The NFL season rolls along, and the games will start to heat up as we see several division matchups. It will be interesting to see if the current undeafeated teams can keep it rolling, or if the winless teams find a way to break the losing drought. I come into this week after a 8-8 record on picks last week, and a 29-18-1 overall prediction record. Feel free to leave your picks below.
Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) vs Green Bay Packers (3-0)- Packers 24-21
The Eagles are banged up as a team with a ton of injuries on both sides of the ball. Their offense has struggled to protect the football, their quarterback, and catching the ball as well. They need to establish the run game to take pressure off of Carson Wentz. Their defense is good, but just lost starting cornerback Ronald Darby. The Packers are struggling to move the ball, but their defense has been playing lights out. Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith are leading the charge with the pass rush, and their secondary has given fits to opposing QB’s. Their offense has been underwhelming, but Aaron Rodgers and company are adjusting to new playcaller Matt LeFleur. I like the Packers in this short week matchup at Lambeau. The Eagles are banged up, and will face their toughest defensive test to date. Carson Wentz just doesn’t have the weapons to pull off the road upset in my opinion.
Tennessee Titans (1-2) vs Atlanta Falcons (1-2)- Titans 27-21
The Titans and Falcons are both two of the most inconsistent teams in football. Tennessee’s QB Marcus Mariota has been terrible, and put up a dud in Jacksonville last week. Their only solace is their offensive line and running back Derrick Henry. Their defense is solid, but is put in bad spots by the turnover happy Mariota. The Falcons offensively have all the tools, but their offensive line is shaky at best. Matt Ryan finally played well last week, and so did Devonta Freeman at running back. However, their defense didn’t show up in Indy, and just lost star safety Keanu Neal to another ACL tear. Julio Jones, Muhammed Sanu, and Calvin Ridley will have a tough go against the stiff Titans secondary. I like the Titans on the road because the Falcons struggle to stop the run. I expect Tennessee to control the clock, and keep Mariota set up in pass friendly downs. Their defense will keep them in the game, and the Falcons defense will struggle without Neal in the back end.
New England Patriots (3-0) vs Buffalo Bills (3-0)- Patriots 31-17
The Patriots are undefeated as expected, but who would’ve thought Buffalo would be unbeaten. The Patriots are so dangerous offensively with Tom Brady, and his many weapons in the backfield like Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead. Star receiver Julian Edelman may miss this game, and that would put pressure on Josh Gordon and Phillip Dorsett. The Patriots defense has been dominant only allowing a total of 3 opposing points. The Bills have found ways to win behind the arm and legs of Josh Allen. They have run the ball well with Frank Gore and rookie Devin Singletary who should be back this week. John Brown, Cole Beasley, and rookie Dawson Knox have become real weapons for Allen to target. Their defense has been very good forcing a good amount of turnovers as well. The one negative is the Bills have struggled to protect the football on offense. The Bills are a good story, but the Patriots have dominated the AFC East for years. I expect the Patriots to give issues to the Bills defense with their depth, and they will make Allen pay for his turnovers. The Bills should be competitive early, but eventually I believe the Patriots will pull away as the more sound overall football team.
Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) vs Detroit Lions (2-0-1)- Chiefs 35-28
The Chiefs offense looks unstoppable with Patrick Mahomes playing at a MVP level. He has so many weapons to stretch the field, and star wide receiver Tyreek Hill isn’t even playing. They found a rushing attack in LeSean McCoy, and their defense isn’t great but has been pressuring opposing QB’s so far. Mecole Hardman and DeMarcus Robinson look like the future at receiver, and Travis Kelce is still a top tight end in the league. The Lions have shocked everyone with a undefeated (besides the tie) start. Matthew Stafford is a gunslinger who is known for pulling off upsets at home. Kerryon Johnson has become a dependable back, and Kenny Gollady and Marvin Jones Jr. are legit deep threats. Don’t forget about young tight end T.J. Hockenson who has given them a end zone target as well. Their defense has been up and down, but their secondary showed an ability force turnovers against Philadelphia. They could be in trouble however if star cornerback Darius Slay cannot play. I expect Detroit to fight, but the Chiefs are just too dominant offensively to pick against. The Lions will struggle to stop the big plays, and the Chiefs defense will do enough to keep Detroit just behind. Detroit is very tough to beat on the road, but the Chiefs are a different kind of animal.
