NFL preseason picks, best bets for Saturday’s Week 3 slate

Pictured: Trey Lance (left) and Sam Howell (right). (Lance Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images, Howell Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

NFL preseason picks, best bets for Saturday’s Week 3 slate

Originally posted on Action Network | Last updated Aug 23, 2024 10:55 PM ET

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There are eight games on Saturday's NFL Preseason Week 3 slate, and after looking over today's NFL odds, our experts have compiled their best bets.

So, continue reading for our NFL preseason picks and best bets for Saturday's Week 3 slate.

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Sam Farley's Chargers vs. Cowboys Best Bet: Bet Trey Lance to Lead Dallas

Saturday, Aug. 24

4 p.m. ET

NFL Network

Cowboys -3.5 (-110, Caesars)

By Sam Farley

We have to back the Cowboys to cover the spread at home against the Chargers. The Chargers have been terrible in the preseason without Justin Herbert under center and have put up just 12 points across two games as Easton Stick and Luis Perez have yet to throw a touchdown pass.

The Cowboys will sit Dak Prescott and most likely limit Cooper Rush's time on the field, but that gives Trey Lance a real opportunity to make a statement and push to be Dallas' backup.

Lance has looked improved in camp and went 15-for-23 for 151 yards and a touchdown last week as he led the Cowboys to a win over the Raiders. He also threw for 188 yards in the week before that. This is Lance SZN.

Pick: Cowboys -3.5 (-110)

John LanFranca's Browns vs Seahawks Best Bet: Back Seattle Early

Saturday, August 24

10:00 p.m. ET

NFL Network

Seahawks -0.5 1st Half (+105, DraftKings)

By John LanFranca

Kevin Stefanski seems to want Deshaun Watson to play in Cleveland's preseason finale against the Seahawks, but also wouldn't entirely commit to it. Watson was held out of Wednesday's practice with general soreness before returning to work on Thursday. Regardless, injuries on the offensive line are creating depth issues as some of the key pieces up front have barely been involved in practice. As a result, I'd be shocked if Watson is in the game for very long on Saturday night.

However, we do know that Seattle's starting offense is going to play in this game. Geno Smith and company are set to make their preseason debut. If Smith has early success, that likely means the Seahawks have put points on the board. Sam Howell will take over the offense next and he led two scoring drives in Seattle's first preseason game, then proceeded to carve up the Titans to the tune of a 136.0 passer rating in Week 2.

Seattle's starting defense has only played two series during the exhibition season and forced two three-and-outs. They will also take the field against this banged up Browns' offensive line. I really like the chances of Seattle jumping out to an early lead.