NFL Picks Week 3: Predicting Scores for All 16 Games

Picking NFL games is more of an art than a science. One can only consider the two teams' aggregate performance in their previous games, their expectations going forward into the season, and what is known about each teams' respective players.

Sounds easy, but a lot of it is guesswork. Sure, it's highly likely the Pittsburgh Steelers will trounce the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, but by how much? A lot, sure, but what are the numbers?

While betting lines are a good place to start, they don't tell all of the story. Here are my totally official and completely expert picks for all 16 of this week's games. Winners are in all caps.

Buffalo Bills vs. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

This game should continue the high-scoring trend for both teams, with passing taking primacy over the run, though Bills running back Fred Jackson and Patriots rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis should put up decent yardage.

The Bills, however, won't end up with the win, even with a struggling Patriots secondary and a weak pass rush. This game should prove similar to the Patriots' Week 2 win over the San Diego Chargers.

Final Score: 35-24, Patriots

Jacksonville Jaguars at CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Panthers have yet to win a game this season, despite the ridiculous performance of their quarterback, Cam Newton. Newton has thrown for 854 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions, while rushing for another 71 yards and two touchdowns.

The Jaguars, on the other hand, have notched one win while still being one of the worst-performing teams in the NFL on both offense and defense.

This game will serve as the full-game starting debut of rookie Jacksonville quarterback Blaine Gabbert; while he represents the team's best chance to win this year, he's certainly not Newton's equal.

Despite a shaky defense and a struggling run game, the Panthers will earn their first win of the season against the Jaguars.

Final Score: 24-13, Panthers

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at Cincinnati Bengals

This game is a difficult one to call, but I am going to go with San Francisco eking out a close victory over the Bengals.

49ers quarterback Alex Smith suffered a low-grade concussion in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but has already been medically cleared to play. However, he will be without wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who underwent a knee procedure earlier this week and may miss up to a month.

Instead, he will need to rely on running back Frank Gore, receiver Michael Crabtree, tight end Vernon Davis and his defense to keep the Bengals at bay.

I think that San Francisco will manage the task in yet another close contest for the team.

Final Score: 20-17, 49ers

Cleveland Browns vs. MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Dolphins struggled to stop the Houston Texans' running attack last week, and they weren't too smart against the pass game, either.

However, this week's contest against the Browns will prove to be an easier time for the team still struggling to find its offensive identity heading into Week 3.

I don't see much scoring in this contest, however, and I think this one may go either way. But, if I had to pick a winner between these two teams, seven times out of 10, I'm going with Miami.

Final Score: 13-10, Dolphins

DETROIT LIONS at Minnesota Vikings

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is the greatest of Detroit's worries going into Week 3, and while that's saying something, it's still not saying much about the Vikings' chances to win this game.

The Lions are quickly becoming one of the most dominant teams on both sides of the ball, and they will continue to demonstrate that against their division-mates this Sunday.

Final Score: 28-13, Lions

Houston Texans at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

This game will be a struggle for the Saints to win, but I see them coming away with the victory over the Texans.

If the Saints get an early lead, the Texans will have rely on the passing game, which currently ranks in the bottom third of the league. The Saints had some struggles in the secondary in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, but bounced back in last week's home-opening win over the Chicago Bears.

The Texans' secondary, terrible in 2010, has greatly improved so far this season, but much of that can be attributed to the fact that they've yet to play a threatening, pass-dependent team such as the Saints this season.

If the Saints lead by two touchdowns at the end of the first half, then this game will end in a blowout. However, if the Texans can keep it close in the first half, the final score will be much closer in turn. I just don't see the Texans as a team capable of successfully turning around a deficit.

Final Score: 35-10, Saints or 27-24, Saints

New York Giants at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Yes, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick might not play, but he probably will. Whether that's a good idea is better left for another time. But even if he's not on the field, I don't see the Giants winning this contest.

