NFL Week 3: 7 Teams with Something to Prove on Sunday

Week 3 is here in the NFL and it's time to separate the men from the boys. 

While some teams have gotten off to predictable starts, others have been surprises—for better or worse. This is the week where fans will get a better idea of who are contenders versus pretenders.

There's plenty to figure out this week because many people's opinions are up in the air on these featured teams. True identities are on the line. It's time for the cream to rise to the top. 

Here are the seven teams with something to prove on Sunday.  

No. 7: Detroit Lions

Fact: The Detroit Lions are 2-0 in this young NFL season.

So, what do they have to prove?  

The Lions haven't won in Minnesota since 1997.

The Lions head into the Metrodome to face the Vikings in what is a crucial NFC North matchup for both sides. While there has been a recent roar from Detroit, the team has to prove it can beat the Vikings on the road.

This will be a telling game for the Lions. A victory in Minnesota would be very comforting to fans. With a win, the Lions would turn the "cautiously optimistic" into "true believers." 

Only then can the team begin to focus on larger goals. 

No. 6: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have to prove that they made the right decision by releasing quarterback David Garrard seemingly hours before the season started. 

Instead of Garrard, who led the team to an 8-8 record a season ago, they chose quarterback Luke McCown to tutor rookie Blaine Gabbert this season. Major fail—McCown went just 23-for-43 with zero touchdowns and four interceptions on the season before being replaced by the rookie himself.

To their credit, the Jaguars are 1-1, but they've been outscored 46-19. Now the fate of their franchise rests on the arm of a rookie.

Good thing for Gabbert, his opponent is fellow rookie and No. 1 overall draft choice, Cam Newton. Bad thing for Gabbert, Newton has thrown for 854 yards in two games and the Panthers look sharp despite their 0-2 record.

Unfortunately for Gabbert, he faces a must-win in his first NFL start. He and his team have something to prove. 

No. 5: Kansas City Chiefs

Nothing has gone right to this point for the Kansas City Chiefs this season.

They've lost three of their best players in Tony Moeaki, Eric Berry and Jamaal Charles for the season. They've been outscored 89-10 to this point.

Yet, they have to move on. The AFC West winners last year are 0-2 and head into San Diego to face the dangerous Chargers. If one didn't know any better, it would be hard to believe that the Chiefs made the playoffs last year. 

Although decimated, the Chiefs have to find a way to win on Sunday. So far, this season has been an embarrassment. 

No. 4: Baltimore Ravens

After an impressive drubbing of the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, the Ravens lost to the Chris-Johnson-less Tennessee Titans last week.

Just when fans thought that Joe Flacco had shed doubt on his abilities, he went just 15-for-32 last week with one touchdown and two interceptions.

The team plays on the road in St. Louis this week. The Rams show promise, but the Ravens are the better team—all they have to do is prove it.

Look for the Ravens to get back in the win column in Week 3. 

No. 3: Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo proved that he's old-school NFL tough last week in San Francisco. After breaking a rib and puncturing a lung, he led his team to an overtime win. 

Now that Romo has defined himself, it's time to turn to worrying about his health. 

The Cowboys are 1-1 and play the rival Washington Redskins at home on Monday Night Football. Fans have to be wondering which Dallas Cowboys team will show up? The team that came from behind to win in Week 2 or the team that folded late in Week 1.

Regardless, they need to find a balanced attack. The team is only averaging 54.5 yards/game on the ground. With Romo banged up, fans can't expect him to drop back and toss the pigskin 35 times. 

This week will be very revealing for the Dallas Cowboys. 

No. 2: Buffalo Bills

Wow, the upstart Buffalo Bills are 2-0.

Led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Bills are fun to watch, which hasn't been said since the mid-1990s. 

The Bills would "shock the world" this weekend with a win over the mighty New England Patriots. Good news for the Bills is that they play at home. Bad news, they face Tom Brady, who's on pace to throw for about 8,000 yards this year. 

One thing they can't afford to do is fall behind like they did last week against the Oakland Raiders. 

With a win this weekend, Bills merchandise would begin to fly off the shelves.

With a win, people would begin to talk about a playoff berth.

No. 1: Chicago Bears

Who is this team? Are they good? Are they bad? Truth is, no one knows.

The curious case of the Chicago Bears continues this weekend with a showdown against the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

After winning the NFC North last season, the Bears fell to the Packers at Soldier Field in the NFC Championship game. The game featured quarterback Jay Cutler being injured and then loafing along the sidelines with a blank stare on his face. This did not sit well with nearly everyone. 

The Bears are 1-1 on the season after facing two tough opponents. The team whooped the Atlanta Falcons at home in Week 1 and then turned around and got it handed to them in Week 2 in New Orleans. 

Cutler went 22-for-32 for 312 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. He then went just 19-for-45 for 244 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. Cutler must be great in Week 3 to silence the critics.  

The Bears have to prove that they can beat the Packers this Sunday—especially at home. Plenty of doubt would loom with a loss. The Bears' reputation is on the line.