NFL Totals: Looking For Value With Week 3 Totals

The 2023 NFL season is only two weeks old, yet it’s already been a roller coaster for totals bettors. The opening week of the season saw totals go 4-12. Week 2 was just the opposite, with totals going 13-3 for the week. There were 41 points per game scored in Week 1 compared to 49.8 points scored in Week 2. So, on to Week 3 and the NFL totals of the week.

For the first play in the NFL totals of the week, it’s time to take a look at the Carolina Panthers (0-2) visiting the Seattle Seahawks (1-1). Seattle is favored by 6 with a total of 42. The Panthers are averaging 13.5 points per game and allowing 22. Seattle is scoring 25 points per game, but allowing 30.5. The Panthers are 0-2 in totals, while Seattle is 1-1.

There two teams have gone over the total in seven of the eight games played since 2014. The Panthers are off to a bit of a slow start offensively, scoring 10 points against Atlanta and 17 last week against New Orleans. Carolina is averaging just 260 yards of total offense, which ranks No. 28. The Panthers haven’t run the ball or thrown the ball well, as Bryce Young goes through the ups-and-downs of a rookie quarterback.

The Panthers haven’t played defensively, allowing 22 points per game. Carolina is allowing 132 rushing yards per game, but just 149 passing yards. The Panthers allow 4.5 yards per carry, so the Seahawks might be able to get its rushing attack on track in this game.

Seattle hasn’t run the ball well, with the NFL team stats showing just 83.5 yards per game and 3.9 yards per rush. Geno Smith is throwing for 220 yards per game, which is No. 17 in the NFL player stats. He has three touchdown passes and no interceptions.

But Seattle’s defense has really been bad in the early going. The Seahawks are allowing 422 yards per game, which is No. 31 in the NFL. If the defense doesn’t start getting a few more stops, Seattle will have a tough time staying above .500 in the NFL standings. The Seahawks have been especially bad against the pass, allowing 325 yards per game and 8.9 yards per pass. They could be just what Young needs to have his first big game in the NFL.

The total has dropped a half-point from 42.5 to 42, but it’s a move that doesn’t instill a lot of confidence. There’s enough offensive talent to send this game over the total, which is the way to bet this one.

The final play in the NFL totals of the week will look at the early Monday night game between Philadelphia and Tampa Bay. The Eagles are favored by 5 and the total is 45.5.

Philadelphia hasn’t missed a beat from last year, going 2-0 straight-up and 1-1 ATS. The Eagles are 2-0 in totals, averaging 29.5 points per game and allowing 24. Philadelphia is averaging 178 rushing yards per game and 162.5 yards through the air. Defensively, the Eagles allow 52 yards per game, but 326 passing yards a game.

Tampa Bay is 2-0 straight-up and against the number, while going 1-1 in totals. Baker Mayfield has done what the Buccaneers wanted out of him. He’s playing smart and not trying to do too much. As a result, Tampa Bay is averaging 339.5 yards offensively. The Bucs are running for 96.5 yards and throwing for 243 yards.

Defensively, Tampa Bay is giving up 302.5 yards per game, but just 54 yards per game on the ground.

Both teams have played Minnesota, with Tampa Bay winning 20-17 and the Eagles holding on for a 34-28 victory. Both defenses came up with some takeaways against Minnesota, which helped with their scoring averages.

The Buccaneers need to come out and try to slow this game down and not play the type of up-tempo game the Eagles can excel at. If Tampa Bay can run the ball a little and complete some short passes to keep the clock going it will benefit the Bucs in the end.

The total is a bit on the high side considering Tampa’s defense isn’t that bad and the Eagles are better defensively than they’ve shown so far. Will have to take the under 45.5 in this one.

For NFL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Saints vs Packers Odds: Is Carr The Answer For Saints at Quarterback?
• Colts vs Ravens Betting Odds: Baltimore Favored Over Indianapolis
• Titans vs Browns Preview: Chubb’s Injury Shifts AFC Showdown Line
• Texans vs Jaguars Betting Odds: Jacksonville Big Favorites to Rebound
• Falcons vs Lions Odds: Are The Falcons Actually Good?