Buffalo and Washington meet in Week 3 as the direct result of the addition of a 17th game to the 2021 NFL schedule. The AFC East plays one crossover game with the NFC East this season, and as division winners last year, they play each other.
Buffalo last played Washington in 2019, winning 24-9, and has won 7 of the last 8 matchups since losing to Washington in Super Bowl XXVI.
Buffalo is in the midst of a Super Bowl window with QB Josh Allen under center. On the other side, Washington searches for team stability with their defense after an upheaval on offense with an injury to QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. This is a game that has lots of potential for winning bets if you know what to look for in this matchup.
With an interesting matchup ahead, let’s break it down and give our prediction and betting tips for this NFL Week 3 matchup in the NFL pick of the day series.
Best Bet: Bills Moneyline (-350) at BetMGM
For in-depth analysis on this NFL bet of the day, continue reading. Please note that all odds are current as of Friday, September 24.
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Washington Football Team vs Buffalo Bills Prediction
As this type of matchup normally occurs every four years due to the scheduling formula, there is little familiarity with either opponent. Starting in the trenches, Washington has a formidable front four led by DE Chase Young.
Washington’s defense matches up and appears to have an advantage over Buffalo’s offensive line that has struggled to maintain consistent production for both the run and pass game. One matchup to watch will be Young versus OT Dion Dawkins, who is still working his way back from hospitalization with COVID-19 in late July.
Both teams bring offensive talent to the table as Buffalo has Josh Allen and WR Stefon Diggs, while Washington has WR Terry McLaurin and RB Antonio Gibson.
Buffalo appears to have the edge at linebackers and secondary, which could take away many of Washington’s top receiving options. However, Buffalo’s defense under HC Sean McDermott has been susceptible to the run in the past, which could spell Gibson for a big day.
Buffalo will be playing at home, which could rattle Taylor Heinicke early due to the overwhelming noise and commotion. If Buffalo can force Heinicke into mistakes early on while sustaining offensive drives of their own with a balanced attack on offense, then Buffalo should pull away with a win.
Betting Pick: Buffalo Bills 28, Washington Football Team 14
After holding the Miami Dolphins to 0 points in Week 2, the Bills’ defense look to have a similar performance in Week 3 against Washington. (Image: USA TODAY)
Washington Football Team vs. Buffalo Bills Best Bets
Best Bet: Bills Moneyline (-350) at BetMGM
There is excellent value in this moneyline bet for Buffalo in Week 3 against Washington. Buffalo’s offense got back on track against the Miami Dolphins, and with Buffalo playing at home, this provides a significant advantage. Washington’s defense may help keep Josh Allen and company in check, which could limit point totals.
Due to the lack of familiarity between the two teams, going with a heavy betting favorite would only make this an easy decision.
Best Bet: Under 45.5 (-110) at BetMGM
The NFL is all about scoring, but Buffalo’s shut-down defense and inconsistent offense through two weeks makes this a fun bet to go on. Buffalo averages 25.5 points over two games, and the defense has only allowed 23 points so far.
As I said earlier, I believe Heinicke will get rattled and forced into mistakes, which will lead to turnovers and further limit points. Don’t be fooled by the Bills’ offensive output against the Dolphins, as the offense was not efficient. Josh Allen and the offense are not in sync yet, leading to me picking the under.
Best Bet: Race to 10 points - Bills (-225) at BetMGM
I love this bet because, despite Buffalo’s inconsistent offense through two weeks, they have opened each game with quick scores to start. The Bills know that if they start hot and score early, they can take control of the game.
Last season, Buffalo was 8-1 in games they scored the first points, which makes finding the end zone crucial in Buffalo’s success. The best part of this bet is that this isn’t dependent on the defense holding the other team scoreless or that they have to score exactly 10 points. This can be a low key easy bet to take your winnings and roll into another bet to stack wins.
Washington vs. Bills Same Game Parlay Picks: +183 at BetMGM
- Bills Moneyline (-350) at BetMGM
- Under 45.5 (-110) at BetMGM
- Both Teams to Score 10 or More Points (-650) at BetMGM
I like this parlay because they are not only some of my best bets, but I believe these to be near locks as Buffalo is an easy favorite to win.
I believe this to be a low-scoring game as Washington’s defense can put pressure on Josh Allen and keep the offense from getting into a rhythm. While the Bills pitched a shutout last week, I don’t believe they can do it in back-to-back weeks, which allows Washington to get on the board.
I believe that Buffalo can strike first, force turnovers to convert into excellent field position, and pull away at the end for a comfortable win.
Thanks for reading our Washington vs. Bills Week 3 Predictions! Check out more of our NFL Week 3 predictions and bet tips here.
