| Matchup | Adam's Pick | Eric's Pick |
|---|---|---|
Panthers at Bears | Panthers | Bears |
Bills at Bengals | Bills | Bills |
Titans at Browns | Browns | Titans |
Steelers at Texans | Texans | Steelers |
Lions at Cowboys | Lions | Lions |
Saints at Jaguars | Saints | Saints |
Vikings at Chiefs | Vikings | Chiefs |
49ers at Eagles | 49ers | Eagles |
Redskins at Rams | Redskins | Rams |
Giants at Cardinals | Giants | Cardinals |
Falcons at Seahawks | Falcons | Falcons |
Broncos at Packers | Packers | Packers |
Patriots at Raiders | Raiders | Patriots |
Dolphins at Chargers | Chargers | Chargers |
Jets at Ravens | Ravens | Ravens |
Colts at Buccaneers | Buccaneers | Buccaneers |
Adam | Eric | |
Week 3 Record | 12-4 | 10-6 |
Season Standings | 33-15 | 31-17 |
The predictions here come from Adam and correspond to his picks.
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
I'm probably hopping on the Cam Newton bandwagon too early and too intensely, but I like him. I said he would either be great or terrible, and early indications lean towards greatness. Greg Olsen and Steve Smith are going to be tough matchups for the Chicago secondary and linebacking groups, and Carolina’s strong offensive line, combined with Newton's mobility, will make the Panthers a tough team to contain for Chicago. Since they don’t blitz that often, the Bears have to get pressure with their front four, and I think the Panthers’ line will be able to give Newton ample time to find his targets downfield. I also think this is the week DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart get on track and punish the Bears. Carolina certainly has the ability to rush the passer, and while missing Jon Beason is huge, the Bears don't run the ball anyway. I look for Jay Cutler to get pressured early and often and commit characteristic turnovers. Carolina will control the clock, and Steve Smith will hit a few big vertical plays.
Prediction: Panthers 23 – Bears 20
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
I'm probably hopping on the Cam Newton bandwagon too early and too intensely, but I like him. I said he would either be great or terrible, and early indications lean towards greatness. Greg Olsen and Steve Smith are going to be tough matchups for the Chicago secondary and linebacking groups, and Carolina’s strong offensive line, combined with Newton's mobility, will make the Panthers a tough team to contain for Chicago. Since they don’t blitz that often, the Bears have to get pressure with their front four, and I think the Panthers’ line will be able to give Newton ample time to find his targets downfield. I also think this is the week DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart get on track and punish the Bears. Carolina certainly has the ability to rush the passer, and while missing Jon Beason is huge, the Bears don't run the ball anyway. I look for Jay Cutler to get pressured early and often and commit characteristic turnovers. Carolina will control the clock, and Steve Smith will hit a few big vertical plays.
Prediction: Panthers 23 – Bears 20
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
I'm not incredibly high on the Bills, but it's hard to knock a team for being 3-0. They might suffer an emotional letdown after beating the rival Patriots for the first time in fifteen attempts, but the Bills know they have to win every game they're supposed to to set themselves up for a postseason run. This year’s Bills are better, but they still aren't as good as the Jets or Patriots, so every game truly counts. The Bengals meanwhile have some talented, young players that showed just how inconsistent they could be in an ugly loss to the 49ers last week. Buffalo just moves the ball much better than Cincy and will be able to outscore them. I can't believe this, but the Bills move to 4-0.
Prediction: Bills 24 – Bengals 17
Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns
Two teams I'm still completely unsure of, but I will go with the Browns for a few reasons. I trust their identity and their plan more than I do the Titans’, Chris Johnson is having an awful start, and Kenny Britt is gone for the season. The Browns manufacture a win at home.
Prediction: Browns 20 – Titans 17
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans
Both playoff-quality squads in terms of talent, this is a good test for each team. The Steelers look to prove their defense can stop an elite passing attack, and the Texans look to prove they belong among the league's elite. In the end I don't think Pittsburgh can cover the Texans’ aerial assault, and I also think Ben Roethlisberger will be under pressure all day. I like the Texans whether or not Arian Foster plays because of how well Ben Tate has been going, their prolific passing game, and their ability to bring down the opposing quarterback.
