NFL Week 3 Predictions: Broncos and Cowboys Upset Picks — SkimNews
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- The expert panel publishes 15 predictions for Week 3's remaining games after the Falcons topped the Packers on Thursday night, organized into five categories: upsets, stat lines, fantasy sleepers, touchdown scorers, and wild-card picks.
- Betting analyst Pamela Maldonado backs the Denver Broncos (+2.5) over the LA Rams and Dallas Cowboys (+3.5) over the Baltimore Ravens as straight-up upset picks, citing Pat Surtain II's matchup against a Puka Nacua-less Rams receiving corps and Dallas' passing game pressuring Lamar Jackson.
- Analytics writer Seth Walder projects Giants rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter for 2.0 sacks against QB Cam Ward (8.8% sack rate), Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy for 64 yards and a TD against Miami's single-high coverage, and Eagles LB Jihaad Campbell for 13 tackles against a run-heavy Bears offense missing Caleb Williams (hamstring).
- Fantasy writer Eric Moody flags Eagles WR Dontayvion Wicks (rostered in 37.5% of ESPN leagues), Texans QB C.J. Stroud (33.8%), and Jets WR Adonai Mitchell (28.4%) as Week 3 sleepers, each facing favorable matchups.
- Analyst Matt Bowen picks Giants RB Cam Skattebo, Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker III (averaging 23.5 carries and 4.5 receptions per game), and Panthers WR Jalen Coker to find the end zone.
- Analyst Ben Solak projects Ravens WR Zay Flowers for 150+ yards against a Dallas secondary lacking speed, calls Raiders-Saints the game of the week (predicting a 23-21 Raiders win), and notes Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. is back practicing after a two-week absence — possibly tied to contract-extension leverage given his final-year deal.
Why it matters: The two upset picks — Broncos (+2.5) and Cowboys (+3.5) — hinge on specific matchup edges: Denver's Pat Surtain II against a Puka Nacua-less Rams offense, and Dallas' passing game pressuring a Ravens O-line that struggled in New Orleans. Buried in the wild-card section: Porter Jr.'s two-week absence may signal contract-leverage tactics, not health.
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