Sunday's best Week 3 NFL teaser predictions: Target the Packers, Texans and Panthers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter with running back Aaron Jones (33) during their football game Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Soldier Field
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Caleb Wilfinger

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Deputy Editor for Pickswise with years of experience handicapping and giving out winning picks. Lover of all US sports and Southampton FC. For Caleb Wilfinger media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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Through the first 2 weeks of the NFL season, teasers have proven to be profitable. With the level of parity that we’re seeing in the NFL this season, it only makes sense that most wins and losses are determined by single digits. That should be the case once again this week.

With a full slate of games this week, there are plenty of matchups that can fit a standard 2-team Wong teaser. The goal of a 2-team, 6-point teaser is to maximize the value of your bet by teasing both selections through the key numbers of 3 and 7. In order to ensure the most value, make sure you’re getting approximately -120 or better odds for any 2-team, 6-point teaser.

Let’s take a look at our best teaser picks for Week 3 of the NFL season.

Don’t miss our NFL picks for EVERY Week 3 game

Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.

NFL teaser leg 1: Green Bay Packers +7.5 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

For our first teaser leg, I’ll be taking the Green Bay Packers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Green Bay could certainly win this game, so I’ll gladly take the Packers through the key numbers of 3 and 7. Fading Tom Brady typically isn’t profitable, but this is an instance in which Brady is in a tough spot. The Buccaneers will be without top receiver Mike Evans, as he was ejected in Week 2 and suspended for this week. Not only is it tough for Brady to lose his #1 target, but considering that Chris Godwin and Julio Jones are also dealing with injuries, Tampa Bay’s receiving corps looks incredibly thin.

On the other side, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers resoundingly dispatched the Bears in Week 2, and it was even more one-sided than the final score indicated. Green Bay got its running game going, while Rodgers looked like he was finally on the same page as some of his inexperienced receivers. If Godwin or Jones are ruled out for this matchup, Green Bay will likely be listed as a favorite. Therefore, it’s best to include this leg in your 6-point teaser while you can.

Read our full Packers vs Buccaneers predictions

NFL teaser leg 2: Houston Texans +9 vs Chicago Bears

For our second teaser leg, I’m targeting the Houston Texans against the Chicago Bears. This is a game that I project the Texans to win outright, so I’ll certainly play Houston up to +9. After all, I’m not seeing what separates these teams all that much. After winning their season opener in a monsoon, the Bears quickly reverted to preseason expectations in Week 2. Chicago was outclassed by the Packers and the coaching staff still doesn’t appear to trust Justin Fields enough to throw the football. On the other side, the Texans do appear to have a few pieces around Davis Mills to compensate for his struggles.

For one, Houston’s defense has been rock solid through the first 2 weeks, allowing an average of just 18 points per game. The Texans are also running the ball fairly well thanks to rookie running back Dameon Pierce. Against Fields and this woeful Bears offense, it shouldn’t take many points for Houston to stay within single digits. In a game with a total below 40, the Texans are one of my favorite teaser pieces on the slate.

Read our full Texans vs Bears predictions

NFL teaser leg 3: Carolina Panthers +8.5 vs New Orleans Saints

If you’re looking to add a third leg to your teaser on Sunday, than I’d suggest going with the Carolina Panthers. While Carolina is still searching for its first victory of the season, I think they have value as a home underdog. The Panthers have played a pair of very close games to open the season and the same should be expected here. But for our teaser, we’ll just need Carolina to stay within one score for this leg to cash.

Even though the Panthers are 0-2, they could easily be 2-0 seeing as both losses were by extremely long field goals. And while Baker Mayfield hasn’t exactly been strong in his first season in Carolina, I’d still rather have him rather than a hurt Jameis Winston on the other side. Due to Winston’s injury concerns, Mayfield has more upside in this matchup. The Saints offense was already struggling mightily and a banged-up Winston at quarterback should only make things more difficult. I think the Panthers can win outright, so I don’t mind recommending them as a teaser piece.

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