NFL Predictions Week 3: 4 Games That Will Come Down to the Wire

Unless you have a specific rooting interest, chances are on Sunday afternoons you are most interested in watching the best games of the week. Most people consider a great game one that is up for grabs until the final moments.

Here are the four games that I expect to come down to the wire this weekend. Consider it my guide for what games to watch on your NFL Sunday Ticket package.

Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints

For years the Houston Texans have been on the verge of becoming a playoff team, but they can never seem to get over the hump. With the AFC South wide open due to the absence of Peyton Manning, this could finally be the Texans chance to take over the division.

While the Texans are off to an 2-0 start, their biggest test of the young season will come on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. After the Saints lost in Week 1, they bounced back last week to even their record at 1-1.

The key to this game will be the Texans' formerly porous pass defense against the Saints potent passing game. Houston is giving up an average of just 162.5 yards per game while New Orleans is throwing it for 330 yards per contest.

New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

I have not been impressed with the New York Giants at all this year. However, the reason I believe their game against the Philadelphia Eagles will come down to the wire is because of the questionable status of Michael Vick.

Honestly, with Vick at 100 percent, I do not believe this would be all that tight of a game. However, even if Vick does play, it will be after missing most, if not all of practice this week. If Vick doesn't play, then the Eagles will go with Mike Kafka at quarterback, and I think the backup can keep Philly in the game.

Even if whoever is playing quarterback for the Eagles can't keep their team in the game, it is likely Eli Manning will do his part to keep Philadelphia close. I get the feeling the interception-prone Manning is going to have a hard time against the Eagles.  

Expect this game to be close, but not necessarily very high scoring.

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

Rivalry games seem to have an abnormal tendency to almost always be close contests. The matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears is no different. In three games last year, the final margin of victory for either team was never more than seven points.

This year's first battle between the NFC North rivals should just be more of the same. The Packers and Bears should both be battling for playoffs spots again this year, and that will only add more fuel to the fire when the two teams meet.

Expect a close game this week and when these teams meet again in December.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The NFC South is a loaded division, and battling for playoff position within the division will be a key factor in this week's game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Both teams enter the contest 1-1, and whoever wins will have a leg-up in the division race. There is rarely this much on the line in an early season matchup, but the implications for the rest of the season in this contest are undeniable.  

Tampa Bay and Atlanta will both be giving everything they have to gain control of the NFC South. While it should be a close game, I wouldn't expect to see much defense. There should be a lot of offensive fireworks in this one.