Prediction: Texans 27 – Steelers 20
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
Miles Austin is unlikely to play in this game, and while Tony Romo played last week, cracked ribs don't feel better or heal instantly, especially when you get pounded by 300-pound lineman for a living. Dez Bryant is also less than 100% healthy, ditto for Felix Jones. All this and a very green offensive line that was in absolute shambles last week against the Redskins is a very bad sign with the Lions coming to town. Ndamukong Suh is the best defensive tackle in the league, and top pick Nick Fairley may make his debut, joining Suh and the rest of the stellar Lions front to wreak havoc on the Cowboys’ inexperienced offensive line. Dallas has tons of talent, but until it's all on the field together and the offensive line gels, the Boys are just an average team that will struggle to sustain drives and put up points. Meanwhile, the Lions have an electric offense, and Calvin Johnson will have a massive advantage over either Terrance Newman or Mike Jenkins at corner. Brandon Pettigrew is developing into a star, and Matthew Stafford has been great thus far. I like the Lions to punish Romo all day long and for Calvin Johnson to have a monster day.
Prediction: Lions 28 – Cowboys 24
New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars
Simply, the Saints are one of the most explosive teams in the league and should outscore Jacksonville even on their worst day. Drew Brees vs. Blaine Gabbert, not even close.
Prediction: Saints 28 – Jaguars 17
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs
I don't think the Vikings are as bad as their 0-3 record indicates, while I believe the Chiefs might be even worse than their 0-3 mark. Adrian Peterson will be the principal difference maker in this game, and I look for the Vikings to finally get on the winning track against the hapless Chiefs.
Prediction: Vikings 17 – Chiefs 10
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
Full disclosure, I'm going to pick the 49ers to win until they start losing games left and right and completely unravel. So yes, I'm a homer, but there is some rationale behind this homer pick. First, the Niners are 2-1 and had a 10-point fourth quarter lead in the only game they lost. They haven't been pretty, but they've been competitive in all three contests so far this year. Additionally, the Eagles are a finesse team that wants to throw the ball and rush the passer. Unfortunately for Philly their star quarterback Michael Vick is really banged up (bruised hand, coming off a concussion two weeks ago), and their offensive line is a mess. Conversely the 49ers have rushed the passer very well in their first three games and have done an excellent job of showing different looks to opposing offenses. I'm not sure the Eagles’ line can block the Niners’ front seven, and I am sure the plan will be to hit Vick early and often. LeSean McCoy is a very talented back, but the 49ers rank third in the league against the run, so he may have difficulty finding running room. On offense there is no doubt the 49ers have a ways to go, but Alex Smith hasn't turned the ball over with just one interception on the year. If San Francisco can find their running game against Philly, who ranks 30th in the league against the run, I think they have a very legitimate shot at winning this matchup. I look for more of a balanced approach between Frank Gore and rookie Kendall Hunter and for the 49ers to wear down the Eagles’ defense, throw when they need to, control the clock, and punish Vick on their way to victory.
Prediction: 49ers 21 – Eagles 20
Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford has been hit a ton so far this season playing against some furious pass rush teams like the Eagles, Giants, and Ravens. Unfortunately for Bradford that doesn't figure to change with star quarterback menace Brian Orakpo and his impressive rookie running mate Ryan Kerrigan coming into town. Steven Jackson hasn't looked right since he suffered an injured quadriceps Week 1, and I think the Rams are going to struggle to get into a rhythm offensively. Meanwhile, the Redskins offensive line has looked improved, and Rex Grossman is probably best suited to play in a dome environment. Despite Washington's relative lack of weapons on offense, I expect them to win the turnover battle, punish Bradford, and do just enough to oust the Rams on the road.
Prediction: Redskins 17 – Rams 16
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals
To me, this game is relatively simple. The Giants have more all around talent than the Cardinals, and Arizona's main strength, the Kevin Kolb-Larry Fitzgerald connection will be disrupted by the Giants’ stellar pass rush all game long.
Prediction: Giants 24 – Cardinals 14
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Seattle can be tough at home, but the Falcons just have so much more talent across the board. I think this will serve as a great game for Matt Ryan to get back on track, find his rhythm, and get rolling into the second quarter of the season.
Prediction: Falcons 27 – Seahawks 16
Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers
This is probably the most lopsided matchup of the weekend. No way the aging Broncos secondary can keep up with all of Green Bay’s horses, and no way Kyle Orton and company can matchup with the Packers’ impressive defensive personnel.
