sink to the bottom of the division very early on.

Bills vs. Dolphins Betting Pick: Bills

NFL Week 3: Giants vs. Chiefs

Sunday Night Football presents us with a matchup that looks closer than anyone would have predicted in the summer. The Kansas City Chiefs let a chance for revenge against the Eagles slip away in Week 2, falling 20-17 at Arrowhead. Patrick Mahomes once again showed his quality, but a lack of support, including a costly mistake by Travis Kelce, made the difference.

Opposite them will be the Giants, who surprised everyone by competing toe-to-toe with the Cowboys in Week 2. Russell Wilson showed flashes of his best form with long passes that kept New York alive until the end. Still, defensive mistakes and a couple of key plays prevented the upset.

While the Chiefs are favorites thanks to Mahomes, the inconsistency shown by their receivers keeps the door open for the Giants to put up a fight at home. With Wilson more settled and the MetLife crowd behind them, this could be a tighter Sunday Night game than expected.

Giants vs. Chiefs Betting Pick: Chiefs

NFL Week 3: Eagles vs. Rams

The defending champions return home after a valuable win against Kansas City. Philadelphia keeps its winning formula intact: dominance in the trenches and the famous “tush push,” which is practically impossible to stop in short-yardage situations.

The Rams are motivated after defeating Tennessee with authority. The receiver duo of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua was a headache for the Titans, accumulating nearly 200 combined yards and proving that their passing attack can compete against anyone.

The challenge will be greater in Philadelphia, where the home defense is known for its constant pressure and ability to force mistakes. Still, if Matthew Stafford finds his rhythm early with his receivers, the Rams could force a back-and-forth game. The Eagles, however, remain the favorites.

Eagles vs. Rams Betting Pick: Eagles

NFL Week 3: Ravens vs. Lions

Monday Night Football promises to be an offensive spectacle. The Ravens have started the year on fire, scoring over 40 points in each of their first two games. Lamar Jackson looks unstoppable, backed by a running attack that opens up space and a group of receivers who make the most of every opportunity.

Detroit, however, also has its strengths. After a stumble in Week 1, Jared Goff responded with a near-perfect performance against Chicago: 334 yards, five touchdown passes, and no interceptions. With that level of efficiency, the Lions showed they can respond blow for blow against any opponent.

The deciding factor could be defense. Baltimore combines pressure on the quarterback with an aggressive secondary, which will test Detroit’s offensive line. If Goff manages to stay on his feet, the game could turn into a scoring fest; otherwise, the Ravens have everything they need to maintain their steamrolling pace at home.

Ravens vs. Lions Betting Pick: Ravens