NFL Picks Week 3: Predicting the Outcome of Every Game

Through two weeks of the NFL season, the biggest surprise after week three will be that either the Baltimore Ravens or the New England Patriots will have a losing record. On Sunday, a few of the marquee games include four of the six remaining undefeated teams ( Falcons , Chargers, Eagles, Cardinals).

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos will face the contending Houston Texans in Mile High, while the San Francisco 49ers will try to avoid a trap game on the road in Minnesota.

Here are the predictions for week three of the 2012 season.

1. New York Giants @ Carolina Panthers

Having won an improbable game over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers three days prior, the New York Giants hit the road on a short week to face Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.

Why the Giants can win: The Giants have made clear throughout their championship runs that they are the most difficult road team in the NFL, especially in the regular season. Eli Manning threw for 510 yards against a Buccaneers defense that shut down Newton and company in week one. Meanwhile, the Panthers defense continues to struggle against high powered offenses.

Manning should have no problem having another successful day against one of the weaker defenses in the league.

Why the Panthers can win: It's clearly an advantage that the Panthers are playing at home and don't waste a day traveling. Cam Newton was much more effective in week two, especially as a crucial component of the Panthers running attack. He should also have a big passing day against a Giants secondary that is thin at the corner back position.

Prediction: Panthers 35  Giants 25

The absence of Hakeem Nicks will be too much for the Giants to overcome.

2. St. Louis Rams @ Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears enter Sunday's game having extra days to prepare despite the disastrous loss against the Green Bay Packers. In his first year as head coach, Jeff Fisher has fielded a young, competitive team that has battled in its first two games of the year.

Why the Rams can win: The Rams have played a physical style of football under Fisher, and this team won't be intimidated against a veteran Bears roster. Cortland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins could turn the momentum very quickly with a few turnovers from Jay Cutler, and set up their offense with good field position.

Why the Bears can win: With ten days to prepare, the Bears can move on from the disappointing loss against the Green Bay Packers and take care of business against an inexperienced team on both sides of the football. The Rams have been unable to add lethal weapons around Sam Bradford,which is a major positive for this veteran Bears defense.

Cutler and Brandon Marshall had quiet performances in the Thursday loss, and will take advantage of a defense that is still growing.

Prediction: Bears 22  Rams 17 

The Bears take care of their business at home.

3. Buffalo Bills @ Cleveland Browns

The Buffalo Bills unleashed their will on the Kansas City Chiefs last week after a disappointing loss against the New York Jets. Despite currently having an 0-2 record, the Cleveland Browns have managed to stay competitive in both games and are primed for their first win of the season.

Why the Bills can win: The Bills got back on track last week in large part due to an explosion from their offense. Ryan Fitzpatrick was efficient with the football, and CJ Spiller continues to prove that he can be a top running back in this league.

Why the Browns can win: Trent Richardson has already proven to be a legitimate threat in the backfield and complemented Brandon Weeden's game well last week. The defense has continued to be the strongest unit on this team and has kept this team competitive the past two games.

Prediction:  Bills 24   Browns 23

CJ Spiller makes the difference as the Bills begin a two game winning streak.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys play on their home field for the first time this season, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a heartbreaking loss against the New York Giants.

Why the Buccaneers will win: The Buccaneers offense will continue making a significant impact and take advantage of a Cowboys defense that is vulnerable to many explosive plays down the field. 

Why the Cowboys can win: Tony Romo returns to his week one form, and the Cowboys defense will force Josh Freeman to challenge them late in the game.

Prediction: Cowboys 34   Buccaneers 24

The Cowboys will get back on track in front of the home crowd. DeMarco Murray will run rampant on a Buccaneers defense that will continue to struggle against an offense with a balanced attack.

5. Detroit Lions @ Tennessee Titans

The Detroit Lions were outmatched by the San Francisco 49ers, who displayed a balanced offense that was too difficult for Jim Schwartz's defense to stop. They will look to take out their frustrations on an 0-2 Tennessee Titans that has been ineffective in their first two games.

Why the Lions can win: The Lions offense will benefit from facing a Titans defense that was unable to stop Tom Brady or Philip Rivers in a span of two weeks. Calvin Johnson will take advantage of a Titans secondary that misses Cortland Finnegan.

Why the Titans can win: Jake Locker will have his best game of the season against a Lions secondary that continues to be the Achilles heal of this team. Chris Johnson has heard enough from the critics about his performance the last two weeks and will run rampant against a vulnerable Lions defensive front.

