Week 3 NFL picks

Last week I “improved” to 9-7 bringing my overall record to 17-15. Let’s hope for better this week:
NFC

DET vs MIN- Jahvid Best powered the Lions offense to 32 points last week, yet with Shaun Hill at quarterback, they flopped their post onside kick opportunity to tie or win the game. Hill gets the start again, and don’t expect such an amazing performance from Best against the Vikings. Meanwhile, the Minnesota is at the point of desperation. 0-2 isn’t insurmountable, but its walking a tight line. They need to get things going sooner rather than later. Another loss will not only put them in a bad spot but put into question the team’s overall ability. Vikings right the ship and win the battle of the winless.

ATL vs NO- The Saints sure are good at finding ways to win, last time managing to force a deflected kick through the uprights. Reggie Bush is probably the most expendable super star in the league, so the Saints offense will continue to do its thing, however, “that thing” hasn’t put up many points so far this year. Atlanta showed some serious fire power against the Cardinals and giving them status as a contender. If the Falcons defense can contain the Saints, the Falcons are able to outshoot them for the win.

WSH vs STL- The Rams lost to the Raiders. Well, I suppose someone had to win that game. Meanwhile, the Redskins pulled a flip flop on my team analysis last week, with an impressive offensive showing, and a defensive performance that gave up 497 yards of passing. Nevertheless, the Rams offense is a few notches below that of the Texans. Redskins win.

CHI vs GB- NFC north rivalry and battle of early unbeatens. The Bears stunned a lot of people last week by beating the Cowboys, but if they beat the Packers, people won’t be stunned. Just a little surprised. I still expect the Packers to win. Excellent team all around and a much safer pick than Jay Cutler.

AFC

BUF vs NE- It seems the questions about the Patriots defense are legit after being beaten soundly by Mark Sanchez and the Jets that in week 1 had the offensive rhythm of hiccupping clarinetist. Good thing for them, they’re going up against the team with the worst point differential in the NFL, so not being in championship for isn’t a big deal. Patriots win.

CLE vs BAL- The Ravens defense that kept the Jets offense to that horrid start also kept the Bengals offense out of the end zone. The Browns probably become the first team to score a touchdown against the Ravens with an explosive play from Mohamed Massaquoi or Josh Cribbs, but the Ravens are too much for Cleveland to handle and Baltimore wins.

IND vs DEN- The Colts defense got back on its feet against the Giants and the Colts looked as dominant as ever. Simply a superior team to the Broncos, Colts win.

NYJ vs MIA- So far we’ve seen two versions of the Jets offense, one against a superb defense, the other against a poor one. The question is, which will show up against a good Miami one. The Dolphins have pulled out two “did just enough” wins and are showing the fight to win close games. Still not sure what to expect from the Jets, I’ll take Miami.

INT

SF vs KC- The Chiefs rode week 1 momentum to a narrow victory over Cleveland and a surprising 2-0 record. The 49ers picked up their game and took the defending champions down to the wire (as I expected, I might say) showing they have some potential. In the end, the Chiefs inefficient passing game prevents 3-0. 49ers pick up first win of the season.

TEN vs NYG- Chris Johnson gets back to work after facing the Steelers defense, and the Giants try to recover from being plain and simply outmatched by Indianapolis. Titans win.

PIT vs TB- The Steelers defense has won their team two games and now face the 2-0 team that I’m having the most trouble taking seriously. Tampa Bay shows its true colors against its first true test. Steelers move to 3-0.

CIN vs CAR- The Bengals managed a rare touchdownless victory last week, showing their defense’s resiliency. And next up is a rookie QB making his first NFL start. Bengals win.

DAL vs HOU- Could the Cowboys go 0-3? I think so. They’ve struggled through their two losses while the Texans have looked phenomenal, taking out the Colts with flair and shredding the Redskins defense that I was unbelievably high on last week. Struggling Cowboys, flame hot Texans. Something’s gotta give for the Cowboys to win. No, both of those things would have to give. Texans win.

PHI vs JAC- So Vick is the starter. A move that was more unexpected than the Saints Superbowl onside kick gives a whole new look to the Eagles offense. One that is dynamic and explosive rather than one that would be in the process of growing into an effective unit. While it remains to be seen how much the Vick we've seen the last two weeks is the real one, he’ll be fine against the Jaguars at least. Maurice Jones-Drew could have a big pound it out day against the Eagles defense, but otherwise, the Eagles contain the Jaguar offense. Eagles win.

OAK vs ARI- The Cardinals scored on an 85 yard touchdown run. Other than that, nothing. The week before, they struggled against the Rams, winning a close one. They’d have to make progress for me to simply be unimpressed. The Raiders got trounced in week 1, then won a close game against the Rams. The deciding difference here is that the term “struggled against the Rams” was not used. In this case, being worse than expected is on the same level as the Raiders “better than expected.” I’ll take the team with a tad more upside. Cardinals win.

SD vs SEA- San Diego went back to familiar form, defeating the Jaguars soundly, while the Seahawks went back to expected form, losing to the Broncos. Chargers continue to look good and win.