Prediction: Packers 34 – Broncos 16
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders
It seems ludicrous to pick the Patriots to lose two regular season games in a row, but strange things happen in the NFL, and if there is a team that embodies the formula to beat New England, it is the Oakland Raiders. They get tremendous pressure up the middle with their front four and can drop seven into coverage without having to blitz to create pressure. On offense the Raiders can really pound the ball with Darren McFadden, who's having a superb year. This is probably a dumb pick, but I think the Raiders are an all-around solid team that will give New England trouble playing in the vicious Black Hole.
Prediction: Raiders 24 – Patriots 23
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
There is just too much turmoil surrounding the Dolphins right now to succeed on a cross-country trip against a superior team. Philip Rivers will have his breakout game, and the Dolphins won't have enough firepower to match it.
Prediction: Chargers 31 – Dolphins 17
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens
Two similar teams stylistically, but I just like the Ravens’ personnel more. Joe Flacco is better than Mark Sanchez, the Ravens’ receivers are at least a match for the Jets’, and Ray Rice is easily the best running back in this game. I also think the front seven of Baltimore creates a lot more pressure than New York's does. The Jets do have an excellent secondary, but that won't be enough on the road against the powerful Ravens.
Prediction: Ravens 20 – Jets 10
Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another prime-time game for the Colts, who are probably a little exhausted after their all-out effort fell short against the Steelers last week. Josh Freeman is going to have a breakout game sooner or later, and I trust him to outdo anything Kerry Collins or Curtis Painter could possibly muster. LeGarrette Blount might also be in for a big game against a soft Colts rush defense.
Prediction: Buccaneers 30 – Colts 14
Prediction: Bills 24 – Bengals 17
Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns
Two teams I'm still completely unsure of, but I will go with the Browns for a few reasons. I trust their identity and their plan more than I do the Titans’, Chris Johnson is having an awful start, and Kenny Britt is gone for the season. The Browns manufacture a win at home.
Prediction: Browns 20 – Titans 17
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans
Both playoff-quality squads in terms of talent, this is a good test for each team. The Steelers look to prove their defense can stop an elite passing attack, and the Texans look to prove they belong among the league's elite. In the end I don't think Pittsburgh can cover the Texans’ aerial assault, and I also think Ben Roethlisberger will be under pressure all day. I like the Texans whether or not Arian Foster plays because of how well Ben Tate has been going, their prolific passing game, and their ability to bring down the opposing quarterback.
Prediction: Texans 27 – Steelers 20
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
Miles Austin is unlikely to play in this game, and while Tony Romo played last week, cracked ribs don't feel better or heal instantly, especially when you get pounded by 300-pound lineman for a living. Dez Bryant is also less than 100% healthy, ditto for Felix Jones. All this and a very green offensive line that was in absolute shambles last week against the Redskins is a very bad sign with the Lions coming to town. Ndamukong Suh is the best defensive tackle in the league, and top pick Nick Fairley may make his debut, joining Suh and the rest of the stellar Lions front to wreak havoc on the Cowboys’ inexperienced offensive line. Dallas has tons of talent, but until it's all on the field together and the offensive line gels, the Boys are just an average team that will struggle to sustain drives and put up points. Meanwhile, the Lions have an electric offense, and Calvin Johnson will have a massive advantage over either Terrance Newman or Mike Jenkins at corner. Brandon Pettigrew is developing into a star, and Matthew Stafford has been great thus far. I like the Lions to punish Romo all day long and for Calvin Johnson to have a monster day.
Prediction: Lions 28 – Cowboys 24
New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars
Simply, the Saints are one of the most explosive teams in the league and should outscore Jacksonville even on their worst day. Drew Brees vs. Blaine Gabbert, not even close.
Prediction: Saints 28 – Jaguars 17
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs
I don't think the Vikings are as bad as their 0-3 record indicates, while I believe the Chiefs might be even worse than their 0-3 mark. Adrian Peterson will be the principal difference maker in this game, and I look for the Vikings to finally get on the winning track against the hapless Chiefs.
