NFL 2013: Week 3 Predictions!

Week 3 might prove to be another tough weekend for the AFC North.

By: Elias McMillan

Last Week: 13-3 (Survival Pick: Baltimore – W)

Season: 22-10

Big Five Games of the Week 

Kansas City @ Philadelphia – Emotions might run high tonight in Philly as the Eagles welcome back one the most successful head coach/QB combos in league history. Donavan McNabb gets his number retired on the same night Andy Reid brings his undefeated Chiefs team into Philly. The Eagles gained a lot of hype after Week 1 but last week, their fast break offense did show some flaws. Plus, the Eagles defense was exposed to be as weak as it was a season ago. The strength of this team remains to be the offense, which might give Kansas City some trouble. The Chiefs have a very good defense but they are coming off a short week where they might not be fully prepared for the Eagles attack. On offense, Alex Smith usually plays it safe, which doesn’t usually results into big plays. But that strategy might produce some big plays against an Eagles defense that allows a lot of yards. If the Chiefs can protect the football, they should be able to be in this game. I think this game might come down to turnovers and I might trust KC’s defense more than Philadelphia’s. Prediction: Chiefs 24 – Eagles 23

Green Bay @ Cincinnati – The one thing I took away from last Monday’s game was how unimpressive the Bengals looked against a weaker Pittsburgh team. The Bengals have a lot of talent but it still seems like they haven’t been able to put it all together yet. I don’t think the Packers are some type of unstoppable machine but I think that the way they execute their offense could let them run away with one in Cincy this weekend. Andy Dalton looked bad last week and he was barely pressured at all. I don’t think Green Bay’s pass rush is that great so Dalton might see great time in the pocket again this week. Dalton just has to start making the simple throws because he missed too many open receivers a week ago. The Bengals defense is decent but they’ll be tested early and often against Aaron Rodgers and the passing attack. The Packers could actually run the ball last week and doing so again this week will help them. Prediction: Packers 31 – Bengals 21

Houston @ Baltimore – Ed Reed will finally see playing time this week as he returns to Baltimore in a different uniform. Houston has had the two most exciting opening games than any team this season. The games may have been tough but they have won them and I think it shows that this team is battle tested early. Baltimore got their first victory last week but it wasn’t pretty against a terrible Browns team. The Ravens offense is not producing enough, as they don’t have as many weapons as a season ago. If Cleveland had a better offense, they probably would of beat Baltimore last week. Houston is just playing better football than Baltimore is right now. Matt Schaub is playing good football right now and he’s leading a decent, balanced attack of offense. In order to win Sunday, Joe Flacco is gonna have to get the offense out of the rut they are currently in. Prediction: Texans 28 – Ravens 20

Indianapolis @ San Francisco – The Colts have all the headlines going into Week 3 as they made a big trade. RB Trent Richardson might be able to help the Colts offense eventually but it might be too soon for him to make an impact this week against a stout 49ers defense. The Niners are coming off a major beat down last week and they are anxious to bounce back at home. The 49ers defense should be able to win the battle at the line of scrimmage against the Colts. Andrew Luck and his targets will test the San Fran secondary. QB Colin Kaepernick really needs to rebound after a tough week. The Colts defense is decent upfront but they allowed a lot of yards against a not very strong Dolphins offense last week. If the Colts had more time to integrate Richardson into their system, they might have a better chance this week. But they’ll find it tough on the road at San Francisco. Prediction: 49ers 26 – Colts 18

Chicago @ Pittsburgh – Steeler fans are at a panic as Pittsburgh is in serious danger of starting 0-3. The Steelers are in great need to play at home in front of their fans but they face a pretty decent Bears team on Sunday night. Chicago’s defense should present a lot of problems for a Steeler offense that is already having a hard time this season. Pittsburgh isn’t getting enough right now from their offensive line, the running game, or their pass catchers. TE Heath Miller has been practicing this week and he could provide a much-needed boost to the offense at home. The Steeler defense has also been unimpressive as they are failing to create pressure or turnovers. Chicago’s offense is off to a decent start this season. QB Jay Cutler is winning ball games and getting the ball to his playmakers. The Bears defense still excels at forcing turnovers and creating pressure in the backfield. Playing at home might create some momentum for Pittsburgh but if Chicago plays like they have so far, the Bears should be able to outmatch their opponents. Prediction: Bears 27 – Steelers 17

The Rest of Week 3

Rams over Cowboys – St. Louis hasn’t been that impressive this season but their defensive front seven will create a lot of problems for a Dallas offense that has had a lot of problems playing up to their potential. If the Cowboys defense can force some turnovers, the game might go their way.

Chargers over Titans – San Diego scored a rare road victory last week and they might get a second in a row in Tennessee. Philip Rivers is playing surprisingly well early this season.

Vikings over Browns – Move over 2008 Detroit Lions. You might have some company soon. The Cleveland front office has punted this season after only two weeks. Yikes.

Patriots over Buccaneers – This game will be close. New England has been unable to run away from opponents this season unlike in the past. A lot of turmoil is Tampa these days.

Saints over Cardinals – I’m shocked at the Saints start this season. They are usually a sure bet at the Super Dome.

Redskins over Lions – I’m going back and forth on this one. Washington’s defense has been awful but this is an early must win for them. It’s time for RG3 to have a strong showing.

Giants over Panthers – Carolina could upset here. The Giants defense has allowed a lot of points early this season. New York will have to win on the strength of Eli Manning and the passing attack.

Falcons over Dolphins – Miami is a surprising 2-0. Atlanta should be able to jump up on them early at home.

Bills over Jets – Rookie EJ Manuel gained a lot of confidence last week in a home victory. That’s pretty much the opposite of what Rookie Geno Smith has right now.

Seahawks over Jaguars – Safest game of the week. Seattle will make it look easy and Maurice Jones-Drew probably wont even travel with the team.

Broncos over Raiders – Denver is on a roll early this season. I must admit that I’ll be kinda rooting for Terrelle Pryor as he makes his first MNF start.

Fantasy Football Picks of the Week

QB: Matt Schaub (Texans) – The Ravens defense hasn’t forced an interception this season and Schaub will have all his weapons healthy in Baltimore.

RB: Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks) – Jacksonville has one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. Lynch always runs strong at home.

WR: A.J. Green (Bengals) – After a tough match-up against the Steelers, the Packers don’t have a defensive back that can match up with Green. The pressure will be on Dalton to deliver him the ball.

TE: Jimmy Graham (Saints) – Drew Brees must take advantage of the mismatch between Graham and the Cardinals’ safeties.

DEF: Seattle – I don’t know who’s starting at QB for Jacksonville but it wont matter. The Seahawks defense is looking strong and they’ll look even better at home against the Jaguars.