NFL Week 3 Preview

Week 3 Preview

Week 2 of the NFL season was full of excitement, big upsets, and controversial referee calls that resulted in a record 20 teams spotting a 1-1 record after two games. This fact leads to some intriguing match-ups this weekend, as the loser of some of these games will be playoff contenders starting off with 1-2 records. Last week, the Bears, Jets, and Redskins fell back to earth while the Bills, Colts, and Seahawks showed signs of life. There were teams who proved they could contend for playoff spots (Falcons, Chargers, and CARDINALS!!!!), and also powerhouses who disappointed (Ravens, Patriots, Broncos). And who can forget, the “dangerous kneel-down heard around the world that completely overshadowed a miraculous comeback by Eli Manning and his 510 yards”? Can Week 3 bring the same surprises and drama?

New York vs Carolina (+1.5) - This is the first huge game of the week between 1-1 teams who have a chance of contending. The Giants have a lot of momentum coming off 25 points in the fourth quarter against the Bucs and are notoriously good on the road. However, the Panthers are on a roll as well, coming off a big win over the Saints. My thinking is, the Giants sometimes play sloppy games, and on a short week without Hakeem Nicks against a fired-up opponent, they might run into some problems with this one. Especially against a home underdog. G-Men 23, Carolina 27.

St. Louis vs Chicago (-7.5) - The Bears should win this game; they are a superior team and they are at home. They are coming off a long week because of playing on Thursday night and are dealing with adversity right now with the Cutler-blame controversy. It’s all set up for a big win. However...the Rams have been sneaky-tough this year, coming within 10 seconds of beating the Lions and beating the Redskins outright. They could easily be 2-0! The Rams are not getting enough credit for their play this year, much of which has to go to Jeff Fisher. I see the Bears winning this game, but I like the Rams with the points. It’ll be a one possession game. St. Louis 20, Chicago 26.

Buffalo vs Cleveland (+2.5) - The Browns played surprisingly well against Cincy last week, a game in which rookies Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson looked much improved. Cleveland has lost two one-possession games so far and will host a Bills team coming off a much-needed win against the Chiefs. CJ Spiller looks unstoppable and their defense is starting to come together. This is a telling game for both teams, and I think the Bills will establish themselves as a possible playoff contender with a nice road win to improve to 2-1. Buffalo 27, Cleveland 19

Tampa Bay vs Dallas (-7.5) - I almost want to call the upset on this one. But I’m not quite feeling it. The Bucs will get a week of bad karma for rushing Eli while he knelt down to end the game last week. However, I think the Bucs will beat the spread. Tampa has shown some strides from last year and could easily be 2-0. Dallas looked very unimpressive in Seattle last week but should bounce back in their home opener. Tight game, but Romo wins it in the end. Tampa Bay 20, Dallas 24.

Detroit vs Tennessee (+3.5) - *Sigh*. I had such high hopes for the Titans this year. I even drafted Chris Johnson for my fantasy football team. I could have rushed for more yards than him in the first two games. 21 yards would be good...for one possession. As for Jake Locker...work in progress. They look bad. Detroit hasn’t looked so hot either, with a late touchdown against the Rams away from being 0-2. I picked them to win this game and cover, but...ugly on all levels. Detroit 31, Tennessee 20.

Jacksonville vs Indianapolis (-3.5) - Luck is on the board! The Colts had a last second victory against Minnesota and is now even at 1-1. Now they are favored against the Jags to get over .500, at 2-1. I think they will, too. Jacksonville has looked bad to start this season and I think that Andrew Luck has already taken smooth strides and can definitely beat an inferior team at home. Jacksonville 16, Indianapolis 20.

New York vs Miami (+3.5) - So who are the real Jets? Is it the team that dropped hammers on the Buffalo Bills to open the season, or is it the team that got lit up by Pittsburgh? We’ll find out this week, when they travel to play a division rival on the road coming off Ryan Tannehill’s first win. I have the Jets covering on the road, but this game scares me, because the Jets have been known to lose in Miami, but I thought before the season that they would go 1-1 in Weeks 2 and 3, and since they lost last week, I have the Jets winning again, but watch out for the 3.5 point spread, this game could easily come down to a field goal. New York 26, Miami 21.

