NFL Week 3 Predictions: Michael Vick Will Struggle and 10 Bold Locks

It's hard to believe that we're already approaching Week 3 of NFL football, but here we are!

Week 2 produced some breakout players and some surprise upsets, and Week 3 will be no different. Many teams are having issues at quarterback, and others are enjoying their undefeated starts (however short-lived they may be).

So what happens this week?

Here are ten bold predictions for Week 3 of NFL football.

10. Jimmy Clausen Earns His Spot

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen has been given the starting position for the Carolina Panthers, and he will have the chance to prove himself against the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday.

The Bengals (though they are a better team than the Buccaneers) have holes in their defense, and Clausen needs to make Cincinnati work.

And he will. I don't think the Panthers will pull off the win, but I do think Jimmy Clausen will prove that he is the much better choice over Matt Moore at quarterback.

9. San Francisco Wins Big On The Road

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs on to the field for their game against the New Orleans Saints at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The 49ers may have lost to the Saints, but the game was much closer than anybody had anticipated. This week San Francisco will travel to Kansas City, and the Chiefs' undefeated season ends there.

The 9ers are the best team in the NFC West, and they will prove that this Sunday.

8. Derek Anderson Has a Better Week

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 12: Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals passes against the St. Louis Rams during the NFL season opener at the Edward Jones Dome on September 12, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals beat the Rams 17-13. (Photo by Dilip

After a firm butt-kicking from the Falcons last week, I have to urge Cardinals fans to not get too down on their team.

Anderson had issues with accuracy against Atlanta, but the Raiders are not the Falcons. I'm expecting the Cardinals to get better as the season progresses, and they will start with Oakland.

7. Vikings Stop Jahvid Best

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DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 19: Jahvid Best #44 of the Detroit Lions runs for a first down during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles as Ellis Hobbs #31 attempts to make the stop during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 19, 2010 i

Jahvid Best is arguably the best offensive player for the Detroit Lions, and his NFL career is off to an explosive start.

That being said, the Minnesota Vikings have quite a bit of work to do this season, and they won't lose to the Lions. Brett Favre doesn't run the Minnesota defense, and I expect the Vikings to have an answer for Best in Week 3.

6. Houston Steps It Up On Defense

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 21: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled as he scores a touchdown by Bernard Pollard #31 of the Houston Texans at the Louisiana Superdome on August 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty I

The Houston Texans have been winning football games based almost completely on their offense.

And so far, it has been working for them. But there is no excuse for allowing over 800 passing yards in two games.

The Cowboys will be out for blood, and the Texans need to stop Tony Romo in order to win this football game. I expect Bernard Pollard and the rest of the Texans defense to dramatically improve during this home game.

5. Mike Tolbert Keeps Getting Carries

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SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Mike Tolbert #35 of the San Diego Chargers lines up against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

With Ryan Matthews out in Week 2, Mike Tolbert had to pick up the slack on the Chargers' offense, and he didn't miss a beat.

Tolbert rushed for 82 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday against the Jaguars, and even with the return of Matthews, Tolbert will continue to get looks.

4. Steelers Offense Will Shine

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PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 12: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to run through Sean Weatherspoon #56 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL season opener game on September 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo

Don't laugh. I know the Steelers have been rocky on offense this season, but hear me out.

Pittsburgh's defense will keep the Bucs from putting points on the board, but I'm expecting the offense to contribute more to this football game.

Tampa Bay's defense isn't exactly spectacular (especially against the rush), and no matter who is playing quarterback for Pittsburgh, Rashard Mendenhall and company will run all over the Bucs.

3. Dolphins Beat The Jets

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Ricky Williams #34 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball during the game against the Minnesota Vikings on September 19, 2010 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Sure the Jets defeated the Patriots on Sunday, and sure one of the Dolphins' wins was against the Buffalo Bills.

But the New York Jets can't seem to escape all the drama this season.

The Jets took a hit with Darrelle Revis' hamstring issues, and now they have to deal with the Braylon Edwards DWI controversy.

I like the Dolphins at home over the Jets.

2. Michael Vick Struggles

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DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 19: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles scrambles for a first down during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 19, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Eagles defeated the Lions 35-32. (Photo by Leon Halip/G

Michael Vick has earned the starting spot with the Philadelphia Eagles after a stellar performance against the Detroit Lions, but that was Detroit.

While Jacksonville is far from the best team in the league, the Jags are much better than the Lions. A road game in Jacksonville will test Vick's abilities, and I think Andy Reid will be kicking himself after Sunday.

Vick is fun to watch, but the Jags will be a greater challenge than the Lions.

1. The Falcons Upset The Saints

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals at Georgia Dome on September 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The New Orleans Saints are simply not as explosive on offense as they were last season.

The Falcons are No. 4 in rushing in the NFL, and they completely stomped the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday. Reggie Bush is out, and a healthy Atlanta squad will give the Saints their first loss of the season.