Prediction: Vikings 17 – Chiefs 10
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
Full disclosure, I'm going to pick the 49ers to win until they start losing games left and right and completely unravel. So yes, I'm a homer, but there is some rationale behind this homer pick. First, the Niners are 2-1 and had a 10-point fourth quarter lead in the only game they lost. They haven't been pretty, but they've been competitive in all three contests so far this year. Additionally, the Eagles are a finesse team that wants to throw the ball and rush the passer. Unfortunately for Philly their star quarterback Michael Vick is really banged up (bruised hand, coming off a concussion two weeks ago), and their offensive line is a mess. Conversely the 49ers have rushed the passer very well in their first three games and have done an excellent job of showing different looks to opposing offenses. I'm not sure the Eagles’ line can block the Niners’ front seven, and I am sure the plan will be to hit Vick early and often. LeSean McCoy is a very talented back, but the 49ers rank third in the league against the run, so he may have difficulty finding running room. On offense there is no doubt the 49ers have a ways to go, but Alex Smith hasn't turned the ball over with just one interception on the year. If San Francisco can find their running game against Philly, who ranks 30th in the league against the run, I think they have a very legitimate shot at winning this matchup. I look for more of a balanced approach between Frank Gore and rookie Kendall Hunter and for the 49ers to wear down the Eagles’ defense, throw when they need to, control the clock, and punish Vick on their way to victory.
Prediction: 49ers 21 – Eagles 20
Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford has been hit a ton so far this season playing against some furious pass rush teams like the Eagles, Giants, and Ravens. Unfortunately for Bradford that doesn't figure to change with star quarterback menace Brian Orakpo and his impressive rookie running mate Ryan Kerrigan coming into town. Steven Jackson hasn't looked right since he suffered an injured quadriceps Week 1, and I think the Rams are going to struggle to get into a rhythm offensively. Meanwhile, the Redskins offensive line has looked improved, and Rex Grossman is probably best suited to play in a dome environment. Despite Washington's relative lack of weapons on offense, I expect them to win the turnover battle, punish Bradford, and do just enough to oust the Rams on the road.
Prediction: Redskins 17 – Rams 16
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals
To me, this game is relatively simple. The Giants have more all around talent than the Cardinals, and Arizona's main strength, the Kevin Kolb-Larry Fitzgerald connection will be disrupted by the Giants’ stellar pass rush all game long.
Prediction: Giants 24 – Cardinals 14
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Seattle can be tough at home, but the Falcons just have so much more talent across the board. I think this will serve as a great game for Matt Ryan to get back on track, find his rhythm, and get rolling into the second quarter of the season.
Prediction: Falcons 27 – Seahawks 16
Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers
This is probably the most lopsided matchup of the weekend. No way the aging Broncos secondary can keep up with all of Green Bay’s horses, and no way Kyle Orton and company can matchup with the Packers’ impressive defensive personnel.
Prediction: Packers 34 – Broncos 16
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders
It seems ludicrous to pick the Patriots to lose two regular season games in a row, but strange things happen in the NFL, and if there is a team that embodies the formula to beat New England, it is the Oakland Raiders. They get tremendous pressure up the middle with their front four and can drop seven into coverage without having to blitz to create pressure. On offense the Raiders can really pound the ball with Darren McFadden, who's having a superb year. This is probably a dumb pick, but I think the Raiders are an all-around solid team that will give New England trouble playing in the vicious Black Hole.
Prediction: Raiders 24 – Patriots 23
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
There is just too much turmoil surrounding the Dolphins right now to succeed on a cross-country trip against a superior team. Philip Rivers will have his breakout game, and the Dolphins won't have enough firepower to match it.
Prediction: Chargers 31 – Dolphins 17
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens
Two similar teams stylistically, but I just like the Ravens’ personnel more. Joe Flacco is better than Mark Sanchez, the Ravens’ receivers are at least a match for the Jets’, and Ray Rice is easily the best running back in this game. I also think the front seven of Baltimore creates a lot more pressure than New York's does. The Jets do have an excellent secondary, but that won't be enough on the road against the powerful Ravens.
Prediction: Ravens 20 – Jets 10
Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another prime-time game for the Colts, who are probably a little exhausted after their all-out effort fell short against the Steelers last week. Josh Freeman is going to have a breakout game sooner or later, and I trust him to outdo anything Kerry Collins or Curtis Painter could possibly muster. LeGarrette Blount might also be in for a big game against a soft Colts rush defense.
Prediction: Buccaneers 30 – Colts 14
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