NFL Week 3 Picks for All 16 Games: Can Bills Shock Patriots?

We've been through two weeks so far in the NFL season, and quite frankly, things have not gone as expected. What am I talking about exactly?

Well, to start, who thought that the Bills, Redskins and Lions would all be 2-0? 

Who could have ever predicted Cam Newton would throw back to back 400 yard games in his first two NFL starts? Not me for one. 

Week 3's games are highlighted by two games, featuring he Patriots at Bills, and the Texans at Saints. The Bills haven't made the playoffs in since 1999, while the Texans have yet to make the playoffs since entering the league in 2002. Could this be the year for both teams?

Top Quarterback: Tom Brady, 27-36, 433 yards, three TDs

Top Running Back: Chris Johnson, 21 carries, 172 yards, TD

Top Wide Receiver: Vincent Jackson, 12 catches, 176 yards, two TDs

Top Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski

Top Defense: San Diego Chargers

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

Let me bring you back to opening day of the NFL season on September 7, 2003. Would you like to know the significance of that date? That was the last time the Bills beat the Patriots. That was eight years ago, for those counting at home. Tom Brady threw four interceptions in a 31-0 rout in Buffalo. Since then, it's been an uphill battle for the Bills against the Patriots.

Does the streak end here? In two games this season, the Bills have put up 41, and 38 points, resulting in two wins. Ryan Fitzpatrick has brought a life to their offense, and he plays with no fear. That was in full effect last week when the Bills came back from a 21-3 deficit to beat the Raiders 38-35. In that game, Fitzpatrick threw the winning touchdown to David Nelson with 18 seconds left, clinching the victory. It was the best Bills game in years, and they could top things off with a win over the Patriots.

Unfortunately for them though, Tom Brady isn't going to let that happen. In two games this season, Tom Brady has thrown for 940 yards, including a 517 yard performance in Week 1. He is doing whatever he wants on the field, and looks unstoppable. It really looks as though he sees the field better than anybody else, and let's face it, he probably does. I could rave on and on about Brady all day long, but I'll stop here. You get it, the guy is pretty good. 

I want to pick the Bills in this game, I really do, but I can't get myself to do it. The offense will put up some points, but I think the defense is going to have a hard time staying off of the field. The Patriots will make the big stops when they need to, and I can't say the same for the Bills. 

Sorry Bills fans, the losing streak to the Patriots won't end here. 

Fearless Forecast: Patriots 31, Bills 24. 

Jacksonville Jaguars at Carolina Panthers

It took just two weeks, and four interception game out of Luke McCown, but the Blaine Gabbert era is beginning in Jacksonville. Is he ready to start? If there is one thing we learned early this year, it's that while dangerous to start a rookie quarterback immediately, there is a huge upside. Just ask the Carolina Panthers.

In his first two games as an NFL quarterback, Cam Newton has turned heads, throwing for 422 yards in his first game, and one upped himself against the Packers in Week 2, throwing for 432. Unfortunately for the Panthers, neither of those games resulted in wins, but this week that will all change. With Newton at the helm, Steve Smith has benefited, and has had a rebirth in Carolina. Through the first two weeks, Smith already has 14 catches for 334 yards, and two touchdowns. He is rejuvenated, and finally has a quarterback to throw him the ball. 

How will Gabbert fare in his first career NFL start? The first start is never easy, that is, unless you're Cam Newton. Against a Panthers defense hurting with injuries though, Gabbert could surprise some people. I expect the Panthers to win this game, and for Newton to get his first win as a pro. The scary thing is, this is just his third game of his NFL career.

A monster is being created in Carolina.

Fearless Forecast: Panthers 27, Jaguars 13. 

San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals

Sorry to bring down the mood for Week 3 by having to analyze this game, but I don't pick the schedules, take that up with the schedule makers. I'm kidding, this game has some intriguing story lines, and I'll tell you them.