San Francisco vs Minnesota (+7.5) - Has any team looked more impressive than the 49ers? I’ll make this one quick: they cover. San Francisco 31, Minnesota 19.

Kansas City vs New Orleans (-8.5) - These may be the two most disappointing teams in the league so far this year, and it’s not going to get any easier for one of them. 0-3 is basically a death sentence. Things are looking much bleaker for the Chiefs, who have to travel to a riled-up Saints team itching for something positive to cling on to. Who Dat nation will get on the board in this one, but I’m taking the points for KC in this one; a nine point victory is a big ask for a team who’s given up 75 points so far this season. Kansas City 22, New Orleans 28.

Cincinnati vs Washington (-3.5) - Both of these teams has had its ups and downs so far this year, but one of them will be 2-1 and have an early postseason track. The Bengals will want to show that they can win on the road and prove that their playoff team last year was no fluke. Meanwhile, the Washington crowd will be in an uproar during the home opener for RGIII, and I think that will be the difference. I’m not a big believer in Cincy this year, but I love what RGIII brings to the table, and this game is set up to be a lot of fun for the Redskins. Cover alert! Cincinnati 17, Washington 30.

Philadelphia vs Arizona (+4.5) - Somehow, the Eagles keep winning, even with 9 turnovers and a total win margin of 2. At some point, this reckless play is going to come back to bite them in the ass, and that day...is Sunday. I was not a fan of the Cardinals before the season, and I thought they got lucky against Seattle in Week 1. However, going to Foxborough and beating the New England Patriots is no joke, and this team can play. They have a dynamic defense and if the offense can click, then this team will be a force with the 49ers in the NFC West. The Cardinals went to Philly last year and beat the Eagles, so why can’t they do it at home? Upset special, baby. The Eagles were the dominant birds against the Ravens last week, but the Cards will fly high on Sunday to the tune of 3-0. And book it, Vick turns it over late. Philadelphia 20, Arizona 26.

Atlanta vs San Diego (-2.5) - This game was meant to toy with my emotions. I don’t like either of these teams. One of them has to be 3-0. I like Atlanta less. San Diego is at home. The Falcons are playing on a short week. The Chargers are favored. I’m picking the Chargers. But they won’t win. This is a classic San Diego trap game. Just when you think they are going to maximize their potential, they let you down. But I’m too proud to give in. Atlanta 28, San Diego 31.

Houston vs Denver (+1.5) - This game makes me uneasy. On one hand, the Texans look like a dominating force, and on the other, the Broncos look beatable. 18 is mortal after all. However, there’s just something crazy about Peyton Manning as a home underdog that makes you think. Sure, he might be rusty, but Peyton cannot be underestimated, because that’s when he strikes. I picked Denver to win this game before the season, and I switched my pick after last week. But you know what? I’m sucking it up. Broncos in a mild upset. But for the long run, give me the Texans; they’re allowed one off-week. Houston 24, Denver 28.

Pittsburgh vs Oakland (+4.5) - This game has the makings of an upset, too. But Oakland has looked too bad to expect anything like that. I’m down on the Steelers, but I think they will be able to control this game and win by a touchdown. The Raiders just can’t seem to do anything right. Pittsburgh 24, Oakland 17.

New England vs Baltimore (-2.5) - Oh, boy. Here we go. There’s nothing like revenge, is there? I hate the Patriots. I picked Baltimore to win the Super Bowl. Payback. Primetime. In Baltimore. Both teams coming off a loss and the loser of this one will be 1-2. The stage is set. And I can’t wait. The goosebumps are already coming. The Ravens are going to put on a show. Fuck the Patriots. Let’s go. New England 20, Baltimore 30.

Green Bay vs Seattle (+3.5) - This is an intriguing Monday Night matchup. The Seahawks are coming off a big win and show lots of promise. The Packers are looking to show America that they are indeed a powerhouse, and that Week 1 was a fluke. Time for my very specific prediction: Pack win, but by a field goal so I’m taking the Seahawks and the points. Green Bay 26, Seattle 23. Not quite yet, Russell Wilson.

May all your favorite teams have luck in Week 3! Except you, New Englanders.