NFL Picks Week 3, Your 3 Upset Specials: Bears, Vikings, Falcons

First, let me clarify what I mean by an upset. In my mind, this is when the underdog wins the game, not when the underdog loses by less than the spread. So, with that definition, let's get started.

We can easily throw out six underdogs who have little chance to win this week, even if you did give them the spread points: the Colts, Chiefs, Giants, Rams, Broncos and the Redskins.

Upset Special No. 1: Vikings over the Lions

Maybe history is clouding my vision, but I am not sold on the Lions. I know the Lions' fans are giddy about rolling it up last week against the poor Chiefs and that Donovan McNabb has been less than stellar.

Nevertheless, I see another 100 or more rushing yards, plus two touchdowns for Adrian Peterson. The Vikings are too good to start out 0-3.

The Vikings will win on a late field goal.

Upset Special No. 2: Bears over the Packers

I still think the Packers are the best team in the NFC, but they aren't going to go 16-0. They will lose a few games, so this might as well be one of them.

Too much of the Bears offense depends on Matt Forte, but he seems to be able to carry the load. Rodgers will have just an average day.

I see Cutler getting nicked on a Matthew's blitz and then Hanie winning the game with a red-zone pass to Marion Barber.

Upset special No. 3: Falcons over the Bucs

I suppose the Bucs are favored because they are at home and there is concern over Matt Ryan's knee. Ryan was able to withstand the pounding he got from the Eagles last week, however, so I think he should be okay against the Bucs.

I see Josh Freeman coming unraveled and being the goat of this game, while Julio Jones will have his breakout game to become the hero.

A long Ryan-to-Jones TD pass will win this game.