Panthers vs. Raiders, Giants vs. Browns prediction: NFL Week 3 odds, picks

Football handicapper Sean Treppedi is in his first season in The Post’s NFL Bettor’s Guide. 

Carolina Panthers (+5) over LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

I smell a trap game. After their come-from-behind upset of the Ravens, the Raiders return from the road with a line that’s moved a point in their direction against the pitiful Panthers.

With the second-fewest yards per play and one lonely touchdown through two weeks, this Carolina offense can only move in a forward direction with Andy Dalton’s veteran presence. 

Dalton has seen limited action since 2022, but though he’s played 227 fewer snaps than Young, he ranks better in Expected Points Added per play, success rate and Completion Percentage Over Expected among quarterbacks with 500-plus plays.

The Raiders keep pursuing a run-first offense despite producing an NFL-worst 2.5 yards per carry, a deficiency that could keep the back door propped for entry. 

New York Giants-CLEVELAND BROWNS Under 38.5

Neither of these offenses can seem to get out of their own way.

The Browns and Giants rank 29th and 25th, respectively, in offensive DVOA, and here’s why: A banged-up offensive line is leaving Deshaun Watson vulnerable while he can’t find any rhythm with his receivers, completing 58.2 percent of his passing attempts and ranking second-last in third-down conversions. 

Betting on the NFL?

The Giants lost spectacularly again in Week 2 as Daniel Jones progressively tailspins his way out of a job behind a stabilizing offensive line and alongside an inconsistent run game.

This unit has no response to pressure, owning a 16.7 percent turnover rate, which should only be further exposed facing a sound Browns defense on the road that leads the NFL in yards per play allowed. 

Last week: 1-1. Seahawks (L). Jets (W)
Season: 2-2.