Week 3 fantasy bets lean toward Pittsburgh as a 1.5-point favorite at New England after a 31-17 home loss to Seattle, per the latest odds. SportsLine’s 10,000-simulation model projects the Steelers to win and cover in 60% of runs and also leans on Over 41.5 in Bengals–Vikings without Joe Burrow. It pools three AFC North bets into a +627 parlay at DraftKings: Steelers -1.5, Bengals–Vikings Over 41.5, Browns–Packers Over 42.5. The model touts a long track record (37-17) on top picks since 2024.

Beyond the parlay, the piece highlights potential fantasy angles: Rodgers’ efficient showing against recent form, Browning’s familiarity in Zac Taylor’s system, and the rest-advantaged Packers. It underlines how the trio of games could shape value at QB/WR/DP positions and how bettors might leverage the green-light lines for week-to-week turnover and ceiling plays.

Burrow’s toe injury crushes Cincinnati’s Super Bowl dreams for now, pushing Browning into the starting role and sending odds from 20-1 to 80-1. Taylor insists Browning can win games and contend for post-season glory, while the schedule pitchers a tough road ahead with multiple high-scoring defenses—yet several favorable matchups offer a real path to a late-season surge if Browning hits stride.

Predictions for Weeks 3–18 hinge on defense, turnover timing, and Browning’s past experience stepping in during 2023. If Cincinnati can steal a few key wins against leaky defenses—and Burrow isn’t needed for a playoff run—their postseason odds aren’t dead, just dramatically thinner.

With eight teams allowing 29+ PPG, the path remains plausible: the Bengals face Browns, Ravens (twice), Steelers (twice), Dolphins, Bears, Jets and others in a 15-game stretch. If Browning can navigate this slate and Cincinnati sneaks to 9-8 or similar, Burrow could return for a dramatic postseason push.