NFL Predictions Week 3: Early Odds, Picks and Projections for Upcoming Schedule

The Monday Night Football battle between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts was the perfect way to end the second week of the 2014 NFL regular season, but many fans have already turned their attention to the predictions for Week 3.

With elite teams like New Orleans and Indianapolis starting the year 0-2 and unheralded franchises like Buffalo and Houston 2-0, the NFL has been turned on its ear through the first two weeks of the season.

Here is all the vital information needed before making a wager and a preview of the game of the week.

Thursday, Sept. 18	Time (ET)	Watch	Spread	Pick Against Spread
Sunday, Sept. 21	TIME (ET)	TV	Spread	Pick Against Spread
Monday, Sept. 22	TIME (ET)	TV	Spread	Pick Against Spread
Tampa Bay at Atlanta	8:25 PM	CBS/NFL	ATL (-4.5)	Falcons
San Diego at Buffalo	1:00 PM	CBS	PK	Chargers
Dallas at St. Louis	1:00 PM	FOX	DAL (-1.5)	Cowboys
Washington at Philadelphia	1:00 PM	FOX	PHI (-6.5)	Eagles
Houston at NY Giants	1:00 PM	CBS	HOU (-2.5)	Texans
Minnesota at New Orleans	1:00 PM	FOX	NO (-9.5)	Saints
Tennessee at Cincinnati	1:00 PM	CBS	CIN (-7)	Bengals
Baltimore at Cleveland	1:00 PM	CBS	PK	Ravens
Green Bay at Detroit	1:00 PM	FOX	DET (-2)	Packers
Indianapolis at Jacksonville	1:00 PM	CBS	IND (-7)	Colts
Oakland at New England	1:00 PM	CBS	NE (-14.5)	Raiders
San Francisco at Arizona	4:05 PM	FOX	SF (-2)	49ers
Denver at Seattle	4:25 PM	CBS	SEA (-3.5)	Broncos
Kansas City at Miami	4:25 PM	CBS	MIA (-3.5)	Chiefs
Pittsburgh at Carolina	8:30 PM	NBC	CAR (-3.5)	Panthers
Chicago at NY Jets	8:30 PM	ESPN	PK	Bears

*Betting information via OddsShark.com.

Game of the Week: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins

The best game of Week 3 is the NFC East battle between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday.

Philadelphia came back for a huge victory over Indianapolis in Week 2 and will look to continue their dominance by squaring off against the divisional rival Redskins. Led by quarterback Nick Foles, the Eagles have come back in each of their first two games, proving to be as strong mentally as the team is physically.

Regardless of what Philadelphia throws Washington’s way, the official Twitter of the Redskins shared DeAngelo Hall’s comment that he will be ready:

While Foles deserves immense credit for running Chip Kelly’s fast-paced offense, it was the talent of running back Darren Sproles that was on full display Monday night. The versatile player racked up four carries for 26 yards and a touchdown, but it was his seven receptions for 152 yards that made the biggest difference.

When asked about the performance of Sproles, Eagles starting RB LeSean McCoy spoke to The Associated Press (via ESPN) regarding the impact he has made on the team:

"

Without Sproles, we would be in some trouble, to be honest, we really would. That's why we're a team. When guys are struggling, he's picking everybody up. He's helping me out. I need to get my thing together. I don't feel like I'm playing to the level I should be playing at.

"

Despite the offense and defensive units not playing their best early in the season, the Redskins are even worse. A loss to the Houston Texans was a devastating blow, but the dislocated ankle for starting quarterback Robert Griffin III in Week 2, via Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com, may be too much adversity to overcome. Washington was able to beat Jacksonville with backup Kirk Cousins under center, but Philadelphia is far superior to the Jaguars.

There could be even more animosity between the two rivals on Sunday, as Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 in Washington D.C. shared DeSean Jackson’s comments on returning to Philadelphia Sunday:

Jackson suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2, but after being released by the Eagles following the 2013 season, there is little doubt that the talented wide receiver will do whatever he can to make an appearance in Sunday’s game. He will be looking to make his former team pay for letting him go.

As well as Washington played in Week 2, the Eagles are the better offensive team and will rack up points against the lackluster Redskins defense. If Philadelphia’s defense steps up against the injury-riddled Washington offensive unit as it did in the second half against Indianapolis, Cousins, Jackson and the rest of the top skill players will never have a chance to find a rhythm.

This divisional battle will be must-watch TV in Week 3.

Predicted Final Score: Philadelphia 41, Washington 24

*Stats via NFL.com.

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