The NFL season is heating up, and there is another slate of games starting Thursday. There have been many quarterback injuries including Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Nick Foles, and Sam Darnold. This is becoming the year of the backup QB, and it will be interesting to see if these contenders can hang on early in the season. I am posting my predictions below after a 11-5 record in week 2.

Week 3

Tennessee Titans (1-1) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)- Titans 23-16
I like the Titans in this game because of their ability to run the football. The Jaguars have a solid defense, but are dealing with off the field concerns and injuries. Jalen Ramsey, their star cornerback, asked for a trade after a sideline altercation with head coach Doug Marrone. Rookie QB Gardner Minshew has been solid after replacing the starter Nick Foles, but their offensive line and running game has been underwhelming. I just feel the Titans will put too much pressure defensively on the Jaguars, and their offense will control the clock by running the ball. I expect this to be a low scoring defensive battle with Tennessee coming out on top. The Titans have dominated Jacksonville over the last couple of years, and I believe that will continue Thursday.

Miami Dolphins (0-2) vs Dallas Cowboys (2-0)- Cowboys 34-17
The Dolphins have literally traded all of their valuable pieces, and have pretty much decided to tank this season. Their offensive line is horrible, their running backs have no room to run, and their QB Josh Rosen will replace starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. Their defense is one of the worst in the league as well. The Cowboys offense has look revitalized under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. I expect QB Dak Prescott to continue to play well, and running back Ezekiel Elliott to have his way Sunday. The Cowboys have significant advantages in all aspects, and should dominate this game from start to finish. Dallas has to stay focused and not overlook the Dolphins in order to win this game.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) vs Buffalo Bills (2-0)- Bills 24-21
The Bills have struggled to protect the football, but QB Josh Allen has shown an ability to make plays in the air or on the ground. He has connected with his new receivers in Cole Beasley and John Brown to make their offense more potent. Their defense should have a field day because the Bengals have one of the worst offensive lines in football. Andy Dalton will struggle to make plays in the pocket, and running back Joe Mixon will likely be held in check. The Bills have to cut down on turnovers in order to win, but I feel they will feed off their crowd in their home opener. The Bengals defense is below average, and the Bills should be able to run the ball with ease. Cincinnati was just torched on the ground against the 49ers. Sean McDermott has done a tremendous job in turning this team around, and they should continue their hot start to the season Sunday.

Denver Broncos (0-2) vs Green Bay Packers (2-0)- Packers 23-13
The Broncos have a solid defense that is capable of shutting down their opponents. Their offense however struggles to mount any respectable attack. Veteran QB Joe Flacco has improved their deep threat ability, but has struggled to make the intermediate throws. Their running game has been disappointing as well with Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman held in check. The Packers defense has been playing at a high level to start the year, and should have another good day against a bad Bronco offense. Green Bay’s offense has been in a funk to start the year, but Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. I expect their offense to pick up as the players get more accustomed to Matt LeFleur’s system. The Packers should win this game, but the Broncos defense will keep it close. I just feel Green Bay is a little bit better on both sides of the ball, and winning at Lambeau Field is no easy feat.

Atlanta Falcons (1-1) vs Indianapolis Colts (1-1)- Falcons 28-21
The Falcons have big time playmakers like Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Muhammed Sanu. Their QB Matt Ryan has to improve his play because he has turned the ball over too much to start the year. Their running game has been quiet as well with Devonta Freeman struggling to start 2019. Their defense is healthy, and showed their potential against Philadelphia last Sunday. The Colts have a stingy, athletic defense, and their offense is led by running back Marlon Mack. QB Jacoby Brissett has been solid to start the year, and has playmakers like Parris Campbell and T.Y. Hilton to stretch the field. I like Atlanta in this matchup over the Colts. The Falcons struggle on the road, but their offense is more dynamic than Indianapolis. I also feel their defense has enough pass rushers to test this solid Colts offensive line. I don’t have a ton of confidence in this pick, but I am going to ride with the Falcons and expect Matt Ryan to play better.

Baltimore Ravens (2-0) vs Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)- Chiefs 34-31
This could be a precursor to a potential matchup in the playoffs down the line. QB Lamar Jackson can do it all showing an improved passing game and rushing attack for Baltimore. Their offense is loaded with talent including Mark Ingram, Marquise Brown, Wille Snead IV, and Mark Andrews. Their defense has been untested so far against bad offenses, but will have to step up against the scary Kansas City attack. The Chiefs have an early MVP candidate in QB Patrick Mahomes who has been lights out to start the year. They’ve found a running back in LeSean McCoy to go along with pass catching back Damien Williams. They are without receiver Tyreek Hill, but have other weapons like Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman, and Demarcus Robinson to pick up the slack. Their defense is improved with Tyrann Mathieu and Frank Clark but is far from perfect. I expect this to be a thrilling, high scoring affair with two electric offenses going toe to toe. I like the Chiefs in this game simply because they have home field advantage. The Ravens will be competitive, but the Chiefs offense will be too much for Baltimore’s defense.

