NFL Picks Week 3: Which Teams Will Emerge 3-0 After Week 3?

Nearly all of the NFL's 2-0 teams, with exception of the Buffalo Bills, go on the road in Week 3 to defend their undefeated record. They almost all have a tough test ahead of them. Which teams might keep the '0' in the loss column? 

Here's a look at the 2-0 teams and who they match up with this weekend:

Houston Texans (2-0) at New Orleans Saints (1-1)

We finally get our first real test to gauge exactly where the Texans are early in this season. They've beaten two of the NFL's worst teams—the Colts in Week 1 then the Dolphins last Sunday—to get to 2-0. Still, many have been quick to crown them as AFC South champs after two games. Don't forget what happened a year ago. Houston jumped out to a 2-0 record but then proceeded to lose 10 of their next 14 games. Losing to the Saints on the road wouldn't be a bad loss, but I think Houston needs to show the NFL world that they are ready to duke it out with the league's best. The Saints qualify and I think the Saints get to 2-1. 

Prediction: Saints 31, Texans 20
 

New England Patriots (2-0) at Buffalo Bills (2-0)

This game looks much better than we originally could have suspected heading into the season. Who really saw the Bills as contenders to be 2-0? That's exactly where they stand after wins against the Chiefs and Raiders. The Patriots are a much different animal, however. Tom Brady just had the best two-game stretch of his career, and that's saying something for a future Hall of Famer. Is there a tangible reason to think that run ends in Week 3? I like where the Bills as a franchise are headed, but they won't be headed to 3-0 after Sunday. The Patriots offense is too good right now. 

Prediction: Patriots 35, Bills 20
 

Detroit Lions (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2)

Everyone's pick for the up-and-coming team of the 2011 season sure looks good now as the Lions sit 2-0. They've done it in impressive fashion, too.

The Lions have dispatched two teams that won 10 games a year ago. They won their first game over the Vikings in three years in last season's finale, and they'll look to make it two in a row in this series' 100th matchup (Vikings lead, 66-31-2). Behind an explosive offseason led by Matthew Stafford and a defense that has looked even better than advertised, the Lions should roll past the Vikings on their way to 3-0. 

Prediction: Lions 24, Vikings 13
 

New York Jets (2-0) at Oakland Raiders (1-1)

The Raiders should be kicking themselves for not being 2-0, as they gave up both an 18-point half time lead and a fourth-down TD pass with under 20 seconds to go that allowed Buffalo to be the unblemished team.

Now, they can return the favor by spoiling the Jets undefeated party. New York embarrassed Luke McCown a week ago, but I think they could have trouble stopping Darren McFadden and Co. so far away from home. It's my upset of the week. 

Prediction: Raiders 21, Jets 10
 

Green Bay Packers (2-0) at Chicago Bears (1-1)

The Packers high-flying offense has always had trouble with the Bears. In three games last season, the Packers scored 17, 10 and 21 points, respectively. Expect another low-scoring affair Sunday in Chicago.

For all the Bears faults along the offensive line, they can still play defense—and they know the enemy they are facing well. Also, the loss of Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins is arguably bigger than any the Packers had to deal with last season during their Super Bowl run. Their undefeated run ends in the Windy City.

Prediction: Bears 20, Packers 17
 

Washington Redskins (2-0) at Dallas Cowboys (1-1)

I am as intrigued with the Redskins start as any in the NFL so far. I probably would have been the last person that would have expected Washington to start 2-0, especially after selecting Rex Grossman as their starting quarterback. Both the team and Grossman have proven me wrong so far.

While the Cowboys have looked really solid defensively, the Redskins appear just as good on that side of the ball. I found it hard to do it after all the grief I gave them in the offseason, but I like the Redskins to go to Dallas and leave 3-0 to start the season.

Prediction: Redskins 23, Cowboys 17