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2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 3

By Gil Alcaraz IV

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 16: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in action during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 16: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in action during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images /

Oakland Raiders (0-2) at Miami Dolphins (2-0)

Sunday, September 23, 1 PM ET

I knew the Oakland Raiders weren’t going to be good this season. The first two games have given us reason to believe that they aren’t terrible, but aren’t capable of closing either. In each game, they’ve crumbled after halftime, necessitating even more criticism directed at Jon Gruden.

The offense has been stale. The defense can’t seem to put much of any pressure on the quarterback. As the game goes along, the defensive line gets worn down and the defensive backs start to stumble. No matter what you want to pin it on, there’s no way around the fact that the Raiders look disheveled right now.

As for the Dolphins, they’ve been quite the surprise thus far. Honestly, I expected them to spend most of the 2018 campaign in the basement of the AFC East standings. Instead, they currently sit atop the division. They haven’t faced the most difficult of challenges, but a win is a win.

Look for the Dolphins to deploy their well-rounded approach, creating consistent yardage on offense while capitalizing on Oakland’s offensive mistakes. Expect Miami’s defense to create a couple of turnovers and ensure their place among the NFL’s undefeated teams for at least one more week.

Prediction: Dolphins win 31-17

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