NFL Week 3 Underdog Report: Eagles and Vikings set to disappoint home crowds

Meanwhile, the Rams’ Puka Nacua, currently the league’s fourth-leading receiver with 110.5 yards per game, has more catches (18) than all NFL pass-catchers as six-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams leads his new team with 15.7 yards per reception (factoring in at least three total receptions). Averaging the seventh-most yards per game (367.5), L.A. clearly has a better offense than Philadelphia (259.0) and also has a 2-0 record. 

If the team’s fourth-ranked defense can find a way to limit Barkley, linebackers Byron Young and Jared Verse should have plenty of chances to bring down Hurts and the defending Super Bowl champions.

Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5)

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow left last week’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a toe injury that will keep him out for at least three months. He was replaced by Jake Browning, who threw three interceptions before taking his team on a 15-play, 92-yard drive that resulted in a game-winning touchdown with 3:21 left to play in the fourth quarter.

Browning may be a backup, but he’s won four of seven starts since joining the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He also has arguably the NFL’s best wide receiver duo in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to throw to.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will also miss Sunday’s game with a high ankle sprain that should keep him out for two to four weeks. Carson Wentz will replace McCarthy while making NFL history as the first quarterback to start for six different teams in six consecutive seasons. Wentz appeared in three games for the Kansas City Chiefs last season, completing 12-of-19 passes for 118 yards. He’ll take over an offense ranked 31st in yards per game (226.0) and 27th in points per contest (16.5).

Currently, the Bengals offense ranks 30th with 245.5 yards per game, but is averaging 24 points per game, ninth most in the league. Both teams have allowed over 21.0 points per contest this season, making offense a priority for both teams. In the end, Cincinnati should be used to playing without Burrow by now, but Minnesota will have to adjust for Wentz in his first year with the team. Even at home, the Vikings could stumble.