Prediction: Titans 27 Lions 24

This will be the biggest upset of the week. Finally, the Titans play makers will show up and help Jake Locker earn his first win of the season.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts

On Sunday, two of the AFC's younger quarterbacks square off in a battle between AFC South division rivals. While Andrew Luck led the Indianapolis Colts to their first win last week, Blaine Gabbert struggled mightily against the Texans defense.

Why the Jaguars can win: Blaine Gabbert has a similar performance that he did in week one against a Colts defense that struggles to have many consistent impact players besides Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Maurice Jones-Drew continues having an increased role and will have his best game thus far in 2012.

Why the Colts can win: Andrew Luck has a variety of play-makers at his disposal, and it may be a perfect situation to play against a Jaguars secondary that has not played up to its expectations.

Prediction: Jaguars 28   Colts 21

The young Jaguars offense continues to grow with Blaine Gabbert, who will have an efficient performance in the team's first win of the season.

7. New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins

The New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins meet in a pivotal AFC East match up, as the division remains wide open to begin the first month of the year.

Why the Jets can win: Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense can focus on building consistency from the offensive side of the football. Santonio Holmes and Stephen Hill should benefit from playing against a weak Dolphins secondary that has struggled since the departure of Vontae Davis.

 Why the Dolphins can win: Miami is going to keep this game close throughout, and will heavily rely on the running game with Reggie Bush to avoid putting Ryan Tannehill in difficult positions against the Jets defense. Their defense is bound to have a quality game against a Jets offense that can easily be stopped if Santonio Holmes is contained throughout the game.

Prediction: Jets 21  Dolphins 20

The likely absence of Darelle Revis will allow Tannehill to keep the Dolphins in the game, but the Jets will earn a crucial road victory against a division rival.

8. San Francisco 49ers @ Minnesota Vikings

The San Francisco 49ers have played fantastic football through the first two weeks of the season. Can they avoid a letdown game against the young Minnesota Vikings?

Why the 49ers can win: Jim Harbaugh will continue implementing a balanced attack that features an extremely efficient Alex Smith and a healthy Frank Gore in the backfield. The 49ers defense is playing at the same dominant level from a year ago, and should limit Adrian Peterson's production.

Why the Vikings can win: The Vikings secondary can force some rare turnovers against Alex Smith, putting Christian Ponder and company in a good position to score touchdowns in key situations. Adrian Peterson will have a bigger impact than last week's no show performance.

Prediction: 49ers 34  Vikings 10

The 49ers continue handling their business in dominating fashion.

9. Kansas City Chiefs @ New Orleans Saints

Through the first two weeks of the NFL season, the more surprising 0-2 teams face off in a must-win situation. The New Orleans Saints continue life without Sean Payton, while the Kansas City Chiefs look to stay in contention for the AFC West.

Why the Chiefs can win: The Chiefs benefit from playing a Saints defense that ranks among one of the worst units in the league. Jamaal Charles has a breakout game on the ground, and Matt Cassel avoids the turnovers that easily get him into trouble.

Why the Saints can win: Fortunately, the Saints return home to play in the Super dome, where the offense is typically unstoppable. Drew Brees will be happy to play a Chiefs defense that has missed Brandon Carr and has lacked consistent pressure on the quarterback.

Prediction: Saints 35  Chiefs 23

The Saints get a much needed first win of the season at home.

10. Cincinnati Bengals @ Washington Redskins

This game has gone under the radar despite the fact it features stars such as AJ Green and rookie Robert Griffin III.

Why the Bengals can win: Andy Dalton catches a break with the news that Brian Orakpo will miss the remainder of the season, weakening an effective Redskins pass rush. AJ Green has been off to a quiet start, but provides a tough match up for the veteran Redskins secondary.

Why the Redskins can win: Griffin III continues his dynamic play making ability against a Bengals defense that has been received tough challenges against AFC North offenses. The defense will continue adding extra coverage to AJ Green and force the other play makers to beat them.

Prediction: Bengals 21   Redskins 17

Mike Zimmer's defense gets back on track, and contains RG3 to pull out the road victory.

11. Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals

The Philadelphia Eagles survive a physical game against the Baltimore Ravens, and move forward against the surprising 2-0 Arizona Cardinals. Which team will be undefeated after Sunday?

Why the Eagles can win: Through two games, the Eagles winning formula has been for its defense to keep the game relatively close, and allow Mike Vick to make enough game-changing plays that lead to a victory. Kevin Kolb could be in for a nightmare against his former team. 

Why the Cardinals can win: Their defense has been dominating opposing offensive lines, which could lead to many more hits for Vick. Vick continues to be prone to costly turnovers, setting up the Cardinals in the red zone with the opportunity to get points on the board.

Prediction: Eagles 23  Cardinals 17

While the defense comes up big, Vick ultimately is the difference maker for the Eagles on Sunday.

