After two weeks, the New Orleans Saints find themselves with an 0-2 record. Following consecutive close losses at home, the Saints now face another NFC West opponent in the Seattle Seahawks. Although the Saints have yet to win a game this season, they have not been awful. This team is fighting, but unfortunately they have been fighting an uphill battle. Going up to Seattle seems like a trip that will keep the team winless, but as they say “Any Given Sunday”. So we will hope this Sunday gives the Saints their
first win of the season.
Last week, I went 12-4
I told you so: Bucs over Texans!
What do I know: Vikings over Falcons?
***
WEEK 3
Thursday, September 18th – Thursday Night Football
Dolphins(0-2) at Bills(2-0)
The second of three consecutive bye weeks for Buffalo takes place against Miami. Buffalo looks like the best team in the NFL to start the season, while Miami looks like the worst. It’s easy to tell where this one is going. Buffalo wins 31-19.
Pick: Bills
***
Sunday, September 21st – Early Games
Falcons(1-1) at Panthers(0-2)
If Miami looks like the worst team in the NFL, they have close competition in Carolina. For all of their late season improvements last year, it seems as though regression has returned. Now they face a rival who is just a field goal from a 2-0 record and the division lead. Atlanta looked strong on Sunday Night will look to carry that over here. Atlanta wins 44-20.
Pick: Falcons
***
Packers(2-0) at Browns(0-2)
Green Bay stands alongside Buffalo at the top on the NFL standings, and have more light work ahead of them in Cleveland. Green Bay wins 27-10.
Pick: Packers
***
Texans(0-2) at Jaguars(1-1)
Houston is reeling with a winless record but will rebound with a close win over their AFC South rivals in Jacksonville. Houston wins 23-20.
Pick: Texans
***
Bengals(2-0) at Vikings(1-1)
Jake Browning vs. Carson Wentz isn’t exactly the marquee quarterback matchup fans thought they were getting when the schedule was released for this one, but here we are. It’ll take overtime to find a winner, but Cincy pulls it out in the end. Cincinnati wins 27-24
Pick: Bengals
***
Steelers(1-1) at Patriots(1-1)
This was once a marquee matchup in the AFC, but the shine is faded from this rivalry. The New England pass rush will be the difference in this defensive matchup. New England wins 19-16.
Pick: Patriots
***
Rams(2-0) at Eagles(2-0) – Game of the Week
To many, Detroit at Baltimore on Monday Night may be the Game of the Week, but this is truly the top matchup. Really, outside of Philly’s Week 10 Monday Night showdown at Lambeau, this may be the biggest NFC matchup of the season. Philly hasn’t missed much of a beat since last season, especially on defense, as Vic Fangio’s squad may be even better than the one that won it all last season. During that super playoff run the Eagles made to the title, only one team came close to knocking them out, in snowy Philadelphia no less, the Los Angeles Rams. These Rams are better than that squad from January and they are a serious contender to the NFC throne. This game will be a heavyweight fight that will come down to the closing minutes, but the Rams will pull off the upset in this potential playoff preview. Los Angeles wins 28-24.
Pick: Rams
***
Jets(0-2) at Buccaneers(2-0)
Tampa Bay has been on a roll to start this season, and that roll will continue with a win over a Jets team on a completely different trajectory. Tampa Bay wins 22-17.
Pick: Buccaneers
***
Colts(2-0) at Titans(0-2)
No team in the NFL has been a bigger surprise to start the season than Indy. Daniel Jones and the Colts have been riding a divine wave, and that will continue against their AFC West rivals in Tennessee. Indianapolis wins 29-24.
Pick: Colts
***
Raiders(1-1) at Commanders(1-1)
Although there is talent in place, the Vegas offense has failed to find their footing to start the season. What will help keep this game close is Jayden Daniels likely missing this one due to injury. Despite this, Marcus Mariota will find a way to lead the home team to victory in the end. Washington wins 21-14.
Pick: Commanders
***
Sunday, September 21st – Late Games
Broncos(1-1) at Chargers(2-0)
Lost in the shuffle of Indy’s magic and Buffalo’s brilliance, the Chargers quietly sit on top of the AFC West and alongside the other undefeated division leaders in the AFC. A strong challenge awaits against Denver, but Jim Harbaugh will continue to outcoach Sean Payton head to head. Los Angeles wins 28-21.
Pick: Chargers
***
Saints(0-2) at Seahawks(1-1)
The Saints will put up a valiant fight in the Pacific Northwest, keeping this contest close for most of the game, but will still fall when the game is in the balance. Saints lose another game they could have pulled out if not for a few breaks and mistakes. Wash, rinse, repeat. Seattle wins 23-17.
Pick: Seahawks
***
Cowboys(1-1) at Bears(0-2)
Dallas has had a wild few weeks to start the season, but will finally get a break against the horrific Bears defense in Chicago. Dallas wins 37-30.
Pick: Cowboys
***
Cardinals(2-0) at 49ers(2-0)
A week after flying high in victory, Mac Jones comes crashing down with a 3 interception performance at home against Arizona. The Cards will roll against a severely undermanned skeleton crew in San Francisco. This will be a long, ugly day for the Niners. Arizona wins 47-23.
Pick: Cardinals
***
Sunday Night Football
Chiefs(0-2) at Giants(0-2)
Fans in Kansas City are facing a panic not seen in those parts in many years now, but a matchup against the Giants will set some of those fears aside for now. Kansas City wins 28-14.
Pick: Chiefs
***
Monday, September 22nd – Monday Night Football
Lions(1-1) at Ravens(1-1)
For some, this may be the Game of The Week, but Detroit is facing an actual NFL caliber defense as opposed to whatever that is that Dennis Allen has been fielding in Chicago. The Baltimore defense, bolstered by the home crowd, will make things very difficult for Jared Goff and company, while Lamar Jackson makes it a long night for the Lions defense. Baltimore wins 30-13.
Pick: Ravens
***
That’s how I see it, tell us how you see Week 3 playing out. Leave your comments and insight below!
