NFL Week 3 Picks 2025: Game-by-Game Predictions & Winner Guide

NFL Week 3 brings another full weekend of football and every team is ready to prove itself.

The schedule runs from Thursday night through Monday night and includes headline matchups that can shape the early playoff picture. Fans will watch the Dolphins try to stop a long losing streak against the Bills.

The Eagles meet the Rams early on Sunday and the 49ers host the Cardinals later that day. The Chiefs face the Giants on Sunday night and the Lions travel to Baltimore for a strong finish on Monday.

This guide gives clear predictions for all sixteen games. It highlights key players and the storylines that shape each matchup so you can follow every game with confidence.

NFL Week 3 Game-by-Game Predictions

This detailed breakdown highlights recent form, key injuries and matchup trends so readers can weigh each pick.

Thursday Night Football – Sept. 18

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – 5:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video

Buffalo has dominated this series, winning 13 of the last 14 meetings and five straight. Josh Allen passed for 317 yards and three touchdowns in Week 2 and continues to thrive against Miami’s secondary.

The Dolphins offense relies on Tyreek Hill’s big plays, but their offensive line has allowed pressure and struggled to open lanes for the run game. The Bills defensive front, led by Von Miller and Greg Rousseau, matches up well and keeps Tua Tagovailoa under constant stress.

Pick: Bills

Sunday Early Games – Sept. 21 (1:00 p.m. ET)

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – FOX

Atlanta’s backfield duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier ranks among the league leaders in combined rushing yards.

Their physical style helps the Falcons control time of possession. Carolina has allowed 130 rushing yards per game through two weeks and continues to miss key tacklers in the front seven.

Pick: Falcons

Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns – FOX

Green Bay is one of the early surprises of the season at 2–0. Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary have fueled a defense that ranks top five in sacks.

Cleveland’s offensive line gave up four sacks last week and struggles to protect veteran Joe Flacco. Unless the Browns can establish the run behind Nick Chubb, the Packers defense will dictate the game.

Pick: Packers

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – CBS

Houston swept Jacksonville last season and C.J. Stroud already has four touchdown passes without an interception this year.

The Jaguars defense allowed over 250 passing yards in both games and continues to have issues in the secondary. A strong connection between Stroud and Nico Collins tilts the matchup toward Houston.

Pick: Texans

Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings – CBS

With Joe Burrow out, Jake Browning relies on short throws and a balanced run game. Minnesota’s defense has forced just one turnover in two games and gives up 5.2 yards per rush. The Bengals experienced offensive line and dependable backs give them enough control to win on the road.

Pick: Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots – CBS

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has quickly adapted to New England’s playbook, throwing four touchdowns with only one interception through two weeks.

Pittsburgh’s pass rush remains dangerous, but the Patriots offensive line has allowed only three sacks. A steady run game and a loud home crowd help New England edge a close contest.

Pick: Patriots

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles – FOX

Philadelphia beat Los Angeles twice last season, including in the playoffs, and returned most of its core. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley lead a balanced offense averaging more than 150 rushing yards per game.

The Rams secondary struggled in Week 2 and faces another tough challenge containing A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Pick: Eagles

New York Jets at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – FOX

The Jets have allowed 62 points through two weeks and their secondary has surrendered eight passing touchdowns. Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans are off to a fast start and should exploit those coverage issues.

Tampa Bay’s defense ranks in the top ten against the run, which forces the Jets to throw more than they would like.

Pick: Buccaneers

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans – CBS

Daniel Jones is off to his best start as a pro with five touchdown passes and a passer rating over 100. Tennessee’s defense has allowed 5.5 yards per play and ranks near the bottom of the league in third down stops.

Indianapolis controls the tempo with Jonathan Taylor and Jones continues to deliver.

Pick: Colts

Las Vegas Raiders at Washington Commanders – FOX

Washington struggled in Green Bay last week but played well in Week 1 and remains strong at home. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels benefits from a run game led by Brian Robinson Jr., while the defense features a front that can pressure Aidan O’Connell.

The Raiders secondary has been vulnerable to tight ends and Washington will exploit that with Logan Thomas.

Pick: Commanders

Sunday Late Games – Sept. 21

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers – 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS

Justin Herbert threw for over 300 yards in Week 2 and now faces a Denver defense that just gave up 380 total yards to the Colts. The Chargers offensive line has protected well and their pass rush is heating up with Joey Bosa healthy.

