NFL Picks Week 3: Breakdown of Biggest Marquee Matchups

Every game in the NFL is a must-win, but there are those that deserve extra emphasis.

In Week 3, one game we'll examine is the New England Patriots versus the Baltimore Ravens. A rematch of the 2011 AFC Championship, both teams enter at 1-1 and the winner significantly increases their odds of home-field advantage in January.

Additionally, this colossal matchup features future Hall of Famers like Tom Brady, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. A chess match of sorts, Patriots-Ravens is arguably the biggest game of this young season.

That, however, is not the only marquee contest set to kickoff this weekend.

So, let's see what the best games are as we near the end of September.

Texans at Broncos

The Houston Texans vs. Denver Broncos is quite the intriguing matchup.

Because of Peyton Manning's time with the Indianapolis Colts, the Texans are a familiar foe and vice versa.

One difference regarding 2012, though, is Houston's elite defense compared to what Manning has faced in the past. This Texans unit is certainly capable of getting constant pressure on Manning, shutting down the run and forcing turnovers.

So, the Broncos must remain as balanced as possible to keep Houston's defense honest. Regardless of the running game's success or lack thereof, Denver cannot abandon it and become one-dimensional.

As for the Texans offense, having Matt Schaub challenge the Denver secondary with Andre Johnson is a key matchup. It's not so much about getting Johnson the rock as it is forcing the Broncos on their heels.

Houston simply possesses that capability because of Johnson, and doing so allows for Arian Foster to produce more on the ground. The Broncos present a strong front seven that will stop the run and make plays in the backfield, so displaying no fear in the passing attack can limit Denver's ability up front.

Texans 21, Broncos 17

Falcons at Chargers

One of two games featuring undefeated opponents: The Atlanta Falcons travel across the country to face the San Diego Chargers.

It's a matchup of two explosive offenses and underrated defenses.

Early on, the Falcons' offense has to really test the Chargers' defense. San Diego may be 2-0, but the wins came against the Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans. Obviously Atlanta is a greater opponent, and Matt Ryan must take it to the Bolts.

Helped by a complete receiving corps and the NFL's most reliable tight end in Tony Gonzalez, the Dirty Birds will move the ball. Provided the passing game is effective from kickoff, Michael Turner will become a major factor in the second half.

Switching to the Chargers, establishing the running game to counter Atlanta's immediate onslaught is an advantage. The more San Diego can keep Matt Ryan and Co. off the field and control the game tempo, the more dangerous play-action will be.

Also, according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune:

"

Norv Turner said he's confident Ryan Mathews, barring setback, will face the Falcons on Sunday.

— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) September 20, 2012"

This is great news for Chargers fans and only ups the ante for this matchup. Unsurprisingly, the winner presents the more explosive offense and opportunistic defense.

Falcons 28, Chargers 24

Eagles at Cardinals

The other contest of unbeatens is the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals.

Both are coming off enormous wins in Week 2, and that only intensifies this Week 3 battle.

What's interesting here is how both teams have managed to win. Philadelphia has turned the ball over nine times and six are from Michael Vick. However, Vick was leading the NFL with 688 passing yards through the first two weeks.

Arizona, on the flip side, got fortunate with a missed field goal from New England after coughing up the rock late. Still, the Cardinals also made their own fortune by recording seven sacks in two games. So for this matchup, expect Vick to be under much duress when dropping back.

To counter the Card's aggressiveness, Philly must increase the utilization of running back LeSean McCoy. The Eagles have a better ground game, and defending the run is Arizona's weaker defensive aspect.

For the Card's, Kevin Kolb needs to simply get Larry Fitzgerald the ball. He was dominant against the Eagles last season and his production will open up the rest of Arizona's offense. Keep in mind, though, the more times Kolb drops back, the odds increase of Philly's front seven getting in the backfield.

And we all know how turnover-prone Kolb can get when feeling pressure in the pocket. 

Eagles 30, Cardinals 21

Patriots at Ravens

On Sunday night the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens square off for AFC supremacy.

Right now, other than the Houston Texans, few teams in the conference stand out, and this winner will certainly make a statement for the remainder of 2012.

For as much as this game could simply be put in the hand of Tom Brady or Joe Flacco, it will be the running game that determines the victor. New England's Stevan Ridley has totaled 196 rushing yards in two games and Baltimore's Ray Rice isn't far behind with 167.

Each offense presents a strong passing attack, so we can expect ball movement to be rather consistent throughout. Whoever slams on the ground more effectively, though, can then take advantage of the pass defense and risk some attempts downfield.

Looking at the Pats, Bill Belichick presents two young corners in Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington but both have solid resumes. McCourty was an All-Pro as a rookie in 2010 and Arrington led the league in picks last season.

New England will be able to lockdown in man coverage. The Ravens will also blanket in man coverage, because Lardarius Webb can take away half the field. That allows Ed Reed to patrol the middle in Cover 1 or 3 and simply react to any toss from Brady.

All that said brings us back to the ground game. Considering how stellar these coverage players are, the more established running game makes any defense more vulnerable against the pass.

Ravens 27, Patriots 20

Packers at Seahawks

At first glance, the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks isn't a big-time matchup,

However, digging deeper into the contest, there is certainly more at stake than anticipated.

Both teams enter the Monday night game at 1-1, and each won in Week 2 after losing in Week 1. It wasn't surprising to see the Packers dominate the Chicago Bears at home, but Seattle pulled an impressive upset over the Dallas Cowboys.

Here, we have a chess match of opposing philosophies. Green Bay is the pass-heavy offense, whereas the Seahawks' best bet is hitting between the tackles with Marshawn Lynch.

The same can be said for the defenses. Seattle stuffed the Cowboys on the ground last Sunday and Green Bay fared better against the pass versus Chicago. Interestingly enough, this game gives us two defenses with impressive pass-rushers in Clay Matthews and Chris Clemons.

Beginning with Seattle, Pete Carroll's offense can't get away from its forte. The more Lynch is fed on the ground, the less possessions Aaron Rodgers will have to challenge Seattle's secondary.

As for Green Bay, obviously the Pack needs to push the pace and force Russell Wilson to out-perform Rodgers.

Packers 24, Seahawks 13

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