NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 17
Next
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) at Carolina Panthers (1-1)

Sunday, September 23, 1 PM ET

This was a tough call, if I do say so myself. Both of these teams have played well this season, although I would give the edge to the Cincinnati Bengals at this point. With that said, the Carolina Panthers aren’t going to make it easy on them at Bank of America Stadium.

Cam Newton has been carrying the Panthers so far this season, often putting the offense on his back when his supporting cast struggles. While that approach has resulted in some success, it wasn’t enough in Week 2. Can Carolina find another way to inflict pain on this Cincinnati defense that has been surprisingly stingy through two games?

Maybe. Even then, it may not be enough to keep up with the Bengals offense. Andy Dalton has looked great so far, with A.J. Green returning to form after a down 2017 campaign. The loss of Joe Mixon hurts, but Cincinnati has enough weapons to keep their momentum rolling in Week 3.

My guess is this one comes down to the wire, with both defenses shining bright on Sunday. However, with the game on the line, Dalton concocts a drive that gets the Bengals into field-goal range, allowing for a last-second three points to bump them up to 3-0 on the year.

Prediction: Bengals win 19-16

Home/NFL