NFL Preseason Week 3: Thursday Night’s Top Betting Picks
Grant White
Host · Writer
We are just weeks away from the start of the 2025 NFL season. Between now and September 4, teams will be gearing up and making roster adjustments in preparation for the beginning of the regular season. That leaves bettors with ample betting opportunities as we dig into three weeks of preseason action.
These are our favorite betting picks for Preseason Week 2 action on Friday night!
Where to Watch Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers
- Ballpark: Bank of America Stadium
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Where to Watch: CBS 2 (KDKA), Fox 46 (WJZY)
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Spread: PIT -4.5 | Total: 36.5
- Moneyline: PIT -235 | CAR +194
Note: All odds are subject to change after article publication. Get the most up-to-date odds here.
It is the beginning of the end for the NFL preseason. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers kick off Week 3 of the preseason with a showdown at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Betting-wise, the Steelers are out in front, and there’s no reason to believe their offense doesn’t put up yards versus Carolina.
Pittsburgh has tested out several different players on offense, and each has exceeded expectations. Skylar Thompson is 30-for-43 for 346 yards and three touchdowns this postseason. Moreover, Kaleb Johnson started to find his rhythm last time out, churning out 50 yards on 11 carries.
The Steelers’ dynamic offense will pose a problem for the Panthers. Carolina has given up 50 points across two preseason games and doesn’t possess the offensive firepower to keep pace. The NFC South perennial basement dwellers have mustered a laughable 13 points on 415 yards this preseason.
Pittsburgh should have no problem maintaining its current production on Thursday night. With that, we have the best bets heading into this one. We’re laying the points with the Steelers and backing them to eclipse 20.5 points.
Best Bet: Steelers -4.5, Steelers Over 20.5 Points -106
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
Where to Watch New England Patriots vs. New York Giants
- Ballpark: MetLife Stadium
- Location: East Rutherford, NJ
- Where to Watch: NBC 4
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Spread: NYG -6.5 | Total: 37.5
- Moneyline: NYG -290 | NE +235
The New York Giants and New England Patriots will put their undefeated preseason records on the line in Thursday’s clash at MetLife Stadium. Both teams have put up crooked numbers, and bettors should prepare for another offensive showcase in this one.
The Giants have had no problem moving the ball downfield. New York ate up the field last week, totaling 31 points on 478 yards. That was the second straight game in which they eclipsed 396 yards and 31 points.
At the same time, the Pats are churning out production. The AFC East also-rans crushed Washington 48-18 in Preseason Week 1, following that up with another 20 points last time out. As expected, that scoring potential is backed up with top-end production, as New England is averaging 320.5 yards per game on offense.
Collectively, these teams are a combined 3-1 to the over in preseason action, and we’re betting that trend continues on Thursday night. Give us a piece of the over, with these Northeastern foes putting on an offensive display.
Best Bet: Over 37.5
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
NFL Preseason Week 3: Thursday Night’s Top Betting Picks
- Steelers -4.5
- Steelers Over 20.5 Points
- NE-NYG Over 37.5
We may only have two games to look forward to tonight, but we have three plays on deck. We’re taking on a stand on the Steelers -4.5 and over 20.5 points, with the Giants and Patriots to eclipse their respective total.
