NFL Week 3 Picks: Visiting Teams on Upset Alert

Playing in front of a home crowd can create a massive advantage in the NFL, and that will be very apparent this week.

Several talented teams travel to hostile environments in Week 3. Despite their obvious advantages on the field, a few key factors will put them on upset alert on Sunday.

Let's take a look at three teams that better approach their away game with caution this week.

Green Bay Packers

This game comes down to playing style. If the Seahawks force the Packers to play their game, an upset is very possible.

The Seahawks love to run the ball and allow their defense to mix it up. They aren't the most talented team in the NFL, but they do have one of the better home-field advantages that you're going to find.

Green Bay's defense is still inconsistent, and Aaron Rodgers can't do everything by himself. Expect the Seahawks to pin their ears back and attack him, forcing Cedric Benson to control the Packers offense.

If Rodgers is able to air it out and do his usual thing, Green Bay will win this one comfortably. If not, someone will be sweating this game out.

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia is turning the ball over left and right this season, and that won't change this week. Strictly by talent, this game shouldn't be close. Arizona, however, will present a challenge on its home field.

The Cardinals defeated the Patriots last week because of their ability to pressure Tom Brady. They swarmed the pocket, kept Brady from getting comfortable and made their secondary's job much easier.

If they do the same this week, you have to imagine Michael Vick will turn the ball over. He's been erratic through two games, and there's no reason to think that would change in this one.

Arizona will use the home crowd and its momentum from last week to continue its defensive success. If it can find a way to score, don't be surprised if it wins this game.

Houston Texans

This may be an upset in record only, but it's an upset nonetheless. Houston and Denver will battle it out in Mile High, but the Texans haven't been tested like this so far this year.

Houston has the No. 1 overall defense in the league; however, Miami and Jacksonville aren't necessarily stiff challenges. Peyton Manning and the Broncos will push them in ways that they haven't experienced yet.

This game is going to be extremely close no matter which way it falls. The Texans will use their ground game to possess the football, hoping their defense can win them the game.

Manning struggled in the first quarter against Atlanta last week. He managed to settle down in the second half, but his arm strength looked questionable.

It's difficult to see Manning having two below-average games in a row. Look for him to propel his team to victory in this one.