Denver must win with long drives but lacks explosive plays to keep pace.

Pick: Chargers

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks – 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS

Seattle remains one of the toughest places to play. Geno Smith has averaged over 8 yards per attempt and Kenneth Walker gives balance to the offense. The Saints have dropped two straight and continue to allow big plays on the ground.

Pick: Seahawks

Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears – 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX

Chicago has surrendered a league high 79 points in two games. Dallas has allowed 61, so expect plenty of scoring. Dak Prescott’s chemistry with CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys pass rush led by Micah Parsons gives Dallas the edge in a shootout.

Pick: Cowboys

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers – 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX

Both teams are 2–0 and the winner stays atop the NFC West. Even if Brock Purdy is limited, the 49ers rely on Christian McCaffrey and a defense that has forced five turnovers in two weeks.

The Cardinals offense has been efficient but has not faced a front as deep as San Francisco’s.

Pick: 49ers

Sunday Night Football – Sept. 21

Kansas City Chiefs at New York Giants – 5:20 p.m. ET on NBC

Kansas City is looking to avoid an 0–3 start after surprising early losses. Patrick Mahomes still averages more than 280 passing yards per game and has a full complement of receivers healthy.

The Giants offense remains inconsistent and their pass protection faces a fierce Kansas City front led by Chris Jones.

Pick: Chiefs

Monday Night Football – Sept. 22

Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens – 5:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC

Both teams responded to Week 1 losses with strong Week 2 wins. Jared Goff has thrown for over 600 yards through two games and leads an offense that can score from anywhere.

Lamar Jackson counters with a Ravens attack that scored 41 points against Buffalo. Expect a high scoring duel where Jackson’s mobility and the Ravens home field give them the final word.

Pick: Ravens

Quick Picks Recap

This recap gives a fast reference to every pick and predicted score for NFL Week 3.

Date	Matchup	Time (ET)	Predicted Winner	Predicted Score
Thu, Sept 18	Dolphins at Bills	5:15 PM	Bills	30–20
Sun, Sept 21	Falcons at Panthers	1:00 PM	Falcons	27–20
Sun, Sept 21	Packers at Browns	1:00 PM	Packers	31–16
Sun, Sept 21	Texans at Jaguars	1:00 PM	Texans	23–20
Sun, Sept 21	Bengals at Vikings	1:00 PM	Bengals	24–21
Sun, Sept 21	Steelers at Patriots	1:00 PM	Patriots	20–17
Sun, Sept 21	Rams at Eagles	1:00 PM	Eagles	30–17
Sun, Sept 21	Jets at Buccaneers	1:00 PM	Buccaneers	30–14
Sun, Sept 21	Colts at Titans	1:00 PM	Colts	28–15
Sun, Sept 21	Raiders at Commanders	1:00 PM	Commanders	30–20
Sun, Sept 21	Broncos at Chargers	4:05 PM	Chargers	27–21
Sun, Sept 21	Saints at Seahawks	4:05 PM	Seahawks	24–20
Sun, Sept 21	Cowboys at Bears	4:25 PM	Cowboys	33–30
Sun, Sept 21	Cardinals at 49ers	4:25 PM	49ers	27–23
Sun, Sept 21	Chiefs at Giants	5:20 PM	Chiefs	23–20
Mon, Sept 22	Lions at Ravens	5:15 PM	Ravens	31–30

Also check our premium Printable NFL Week 3 Pick’em Sheet 2025. Use it to record your picks, track the results, and enjoy every moment of the Week 3 matchups.

NFL Week 3 Storylines to Watch

• Bills aim to keep AFC East control – Buffalo has owned the Dolphins in recent years and a win Thursday would give them a strong early lead in the division.
• Chiefs fight to avoid an 0–3 start – Kansas City rarely faces early trouble. Patrick Mahomes and his team need a prime time win at the Giants to steady their season.
• Top of the NFC West on the line – The Cardinals and 49ers are both 2–0. Their meeting in Santa Clara could decide who holds first place heading into October.
• Lions and Ravens close Week 3 with fireworks – Both teams enter Monday night after strong Week 2 performances and carry high scoring offenses into a game that could shape early playoff races.
• Young quarterbacks in the spotlight – Drake Maye with the Patriots and Daniel Jones with the Colts continue to show growth. Their Week 3 performances will help define their teams early momentum.

NFL Week 3 Picks 2025 FAQ