Oakland Raiders (1-1) vs Minnesota Vikings (1-1)- Vikings 30-16
The Vikings are the most dangerous when they are running the ball with Dalvin Cook. QB Kirk Cousins continues to struggle to play at a high level. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs are great wideouts, but Cousins hasn’t been able to feed them much to start the year. Minnesota has a solid defense that will give Oakland problems especially their offensive line. The Raiders offense struggles when they aren’t able to run the football. QB Derek Carr is an average passer, and has really only had success when throwing to Tyrell Williams. Their offensive line will have issues with Minnesota, and their defense has major issues in the secondary. I expect Cousins to have his best game of the year, and the Vikings will cruise to a victory at home.

New York Jets (0-2) vs New England Patriots (2-0)- Patriots 38-14
The Jet’s offense is horrible, and their only glimmer of hope is running back LeVeon Bell. They are down to third string QB Luke Falk who just doesn’t have an NFL level arm to lead his team. Their offensive line was dominated against Cleveland, and that should continue against the Patriots. Their defense is better than advertised, but will face a dangerous offense in New England. Tom Brady is arguably the best quarterback of all time, and could have his most balanced offense of his career. They have several high level running backs in Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead. Their receiving core is elite with Julian Edelman, Antonio Brown, Josh Gordon, and Phillip Dorsett. New England’s offensive line is suspect, but no team has exposed this weakness yet. They should dominate against an overmatched opponent with an under prepared QB thrust into a starting role. I expect Brady to torch the Jets, and this game will get ugly very shortly after kickoff.

Detroit Lions (1-0-1) vs Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)- Eagles 27-17
The Eagles are banged up with injuries on offense, and this seems to be the story every year. Their running game has been abysmal with Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard contributing little value. QB Carson Wentz has been forced to throw the ball a lot, and his receiving core is diminished right now. Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson are likely to miss this weeks game, leaving pass catching duties to Zach Ertz and Nelson Agolhor. The Eagles defense is solid, but had issues with open field tackling last week. The Eagles tend to lean on their defensive front with Derek Barnett and Fletcher Cox. The Lions are improved defensively, and have shown a better ability to rush the passer. Their offense is a work in progress, and they have struggled to run the ball with Kerryon Johnson. QB Matthew Stafford has to protect the football, and use his receivers Kenny Gollady and Marvin Jones Jr. to spread the field. The Eagles are banged up, but the Lions don’t have a high scoring offense. Their defense should keep them in the game, and I expect Wentz to improve after a rough week at Atlanta. The Eagles should win this game, but could be upset with so many playmakers being injured.

Carolina Panthers (0-2) vs Arizona Cardinals (0-1-1)- Cardinals 22-19
QB Cam Newton is unlikely to play against Arizona, and that would mean a starting role for Kyle Allen. If that’s the case, the Panthers will lean on do it all back Christian McCaffrey. Their defense is above average, but their offense has struggled to put up points even with Cam. The Cardinals have been up and down being led by rookie QB Kyler Murray. Murray has shown flashes of greatness, but his offensive line is struggling to protect him. The Cardinals actually have a solid defense, and an even better pass rush led by Chandler Jones. The running game behind David Johnson has to improve if Arizona wants to have a successful season. I expect the Cardinals to win this game at home especially if Cam isn’t able to play. Their defense will give issues to the Kyle Allen, and I believe Kyler can make enough plays to secure a victory.

New York Giants (0-2) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1)- Buccaneers 31-21
The Daniel Jones era begins Sunday as the rookie replaces veteran Eli Manning at QB. He has the best running back in football to work with in Saquon Barkley. The Giants offensive line is average at best, and their lacking at the receiver position as well. It is unclear if Sterling Shepard will suit up for this game. Their biggest issue is defensively as they have one of the worst secondary’s in football. The Buccaneers are coming off an ugly win, but have a ton of star power on offense. They have big play receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Goodwin, and also have an emerging back in Peyton Barber. Their defense has improved under Todd Bowles as well forcing more turnovers. Their success comes down to the play of QB Jameis Winston. Winston has a big time arm, but has problems with protecting the football and decision making. I expect Daniel Jones to struggle with the nerves of his first NFL start. Winston should feast against a bad Giants defense, and I expect the Bucs to pick up win number two.

Houston Texans (1-1) vs Los Angeles Chargers (1-1)- Chargers 23-20
The Texans have a stud at quarterback in DeShaun Watson, a solid running back in Carlos Hyde, and deep threat in DeAndre Hopkins. Their defense is solid up front led by JJ Watt, but have real issues in their secondary. The Chargers are explosive on offense behind QB Phillip Rivers, and multidimensional running back Austin Ekeler. Their top receivers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Travis Benjamin can spread the field as well. Their defense is led by Melvin Ingram, Joey Bosa, and Casey Heyward. Their secondary is missing the presence of pro bowler Derwin James especially against the passing attack. I like the Chargers in this matchup because they will put pressure on Watson. The Texans offensive line is still suspect, and the Chargers have a pass rush based defense. I believe they will move the ball enough offensively to win this game at home. The Chargers are a little more well rounded as a team.