After leading 24-14 against the Cowboys with just under seven minutes left, the 49ers fell apart, losing 27-24 in overtime. Let's face it, they should be coming into this game at 2-0 had it not been for a defensive collapse late in the game. Now, at 1-1, they have an uphill battle with their next two games on the road, starting this week in Cincinnati. It won't be easy.

The Bengals have been somewhat of a surprise two weeks into the season. While many people didn't expect them to compete in 2011, they have done just the opposite early on. They were close to stealing one in Denver last week, after winning their first game on the road in Cleveland. Now, they return home, and the future looks bright in Cincinnati thanks to Andy Dalton, and A.J Green. The Bengals will not be an easy team to beat all season long. 

I expect the Bengals to win this week, and for Dalton to get his first win as an NFL quarterback. I have a feeling the 49ers will look deflated after blowing it against the Cowboys a week ago. 

Fearless Forecast: Bengals 23, 49ers 17.

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns

Here is a fun fact: In their last twelve home games, the Dolphins are 1-11, and are 0-2 on their own turf to start the season. That's not a good omen for them. Now, they have their first road game of the year, and from the looks of things, I guess that's a good news for them. 

After dropping their season opener to the Bengals, the Browns rebounded in Week 2 in Indianapolis, in a 27-19 victory. Peyton Hillis returned to his 2010 form, rushing for 94 yards and two touchdowns, while Colt McCoy went 22-32, and managed the game. Now the Browns go for two in a row against a Dolphins team who is struggling to find an identity. 

The Dolphins could never get in any sort of rhythm a week ago against the Texans, losing 23-13. There were some positive things to take out of the loss, and that's the emergence of Daniel Thomas, who rushed for 107 yards in his first game as a pro. At the end of the day though, it all boils down to Chad Henne, and if he can be the guy for this team. After a 416 yard outing in Week 1, Henne followed that up going 12-30, for just 170 yards. He better pick it up quick too because the Dolphins next three games are on the road where they will play the Chargers and Jets. Things could get out of control for the Dolphins quick if they aren't careful. 

The Dolphins are the hardest team to figure out. Last year they were 1-7 at home, and 6-2 on the road. Those numbers just don't make sense. Will the same thing happen this year? I don't think so. I like the Browns in this game at home.

Fearless Forecast: Browns 20, Dolphins 16. 

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

Out of every team playing this week, no team needs a win more than the Minnesota Vikings. After blowing a 17-0 lead to the Buccaneers last week, the Vikings are desperate, and in need of a win. Things can turn around fast for this team, as they play the Chiefs in Week 4, and the Cardinals the next week. If all goes well, the Vikings could be 3-2 heading into their Sunday Night showdown in Chicago. That's the optimist in me talking, simply because I'm rooting for Donovan McNabb to succeed. The Vikings season is on the line on Sunday against the Lions, and let me tell you, it is not going to be easy. 

The Lions have started the reason red-hot, and are fresh off of a 48-3 beat down of the Chiefs. Matthew Stafford looks as good as he's ever been, and if he can stay healthy, this Lions team is going to make a playoff run for the first time since 1999. To begin that playoff run though, they need to win their division opener on the road, and send a message to the Packers and Bears. They are going to have to expect a big dose of Adrian Peterson on Sunday, who has shredded the Lions defense in the past. 

I'm excited to see how the Lions respond on Sunday in Minnesota. They are getting hyped up by everybody, and with each win, the bandwagon is just going to get bigger. My heart tells me to pick the Vikings, but my mind tells me to go with the Lions.

The Lions improve to 3-0. Yes, the Detroit Lions.

Fearless Forecast: Lions 24, Vikings 21. 

Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints

One of the most exciting games of Week 3 is a clash of two high powered offenses, the Texans and the Saints. As you know, the Texans have yet to make the playoffs in their franchise history, and it feels like this could be the year. Beating the Saints in their own house would be a huge step in that direction. 

