Quick Picks; Week Three
Every week throughout the season, we make our Quick Picks (in bold) on the upcoming slate of games, focusing on the key points for each match-up. With clearer pictures emerging on how each team will perform this season, here are Week Three’s picks.
Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers (TNF)
The 49ers have been in close, low-scoring games so far, but haven’t yet faced an offense like LA’s. After watching Chris Carson rack up 98 yards last week, San Francisco could have trouble containing the resurgent Todd Gurley while Jared Goff picks their weak secondary apart.
Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars (London)
This year’s International series kicks off with two loaded defenses facing off at Wembley. But the Jaguars had trouble stopping Tennessee’s run game last week and should have similar issues against Baltimore. Leonard Fournette will struggle to run on the Ravens, meaning Blake Bortles will have to throw more than he should. Expect the encircling Ravens to feast.
Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills
Denver has looked like one of the league’s most complete teams so far and dismantled the Cowboys last week. After holding Ezekiel Elliott to just nine yards, the Broncos should be able to contain LeSean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor.
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers
Carolina’s new-look offense hasn’t seemed to materialize yet, but Christian McCaffery could be primed for a breakout game against a still-mediocre Saints defense. While the Panthers have been suffocating on defense so far, facing Drew Brees will be a major test.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Chicago Bears
Which Bears defense will show up? The one that somehow kept defending NFC Champions Atlanta close? Or the unit that got dominated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? After the Steelers beat Minnesota’s defense last week, expect it to be the latter.
Atlanta Falcons @ Detroit Lions
The Lions have been impressive on defense so far, but Atlanta has more than enough weapons to expose Detroit’s paper-thin unit. After Aaron Rodgers was shut down by the Falcons, can Matt Stafford find a way through? Expect a shootout.
Cleveland Browns @ Indianapolis Colts
The Browns have been reasonably competitive so far, but the defense should take the lead this week against the struggling Colts. Jacoby Brissett was decent against Arizona and could keep Indy in the mix if Cleveland gives them opportunities.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Minnesota Vikings
Sam Bradford is expected to play, which could mean Minnesota reverts to its impressive Week One form on offense. But the Bucs are a stronger defense than New Orleans, and Jameis Winston has enough weapons to follow Pittsburgh’s lead and overwhelm the Vikings.
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
Tom Brady looked ageless against the Saints, and could put up more numbers against the Texans if Gronk is healthy. Houston continues to struggle offensively, and with no options outside of DeAndre Hopkins, expect Bill Belichick to have a plan for containing Deshaun Watson.
Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets
The Dolphins got lucky with some weird occurrences against the Chargers last week, but Jay Cutler’s return was still impressively efficient. With DeVante Parker on the outside, Jarvis Landry in the slot, and Jay Ajayi carrying the load, expect Cutler to lead Miami to another win.
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Giants sit at 0–2 and were simply outplayed in all phases by Detroit last week, but they are primed for a rebound. The defense needs to step up and make Carson Wentz look like a sophomore quarterback, and with Janoris Jenkins likely to return, expect Big Blue to finally get their season on track with a surprise win over the Eagles.
Seattle Seahawks @ Tennessee Titans
The Seahawks are having a trademark slow start, but this one looks worse than usual. The defense has been good so far, but gave up some big runs to the 49ers last week. Expect Tennessee to ride with the hot hand of Derrick Henry and tough out a big statement win.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Green Bay Packers
It’s unlikely that Cincinnati’s new OC Bill Lazor can make huge changes to their struggling attack right away, even after a long week, and the Packers should take advantage on defense. Meanwhile Aaron Rodgers and Co. will bounce back by shredding the Bengals.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers
After 17 games, the Chargers finally allowed a 100 yard rusher as Jay Ajayi bowled them over last week. Now, they must face Kareem Hunt and an electrifying Chiefs offense. Although Phillip Rivers has the weapons to take advantage of Eric Berry’s absence, the Chiefs may not give him a chance.
Oakland Raiders @ Washington Redskins (SNF)
The Redskins rediscovered their running game against the Rams last week and the same strategy could work against Oakland. But will Washington score enough points to keep up with Derek Carr? With Su’a Cravens out, Oakland’s cadre of weapons could be too much to overcome.
Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals (MNF)
After getting manhandled by the Broncos, the Cowboys need to bounce back. The struggling Cardinals come to the rescue, and Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott should return to form. Dallas’ defense played well against the Giants and can focus on Arizona’s receivers.
