Some of the best bets in the NFL each week are oftentimes wagers on teams that are considered the worst in the league. If you want to win money betting NFL games then you need to be willing to take teams no one else wants to bet. We refer to these teams as ugly dogs and you really have to hold your nose sometimes when you bet on them, but history has shown that going against the public works. It has been a slow start to the season, but we’ll expect to turn the corner in Week 3. Let’s take a look at the Week 3 Ugly Dog picks.
Week 3 Ugly Dog Picks
Let me point out one fact that you are probably already aware of. When you bet these games, you are usually better off waiting until Sunday morning to make your wagers because you will probably get a better number than what I list from earlier in the week.
Houston Texans +7.5 vs. Carolina Panthers
One the wins last week in this column was on the Houston Texans. It could be really difficult this week for the Texans, as they play on a short week and possibly without starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor. He is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. If he doesn’t go it will be rookie Davis Mills getting the start. The Texans still have Deshaun Watson on the roster, but he is not going to be activated for this game. The Panthers have been very impressive, going 2-0 to start the season and they are laying more than a TD on the road. We’ll take the Texans as an ugly dog this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars +7 vs. Arizona Cardinals
It is starting to become clear that the Jaguars are no better under Urban Meyer than they were last year. It is also clear that Trevor Lawrence has a lot to learn. He looks like a rookie quarterback but unlike most rookies, he still thinks he can make great plays and he is making far too many mistakes. He could have some success this week, as the Arizona defense is bad.
The public still wants nothing to do with the Jaguars and it is hard to argue, but this column is all about taking ugly dogs and the Jaguars definitely qualify.
Detroit Lions +7.5 vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Lions are not expected to be a good team this season, but the offense at least looks like it can put some points on the board. This is a massive letdown spot for the Ravens, as Baltimore is coming off a very emotional win over Kansas City. The Ravens do have some problems on both sides of the ball, but Lamar Jackson was good enough last week to make up for them. This is an interesting game, as the Lions are catching more than a touchdown at home. The Lions definitely fall into the ugly dog category, so we’ll take them plus the points in this contest against the Ravens.
Washington Football Team +9.5 at Buffalo Bills
The Washington Football Team looks decent on defense but their offense has been inconsistent. It probably won’t get any better this week, as Washington goes on the road to face the Bills. Buffalo was extremely impressive last week in a rout over Miami and the public expects another big win this week. It is not always easy for NFL teams to cover big numbers and that is why this column normally produces wins. This is a game in which very few people will be on Washington and that also helps our cause, as this number could go to 10 or higher. We’ll take Washington as an ugly dog.
New York Jets +11 at Denver Broncos
There does not seem to be much doubt that the Jets are going to be an ugly dog all season. They have a rookie quarterback and not a lot of talent surrounding him. The Jets thought they had the right head coach in Robert Saleh, but that remains to be seen. On the other side, the Broncos have looked much better than expected and they come into this game unbeaten with Teddy Bridgewater leading the way. This is a lot of points for any team to be laying, especially one that was not expected to be a contender. We’ll take the big points with the Jets as an ugly dog.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
