Week Three Picks

I never got to post my week two picks, so I had to make sure I didn't forget this week. Luckily for us, there is plenty of exciting division matchups in line for us this week.

Sunday September 26, 2010

Giants over Titans

Both teams are looking to bounce back after embarrassing losses, but I think, despite being blown out by the Colts (38-14) Eli and his Giants are in a better position to win this matchup. Vince Young may not be himself after being benched the fourth quarter of last week's game against the Steelers. Hopefully they wont turn the ball over seven times again this week.

Bengals over Panthers

If Carolina's run game continues to struggle then this game could get ugly considering rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen will be making his first career start. Cincinnati's underrated defense should pressure Clausen plenty and I expect Carson Palmer and his plethora of talent in the receiving game to have great days.

Steelers over Bucs

With Charlie Batch at quarterback, expect running back Rashard Mendenhall to get plenty of carries. Pittsburgh proved last week that they don't need to pass the ball all that much to win a game with a defense like theirs.

Patriost over Bills

Buffalo is 2-18 against the Pats since 2000. I doubt this time around will be much different with Buffalo going through another quarterback crisis. Trent Edwards was benched for veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. Should be interesting to see how he fares.

Ravens over Browns

If Flacco can bounce back from his career-worst four interceptions against the Bengals last week we should see a Baltimore victory over Cleveland. With Jake Delhomme listed as doubtful with an ankle injury, it's likely that Seneca Wallace will be starting.

49ers over Chiefs

Alex Smith had a stellar final drive last week against the Saints' defense, despite the loss. If Patrick Willis and Co. can contain the run game, they shouldn't have much trouble handing the Chiefs their first loss of the season.

Texans over Cowboys

The battle of Texas belongs to the Texans this year, they are clearly the best team right now. Romo's 'Boys will go 0-3 as the Texans get off to the best start in their franchise's history. Expect a big game from Andre Johnson and Arian Foster as well.

Lions over Vikings

I'm calling the upset right now. Favre is obviously struggling without healthy receivers and Shaun Hill and rookie Jahvid Best managed to put up 32 points against the Eagles last week. It's kind of a longshot but it's certainly possible if Detroit can contain Adrian Peterson.

Falcons over Saints

Another upset here. Atlanta looked impressive in its 41-7 blowout victory over the Cards last week, and Matt Ryan is obviously poised to get back to the playoffs. After watching the Niners come just short of upsetting New Orleans last week, the Falcons are probably even more motivated to defeat the defending champs.

Redskins over Rams

Washington is feeling pretty disappointing after the overtime loss to the 2-0 Texans, a nice bounce back game against rookie quarterback Sam Bradford and the 0-2 Rams is exactly what these Skins need. McNabb should have a nice game against this defense, as well.

Eagles over Jaguars

With Vick making another start, Philadelphia seems to be ready for a playoff run. With Maurice Jones-Drew banged up and the Jags' secondary struggling, Philly is likely to take advantage of this opportunity and get another big win.

Colts over Broncos

This is a huge game for Denver, but they wont be coming out on top with Peyton in town. Denver's defense took some huge hits during training camp with injuries and Knowshon Moreno isn't likely to play either. Peyton's Colts come out on top with a big win.

Cardinals over Raiders

Oakland is another team going through a quarterback crisis after benching for Redskin Jason Campbell last week. With Bruce Gradkowski starting for Campbell, I expect the offense to take a step back and for Derek Anderson to take advantage of the situation.

Chargers over Seahawks

Pete Carroll's 1-1 'Hawks were blown out by Denver last week (31-14) as San Diego blew out Jacksonville. Seattle's defense will struggle against Philip Rivers despite the injury to the Bolts' rookie running back Ryan Mathews. San Diego wins, but Seattle's offense does make it a close game.

Jets over Dolphins

Mark Sanchez bounced back great against division rival New England last week, meaning good news in New York. Miami's 2-0 start may be the result in team's digging their own grave rather than Miami straight up outplaying them (15-10 win over Buffalo, 14-10 win over Minnesota). Sanchez's impressive game last week is enough for me to pick the Jets over the Dolphins.

Monday September 27, 2010

Packers over Bears

The NFL's oldest rivalry is renewed in prime time. Great matchup each and every year. But, Green Bay owns Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers, being the elite quarterback he is, will own Chicago's secondary. Packers win without even running the ball all that much (approximately 20 carries for Ryan Grant's replacement, Brandon Jackson).

Photo Credits

Johnson and Polamalu: AP Photo/Frederick Breedon
Gore: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
Best: AP Photo/Rick Osentoski
Broncos: AP Photo/Matt McClain
Tomlinson: AP Photo/Bill Kostroun