NFL Odds Week 3: Falcons vs Lions Lines, Spreads, Betting Trends

Patrick Everson Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

Week 3 NFL odds are shining brightly as the regular season picks up speed. Tune in as the Falcons and Lions go head-to-head at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 24, at 1:00 p.m. ET, with live coverage brought to you by FOX.

Here's everything you need to know about the NFL odds for Week 3 game between Falcons vs. Lions: the opening lines, spreads, betting trends and more. Check back regularly for updates.

Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions Odds

• Opening point spread: Lions -5
• Opening moneyline: Lions -185/Falcons +155
• Opening total: Over/Under 46.5 points scored
• Time: 1 p.m. ET Sunday (FOX)

UPDATE 10:15 A.M. ET SUNDAY: As was the case Friday at BetMGM (see below), Detroit is -3 (-120). The Lions are getting 60% of spread bets/59% of spread dollars.

The total is at 47, up from Friday's 46 and the 46.5 opener. Tickets and money are 4/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 2:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY: Detroit opened -4.5 at BetMGM and bottomed out at -3 multiple times. The Lions are currently -3 (-120), with Atlanta getting 52% of tickets/63% of money early on.

BetMGM opened the total at 46.5 and on Monday peaked at 47/bottomed out at 45.5. Since then, the number has toggled between 46 and 46.5, and it's currently 46. The Over is seeing 78% of tickets/57% of money.

UPDATE 9:30 P.M. ET SUNDAY: Dating well into last season, Detroit has been the hottest team in the NFL for bettors. Entering Week 2, the Lions were on a 9-2 SU/10-1 ATS tear.

But after an upset road win at Kansas City, Detroit (1-1 SU and ATS) couldn't quite keep up with Seattle. The Lions lost a 37-31 shootout in overtime laying 4.5 points at home.

Atlanta (2-0 SU/1-1 ATS) squeaked out a 25-24 win over Green Bay on a last-minute field goal. But the Falcons, who got a lot of sharp play in Week 2, failed to cover as 3-point home faves.

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Click here for Vegas Insider senior reporter Patrick Everson's full NFL Odds Week 3 Report containing spreads, lines, and trends for every NFL matchup.

Falcons vs Lions Pick, Prediction

Action Network NFL betting expert Brandon Anderson offers this prediction:

The Lions offense is all sorts of banged up. David Montgomery is in doubt with a quad injury, and Amon-Ra St. Brown is playing with a possible turf toe injury. The elite offensive line is also compromised with LT Taylor Decker and RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai in doubt.

Beware home 1-1 favorites in Week 3 coming off a loss, like the Lions. It's easy to expect a nice bounce back win from a team that looked so good in Week 1, but such teams are 21-42-2 ATS (33%).

This Falcons season is really coming together, but it doesn't seem like anyone really believes yet. Just as well, since that means value on this line with Atlanta more than a field goal underdog at some books despite a 2-0 record.

Atlanta's offense hasn't totally come together, and it's fair to ask some questions about Desmond Ridder and wonder when Arthur Smith will really unleash Bijan Robinson, but the defense has been really impressive with Jessie Bates, David Onyemata, and Kaden Elliss looking like stellar additions.

Trust that improved defense against a banged-up Lions attack, and trust Smith's offense against a beatable Detroit defense. Robinson and Tyler Allgeier should run wild.

Pick: Falcons +3 (-105)

For more NFL Week 3 picks, check out Action Network's NFL Week 3: How to Bet Every Game & Every Team.

The One Stat to Know About Falcons vs Lions

Action Network NFL researcher Evan Abrams offers his top betting stat:

The Falcons are 4-10 SU, 4-9-1 ATS after a SU win under Smith. His 4-9-1 ATS mark is third-worst of any head coach last three seasons.

For more NFL Week 3 picks, check out Action Network's NFL Week 3 Betting Trends, Stats, Notes.

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Patrick Everson

Patrick Everson is a senior reporter for VegasInsider. Based in Las Vegas since 1994, he's worked in the sports betting journalism/content space for more than a decade. He's most known for his deep roster of contacts behind sportsbook counters, providing readers and viewers with the ins-and-outs of how events are being bet. He's also a thought leader in the sports betting space, often appearing on or moderating panels at national conferences. More from Patrick Everson