Oakland Raiders (1-2) vs Indianapolis Colts (2-1)- Colts 27-13
The Raiders offensive line is very bad, Derek Carr is mediocre, and their running game has gone down. The only positives on offense is wide receiver Tyrell Williams and young tight end Darren Waller. The Raiders defense is even worse, and they were chewed up on the ground against Minnesota. The Colts are defying the odds, and QB Jacoby Brissett is playing at high level. He made some big time throws against Atlanta, and Marlon Mack is a big play threat in the backfield. They have weapons on the outside like T.Y. Hilton, and their offensive line is a unit on the rise. Their defense took a hit with the injury of safety Malik Hooker, but they still play with a high level of energy and tend to tackle really well. The Colts are flat out a better team than Oakland, and will likely dominant this below average defense. The only way the Raiders can win is if the Colts turn the football over which is unlikely.
Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) vs Miami Dolphins (0-3)- Chargers 38-14
The Chargers are 1-2 because of lack of execution late with the game on the line. Phillip Rivers has been up and down to start, but their running game has been solid with Austin Ekeler. Their receiving core is strong with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Travis Benjamin. Their defensive line has been solid, but their secondary has been picked apart as they desperately miss star safety Derwin James. Too often the Chargers aren’t finishing drives, and settling for field goals or turning the ball over. The Dolphins changed QB’s with Josh Rosen at not much changed. They started well against Dallas, but then the wheels fell off. Their offensive line is bad, they turn the ball over too much, and their defense is even worse. Xavien Howard is a former pro bowler, but he was burned several times by Amari Cooper. This team is competing, but they just do not have the talent to be a real threat. The Chargers should have their way offensively in this game, and their defensive line should feast in Miami.
Washington Redskins (0-3) vs New York Giants (1-2)- Redskins 23-16
Case Keenum was doing a fine job until he ran into the Bears defense. Their offensive line is a problem, their running game is non exsistent, and Keenum just isn’t a solid starter. Their defense has some young talent, but their secondary is one of the worst in the league outside of safety Landon Collins. The Giants had an incredible comeback victory in Tampa in the debut of rookie QB Daniel Jones. Jones threw the ball well, and showed his wheels in the game winning touchdown rush. However, they lost star running back Saquon Barkley to injury, and their offensive line is still a mess. Their defense is very bad just like Washington, and their secondary is prone to giving up big plays. The Giants have playmakers like Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram, while the Redskins have talented rookie receiver Terry McLaurin. I will go with Washington because their offense should improve against the Giants bad defense. I expect Peterson to finally have a good game, and Keenum to protect the football. Jones will have a tougher time with Barkley being out of the equation, and the Redskins have pass rushers to give the Giants problems up front.
Cleveland Browns (1-2) vs Baltimore Ravens (2-1)- Ravens 34-24
The Browns offensive line is ruining their ability to move the ball. Baker Mayfield has been terrible to start the year, and Nick Chubb is the one constant in their offense so far. Beckham Jr. and Landry were quiet last week because Mayfield was harassed by Aaron Donald. Coach Freddie Kitchens has come under fire for some questionable play calling as well. Their defense shined against the Rams, and Steve Wilks has this unit playing with a lot of confidence. However, they are very banged up in the secondary and will have a tougher test on the road. The Ravens fought back on the road against the Chiefs but came up short. Lamar Jackson struggled throwing the ball, but made big plays with his legs. Mark Ingram had a career day on the ground, and their offensive line has improved. The Ravens defense was exposed against Kansas City, and will have to be ready against a weapon filled Browns team. I expect the Ravens to run the ball well against Cleveland, and I feel the Browns will struggled to keep Jackson in the pocket. The Browns offensive line is a problem, and I just don’t see them figuring it out in a hostile Baltimore environment. The Ravens are tough to beat on the road, and right now their offense is clicking unlike Cleveland.
