2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 3

San Francisco 49ers (1-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)

Sunday, September 23, 1 PM ET

At this moment, I have zero interest in picking against the Chiefs. They’ve been on fire through the first two weeks, with Patrick Mahomes looking like a legitimate franchise quarterback. Seriously, the kid has thrown 10 touchdowns in his first two games as the full-time starter.

Not only is that an NFL record, but he also tied another one when he tossed six touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. Mahomes is throwing the pigskin like a seasoned veteran, taking advantage of dangerous weapons like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce to overload the scoreboard. I don’t expect that to change against the San Francisco 49ers’ middle-of-the-road defense.

Now I won’t completely overlook San Francisco here. Jimmy Garoppolo has played well enough this season, although I wouldn’t say he’s delivering on the hype he carried with him throughout the offseason. If anything ,Matt Breida and the running game has been more impressive through the first two weeks. Still, the 49ers won’t be a cakewalk for Kansas City.

When all is said and done, though, the Chiefs should end this one with a comfortable lead. Mahomes will do his thing, and the Kansas City defense will make enough plays to ensure that Garoppolo doesn’t have an opportunity for any late-game heroics.

Prediction: Chiefs win 40-21