NFL Picks Week 3: Predicting Scores for Every Afternoon Game

With a few 1-0 teams falling harshly back to Earth in Week 2, we should find out the true identities of some trendy picks this week. Will the Chicago Bears be able to bounce back from an embarrassing loss to the New Orleans Saints? Will Jay Cutler avenge his early exit from last season's playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers? Can anyone on the Bears' offensive line block anyone wearing green and yellow? Can Matt Forte ever outrush his receiving totals? 

That's quite a group of questions, and they all revolve around only one of many intriguing Week 2 games. Here are some quick answers to the league's other inquiries.

Baltimore Ravens at St. Louis Rams

Yes, the Rams have their backs against a wall, and they are playing at home. However, their list of injuries is quickly reaching the "Packers point," and they don't have the depth to overcome misfortune the way Green Bay did.

The Ravens are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Tennessee Titans, and they should be looking to vent some frustration. Expect St. Louis to keep it close early, but the Ravens team that shows up today should more closely resemble the one we saw in Week 1. Ray Rice has another huge day, and the defense shuts the door in the second half.

Ravens 28, Rams 14

New York Jets at Oakland Raiders

The Raiders suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Buffalo Bills in the waning seconds last week, and although they'll be dying to avoid a 1-2 start, they may be out of luck against the Jets. New York has two wins over two teams that were undefeated coming in (okay, I realize Dallas was 0-0 when they played, but bear with me).

Still, despite taking advantage of a blatant Dallas meltdown and drubbing the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York has looked vulnerable at times. They don't play as well on the road, which is no secret, and they seem intent on turning Mark Sanchez into Colt Brennan circa 2005. If the Jets don't find a ground game and a way to match Oakland's physicality, they could drop their first game of the year. The New York secondary should shut down the Raiders' passing attack, but I don't think they'll have an answer for Darren McFadden.

Raiders 24, Jets 21

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

I know no one uses a typewriter anymore, but I almost wish I was writing this blurb on and old Olivetti just so I could say that explaining this game is a waste of ink. The Chiefs are gunning hard for the right to call themselves the NFL's worst team, and the Chargers are looking for some payback after handing the division crown to KC last season. This one, like the Chiefs' first two games, won't be close.

Chargers 35, Chiefs 11

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks

Every team hurting for a win in the NFC West wants a shot at the Seattle Seahawks. Of course, no one wants that shot in Seattle. Unfortunately for Arizona, that's where they're heading today. 

However, it will be difficult to save the Seahawks with Larry Fitzgerald and Kevin Kolb developing more chemistry each and every week. The Seattle secondary should have their hands full with the Cards receivers all day, opening a few holes for the surprisingly effective Beanie Wells. If you like oddities, get your DVR ready, because the Arizona defense might actually look pretty sound against a Tarvaris Jackson/Charlie Whitehurst-led offense.

Cardinals 27, Seahawks 13

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Atlanta escaped their own home turf with a win over the Eagles last week, thanks in no small part to the late absence of Michael Vick. The offense stepped up inside the friendly confines of the Georgia Dome, and the defense did just enough not to screw it up.

However, this Falcons team makes no secret of the fact that they struggle outdoors on the road, and facing a divisional opponent looking for an early signature win might be a perfect recipe for a shocking 1-2 start. Matt Ryan will play better in the elements than he usually does, but if Tampa can establish LeGarrette Blount early, Josh Freeman should pick this secondary apart.

Buccaneers 30, Falcons 24

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

Which Bears teams will show up? That's the entire storyline here. Green Bay will play well, and Aaron Rodgers will continue to turn in MVP-style performances, but this one isn't about the Packers. This is about the Bears and how well they respond to an exposing loss at New Orleans last week.

With a banged up offensive line that isn't all that great even when at full strength, Jay Cutler will likely spend a large portion of the day running for his life. Still, at the very least, he should stay on the field for the entirety of this one, and although this looks like a mismatch on paper, Green Bay is due for a letdown. Look for Cutler to defend his oft-attacked toughness with a huge Week 3 win.

Bears 28, Packers 21

Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts

Is Peyton Manning still hurt? Oh, he is? Okay, this is easy then.

Steelers 38, Colts 10