Carolina Panthers (1-2) vs Houston Texans (2-1)- Texans 26-16
Kyle Allen was a show stopper in relief of Cam Newton last week, and will get another shot in Houston. Allen made great decisions, and fed his receivers over the middle all night long. Christian McCaffrey had another stellar day, and continues to be a dynamic rusher. Their playmakers are solid with Curtis Samuel, D.J. Moore, and Greg Olsen. The Panthers defense has improved this year, and forced turnovers against Arizona with their zone coverage. DeShaun Watson has been sensational, and made some unbelievable throws against the Chargers last week. He is a gunslinger with supreme confidence, and has big time threats in DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, and Kenny Stills. Their offensive line is getting better, and Carlos Hyde has been a nice complement in the back field. Their defense is holding up just enough to help the offense, and should have success against a lackluster offensive line this Sunday. Allen impressed, but he has a much stiffer test on the road in H-Town. I don’t see the Panthers defense being able to stop Watson and Hopkins either. The Texans in the past have played down to their competition so a upset isn’t out of the possibility here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2) vs Los Angeles Rams (3-0)- Rams 35-20
The Buccaneers collapsed against the Giants, and their kicking nightmares continue losing after missing a 34 yard field goal. Jameis Winston played great against a bad Giants defense, but does have some serious threats in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Their running game has improved with Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones as well. Their defense fell apart against the Giants, and gave up some big plays with breakdowns in coverage. The Rams won a ugly game in Cleveland, and will now come home against the struggling Bucs. Jared Goff has been hit or miss this year, but has made plays when needed. Their running game has been up and down as well with Todd Gurley looking a step behind. Their receiving core has not disappointed with Cooper Kupp shining alongside Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods. The Rams defense has been dominant, and Aaron Donald is a one man wrecking crew. Dante Fowler, Clay Matthews, and Aqib Talib have been productive as well. I like the Rams big in this game because they have become a home dominant team. Their offense just seems to flow much better at home, and their defense should harass Winston behind his subpar offensive line. The Buccaneers turn the ball over too much, and are too inconsistent to pull off a road upset in LA.
Seattle Seahawks (2-1) vs Arizona Cardinals (0-2-1)- Seahawks 21-17
Seattle was shocked by the backup QB led Saints losing at home in a tough defeat. Russell Wilson continues to play well, but RB Chris Carson has hit a slump the last few weeks. Their offensive line struggled against the Saints, and has to improve against Arizona. Tyler Lockett showed out, and should dominate this week against a passer friendly secondary. The biggest problem was their defense as they could not stop the run or passing game. The Seahawks secondary is a problem, and it’s going to take more than Bobby Wagner and Jadeveon Clowney up front to turn it around. The Cardinals were stomped by Carolina, and Kyler Murray had another rocky start. He has ups and downs, but doesn’t have much of a chance with the worst O-Line in the league. David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald keep making plays, but are trying to grow with a young, developing quarterback. Their defense didn’t show up against Carolina, and were torched by a unproven backup QB. I am going to pick Seattle in this one because they are simply better on paper. They have the advantage on both sides of the ball, and honestly can’t afford a loss to Arizona this early. Seattle has dropped the ball many times over the years in Arizona, but I believe Pete Carroll will have his team fired up after a rough home outing against New Orleans.
