NFL Predictions Week 3: QBs Sure to Shine This Week

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A team wins football games, but a quarterback leads a team. Thus is the nature of the game.

Fans and reporters alike are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to watch the very best quarterbacks the game has to offer on a weekly basis. The NFL has seen the greatest ever to drop back for a pass, and that proud tradition continues today.

However, even the very best have off weeks. Quarterbacks face different defenses each week, and need receivers to catch each ball they throw. 

Each week there are quarterbacks who step up, and quarterbacks who falter. Who will it be this week?

1. Eli Manning

Eli Manning looking for a receiver
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Eli Manning is first on this list because he's gotten to a point where you have to expect a big performance out of him. Last season, Eli set the NFL record for touchdowns thrown in the fourth quarter (15).

Last week, his team needed him badly if they didn't want to end up on the wrong side of a terrible week, and Eli threw for 510 yards as the Giants scored 25 points in the fourth quarter.

Hakeem Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw are out this week, but you simply can't bet against Eli anymore.

Prediction: 375 yards, 3 TDs, INT

2. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning calling an audible
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Much like his little brother, Peyton is on this list because he has to be. Peyton Manning just doesn't have consecutive bad weeks.

Against the Atlanta Falcons, Peyton threw three interceptions in the first quarter and was ultimately unable to get the Broncos back into it. The Texans' defense has been unbelievable in allowing only 8.5 points per game, but nobody knows them better than former conference-rival Peyton. 

Prediction: 325 yards, 3 TD, INT

3. Drew Brees

Drew Brees faking a throw
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You would expect Drew Brees to be on this list simply because he is expected to be, but he actually is on it because he has no choice but to be.

The New Orleans Saints have been terrible in their first two defeats and have allowed a ridiculous 37.5 points per game. If they want to have even a chance of saving their season, Drew Brees will need to step up big. He is an elite leader and quarterback, and he will do just that.

Prediction: 400 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT

4. Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford running out of the pocket
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Matthew Stafford is a great passer, but this week he will face a defense just waiting to be picked apart. The Tennessee Titans have given up 36 points per game, and that has Stafford licking his lips.

Stafford hasn't been perfect this season, far from it, but he can still air it out and he is an intelligent player. What makes him truly dangerous though, is Calvin Johnson.

Johnson is the best wide receiver in the league and a perfect target for Stafford. They will prove to be an unstoppable duo for Tennessee.

Prediction: 400 yards, 4 TD, INT

5. Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler throwing a pass
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Jay Cutler had hoped to make last week's matchup with Green Bay an interesting one, but he was suffocated all night and couldn't get it done.

Now it's time for redemption and he will feast on a weak Rams defense. Cutler is a proven passer already, but with big targets Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery now on his team, he is capable of delivering a score every time he drops back to pass.

Prediction: 350 yards, 3 TD

6. Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III gearing up for a pass
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This week will be a very important one in the career of Robert Griffin III. He just lost his first NFL game and needs to bounce back.Luckily for him, he gets to face the swiss cheese defense of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Griffin is incredibly fast, athletic and has a cannon for an arm. He has demonstrated poise under pressure and can make defenders miss with ease. He has all of the tools to be a nightmare for defenses and will dominate the Bengals. 

Prediction: 275 passing yards, 2 TD, 75 rush yards, rush TD