The most impressive thing to me about the Texans this season has been the improved play of their defense. In the offseason, the Texans brought in former Bills and Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips to run their defense, and he has done a great job. How good has their defense been you may ask? Well, they are giving up the least amount of yards per game in the NFL currently, as well as opponents passing yards. Yeah, I'd say that's a pretty good start. 

As for the Saints, after coming up short in Week 1, they rebounded against the Bears, sacking Jay Cutler five times. If there is one thing I have learned about the Saints this year, it's that they are even scarier than they have been in years past. The combination of Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas has made them that much scarier. Even when they won the Super Bowl they lacked a consistent running game, and this year they just may have found it.

These two teams met in the preseason with the Saints winning 38-20. I never take preseason football into account, and I won't start here. Having said that, I still say the Saints win this one in a game that will be decided in the fourth quarter. This is going to be a fun game.

Fearless Forecast: Saints 30, Texans 27. 

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

Remember the last time the Eagles and the Giants met? In case you forget, let me refresh your memory. After leading 31-10 with just under 13 minutes left, the Giants collapsed, losing on the final play on a punt return by DeSean Jackson. That game would forever be known as "The Miracle at the New Meadowlands." Now, a season later, they meet again, and the Giants would love some revenge. 

Last week, with the Eagles leading 31-21 at the end of the fourth quarter, they had a mini collapse of their own, losing 35-31. People will point to the fact that they lost Michael Vick as to why they lost, but the real problem was their defense, which gave up 14 points in the fourth quarter. For the second week in a row, they couldn't stop the run as Michael Turner ran for 114 yards, including a 61 yard burst that changed the game. The Eagles comeback bid came up just short, as Jeremy Maclin dropped a pass at 4th and 4 from Mike Kafka.

Luckily for the Eagles though, all signs are pointing to Michael Vick playing on Sunday against the Giants.

In an NFC East battle, it doesn't matter what field it's played on, you just get the feeling that it will always come down to the fourth quarter. Will that be the case here? The banged up Giants defense will need to come to play, and figure out a way to stop all of the Eagles weapons. In addition to the defense, the Giants offense may be without Mario Manningham to a concussion. Oh yeah, and they just lost Domenik Hixon to a torn ACL. Could the Giants luck get any worse this season?

Eagles win.

Fearless Forecast: Eagles 27, Giants 20. 

Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans

After looking sluggish in Week 1 against the Jaguars, the Titans proved last week in their win over the Ravens that they will not be an easy team to beat this year. In a down year for the AFC South, they look like they are the only team who can challenge the Texans. They need to keep it going here with a win over the Broncos.

Having dropped their season opener at home against the Raiders, all eyes were on Kyle Orton. It's got to be tough playing in a city where every fan does not want you in the game. You have to give Orton some credit last week for how he handled everything to win over the Bengals. I don't feel any sympathy for Orton, but I commend him on how he is handling it. Having said that, yes, I want Tim Tebow in the game just as much as people in Denver do. I told you I wouldn't let up on the Broncos until they put Tebow in, and I'm not. The time is now.

In this game, I expect the Broncos to struggle, and for Chris Johnson to break out his early season slump. For you people who have him on your fantasy team, if he has a big game here, I recommend trading him, and getting some value in return. I get a feeling it won't be the biggest season for "CJ2k."

Fearless Forecast: Titans 24, Broncos 14. 

New York Jets at Oakland Raiders

This game is an interesting one between the Jets and the Raiders. The Raiders defense got lit up a week ago by the Bills, while the Jets did the exact opposite in a 32-3 beat down against the Jaguars.Now, the Jets hit the road and go all the way across the country for their first road game of the season. This game won't be as easy as you may think, the Raiders will give the Jets a game.

Since day one for the Jets when Rex Ryan took over, he has guaranteed a Super Bowl. It comes to no surprise that at the beginning of this season, Ryan proclaimed that this would be the year the Jets finally do it. As it has every year, the Jets Super Bowl chances ride on the play of Mark Sanchez. Through two games in 2011, he has impressed me, and looks improved. Will it last?

