NFL preseason picks, best bets for Sunday’s Week 3 slate, Sun. 8/25

Sam Farley's Titans vs Saints Best Bet: Target the Over/Under

Sunday, Aug. 25

2 p.m. ET

NFL Network

Under 36.5 (-105, BetMGM)

By Sam Farley

We don't know exactly what the Saints are planning to do with their starters, but it's likely we won't see them.

That leaves us with the Titans. Will Levis should start and play, albeit briefly. Remember, he only attempted five passes in his appearance in the preseason opener.

Under Mason Rudolph and Malik Willis, the Titans have been consistent — scoring 16 and 17 points. Meanwhile, the Saints have scored 10 and 16. With the total at 36.5, it's hard to see either team stepping up enough to get us to the over — especially with roster decisions needing to be made with players on the bubble.

Pick: Under 36.5 (-105)

John LanFranca's Patriots vs Commanders Best Bet: Back the Patriots

Sunday, Aug. 25

8 p.m. ET

NBC/Peacock

Patriots -6.5 (-110, Caesars)

By John LanFranca

The Commanders seem content with what they have seen from Jayden Daniels. As for the Patriots, Drake Maye sparked starting quarterback conversations quickly after his performance last week in which he played 25 snaps after only playing six in Week 1.

The competitions at multiple offensive positions signal that this will be an important game for New England. The receiving corps is young and getting additional live game reps is crucial, especially because players like Ja'Lynn Polk, Tyquan Thornton and Javon Baker should be key pieces to the team's success this season.

The spark Maye provided will be key once again, as it will give the Patriots the offensive advantage. Last week, after Daniels exited the game for Washington, Jeff Driskel and Trace McSorley averaged 5.5 and 4.4 yards per attempt, respectively. The Commanders' backup quarterback mustered only three total points in the three quarters they played.

Washington is 0-2 in the preseason both against the spread and straight up. I expect the Patriots to end their preseason on a positive note and gain some momentum heading into the regular season.

Pick: Patriots -6.5 (-110)

Ricky Henne's Patriots vs Commanders Best Bet: New England Should Cover

Sunday, Aug. 25

8 p.m. ET

NBC/Peacock

Patriots -6.5 (-110, BetRivers)

By Ricky Henne

The sharps are backing New England at -6.5. The big money is pouring in on New England at -6.5 and the public also loves the Patriots as 70% of the money is on New England at -6.5.

Sign me up.

Washington’s offense has looked atrocious in the preseason and oddsmakers don’t like expect the Commanders to put up many points in the finale, setting the line on their total points at a dismal 13.5.

Second-overall pick Jayden Daniels will watch the game from the sideline after locking up the starting gig. On the flip side, third-overall pick Drake Maye will suit up as he battles Jacoby Brissett for the starting nod in New England. Maye isn't the only notable Patriot who’ll see the field as new head coach Jerod Mayo announced that every healthy player will see the field.

So, all things considered, I’m zeroing in on the more talented team (which sounds weird to type about the 2024 Patriots) winning by at least a touchdown.

Pick: Patriots -6.5 (-110)