2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 3

Los Angeles Chargers (1-1) at Los Angeles Rams (2-0)

Sunday, September 23, 4:05 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers haven’t looked half bad through two games. They came up just short against a red-hot Chiefs team in Week 1, and made easy work of the limping Bills a week later. Unfortunately, they’re in for a reality check against the Los Angeles Rams.

At this moment, the Rams look like a legitimate contender. The offense is firing on all cylinders, the defense is getting it done, and Todd Gurley has made an early case for MVP consideration. I don’t see this team slowing down anytime soon — they overcome any hurdle that’s placed in front of them. Just ask Johnny Hekker.

It’s not just the offense, though. The defense has been outstanding so far, as evidenced by the shutout it pitched in Week 2. With so much elite talent on one team, it’s easy to understand why so many NFL talking heads are picking the Rams to win the NFC.

Still, don’t expect a repeat of the Rams’ Week 2 win. They may score a similar amount of points, but Philip Rivers, Melvin Gordon and Keenan Allen will do some scoring of their own. It just won’t be enough to outperform all of the unstoppable talent the Rams possess.

Prediction: Rams win 34-31