Week 3 NFL Picks

Week 3 is upon us with many teams facing uphill battles to a positive season.  First, a quick recap from Week 2.  The record was over .500 at 7-6-2 so I can't complain too much, but I sure hope there is a little improvement as we see who teams really are, week in and week out.

The most intriguing game of the weekend is certainly New England at Baltimore.  If you picked one of these teams to start 1-2, you are lying.  Many will call this an AFC championship preview.  What will really be interesting to see is how the losing team comes back next week facing an uphill battle to reclaim first place in their respective division.  The Philadelphia Eagles had better be ready as they travel to Arizona to face a team that is on fire right now with an excellent, physical defense.  This will be a tight game if the Cardinals keep it tight through the first couple of possessions.

Another team that should be weary of their opponent is the Green Bay Packers.  The Seahawks are a very impressive team at home and will give Aaron Rodgers fits all night.  Once again, if Seattle keeps it tight through the first few Packer possessions, this game will slowly turn in the favor of the menacing Seahawk defense.  The Houston Texans face their first real test traveling to Denver.  Peyton Manning will not be happy after his first half performance at Atlanta and will be ready to take it out on the Texans.  I believe this Texans team is for real however, and regardless of the road game at altitude, will find a way to win the game.

Those of course are all picks to win games outright.  Let's take a look, however, at the lines (Current Las Vegas Hilton) and my picks for Week 3:

• Rams +7.5 at Bears
• Buccaneers at Cowboys -7.5
• 49'ers -6.5 at Vikings
• Lions -3 at Titans
• Bengals +4 at Redskins
• Jets at Dolphins +3
• Chiefs +8.5 at Saints
• Bills -3 at Browns
• Jaguars at Colts -3
• Eagles at Cardinals +4
• Falcons at Chargers -3
• Texans -1.5 at Broncos 
• Steelers -4 at Raiders
• Patriots +3 at Ravens
• Packers -3 at Seahawks

We have another great early season week on tap in the NFL.  Teams will start to establish their season long identity and give us a better feel for how to pick each week.  I will of course just aim for over .500 this week and stick to that through 5-6 weeks before having higher expectations.  The NFL is great for the talent we get to see on the great teams, but also the parity amongst the entire league.  It keeps us on our toes and continually watching through the seventeen week season.  Enjoy your football!

Week 2: 7-6-2
Season: 14-14-2