Week 3 Picks
Jhawthorn16
|
Jets vs Browns: Browns 27-17
The Browns are a kicker away from a 2-0 start, and the Jets have a young developing quarterback who has to face a good defense. Cleveland is getting a win.
Bengals vs Panthers: Bengals 21-17
The Bengals come in with a great looking defense, Andy Dalton is looking good, and AJ Green is on fire. The Panthers have some injuries and I don’t trust Cam Newton to overcome a good Bengals defense this week.
Bills vs Vikings: Vikings 34-10
The Vikings open as a 16.5-point favorite against the Bills, who are starting a rookie quarterback and have a running back who probably won’t play. The Vikings shouldn’t give up 10 points in this game but I’m giving the Bills some points in garbage time.
Colts vs Eagles: Eagles 24-17
The Colts defense has looked better than expected through two weeks, but they now have to go against Carson Wentz. Wentz may be down a few receivers, but the defense should hold Indy in this game. Luck and the Colts won’t move the ball well against the defending champions’ defense.
Raiders vs Dolphins: Raiders 21-17
I still don’t buy the Dolphins and I’ve never bought the Raiders. I think the Raiders will hold Tannehill and the Dolphins to a low score and Derek Carr will put up enough points to win at home.
Broncos vs Ravens: Broncos 27-17
I like Case Keenum, but I like his surrounding cast more. I think Sanders and Thomas make Keenum look better than he is, and they will continue to do that against Baltimore who is dealing with injuries on defense. Joe Flacco has come back to Earth and will probably have another average/mediocre season this year.
Giants vs Texans: Texans 17-7
This is a game that could determine each team’s season, as both teams are 0-2 going in. The Texans come in with a Desean Watson who is knocking off rust from his injury and a defense that is also recovering from injuries last year. The Giants have a bad offensive line and a bad quarterback. I’m an Eli fan but he has lost the ability to play at even an average level and the Giants will lose because of a lack of any offense.
49ers vs Chiefs: Chiefs 52- 38
The Chiefs haven’t played a great defense yet and they have proven they can steamroll teams that have average or bad ones. The issue is they have a terrible defense and might lose some games because of mistakes by the young Mahomes, but they don’t this week.
Titans vs Jaguars: Jaguars 24-13
The Jags have an elite defense and the Titans are struggling on offense, so this game should be an easy win for the Jags. Watch for a statement from this Jaguars defense who has been called overhyped in the media recently.
Saints vs Falcons: Falcons 27-21
The Falcons were very effective in the red zone this Sunday and have played two Super Bowl contenders to start the season in Philadelphia and Carolina. The Saints lost to the Buccaneers and barely escaped with a win against the Browns, so I like the Falcons to win a close fought game.
Packers vs Redskins: Packers 31-17
The Packers could very easily be 0-2 and I think they know that, and this week they will come out and Rodgers will put on a show against an average Redskins team on Sunday. Also, the Packers will have a near home-field advantage because Redskins fans don’t come to games at home.
Chargers vs Rams: Rams 31-21
The Rams seem to be unstoppable. The offense has deep threats and possession receivers, as well as Todd Gurley to run the ball. The defense looks like a Pro-Bowl roster. The coach is a genius. They’ll lose eventually, but not to a banged-up Chargers team.
Cowboys vs Seahawks: Seahawks 17-10
The Seahawks are desperate for a win to save their season, and Dallas didn’t look good in their win against the Giants. I expect the Seahawks to stack the box and play the same type of defense as Carolina did in week 1. The Seahawks don’t look great, but they are good enough to beat an average Cowboys team.
Bears vs Cardinals: Bears 21-0
I’m saying the Bears get a shutout because the Cardinals offense looks terrible while the Bears defense looks to be one of the best. The Bears will score a few times, maybe even on defense, and they will beat the Cardinals easily.
Patriots vs Lions: Patriots 27-21
Matt Patricia will keep this game close and Stafford might even be in position late to steal this game, but the Patriots will pull out a win over the struggling Lions. Belichick will out coach Patricia and Tom Brady should put up good numbers against an average Lions defense.
Steelers vs Buccaneers: Buccaneers 38-27
Fitzmagic will end eventually. I don’t fully buy into him as a long-term starter, but by the time he goes back to being a bad quarterback the Buccaneers might be a 4-0 or 5-0 team, which may be good enough to sneak into the playoffs. The Steelers defense is terrible, and Big Ben has looked average this season, so I’m taking the Buccaneers over the Steelers this week.