There are nine undefeated NFL teams going into Week 3, but how many will be 3-0 after Sunday? They might win in the third week, but oddsmakers don’t have much faith a team will finish with an unblemished record in the regular season. Bovada has the yes at +1000, and the no at -2500.
As far as Week 3 goes, the New England Patriots seem like a sure bet in hosting the New York Jets. They’re 21-point favorites against the Jets, and are the second team laying at least three touchdowns.
The other is Dallas, who will be looking to win its third game against Miami. The Dolphins are considered the worst team in the NFL, and the 22.5-point spread reflects that opinion.
While those victories look like foregone conclusions, what about the other seven undefeated NFL teams? We take a look at all the contests featuring undefeated NFL teams, and handicap their chances of winning.
Undefeated NFL Teams That Should Win
New England Patriots
New England will host the NY Jets, who are down to their third-string quarterback after losing Sam Darnold and Trevor Simian. Luke Falk won’t be engineering any miracle. The Patriots will roll, and should cover the 21-point spread.
Chances of winning: 90 percent
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are hosting another hapless team in the Miami Dolphins. They have the largest point spread of the week at 22.5. Covering that will provide more suspense then the outcome should.
The Dolphins will try Josh Rosen after benching Ryan Fitzpatrick. That probably won’t make much of a difference.
Chances of winning: 85 percent
Los Angeles Rams
The leaders of the NFC West are facing a Cleveland Browns team that is full of confidence, and who believe they can pull off the upset. The Rams quarterback, Jared Goff, has been a bit shaky when pressured, so if Cleveland’s defense can get in the backfield, it could translate into some sacks.
The Browns offense will have to contend with a stout Los Angeles defense, but it might be without defensive end Aaron Donald, who is battling a back injury.
Chances of winning: 70 percent
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is hosting a Denver Broncos team that has struggled mightily on offense. The Packers are No. 13 in total defense, and could make Denver quarterback Joe Flacco’s day longer.
The Packers’ offense is rolling, but will be tested by the Denver’s defense, which ranks 11th.
Chances of winning: 75 percent
Undefeated Squads That Could Lose
Buffalo Bills
This is exactly the type of game that Buffalo loves to lose. The Bills defeated both the New York Giants and Jets, and will take on another winless team in Cincinnati.
Buffalo is favored by six points at home, but there shouldn’t be a lot of surprise if the Bills drop this one. They will be fighting to remain one of the undefeated NFL teams.
Chances of winning: 55 percent
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are another surprise team that has won its first two games, taking down both Carolina and Cincinnati. This week, though, they host Pittsburgh, which could be the best winless team in the league.
A strong defense, and a decent back up quarterback in Mason Rudolph, could propel the Steelers to their first victory of the season. San Francisco does have the No. 9 defense, so it might be a more daunting task for the Steelers.
Chances of Winning: 60 percent
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are the third undefeated NFL team in the NFC West, but might not stay that way after Sunday. Seattle is hosting a very dangerous New Orleans Saints team.
The Saints lost Drew Brees, but backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is more than a stop-gap measure. If he can guide the 10th ranked offense against a solid Seattle defense, they have a chance to pull off the upset.
Chances of winning: 60 percent