After faring pretty well with my Week 1 predictions, only picking two games wrong, things took a hit in Week 2, when I picked six games wrong. Who would have foreseen two top-tier quarterbacks going down with injuries? Hopefully, I’ll fare better with my Week 3 picks.
Titans 27, Jaguars 10
Both teams are coming off losses to division opponents. The Jaguars’ defense is banged up, which does fare well when Derrick Henry is coming to town. We saw how effective he was against this defense last year when they were healthy. Add to that, the Titans’ defense is going up against an inexperienced rookie quarterback on a short week. The Jaguars will fall to 0-3 on the season.
Bengals 10, Bills 24
For the first time in five seasons, the Bills are 2-0. With this being their home opener, they should take care of the Bengals.
Dolphins 6, Cowboys 35
The Dolphins scored a total of 10 points in just two games while the Cowboys have scored north of 70 in their first two contests. I see this game being more of the same for both teams.
Broncos 17, Packers 24
Joe Flacco will have to wait at least another week along with head coach Vic Fangio for their first win as Broncos. Aaron Rodgers will lead his team to the home victory.
Falcons 27, Colts 23
Both teams come in at 1-1 and both teams pulled off upsets in Week 2. I expect a back-and-forth game throughout. However, like Sunday night against the Eagles, Julio Jones will score the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. I do expect a solid game from T.Y. Hilton for the Colts.
Ravens 35, Chiefs 34
It’s hard to go against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, but I don’t think the Chiefs’ defense has an answer for the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens offense. This will definitely be a shootout, with the Ravens leaving with the victory.
Raiders 27, Vikings 30
Both Josh Jacobs and Dalvin Cook will have big games on the ground for their respective teams. This back-and-forth game will come down to a game-winning field goal for the Vikings.
Jets 10, Patriots 41
Tom Brady will have another great four-touchdown performance. Antonio Brown, Josh Gordon, and Julian Edelman will each have a touchdown catch. Once again, the Patriots will begin a season 3-0 and see a tie with the Bills atop the AFC East. The Jets will, once again, lose to Belichick and Brady.
Lions 20, Eagles 21
Carson Wentz has a bruised and battered receiving core. He will rely heavily on his tight end, Zach Ertz, in this game. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will play well but Wentz and the Eagles will come out on top.
Panthers 21, Cardinals 27
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will finally get his first NFL win. There may be some rumblings in the Panthers organization after they fall to 0-3.
Giants 10, Buccaneers 13
Different but same: Daniel Jones takes over for Eli Manning but can’t get the win against Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers will key in on containing Saquon Barkley. The Buccaneers will overcome a few interceptions thrown by Jameis Winston to come out on top.
Texans 27, Chargers 24
Deshaun Watson and Philip Rivers will be throw-for-throw in this one with Watson coming out on the winning end. Watson will be helped by two touchdown receptions from Deandre Hopkins.
Steelers 14, 49ers 33
Mason Rudolph will make his first start for the Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger is out for the season. Jimmy Garoppolo will pick up right where he left off against the Bengals in Week 2, leading his team to a 3-0 start and knocking the Steelers to 0-3.
Saints 14, Seahawks 28
Teddy Bridgewater will get the start for the Saints with Drew Brees sidelined with an injured thumb. It’s a tall task for many quarterbacks playing on the road in Seattle. Bridgewater will have a long day. D.K. Metcalf will continue to be more involved in the offense with two receiving touchdowns in this one.
Rams 24, Browns 17
The Browns’ offense will continue to gel together, but the Rams’ defense will make the crucial stops in the game. Jared Goff will have a mistake-free day and lead his team to a win and a 3-0 start.
Bears 13, Redskins 10
While neither team has consistency on offense, the Bears’ defense is leaps and bounds better, therefore the Bears eke out a victory.
If my picks are right, there will be nine 3-0 and nine teams without a win entering Week 4.
The game of the week is Ravens vs. Chiefs, which is also my pick for upset of the week.