12. Atlanta Falcons @ San Diego Chargers

One of Sunday's most intriguing match ups is the game featuring two top ten quarterbacks in Matt Ryan and Philip Rivers. A 3-0 start would be significant for both as they would have a clear advantage early on in the conference standings.

Why the Falcons can win: Matt Ryan continues striving in the new up tempo offense and benefits from having three elite offensive weapons at his disposal. The Chargers have relied on putting pressure on the quarterback, but could struggle against a dominant Falcons offensive line that has protected him quite well.

Why the Chargers can win: Philip Rivers can continue improving the chemistry with his new receivers and take advantage of a Falcons secondary that is playing without Brett Grimes. 

Prediction: Falcons 24  Chargers 21

When in doubt, take Matt Ryan over Philip Rivers in the regular season.

13. Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos

The Houston Texans face their first test of the season when they travel to Denver against Peyton Manning and company. Can the Texans win a quality road game to kick off 2012?

Why the Texans can win: They can easily punish the Broncos physically on both sides of the football. Their balanced offensive attack could be difficult for the aging Broncos defense to handle, while the defense continues forcing Peyton Manning into situations that cause turnovers.

Why the Broncos can win: Peyton Manning ended in a rhythm with his new teammates against the Atlanta Falcons, and the momentum carries over when they are challenged by the ruthless Texans defense.Willis McGahee will provide a much needed balanced offense that can ultimately make a difference on Sunday.

Prediction: Broncos 27  Texans 24

It's difficult to imagine Manning losing two straight games in September, especially with his team having the home field advantage.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers @ Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders continue battling for their first win of the season and will attempt to upset the Pittsburgh Steelers on their home turf.

Why the Steelers can win: Their explosive passing offense led by Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley will exploit the many weaknesses in a Raiders secondary that relies heavily on Tyvon Branch. This veteran team is disciplined and will take advantage of the mistakes that the Raiders make on a weekly basis.

Why the Raiders can win: Carson Palmer has never avoided taking chances against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and may try to utilize his speed receivers against a vulnerable Steelers secondary. Dennis Allen will have his defense ready to pressure Roethlisberger and keep this game close enough where a victory is in sight.

Prediction: Steelers 27   Raiders 10

The Steelers continue handling their business against a weak AFC West opponent.

15. New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens

The New England Patriots travel to Baltimore for an early season against the Ravens in a rematch of last year's unforgettable AFC Championship game. Can the Ravens unleash their will on the Patriots to avoid going 1-2?

Why the Patriots can win: Led by Tom Brady, this Patriots offense has managed to add more talent to its roster compared to a season ago. Brandon Lloyd will provide a touch match up for the young Ravens secondary. Through two games the Ravens defense ranks 27th in the NFL in large part due to their lack of a pass rush. When facing no pressure, Brady is usually unstoppable when the offense is firing on all cylinders.

Why the Ravens can win: They Ravens are in a perfect spot to win a very important game against a title contender. Historically, Joe Flacco and the Ravens defense have performed at a much more dominant level when playing at M & T Bank Stadium. This veteran defense can attack a Patriots offense that is without arguably Brady's most important offensive play maker in Aaron Hernandez. Flacco also benefits from playing a Patriots secondary that cannot compare to the veteran Eagles secondary he played last week.

 Prediction: Ravens 30  Patriots 27

They say don't pick against Tom Brady. It's also difficult to pick against the Ravens on their home turf. Rookie kicker Justin Tucker becomes the ultimate difference maker in this Sunday night showdown.

16. Green Bay Packers @ Seattle Seahawks

The Green Bay Packers face their first road test of the season on Monday Night Football against one of the more explosive teams in the NFL. Can Russell Wilson lead the upset minded Seattle Seahawks to a victory in front of the home crowd?

Why the Packers can win: Despite winning in convincing fashion against the Chicago Bears, the Packers offense is still looking to regain it's dominant form from a season ago. Greg Jennings is expected to play, which will open up more opportunities for Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the passing game. The Packers defense can continue providing its dominating pass rush against a young and inexperienced Seahawks offensive line.

Why the Seahawks can win: Russell Wilson has proven that he can be an effective game manager while still being considered a viable threat by the Packers defense. Marshawn Lynch can have his way with the Packers defense, and manage to give the young Seahawks defense much needed rest.

Prediction: Packers 28  Seahawks 17

Aaron Rodgers fires on all cylinders with the Packers offense, who will be ready to play on the road.

Matt Miselis is a veteran NFL FC for B/R who has been featured on ESPN.com, CBS Sports and the LA Times. Follow him on twitter: @MattMiselisNFL