NFL Picks: Week 3

Last Week 8-8
Season Record: 20-12

So last week was a ball of suck for me, and I'm not proud of an 8-8 record. It kinda feels like an NFL team that just had a game end in a tie (yeah, Donovan, it's possible). Hopefully this week will be different and we'll get back on track in a big way. Either way, enjoy the games this weekend...it sure is great to have football back, isn't it?

Cleveland at Baltimore--Are the Browns this bad again? They lost to two 2-0 teams, but those teams are the Bucs and Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Ravens were embarrassed by the Bengals last Sunday but they have not allowed a touchdown this season. And they probably won't allow one to the Browns unless Josh Cribbs takes one to the house on a kick return. Ravens 24, Browns 3

Cincinnati at Carolina--Jimmy Claussen takes the helm for the Panthers, but QB isn't the only problem in Carolina. The Bengals proved last week that they will keep up with Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the AFC North. Bengals 20, Panthers 17

Dallas at Houston--Wow, could the Cowboys get to 0-3 and the Texans to 3-0? When someone from the NFL Network picked the Texans to get to the Super Bowl, I laughed. I'm not laughing now. Wade Phillips' butt is getting sore from that hot seat. Texans 30, Cowboys 24

San Francisco at Kansas City--The Niners could also reach 0-3 with KC getting to 3-0. But the Chiefs have to stop Frank Gore for that to happen, and Todd Haley needs to give Jamaal Charles the ball more often. I'm not sure either will happen, but I still like the Chiefs riding momentum at home. Chiefs 23, Niners 20

Detroit at Minnesota--I've written that if the Lions beat the Vikings Sunday, Brett Favre will retire on Monday, for good. I mean, if the Vikings show they might not make the playoffs, he has no reason to keep hanging around. Vikings 28, Lions 20

Buffalo at New England--Last season, the Bills almost pulled off a remarkable upset in New England. This year, the Bills are one of the worst teams in football while the Pats are smarting from that Jets' beat-down, but still very talented. Patriots 38, Bills 10

Atlanta at New Orleans--The Falcons always play the Saints tough, but I have a feeling that won't be the case Sunday. Saints 30, Falcons 20

Tennessee at NY Giants--It pains me to think the Giants could lose AGAIN to the Titans. I went to that game in Nashville four years ago when the Giants were up 21-0 and lost 24-21. Despite the Giants sucking against Indy and Chris Johnson being Chris Johnson, I think my G-men will hold it together this time. Giants 20, Titans 16

Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay--Both teams are 2-0 and Super Bowl bound, right? Um, not really. Well, maybe Pittsburgh with a healthy Polamalu. But the Bucs are going to come back down to earth. Steelers 22, Bucs 16

Philadelphia at Jacksonville--Michael Vick was named the starter, because if Andy Reid didn't make that decision, he'd be hearing about it for years. The Jags are a team in transition and MJD is not healthy. Eagles 27, Jaguars 24

Washington at St. Louis--In 2008, the Rams upset the Redskins 19-17. In 2009, the Redskins barely beat the Rams 9-7, and the Rams wound up 1-15. Mike Shanahan cannot let an upset happen, but it wouldn't be shocking. Redskins 21, Rams 17

Oakland at Arizona--The Raiders looked awful in Week 1 (38-13 loss to Titans) and the Cards looked awful in Week 2 (41-7 drubbing by Falcons). But each team is 1-1 because they each beat the Rams. This one could wind up in a tie, but I'd never predict one of those. Cardinals 23, Raiders 20

Indianapolis at Denver--After a dismal opener in Houston, the Colts took out their frustrations on the Giants, looking Super in the process. That's the real Colts. The Broncos are just not in this class yet. Colts 34, Broncos 27

San Diego at Seattle--Despite the fact that AJ Smith is a moron, the Chargers are still a good team. Pete Carroll will have his Hawks fired up, but come on. Chargers 27, Seahawks 17

NY Jets at Miami--One of the best games of the week. The Dolphins are 2-0 and at home while their division rival Jets almost beat Baltimore and beat the Pats by 2 touchdowns last Sunday. It's just really tough to go against the Jets and that defense, though Miami has a great D as well. Jets 10, Dolphins 6

Green Bay at Chicago--Another marquee matchup. Both teams are 2-0 and tied for the NFC North lead. But the Packers have scored 61 points and given up 27. Sure, the Bears are home but Jay Cutler will get antsy in a Monday night nationally televised game, and throw 3, maybe 4 interceptions. Packers 30, Bears 21