For the Raiders to win this game, it comes to no surprise that the defense will have to give up less than 38 points. That defense is not as bad as they displayed last week in Buffalo. Expect a low scoring game in Oakland on Sunday and for the Jets to pull it out late.

Fearless Forecast: Jets 17, Raiders 14.  

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

Through two weeks this season, no team has been a bigger embarrassment than the Kansas City Chiefs. After winning the AFC West in 2010, the Chiefs have taken a step back, and that's an understatement. In two games this year, the Chiefs have been outscored 89-10, and lost Eric Berry and Jamaal Charles for the season to torn ACLs. They are in big trouble, and Todd Haley will not make it through the whole season at this point.

Last week, in Foxborough, the Chargers shot themselves in the foot, committing four turnovers, and costing them the game. You cannot do that against a team like the Patriots and expect to win. Now, the Chargers turn their attention to the Chiefs, who have failed to compete this season. This should be an easy win for the Chargers, but with them, you simply never know. They are one of the hardest teams in football to trust.

Don't expect the Chiefs to pull the upset here as the Chargers will roll to victory. Could this be the third straight week a Chiefs opponent puts up forty plus points? I wouldn't put it past that defense. 

Fearless Forecast: Chargers 34, Chiefs 13. 

Baltimore Ravens at St. Louis Rams

Were we too quick to jump on the Ravens bandwagon after their Week 1 thumping of the Steelers? In their encore performance against the Titans last week, the Ravens had a let down, losing 26-13. After Joe Flacco and the Ravens defense looked so sharp in Week 1, they took a step back in Tennessee. Flacco threw was just 15-32 for 197 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while the defense gave up 358 passing yards to Matt Hasselbeck. Now they hit the road again, and play a Rams team who is in need of a win.

Coming into the season, the Rams had high hopes and were the overall favorites to win the NFC West. Two weeks into the season though, the Rams have been hit hard with injuries and are in danger of falling 0-3. Luckily for them they are in the worst division in football, but things could get out of control for the Rams fast if they aren't careful. Once again in Week 3 they have a tough test ahead of them with a Ravens team eager to put last week behind them.

The Rams have struggled to convert in the red zone so far this season, and it has cost them in their first two games. With Steven Jackson a game-time decision, the Rams are going to need him if they want to win this game. Sorry Rams fans, but I don't see them taking this one. Ravens win it.

Fearless Forecast: Ravens 23, Rams 13. 

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

Each and every time the Packers and Bears meet up we are due for a treat. This is one of the best rivalries in all of sports, and last season they met each other three times, including the NFC Championship game. If it hadn't been for the Bears losing to the Packers in Week 17, Aaron Rodgers and company would not have even made the playoffs. So, in retrospect, the Bears are responsible for the Packers Super Bowl a season ago. 

Through the first two games this season, Jay Cutler has been getting killed, and has been sacked 10 times. It's been only two games and Cutler has already taken a major beating. That offensive line needs to get fixed quickly, or things could spiral out of control. I don't care what quarterback you are, whether you are Tom Brady, or Joe Montana, you need an offensive line, and time to throw the football. It's that simple. Ever notice of Brady and Peyton Manning just seem to camp out in the pocket and find the open guy? 

As for the Packers, they have not missed a beat from last season. Aaron Rodgers seems to look better every time you watch him play, and the rushing of attack of Ryan Grant and James Starks will make them even more dangerous. They will be without Nick Collins for the rest of the season to a neck injury and that will hurt, but remember how this team rallied last year en route to a Super Bowl victory? They will be just fine.

Expect this game to come down to the fourth quarter and for Rodgers to steal the show.

Fearless Forecast: Packers 26, Bears 23.

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks

Ah, here we go again, another classic NFC West battle. Screw the Packers-Bears, what this week is really about is the Cardinals, and Seahawks, right? Okay, I'm sorry if I am offending any NFC West lovers, but there isn't a football fan in America who doesn't treat this division like it's not a complete joke. Now, let's get to the game itself.

