NFL Week 3 Picks: Cowboys-Texans, Bears-Packers Highlight Week
The Houston Texans are the darlings of the NFL right now. They beat (finally!) one of the best teams in the league for the last ten years in week one and staged an adrenaline-filled comeback in week two. So how do they pull off the hat trick? They beat the Dallas Cowboys to move to 3-0 and are crowned the "Best Team in Texas" that's how. Now that I've given you that pick already I might as well give you the rest of my week 3 picks. I'm still over .500 for the year (19-13) although I was left bloodied and bruised last week. I owe a huge thanks to the Colts and the Saints for bailing me out in the last two games to keep my head above water for the week (9-7).
Tennessee @ NY Giants
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Eli took a beating by the Colts defense last week. I'm sure his offensive lineman didn't enjoy their time in the filmroom this week (I'm sure the defense didn't either having to prep for Chris Johnson). This will be a better week for the G-Men. I'll take the Giants at home.
Pittsburgh @ Tampa Bay
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Pittsburgh's defense has made a statement in their first two games: "We don't care who our quarterback is; we are going to line up, smack you in the mouth and walk out of here with a W." This is Tampa's first real test this year (come on, Cleveland and Carolina the first two weeks? Those aren't even considered quizzes much less tests). Tampa doesn't pass the test. I'll take the Steelers.
Cincinnati @ Carolina
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Cincinnati's defense smothered Joe Flacco and the Ravens last week. This week they get a rookie quarterback making his first start. The sharks are circling and Clausen is fresh meat. I'll take the Bengals.
Cleveland @ Baltimore
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Eric Mangini's seat is starting to get hot. Mike Holmgren has already dialed the first six numbers of his next head coach (Cowher?, Gruden?, Edwards?) and hitting the seventh if they lay an egg this week. Ray Lewis and the Ravens are still seething over last week's loss to the Bengals. A seething Ray Lewis is never a good thing (and usually, neither is a Cleveland Browns football team). I'll take the Ravens.
Dallas @ Houston
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I know it's only week three but this week is make or break for the Dallas Cowboys. A loss this week drops them to 0-3 and virtually ends any chance of hosting a playoff game much less participating in a playoff game at all. The Houston Texans are for real and are ready to ascend to the throne of "Best Team in Texas." Dallas has to play perfect football to win this one on the road. And since they haven't shown us they can play one quarter of perfect football I highly doubt they can put four together in the same game (and I'm a Cowboys fan). I'll take the Texans.
San Francisco @ Kansas City
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San Francisco showed a lot of character last week in their comeback bid against the Saints. Unless they bring a lot of pressure Matt Cassel's way I don't give them much of a chance in this game. I'm not saying Cassel will pick them apart but pressure breeds turnovers. Turnovers breed momentum and San Francisco needs all the momentum they can get. I don't think they pressure him enough. I'll take the Chiefs.
Detroit @ Minnesota
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Thanks to the Dallas Cowboys most people have forgotten that the Vikings are 0-2 as well. Well, most people outside of Minneapolis. Favre's problem isn't his ankle, it's his head. He needs to stop thinking and just play football. This week his head is completely empty and the Vikes get the win. I'll take the Vikings.
Buffalo @ New England
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This week Buffalo circles the wagons and...did you really think I was going to pick the Bills? Shame on you. Turn your computer off and give yourself a fifteen minute time out (but finish reading my article first). I'll take the Patriots.
Atlanta @ New Orleans
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New Orleans escaped San Francisco with a win. Good teams win games like that (even if the adversity they face is self-inflicted). I’m still not a believer in Matt Ryan. I’ll take the Saints.
Washington @ St. Louis
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Normally I wouldn’t pick the ‘Skins on the road, especially in their first road game. But last week’s loss still burns. St. Louis is still learning who they are. I’ll take the ‘Skins.
Philadelphia @ Jacksonville
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I love Jack Del Rio but I believe his seat is heating up as well. Jacksonville hasn’t put up much of a fight this season and Philly couldn’t put the Lions away. But Andy Reid came to his senses and is starting Michael Vick. I’ll take the Eagles.
Oakland @ Arizona
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This is more of a coin-flip than a pick. Neither team seems destined to do much except maybe lock up the first pick for 2011. It's heads...I’ll take the Raiders.
San Diego @ Seattle
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San Diego has a road game closer to home than usual. Plus, they put a few things to rest last week. Ryan Mathews’ ankle is a question but I’ll still take the Chargers.
Indianapolis @ Denver
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Indianapolis' defense was a beast last week. So was Peyton Manning (wait, that's not a surprise). You will witness much of the same this week. Freeney and Mathis go off again. I'll take the Colts.
NY Jets @ Miami
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In week one Mark Sanchez was using the Schwartz. In week two he was using the Force. This week on the primetime stage it's back to Yogurt and the Schwartz. I'll take the Dolphins.
Green Bay @ Chicago
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Jay Cutler meet Clay Mathews. Get used to number 52, Jay. You will be seeing a lot of him come Monday night. Chicago commits four turnovers at home and the Packers win. I'll take the Packers.
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