NFL Week 3 action report: Money backing underdog Ravens

The NFL really kicks into gear this week, with some interesting matchups headlined by the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Kansas City Chiefs in a pivotal clash for AFC playoff positioning. Where is the sharp money? Which lines are moving the most? Each week throughout the NFL season, we'll track the games drawing the most interest from sharp and public bettors.

We talked to Jay Rood, Bet.Works' chief risk officer and theScore Bet's head trader, to see how sharps and public bettors are playing the Week 3 slate.

All lines courtesy of theScoreBet.

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs

Line: Chiefs -6

In the biggest game of Week 3, the Chiefs are laying close to a touchdown at home against the 2-0 Ravens. The line opened at Kansas City -6 and moved to -6.5 early before money started pouring in on the Ravens. TheScoreBet in New Jersey had the Ravens as 6.0-point underdogs as of Friday evening.

"We opened that game at +7 (-120) on the Ravens. We got decent two-way (action) at that, little bit of a lean on the Ravens a bit, so we dropped down to +6.5 on that game, now we're at 6," Rood said. "I think everyone is excited about being on a live 'dog here, with a little bit of play on the moneyline at +210, +220."

The total is also seeing plenty of action from bettors. Many are expecting a shootout in a Sunday game featuring MVP-candidate quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, but sharps are betting the opposite way.

"We have some sharp play on the under, 54, so now we're sitting at 52," Rood said. "I would imagine the over money is gonna overwhelm that from the public, so the number will probably rise back up again as we get close to game time."

The public is backing the road team here, but the Ravens have failed to cover four straight games away from home.

Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys

Line: Cowboys -22.5

The Dolphins were 19-point home underdogs to the Patriots in Week 2 and got rolled 43-0. Last week, a majority of the bets were on New England laying the points. Not taking any chances, oddsmakers opened Miami as a ridiculous 20.5-point underdog on the road in Dallas this week. Josh Rosen will be making his first start for the Dolphins on Sunday, but it seems bettors couldn't care less; the number has moved to the Cowboys laying over three touchdowns.

Despite the enormous line, sharps still won't pull the trigger on Miami, so most of the money coming in on this game is from public bettors.

"No sharp action yet, but we're getting a lot of play on the Cowboys at -21, -21.5, and still getting some good play at -22.5," Rood said. "That's all public at this point. A couple guys taking small shots on the Dolphins on the moneyline. Kind of what you expect from a big pubic team like the Cowboys with a big point spread. Seeing Dallas jammed into a lot of parlays too."

Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals

Line: Cardinals -2.5

The Panthers opened as three-point road favorites, but the dynamics of the game have changed with Cam Newton out with a foot injury: The Cardinals moved to 2.5-point favorites with news that Kyle Allen will start for Carolina.

Though it makes sense to see bettors fading the Newton-less Panthers, the reality is that sharps were backing the home underdog since the line was released.

"We had sharp play on (the) Cards moneyline before news on Cam's injury," Rood said. "We're going to be Panthers fans Sunday in this particular spot. I find it hard to believe the public would come and back the Panthers with Cam Newton not there. Everyone will be on Arizona."

The Panthers haven't been kind to bettors recently, going 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 games dating back to last season.

Los Angeles Rams at Cleveland Browns

Line: Rams -3

This game is interesting. The Rams opened as three-point favorites on the road and the line didn't move all week - even with over 80% of bets coming in on Los Angeles, according to Sports Insights. Rood notes it's a classic Pros versus Joes matchup, with the public hammering the Rams and sharp bettors backing the home 'dog.

"The public is all over the Rams in this particular game," Rood said. "Ticket count is 12-1 and Rams money is 50-1. Big, big support on the Rams. There was so much hype around the Browns early, but it's starting to fade away. This is a statement game for them.

"If they can get a win here, it definitely shows that the Browns organization is a different animal at this point, but the public opinion isn't on that side right now, that's for sure."

Sharps are likely waiting for the line to move off 3 to hit the Browns, and Rood said he does expect the number to get to 3.5 by kickoff. Los Angeles has covered six of its last seven games overall.