Pittsburgh Steelers (0-2) vs San Francisco 49ers (2-0)- 49ers 28-14
Ben Roethlisberger is lost for the season, and now rookie QB Mason Rudolph takes over as signal caller. He played solid in relief against Seattle, but will arguably have a tougher defense to face in the 49ers. Running back James Conner has been limited, and the Pittsburgh O-Line has struggled. JuJu Smith-Schuster has played solid, but they have yet to find a consistent second option at receiver. Their biggest issue is on defense as their secondary has been torched back to back weeks. They traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick so help is on the way. Jimmy Garoppolo played much better after a rough week one. Their running game is solid with a two back system in Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert. They are still looking for a one of their receivers to step up outside of Marquise Goodwin. However, they have a great young tight end in George Kittle. However, the 49ers defense is solid with a physical front seven, and a ball hawking secondary. I expect the 49ers to dominate the rookie QB up front, and give him different looks in his first start. I also don’t see the Steelers being able to stop the run game either. The 49ers will have to find a way to overcome the injury to their top offensive lineman Joe Staley.

New Orleans Saints (1-1) vs Seattle Seahawks (2-0)- Seahawks 28-17
The Saints lost star QB Drew Brees, and struggled to move the ball after backup Teddy Bridgewater entered the game. He will have a full week to prepare, but he obviously is a major downgrade from Brees. I expect them to incorporate more run plays behind Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill, and Latavius Murray. The Saints have a solid defensive line, but their secondary is prone to giving up big plays. The Seahawks have become a run first team, but Russell Wilson shined last week against Pittsburgh. Their offensive line is finally solid, and Wilson is one of the smartest decision makers in football today. Chris Carson and Rashad Penny are solid backs, and Tyler Lockett has become their major deep threat. The Seahawks defense is still a work in progress, but have a big time pass rusher in Jadeveon Clowney. I have Seattle winning this game because I just don’t see Bridgewater being able to make enough plays on the road. Wilson always shines in big time games, and the Saints secondary will struggle to defend the deep ball. I believe the Saints will keep the game close, but without Brees they are at a disadvantage against Seattle.

Los Angeles Rams (2-0) vs Cleveland Browns (1-1)- Rams 34-20
The Rams offense is still elite behind QB Jared Goff, and running back Todd Gurley. They have a scary receiving core in Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp. Their offensive line is solid, and Malcolm Brown has emerged as another playmaker out of the backfield. The heart and sould of their defense is Aaron Donald who can take over a game with his pass rushing. The Browns won an ugly game against a hapless Jets team, but Baker Mayfield continues to struggle. They have a solid running back in Nick Chubb, but their offensive line is still below average. They also have major playmakers in Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr, but lost top tight end David Njoku to a broken wrist. Mayfield has to protect the football because every possession is vital against the Rams. The Browns defense is solid up front, but their secondary is way too inconsistent. They have had issues stopping the run, and the job gets even tougher against LA. I like the Rams in this game because they are the more proven team. They know how to win big game on the road, and unlike the Browns they don’t hurt themselves. The Browns have had back to back games with over ten penalties which will come back to bite you against good teams. The Rams are too good offensively for Cleveland’s defense, and unless Goff turns the ball over I don’t see the Rams losing this game.

Chicago Bears (1-1) vs Washington Redskins (0-2)- Redskins 23-19
The Bears have one of the best defenses in the league, but their offense has been horrible to start 2019. Khalil Mack, Leonard Floyd, and Roquan Smith set the tone on defense, and are nightmares for opposing offenses. Their offense however has struggled with a lack of a running game, and Mitchell Trubisky having issues connecting with receivers. It looks like they finally found the answer at kicker however with Eddy Pineiro. The Redskins have a typical game manager in Case Keenum. They have the ageless wonder Adrian Peterson at running back, and a middle of the road offensive line. Their defense has some good pieces up front, but their secondary is bad outside of Landon Collins. The Redskins have been able to start well in their games thus far, but have fallen off in the second halves. I actually like Washington with an upset on Monday Night Football. They will struggle offensively against the Bears defense, but Chicago’s offense is not dynamic allowing them to stay in the game. I expect them to lean on Peterson, and Keenum can make enough plays to move the ball. This is a stretch, but I always like to pick one overlooked upset of the week. The Bears haven’t been impressive, and that’s why I think Washington can swoop in with an upset.

Photo Credit: https://www.pressboxonline.com/2019/08/28/what-to-expect-from-ravens-qb-lamar-jackson-analysts-break-it-down