After dropping their first two games, the Seahawks return home to Seattle where the 12th man will be in effect. It doesn't matter if this team is bad, the city has always been behind them and they are one of the best fanbases in football. They are going to look like a different team on Sunday, and I have a feeling Tarvaris Jackson will have his best game as a Seahawk against a bad Cardinals secondary. 

The Cardinals, by all means, should be 2-0 right now. Had it not been for Chansi Stuckey coughing one up late, there's a good chance the Cardinals would have won that game in Washington. Instead, they are 1-1, and play in a rowdy environment in Seattle. With Beanie Wells nursing a hamstring injury, he will be a game-time decision and they will need him.

I'm taking the Seahawks in this game, as they pick up their first win of the season.

Fearless Forecast: Seahawks 20, Cardinals 14.  

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last week, with the Buccaneers trailing 20-10 with just under seven minutes remaining, do you think Josh Freeman panicked? In his two seasons in the NFL, if there is one thing clear, it's that Freeman shines under pressure. He loves the big stage. As to no surprise, the Bucs came back last week in Minnesota, and sealed the deal with a touchdown run by LeGarrette Blount with 31 seconds left. It was Freeman's eighth fourth quarter comeback, and that game may have just turned the Buccaneers season around. 

Likewise to the Buccaneers, the Falcons had a comeback of their own last week against the Eagles, trailing 31-21 in the fourth quarter to win it 35-31. In the game, it was Matt Ryan who led the comeback, and he took an even bigger step out of the shadow of Michael Vick. That win was huge for him. It doesn't get easier for the Falcons this week as they open up NFC South play. 

I'm very interested to watch this game. Can the Bucs make a run at the NFC South title? There is no better way to start than to beat the division champs from last season. I like the Bucs in a close one.

Fearless Forecast: Buccaneers 24, Falcons 21. 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts

To close out Sunday's games, I'm afraid to tell you we aren't exactly due for a thriller when the Steelers and the Colts collide. Without Peyton Manning this season, the Colts are a completely different team, and the struggle doesn't look like it's ending any time soon. Is there any question as to which player in the NFL is the most valuable to his team now? 

After getting rocked in their opener in Baltimore, the Steelers rebounded last week, winning 24-0 over the Seahawks. They played the Steeler football we have all become accustomed to watching over the years. They should have a similar result on Sunday night as the Colts look deflated, and lost without their hall of fame quarterback.

I'm still not sure why the Colts will not make a run at David Garrard. He knows the division well, and has got to be a better option than Kerry Collins at this point. 

In this game, I expect the keep the Colts to play better than they have played the first two games, but it won't be enough. Kerry Collins will struggle big time against the Steeler defense.

Fearless Forecast: Steelers 23, Colts 10. 

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys

If you had any ideas that Tony Romo was soft, he did his best to show you otherwise last week in San Francisco in a comeback victory. Romo led the Cowboys back from ten down in the fourth quarter, playing on a fractured rib and a collapsed lung to win it. That's guts if you ask me. The bad news for the Cowboys is that in that game, they lost Miles Austin to a hamstring injury that may just keep him out until week six. The Cowboys are hurting at receiver already with Dez Bryant injured, and his status is still up in the air.

As for the Redskins, did you expect them to be 2-0 to start the season? Rex Grossman said in the beginning of the season that he expected the 'Skins to win the NFC East, and so far, so good. This would be another step in doing that if they were to win another divisional game. I'm still not completely sold on them, and it's hard to trust any team where Rex Grossman is the quarterback. You can never be completely sure of when he is going to make that throw that leaves you thinking, "Was he serious just now?" This will be the first road game for the Redskins all season, and I'm curious to see how they respond to it. 

I'm not buying into the Redskins yet, and think the Cowboys rally through their injuries get to 2-1. 

Fearless Forecast: Cowboys 23, Redskins 21.