NFL Week 3 picks: Allen leads Bills past struggling Chargers

Expert predictions for Week 3 matchups, with the Bills favored heavily over a Chargers team that has lost back-to-back winnable games.

Sep 23, 2026

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NFL Week 3 picks: Allen leads Bills past struggling Chargers

Expert predictions for Week 3 matchups, with the Bills favored heavily over a Chargers team that has lost back-to-back winnable games.

In brief

Expert predictions for Week 3 matchups, with the Bills favored heavily over a Chargers team that has lost back-to-back winnable games. The Chargers are in free fall after losing to two teams that went 2-14 or worse last season, while Josh Allen and the Bills are on an MVP trajectory. Originally reported by CBS Sports.

Three QBs down in Week 2

Caleb Williams (hamstring), Jayden Daniels (elbow), and Jaxson Dart (knee) all suffered injuries. Dart could miss the entire season, while the others are likely out for Week 3.

Chargers in historic free fall

Los Angeles is 0-2 after losing to two teams that went 2-14 or worse last season. They're the first team ever to start 0-2 with both losses to such weak opponents.

Bills favored by 7 over Chargers

Bills favored by 7 over Chargers

Josh Allen is on an MVP trajectory with nine touchdowns through two games. Justin Herbert is being pressured at the second-highest rate (46%) and has struggled on deep throws.

“Allen is on an MVP trajectory over his first two games, totaling nine touchdowns.”

Lions favored by 6.5 over Jets

Detroit has scored at least 30 points in each of the last two games. The Lions are 11-1 straight up and 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games following a loss.

Chiefs break historic road curse

Since 1970, the Chiefs have never covered a double-digit road favorite (0-10-1 ATS in 11 tries). Patrick Mahomes threw for 382 yards and three touchdowns against the Colts.

“Since 1970, the Chiefs have not covered a single game in which they are a double-digit favorite on the road.”

Mahomes and Kelce target Dolphins weakness

Miami allowed 35-13 to San Francisco, with Brock Purdy missing just two of 22 passes. Andy Reid will attack the secondary with his Mahomes-Kelce duo.

Seahawks allow just 17 points in two games

Seattle's defense has allowed the fewest points through two games since 2013. They're 15-1 in their last 16 road games and face a Commanders team starting backup Marcus Mariota.

“The Seahawks come into this Week 3 matchup after allowing just 17 total points over the first two weeks, which is the lowest through two games by any team since 2013.”

Commanders lose Daniels to elbow injury

Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow and will miss time. Marcus Mariota, who has lost six of his last seven starts, takes over against Seattle's elite defense.

“It's a bummer to see so many quarterbacks go down, especially Daniels.”

Seahawks favored by 7 over Commanders

Drew Lock has filled in admirably for Sam Darnold, throwing three touchdowns to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Week 2. Seattle is 15-1 in their last 16 road games.

Saints stay hot at home opener

New Orleans upset Baltimore in Week 2 with Tyler Shough completing 12-of-14 for 119 yards and a touchdown. The Saints open the Superdome for the first time after two road games.

“The Saints quarterback was dynamite in the fourth-quarter comeback over Baltimore, completing 12-of-14 for 119 yards and a touchdown.”

Saints favored by 3 over Raiders

Las Vegas is 2-0 for the first time since 2021, but New Orleans has been one of the league's most potent offenses. Tyler Shough has impressed in his starts.

“I think Tyler Shough is legit.”

Expert record through two weeks

The predictor is 16-16 ATS overall and 24-8 straight-up. Locks of the Week are 5-5 ATS through two weeks. Week 3 aims to move above .500 ATS.

The headline

The Chargers are in free fall after losing to two teams that went 2-14 or worse last season, while Josh Allen and the Bills are on an MVP trajectory.

Read the original on CBS Sports

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