| 49ers |
over |
Giants |
The Niners have turned into road dogs in the first two weeks and now have a three-game stint at home, which I'm sure the fans will love. Meanwhile, the Giants have had it rough, to put it mildly, getting stomped in Week 1 and pulling out a win in Week 2 , but losing Barkley in the process. Unfortunately, the Giants will be thoroughly outclassed by a much more diverse and deeper team. |
| Browns |
over |
Titans |
Not confident at all in this pick. The Titans will play against old AFC South foe in Watson by using their stout run defense to slow down the Browns' Nick Chubb-less running game, while they use Henry to try to wear down Garrett and Cleveland's pass rush. In the end, Watson makes a few more impact improv running plays in contrast to Tannehill. I think this will be a defense-filled, low scoring game. |
| Lions |
over |
Falcons |
Another low confident pick. Both teams have strengthened their defenses with important player acquisitions. They both have strong O-lines that excel in running the ball. Without Montgomery, we can look forward to a showdown between rookie RBs Gibbs and Robinson. Atlanta will aim to maintain a balanced offense to keep Ridder hidden, while Goff should have plenty of passing options he favors when playing at home. |
| Packers |
over |
Saints |
Hate picking against my team, but it happens. The Packers are having their first home game of the season at Lambeau and they catch a break facing the Saints, whose running game is without Kamara and Williams is out with a strained hammy, so they'll be more focused on passing with Carr, creating a matchup between their strong defense and the Saints' passing attack. Love is in good form and is expected to receive better support. But that Saints D is vicious. Both offenses are likely to begin cautiously, and the outcome will be determined by the turnover battle. I hope I'm wrong in my pick. |
| Dolphins |
over |
Broncos |
The Phins operate at a faster pace than their opponents, with McDaniel utilizing their speedy playmakers for big passing plays or explosive runs. Denver is in a dire situation, having struggled at home against weaker teams. Payton's team isn't likely to suddenly discover solutions for their offensive and defensive challenges in this unfavorable matchup against a team that is still finding its identity. |
| Vikings |
over |
Chargers |
Another tough pick. The Chargers tend to struggle in finishing close games, while the Vikings excel at pulling out victories in tight contests. Both teams have adopted pass-heavy, high-scoring approaches, resulting in their 0-2 records due to defensive weaknesses and occasional offensive shortcomings in crunch time. The matchup between Herbert and Cousins promises an explosive showdown. |
| Patriots |
over |
Jets |
The Patriots haven't experienced a 0-3 start since Belichick's first season in back in 2000 when they began 0-4. The Jets' season took a turn when Rodgers got injured, and Wilson has already thrown a league-leading four INTs. This is a challenging away game for New England and Jones. The Patriots manage to secure a hard-fought victory in a low-scoring, closely contested game to prevent any talk of an 0-3 start. |
| Bills |
over |
Commanders |
Washington beat the Cardinals and Broncos, but they now encounter a stronger opponent with a formidable defense while playing at home in their pursuit of a 3-0 start. Buffalo regained its explosive offensive form in the previous week's home game, and Allen is likely eager to exploit Washington's defense with deep passes, given the high volume of passing expected in this matchup. |
| Jaguars |
over |
Texans |
Houston appears to have Lawrence figured out in their matchups, as they've improved their playcalling and personnel to make him adopt a more patient approach. However, the Texans' defense struggles against the run, presenting an opportunity for the Jags to utilize Etienne effectively. While the Texans may give up some significant plays, they should find success in throwing the ball downfield with Stroud. Jags in a close divisional matchup. |
| Ravens |
over |
Colts |
The Colts understand that Richardson might not play due to a concussion, and their best shot at beating Baltimore is by excelling in downfield passing. Minshew might have to handle this task in a challenging away game. On the flip side, the Colts are vulnerable to the Ravens' revamped passing game led by Jackson. The Ravens will likely shut down the run, putting more pressure on the pocket-loving Minshew. |
| Seahawks |
over |
Panthers |
The Panthers face a tough challenge, having to travel on a short week across the counrty. They plan to approach the Seahawks by heavily relying on their running game to ease the load on Young. However, Smith's significant advantage, thanks to his talented wide receivers and tight end, will likely provide better support for Walker. In contrast, Young will find himself overly dependent on Sanders. |
| Chiefs |
over |
Bears |
The Bears are struggling offensively due to play-calling and Fields' passing issues. The Chiefs's offense, led by former Bears coach Nagy, enjoy the upper hand with Mahomes. Chicago's defense faces a tough matchup, and their passing game will be challenged by Kansas City's pressure and coverage. |
| Cowboys |
over |
Cardinals |
Dallas had a comfortable win at home against the Jets and has started the season by outscoring opponents 70-10. The Cardinals showed offensive improvement against the Giants last week, aided by turnovers. The Cowboys are playing conservatively with Dak and can limit Dobbs, especially after containing Conner. A large pro-Cowboys crowd is expected for this matchup of former NFC East rivals. |
| Steelers |
over |
Raiders |
The Steelers have endured some challenges with Pickett, but that should improve in their first game against a weaker defense. Similar to Cowboys fans elsewhere in the desert, plenty of Steelers supporters will make this feel like a home game. The Steelers still have a strong set of healthy offensive weapons, despite the absence of Johnson, while the Raiders' offensive spark appears to be fading with Garoppolo at the helm. |
| Eagles |
over |
Buccaneers |
The Eagles are dealing with inconsistency in their passing game and vulnerabilities in their pass D, despite a strong pass rush. The Bucs are tough to run against, and their back seven has been active, especially under pressure. While Hurts will put up a fight, Baker should feel at ease at home in prime time, given his array of offensive weapons inside and outside. Philly barely wins this, but it may go the other way. |
| Bengals |
over |
Rams |
In this SB 56 rematch, will Burrow play? The betting line, which doesn't favor the Bengals even with a home-field advantage, is concerning. Browning has no NFL experience and faces pressure to perform at home with an 0-2 record. Stafford and the Rams' offense are in good form and will put pressure on Cincinnati's defense. However, there's a sense that Burrow will tough it out to help his team save the season. If he doesn't play, this pick would flip. |
If Miller is our star RB with TJ Jr as backup, then we might have a passable running game. I still think we have a very good shot, especially if the offense can get their shit together in the first half.