NFL Previews and Predictions: Week 3 Edition

After going 8-8 last week on my picks, I’d like to pick up my game here in Week 3. This NFL season has been full of twists and turns thus far, and we’ve only played two games. The Seattle Seahawks were completely outplayed by Phillip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers. Fellow NFC West team San Francisco fell apart in the second half of their inaugural home game against the Chicago Bears as well. Week 3 won’t boast many exciting match-ups on paper, but there is still one game that everyone should be watching on Sunday. The Denver Broncos (2-0) will travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Peyton Manning and his revamped defense will finally have a shot at redemption, after the team’s embarrassing performance in Super Bowl XLVIII. I’ll talk about this matchup more later though. It’s time for my Week 3 picks around the NFL.

Washington at Philadelphia

Kirk Cousins is at the helm now for the Redskins. If he continues to play the way he did in Week 2, then Robert Griffin III may not get his starting job back. Or at least not with Washington. From the moment Cousins stepped on the field against Jacksonville, the team looked cohesive offensively and moved the ball up and down the field. The Philadelphia Eagles are not the Jaguars though. Chip Kelly’s team doesn’t need the ball very long in order to make your team pay. Washington needs to control the game on the ground and keep the Eagles offense off of the field. Philadelphia were the first team in NFL history to start 2-0, following 14 point halftime deficits in both of their opening games. While they likely don’t want to be put in that position every game, I’m sure they will accept both wins whole-heartedly. The team needs to start faster. It’s as simple as that. We know that they can put up points in the second half. This game will come down to the Redskins being able to stop the tandem of LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles. I’m not sure that they can.

Eagles win 34-28

San Diego at Buffalo

Sep 14, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) runs after a catch as Miami Dolphins strong safety Jimmy Wilson (27) pursues during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Chargers pulled off the biggest upset around the NFL in Week 2. While the Bills aren’t the Seahawks, teams pose a lot of similar aspects in the way that they play. Buffalo boasts a fierce defense, who will get after Phillip Rivers early and often if he isn’t protected. For the Chargers, they need a big game out of Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead. Starting running back Ryan Matthews is out with an MCL sprain. San Diego also have travel for the dreaded cross-country 1 PM ET game. Advantage Buffalo. The Bills are 2-0. That alone should be enough for Buffalo though, right? Wrong. This team believes that they have what it takes to be a playoff team in 2014. While the aren’t among the NFL’s elite yet, they have the makings of a rising squad. Quarterback EJ Manuel hasn’t been stellar, but done exactly enough for his team to win both of their games thus far. His favorite target, rookie Sammy Watkins has the makings of an All-Pro wide receiver. Buffalo will be 3-0 at the end of the day.

Bills win 24-23

Dallas at St. Louis

As much as I dislike the Dallas Cowboys, they performed very well against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. DeMarco Murray looked like Emmitt Smith, rushing for 167 yards. Tony Romo still looked rusty though, and missed practice this week with a back injury. It could be Brandon Weeden starting for Dallas in Week 3, but I still think that he’s enough to beat a depleted St. Louis squad. The Rams did manage to scrape out a win against the Bucs last week, but Dallas are far more talented. The Cowboys defense are surprisingly decent, and won’t make it easy on third-string quarterback Austin Davis. St. Louis just aren’t cut out to win this type of game. Weeden possibly starting gives them a chance, but Dallas have surprised a lot of people so far.

Cowboys win 28-17