The Eagles boast too many weapons on offense and defense to struggle greatly even with Mike Kafka under center. We all know the Eagles struggle to stop the run, but I think this will prove to be a straw man in this game; Philadelphia is going to play as the better prepared team in Week 3.

The final score does depend on which quarterback is starting for the Eagles; here, I am going to assume it's Vick.

Final Score: 28-17, Eagles

TENNESSEE TITANS vs. Denver Broncos

The Titans have a lot going for them, despite a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and despite low production from running back Chris Johnson.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has integrated himself into his new offense almost seamlessly. Though wide receiver Kenny Britt is questionable for Sunday's game with a hamstring injury, No. 2 Nate Washington and tight end Jared Cook remain valuable targets for Hasselbeck.

The Broncos are suffering from an identity crisis right now as well as a rash of injuries. I don't see them faring well in this contest.

Final Score: 21-13, Titans

New York Jets at OAKLAND RAIDERS

On paper, one might think the Jets will blow out the Raiders, but it won't prove to be so easy. New York quarterback Mark Sanchez is still a weak link on offense, and they're near the bottom of the league in rushing yards.

At the same time, Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell is coming off of an impressive performance against the Bills in Week 2, and running back Darren McFadden continues to prove why he's one of the best in the league.

The Jets are in for a shock when they travel to Oakland.

Final Score: 23-17, Jets

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs were miserable even with running back Jamaal Charles there to help them. Now that he's lost for the season, Kansas City will struggle to get a single win this year.

The Chargers are a significantly better team than the Chiefs in every conceivable way. This week, Kansas City will be blown out again.

Final Score: 31-7, Chargers

BALTIMORE RAVENS at St. Louis Rams

The Ravens struggled against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 and fell to a 1-1 record. This week, they face the Rams, and Baltimore won't likely have trouble defeating them.

The Rams are coming off of a Monday night loss against the Giants that they could have won, but too many mistakes and penalties added up to a very poor night.

While not a blowout, the Ravens should gain the upper hand early and maintain it throughout the game.

Final Score: 20-13, Ravens

GREEN BAY PACKERS vs. Chicago Bears

At first glance, this game is a difficult one to predict. On one hand, the Bears are likely looking to avenge their NFC Championship loss to the Packers in January, but on the other, the Packers are a far superior team on paper.

The key to this game will be for the Packers to stop Bears running back Matt Forte and to put pressure on quarterback Jay Cutler early and often. Neither task seems beyond the Packers, and I have them picking up the win in a defensive battle.

Final Score: 14-10, Packers

Seattle Seahawks vs. ARIZONA CARDINALS

While the Cardinals aren't particularly impressive, and they are suffering from a weak defense, the Seattle Seahawks are one of the worst three teams in the league, and I don't see how they can beat Arizona on Sunday.

It's just a matter of time until Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is supplanted by backup Charlie Whitehurst; it may happen after this game.

Final Score: 21-7, Cardinals

ATLANTA FALCONS at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This is going to be a close game. I find both teams to be extremely well-matched on offense and defense, and the winner will come down to the team that makes the least mistakes.

I think that team is the Falcons, who are coming in with a great deal of momentum after their Week 2 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Final Score: 21-20, Falcons

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at Indianapolis Colts

The Steelers are coming off a 24-0 win in Week 2 over the similarly awful Seattle Seahawks, and I don't see why this week's trip to Indianapolis should prove any different.

Just as I believe we might see the last of Tarvaris Jackson as a starting quarterback after Sunday's game against the Cardinals, this is the last stand for Kerry Collins, despite the paycheck he's due.

Final Score: 31-3, Steelers

Washington Redskins at DALLAS COWBOYS

This is going to be an excellent, close contest between two division rivals, and it will be interesting to see how Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (coming off of a broken rib and collapsed lung) and Redskins passer Rex Grossman handle the inevitable pressure that the defenses will be throwing at them.

I see a number of lead changes in this Monday night game that will end with a Dallas victory and mark the Redskins' first loss of the season.

Final Score: 28-24, Cowboys