NFL week 3 picks and predictions

Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

It's week 3 of the NFL season and the surprises keep mounting, while teams still jockey for early position. This week will be a big week for some 0-2 teams as they try to get off the slide. Here are my week 3 picks:

Thursday Night Football

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Rams at 49ers

The Rams have been able to score points the first two games and seem to be on the up and up, 49ers still no offense in sight. Rams 20-10

Sunday's Games

Ravens at Jaguars (London)

Baltimore has gotten back to what carried them for many years, DEFENSE, so if the Jags can't get Fournette off and running early, then it hurts their playaction and ability to move the ball. Baltimore's run game will be good enough to keep then afloat, Ravens win 23-13

Broncos at Bills

Denver ran over the Cowboys in week two and the Bills fell short in Carolina. The Bills offense has stalled the first two weeks which means Miller and his crew will have a big day. Broncos 27-10

Steelers at Bears

The Steelers defense is looking like the Blitzburgh of old, with fast and aggressive play, but with Big Ben and the fellas in stride as well, it'll be a long day in the windy city, Steelers win 30-6

Saints at Panthers

This NFC South showdown still has the glow of a rivalry, but these teams are going in two different directions. Cam and the panthers are back to their famous ground and pound, while the Saints defense is just getting pounded. That's a bad sign for New Orleans. Brees keeps it close but Carolina puts it away late. Panthers win 27-21

Buccaneers at Vikings

The Bucs are looking good after their first win at home last week, while the Vikings took one on the chin in Pittsburgh. Jameis Winston is on the rise as a young stud QB but the Vikes defense may be too much as they will bring pressure the game. Bradford may be another game-time, which makes this a tough decision. Bucs win 16-13

Browns at Colts

This game should be easy to predict right? Wrong! The Browns have actually been competitive in both games, while the Colts have been the exact opposite. Kizer had a setback last week but that's the Colts team in a nutshell. Browns take their 1st win here, Browns win 13-7.

Dolphins at Jets

The Dolphins slipped away with one in San Diego and playing against a team with nothing to lose is ALWAYS scary. Jay Ajayi should have a big day and so should the Dolphins. Dolphins win 24-7

Texans at Patriots

The Patriots bounced back in the big easy and Brady seemed like, Brady. The Texans stay in games with their defense, but that loss to the Jags and scoring only 13 in Cincy let's me know they can't keep up on the scoreboard. I think Tom Brady will get pressured and they will give it their best shot but the Patriots offense still be too much. Patriots win 31-13

Falcons at Lions

These two NFC QB's showdown in motown with a lot riding on this game. Matt Stafford is trying to make the Lions a legitimate playoff contender, while Matty Ice is aiming towards another NFC crown. Detroit will need their run game big time to keep that high-powered Falcons offense grounded, so Abdullah and Riddick will have to come up big. Atlanta will have to make every possession count because the Lions can keep scoring wise. It'll be up to the defense and the Falcons are a tad bit better and it will make the difference. Falcons win 31-24

Giants at Eagles

The Giants are in panic mode already as they struggle to try to get a must needed win. Eli Manning is becoming a crash dummy and the car is outta control. Well this week 3 matchup won't be easy as the Eagles seem to be clicking as whole. Carson Wentz is becoming pretty comfortable with his new weapons. The only way the Giants can stay in this one is attack early and keep the foot on the gas, if not McAdoo's seat will get hot!

Eagles win 24-20

Seahawks at Titans

Seattle is back on the road again and this time they head down south to face Tennessee, but these aren't your ordinary Titans. Marcus Mariota is going to be the key to this game as the Seahawks have struggled on offense so if the Titans can put 20 on the board then there's a good chance they can pull this one out. Titans win 21-17

Chiefs at Chargers

This could be one of the more interesting games this weekend as the Chiefs try to continue their hot streak. San Diego is two kicks from being undefeated as well. Kareem Hunt has been the Chiefs lightning rod on offense while their stout pass rush has been key since they lost all world safety Eric Berry. Division games are always tougher, so look for a defensive struggle, it's a nothing to lose situation in San Diego, so I'll go....

Chargers 17-14

Bengals at Packers

I think the Bengals should just tank and get ready for a new QB next season, because the Packers are pissed, they're at home and they have to keep pace at the top of the NFC North. Easy choice here, Packers win 34-17

Sunday Night Football

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders at Redskins

The raiders don't come out this far east that often, so they have to make these trips count by giving extra effort. Washington showed some positive signs of life on offense. Cousins put up decent numbers and their running game was effective enough to give the Skins' a chance to compete. Oakland's big three on offense should rack up numbers because of Washington's lingering secondary problems. Lynch will help offset the offense, so look for the Raiders the end it early, Raiders win 38-24

Monday Night Football

Cowboys at Cardinals

This old NFC East battle is not the same anymore as these teams changed divisions, but the hate remains the same. Arizona will have to play without David Johnson for a while which will put bit more weight on Carson Palmer, which I think can handle for a while. Dallas is looking to rebound after a drubbing at Miles High and more media scrutiny (a normal week in Dallas). Dak Prescott had one of his worst game as a pro, so it'll be all about Zeke Elliott and the running game. They rebound in Arizona and get back on the right track, Cowboys win 23-20

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