Minnesota Vikings (2-1) vs Chicago Bears (2-1)- Vikings 22-19
The Vikings continue to dominant behind the legs of RB Dalvin Cook. He was sensational against the Raiders, and star receiver Adam Thielen has himself a day as well. Their offensive line is better, and their defense is sound on every level. However, QB Kirk Cousins continues to disappoint, and has yet to prove he is next level. He was okay against Oakland, but will have to make an impact in Chicago. I am concerned about Stefon Diggs as he continues to struggle on the field and to stay healthy. The Bears defense is one of the best in the league, and Khalil Mack feasted on Washington Monday night. Their secondary is still able to force turnovers, and the Bears just don’t seem to miss tackles. Their defense carries this team, and their offense took a step forward Monday. Mitch Trubisky finally played well in the second half connecting for a couple of TD’s to Taylor Gabriel. David Montgomery improves week to week, and their offensive line is doing enough to compete right now. Taylor Gabriel and Allen Robinson are dependable wide outs, and Anthony Miller can be a deep threat. I am leaning toward Minnesota on the road because their offense is a little more dynamic. I believe the Vikings defense is good enough to match the Bears, and Dalvin Cook has the ability to take over a game. This will be a low scoring, hard hitting division matchup, but I feel the Vikings are the better overall team right now.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2) vs Denver Broncos (0-3)- Broncos 16-13
Gardner Minshew has been the talk of Duval with his high level of play so far in relief of Nick Foles. Leonard Fournette finally came to life last week, and DJ Chark has become their number one wideout. Their offensive line is bad, but their defense showed they can dominant against a run heavy Titans attack. The Broncos defense is keeping their offense in the games, but Joe Flacco has not been the answer. He is playing mediocre, and his offensive line isn’t doing him any favors. Their running game finally came alive behind Phillip Lindsay last week, but this team finds themselves winless in a series of tough losses. I’ll go with Denver at home because they are always a tough venue to travel to. This will be Minshew’s first real road test, and their offensive line will struggle to block Bradley Chubb and Von Miller. I expect the Broncos to lean on the run game to eek out a very low scoring victory.
Dallas Cowboys (3-0) vs New Orleans Saints (2-1)- Cowboys 27-23
The Cowboys started slow, but eventually dominated the bad Dolphins at home. Dak Prescott played well, and the mixture of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard went for over two hundred yards on the ground. Amari Cooper had another big day, but the offense looked flat early without receiver Michael Gallup. Their defense struggled early, but turned it up in the second half making Rosen uncomfortable. The Saints pulled off a road stunner in Seattle behind the legs of Alvin Kamara. He put the team on his back on the ground and through the air. Teddy Bridgewater played fundamental football, and made some big throws when needed. Michael Thomas made some big catches, and the defense shut the Seahawks down early to build their lead. This will be Dallas’s first real test this year, and for the Saints they could pull off an upset again at home. I like Dallas in this game, I feel their defense will give the Saints a tougher time than Seattle. I also believe Dallas will lean on Ezekiel Elliott on the ground because the Saints have had issues stopping the run. Prescott has to protect the football in order for Dallas to steal a road victory, and I believe he will do enough to win in NOLA.
Cincinnati Bengals (0-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (0-3)- Bengals 30-26
The Bengals are bad, but this team has been playing hard against good teams. Andy Dalton is hit or miss in terms of production, and RB Joe Mixon has been disappointing so far. Their offensive line is really bad, and has put Dalton in some tough spots all year. The one bright spot is the emergence of Tyler Boyd as a real threat on the outside in the absence of A.J. Green. The Bengals defense lacks big time talent, but has been playing with passion and forced turnovers against Buffalo last week. The Steelers forced five turnovers and found a way to lose. Mason Rudolph did not look good in his first start, and RB James Conner has been flat out terrible. The Steelers only have one consistent weapon outside in JuJu Smith-Schuster, and their offensive line has been underwhelming as well. Their defense finally showed up against the 49ers, but their offense couldn’t cash in on the turnovers. The recently acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick made an impact with a interception and forced a fumble. Both of these teams are bad, but the Bengals have looked better to me so far. Dalton has experience, and the Bengals should run the ball better against Pittsburgh. I expect this to be a bit of a shootout against two bad teams, but Cincinnati has more experience on offense so I’ll lean their direction.
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