NFL Week Three: Five Things to Watch For

(Will Favre finally get to air it out?)

The first two weeks of the NFL season have been nothing short of exciting and informative, both from a fantasy and "real-life" spectrum.

We've seen a ton of close games, prime-time performances worthy of being shown under the lights, and enough stud fantasy production to make us feel "okay" about how we drafted before the season began.

On the other hand, we still have some uneasy feelings, even as we approach week three.

First we can't be completely certain about the futures of some of the leagues undefeated teams. Are they truly division, playoff, and/or Super Bowl contenders? Or are they just getting off to 2008 Buffalo Bills-type fast starts?

Are the Patriots going to continue being this sluggish? Is this really a new and improved San Francisco team? And, quite naturally we think to ourselves, is this Mark Sanchez kid for real?

Those are just a few of the questions meandering in our thoughts as we make our bets, picks and set our weekly fantasy line-ups. Unfortunately, however, none of those questions can be answered in one week.

For the things to watch for, or the things that can actually be answered in week three, continue reading:


5. Will the Browns Finally Score an Offensive Touchdown?

Not only will the Browns not score an offensive touchdown, but I'm fairly confident that they can go another two or three games without doing so.

Brady Quinn looks flustered almost all the time, their running game is virtually non-existent, and Braylon Edwards is their only real threat on offense, and he can't even catch the ball.

Believe me, the trade talks are heating up in Cleveland, and Eric Mangini wants a Leon Washington like Whitney Houston wants her voice back. Oh, too soon?

But seriously, it's already really bad in Cleveland, as their main offensive threat has been Phil Dawson. Considering his off-season contractual issues, do you think this guy finally has leverage to get a new deal?

The worst part is actually the fact that Cleveland has to take its woeful rushing offense and run defense up against the Baltimore Ravens, a team that can run the ball at will, and can fall asleep while punishing running backs into submission.

Just ask Darren Sproles how it felt last week. Or Larry Johnson in week one.

You truly won't know how happy Jamal Lewis is that he has a bad hammy until after you watch this game.

Fantasy Perspective: Outside of Joe Flacco getting another crack at 300 yards and Ray Rice and Willis McGahee running wild, is there one? Not for Cleveland, there isn't.

Your only "safe" bets are Brady Quinn (33 attempts per game), and hope he doesn't throw 33 interceptions, and Braylon Edwards (six catches last week), and hope he doesn't go back to his one reception performance of week one. That's way too much hoping for my liking.


4. Can the Giants Ground Attack Get Back on Track?

The Giants are 2-0, appear to be the best team in football, and are loving every minute of Eli Manning and his chemistry with his new top receivers.

Oh, and their defensive front four is making opposing quarterbacks cry. Constantly.

Even with Justin Tuck (shoulder) expected out for 1-2 weeks, they're expected to not miss a beat. Sorry, Steve Spagnuolo, but apparently you aren't going to be that missed.

Regardless of all the great things happening in New York, for what seems to be the third consecutive year now, there is still some ground that needs to be made-up. Quite literally, actually.

While the Giants rush attack of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw hasn't been non-existent, it has still been very under-whelming.

However, with a nice match-up with Tampa Bay's soft run defense and spotty secondary, it figures to be a beautiful day for both backs in the Giants backfield, and also could figure to be a cakewalk for Eli Manning and the receivers, too.

Nothing like finally getting your entire offense clicking on all levels on your way to a 3-0 start.

Fantasy Perspective: The Buccaneers gave-up 160 rushing yards to Fred Jackson, and watched "Team Obliterator" (T.O.-thank you, Skip Bayless) obliterate them. Well, sort of.

It's a safe bet that the Giants as a whole are better than the Bills on every level, so don't be shy: Manning, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Brandon Jacobs, and Ahmad Bradshaw all make solid plays in week three.


3. Will Brett Favre and the Vikings Finally Air it Out?

In one completely unnecessary and made-up word: Abso-freaking-lutely.

It's arguably been all about Adrian Peterson for the first two weeks, as Minnesota's solid defense has allowed only two offensive touchdowns, and then sitting back and relaxing while the man nicknamed "All-Day" has waltzed his way to over 270 rushing yards.

But against a much better San Francisco defense, it will surely take more than Peterson to put up more than the 25.5 points they've been averaging. However, maybe not too much more.

While the 49ers have been solid on defense through the first two weeks, they, like Minnesota, haven't been truly tested, as they beat up a struggling Cardinals team that couldn't run the ball, and ran all over a Seahawks team that lost Matt Hasselbeck mid-way through the game.

Something tells me Brett Favre and the rest of the offense aren't about two lay an egg at home after winning two straight on the road.

Fantasy Perspective: Even if Adrian Peterson doesn't figure to crack 150 and ramble for 2 or more scores, you still leave him in your line-up. He's Adrian Peterson.

On a lighter note, this may be the week where it's finally time for Brad Childress to see just what he has in Brett Favre. Prepare for some fireworks.

Want the final two things to watch for? Head over to TRZR to check them out, as well as get a good dose of NFL and Fantasy Football news.