NFL Week 3 Predictions
Week 3 presents an intriguing matchup between the up-and-coming Falcons and the trending-downward Patriots, as well as the return of Michael Vick to the league and some other potential upsets. Read on to find out how your team will do…
Cleveland Browns 13, Baltimore Ravens 27
The recent fight in the Browns locker room is just more evidence of this team’s prospects in 2009. The Ravens, meanwhile, are making their case for the league’s best team posting victories over the Chiefs and the Chargers.
Tennessee Titans 20, New York Jets 21
Coming off of a big win over New England last week, the Jets need to keep their focus in order to beat the Titans. While 0-2, Tennessee is still flying somewhat under the radar as they are a much better team than their record suggests. If the Jets overlook them, they’ll be in for a nasty surprise.
New York Giants 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21
In the aftermath of a big win over the Cowboys in Dallas, the Giants travel to Tampa to take on the floundering Bucs. The Giants couldn’t get anything going on the ground against Dallas, but Eli Manning and his receivers showed that they are more than capable of tearing up a decent secondary. The Bucs entire team is in transition, and this could be another long day for Raheem Morris.
Green Bay Packers 30, St. Louis Rams 10
The Rams have scored a total of seven points through two games. Green Bay is still searching for its groove after beating the Bears but then losing to the Bengals. Aaron Rodgers should be able to get in rhythm against a lousy Rams defense.
Kansas City Chiefs 31, Philadelphia Eagles 27
Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick, and a banged up Brian Westbrook are the reasons I’m calling the upset in Philadelphia. While Matt Cassel and the Chiefs certainly aren’t the Saints, they can put up some points. Andy Reid’s wildcat should be entertaining, even if not particularly effective.
Jacksonville Jaguars 14, Houston Texans 34
The Texans hit their stride last week against Tennessee, and now get to face a Jaguar team that has had all sorts of problems dating back to last season. Another division win would put the Texans in a great spot to have a winning record for the first time.
San Francisco 49ers 20, Minnesota Vikings 27
The Vikings home opener should be a tough one for the 49ers to win. Adrian Peterson is looking for revenge on his 2007 stinker in which he was held to single-digit yards on double-digit carries. This will be the biggest test so far of Mike Singletary’s regime.
Washington Redskins 16, Detroit Lions 17
Last year the Lions almost pulled off the upset before a late punt return for a touchdown sealed the deal for the Redskins. The Lions are on the rise; looking much improved across the board. If Matt Stafford can limit his turnovers against a defense that doesn’t produce many big plays, the Lions should be able to contain an anemic Redskin offense and give themselves a chance.
Atlanta Falcons 24, New England Patriots 27
I’m not sure why this isn’t a prime-time game, and hopefully I won’t be forced to watch the Eagles-Chiefs game. But I probably won’t get that lucky. When are the Patriots going to turn their season around? Tom Brady is too good to lose to the Falcons…right?
New Orleans Saints 42, Buffalo Bills 34
The Bills defense has repeatedly been referred to as “bend but don’t break,” which doesn’t make much sense to me. In any case, Drew Brees has been lighting up the scoreboard for the past three seasons, and the Bills offense hasn’t shown it can win in a shootout.
Chicago Bears 20, Seattle Seahawks 23
I have a feeling this is going to be one of those Jay Cutler stinkers where he throws up three interceptions and loses a fumble. Seneca Wallace is one of the league’s more capable backups, and should be able to manage the game to a victory.
Pittsburgh Steelers 19, Cincinnati Bengals 21
The Steelers have looked awful in their first two games, splitting them for a win and a loss. The Bengals look like they’re on the rise, with their best offensive showing in virtually two years on the road against the Packers. This should be a hard-fought game between big rivals.
Miami Dolphins 20, San Diego Chargers 34
Provided the Chargers show some semblance of a run defense (unlike the Colts), they should be able to maintain possession long enough to put up a lot of points. LT is out again (addition by subtraction) and nobody has quite figured out how to contain Darren Sproles. One wouldn’t expect the Dolphins “no-tackle” defense to figure it out.
Denver Broncos 17, Oakland Raiders 13
Another irrelevant AFC West game. The Broncos look to improve to a surprising 3-0 while the Raiders just try not to fall into the division’s basement again.
Indianapolis Colts 28, Arizona Cardinals 34
I’d rather watch the Falcons and Patriots on Sunday night and this game on Monday, but oh well. The Colts offense should be plenty rested at least, considering they only played 15 minutes against the Dolphins. The defense, however, has to contend with one of the best offenses in the league on a short week. Expect this game to be high scoring.
Carolina Panthers 27, Dallas Cowboys 35
The Cowboys are hungry after a bad loss to the Giants at home, and will be looking to improve all aspects of their game. The other Steve Smith is a much more dangerous receiver than the one who had 12 receptions and 100+ yards againt them last week, but who knows which Jake Delhomme will show up to the game.
