Week 3 NFL Picks: Road Teams That Will Pick Up Big Victories

Winning on the road in the NFL isn't easy, especially early in the season when every fanbase is still actively engaged. Even elite teams are forced to play at a high level to ensure they don't let a winnable game slip away.

There are several top contenders heading out on the road this week. Let's take a look at a trio of them that will step up and earn a road victory that has the potential to give them a boost of confidence that lasts well beyond Week 3.

Pittsburgh Steelers

After an uncharacteristic performance in Week 1, the Steelers defense looked more like its usual dominant self against the New York Jets, holding them to 219 yards of offense. When the unit is playing like that, Pittsburgh remains one of the league's best teams.

The Steelers face a tricky test on Sunday when they visit the Oakland Raiders and one of the NFL's toughest environments. The Raiders are 0-2 but have a potent offense that hasn't lived up to expectations yet.

Sunday's clash represents Pittsburgh's last game before its bye week, and the schedule gets tougher afterward. The veteran team understands how crucial that makes this game, so expect the Steelers to take care of business in workmanlike fashion.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers will play the Seattle Seahawks, and one of the most underrated fanbases in sports, on Monday night. After playing the Thursday game last week, it's almost like Green Bay had a built-in bye to prepare for the game.

Even though the Packers lost their opener and sent the media into a frenzy about the team's outlook, they showed in Week 2 exactly why they are still a top-tier team. They took down the rival Chicago Bears and made it look easy.

The biggest key to success will be getting Aaron Rodgers back on track. He has just three touchdown passes in two games, well below his pace from last season. He's too good to remain down for long, so look for him to dominate on the national stage in a Packers win.

Philadelphia Eagles

It hasn't been easy, but the Eagles are 2-0 thanks to a pair of one-point wins. Fortunately for them, the margin of victory doesn't matter when the playoffs roll around.

Philadelphia will battle another unbeaten team, the Arizona Cardinals, in Week 3.

Last season, the Eagles had enough talent to make the playoffs but were doomed by massive expectations that added unnecessary pressure. With the spotlight gone, it seems like the team is finally living up to its ability.

Even though the Cardinals shocked the New England Patriots last week, it's hard to imagine they will be able to do it again to the Eagles. Arizona is due to come back down to earth a bit, and the Eagles should capitalize to remain atop the NFC East.