Public Bettors Expect Patriots to Bounce Back in NFL Week 3

Updated:

Sep 23, 2021, 02:04 PM EDT

Public Bettors Expect Patriots to Bounce Back in NFL Week 3 article feature image

Credit:

Sep 16, 2018; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs on the field prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

More than 80% of bettors are on the New England Patriots (-6.5) for their visit to Detroit on Sunday night (8:20 p.m. ET).
The Bengals-Panthers over (43.5) and Steelers-Buccaneers over (54) are also getting the large majority of bets.

Week 2 was anything but a slam dunk for public bettors. The most popular play ended up being the Texans (-3) with 80% of spread tickets, but they lost to Blaine Bleepin' Gabbert.

Teams with 70% or more of spread bets went 1-4 against the spread (ATS), although popular over/unders did better at 3-2.

NFL Week 3 Mega Betting Guide: Picks, Trends, Sharp Action for Every Game Read now

Here are the three most popular bets for Week 3:

Cincinnati Bengals-Carolina Panthers Over (43.5)

1 p.m. ET

The over in this game is getting a lot of love at 79% of bets. However, the total has actually dropped from 44 to 43.5 since opening. Even though the tickets are split nearly 80/20, dollars are closer to 60/40, suggesting larger bets are on the under.

Why the public loves the over: Most bettors tend to have a recency bias, especially early in the season. Both of these teams went over last week, while the Bengals have gone over the total in both of their games so far — scoring an impressive 34 points in each affair.

There will be comfortable playing conditions in Carolina, too, with temps in the mid-70s and winds around 7 mph.

>> All odds as of 10:30 a.m. ET Friday. Download The Action Network App to get real-time NFL odds and track your bets

New England Patriots (-6.5) at Detroit Lions

8:20 p.m. ET

The public was all over New England last week as a tiny favorite in Jacksonville, but the Pats got outplayed on both sides of the ball. This week, bettors are doubling down, as 84% are on New England at -6.5.

Why the public loves the Patriots: How could you not love the Patriots? The Patriots always win and they always cover, and even more so after they lose.

Since 2003, the Pats are 36-11 ATS after a loss, covering by an average of nearly 8.5 points. That's freaking nuts.

With most shops keeping the Patriots as 6.5-point favorites and not moving them to -7, I expect bets to keep coming in on Brady and Belichick.

Pittsburgh Steelers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers Over (54)

8:15 p.m. ET Monday

Last week, the Eagles-Bucs total was at 44 on Friday. This week, with the Steelers in town, oddsmakers have set the bar 10 points higher in Tampa. No worries from the public, though, as 83% of bettors still like the over.

Why the public loves the over: I said it last week and I'll say it again …

There are a few reasons why bettors love this over despite the lofty total:

FitzMagic.
The Steelers defense was absolutely torched last week by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Both teams have gone over in each of their first two games, so why would it stop now?

Mark Gallant

Action Contributor

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Mark covers all sports for The Action Network. True story: He could've gone pro if it weren't for a bum knee. Now, he enjoys writing. You can find him golfing (in which he beat Danny Donahue 80-110), fishing or walking around the woods.

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