NFL picks and score predictions for Week 2 as the 2020 season is getting interesting!
Two weeks of NFL action are already in the books, and it’s been quite the show. With Week 3 on the horizon, we’re hoping for more of the same — expect obviously less injuries than befell the league this past weekend. Either way, we’re ready to deliver our weekly NFL picks!
As always, we’ve got you covered with the Week 3 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Now I’ll never claim that these are going to be 100 percent correct. In fact, there’s a very good chance at least a few of my picks will go completely awry. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience and careful consideration.
Honestly, I was already proud of the outcome of Week 1, which yielded a 10-5. As it turns out, I was even more on point with my Week 2 NFL picks, coming away from Sunday with a 12-3 record (Monday Night Football pending). That moves my record on the year to 22-8 overall, which isn’t too shabby if I do say so myself.
Just remember that making picks is not a science. As much research goes into it, anything can happen on any given Sunday. Isn’t that part of why we watch football in the first place?
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 3. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.
Miami Dolphins (0-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)
Thursday, September 24, 1PM ET
If you’ve followed my picks over the last year, then you know I’m a believer in Minshew Magic. He’s no superstar at quarterback, but the brazen youngster simply knows how to win. The Jacksonville Jaguars wouldn’t have nearly as many wins since he joined the team if it wasn’t for his skills.
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Gardner Minshew made it happen in Week 1, and nearly pulled off the miracle again in Week 2. In Week 3, against an improving Miami Dolphins squad, he’s going to need all of the magic he can muster. Since I’m making predictions here, I’m going to say he pulls it off and gets the Jaguars their second win of the 2020 season.
I also just don’t have much trust in this Dolphins club. Sure, they’re better than they were a year ago, but they still lack the overall talent needed to win on a consistent basis. The defense is doing its best to help prop up the average-at-best offense, but it’s not going to be enough more often than not.
Ryan Fitzpatrick does his best to work his own magic, but Minshew gets the win this time around. The Jacksonville defense makes a couple of big plays to set up the sophomore gunslinger for a game-winning drive in the waning minutes of the game.
Prediction: Jaguars win 28-24
Houston Texans (0-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)
Sunday, September 27, 1PM ET
At the start of the 2020 season, I feel like most folks had these teams on even ground in terms of their outlook. Both offered upside with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, although there was some concerns about offseason moves that Bill O’Brien had made for the Houston Texans.
Now we’re heading into Week 3, and the story has changed completely. The Texans are 0-2, although both of their losses came against the AFC’s elites. Even with that caveat, they haven’t been impressive and it’s clear they’re missing some of the playmakers they had on the field last season.
As for the Steelers, they’ve been one of the AFC’s other top teams so far in 2020. Ben Roethlisberger being back under center has been a big boost, and the run game has excelled no matter who is getting the ball. The truly impressive part of what we’ve seen from Pittsburgh this year has been their stifling defense, which is making life miserable for opponents.
Let’s just say that Deshaun Watson is going to have a tough day on Sunday. The Steelers D will keep him on his heels, creating turnovers and making things easy for the Pittsburgh offense. The rich get richer, at least as it comes to wins in the NFL.
Prediction: Steelers win 30-16
Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (0-2)
Sunday, September 27, 1PM ET
Sooner or later, Joe Burrow is going to get his first win. Why couldn’t it be against a Philadelphia Eagles team that seems to be busy tripping over itself at the start of the 2020 season?
Realistically, this Cincinnati Bengals team isn’t bad. Sure, they’ve lost their first two outings of the year, but neither has been a blowout. They nearly took down the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, and then keep things interesting against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. Burrow looks like the real deal, and his supporting cast is carrying its weight as well.
So what does it come down to? The Cincinnati defense stepping up. As it turns out, this is the perfect opportunity for that to happen. That’s because the Eagles have struggled mightily to get things going on offense this season, due in large part to their offensive line.
The Bengals need to keep the pressure on Carson Wentz, forcing him into making mistakes and taking too many sacks. If that happens, it’ll give Burrow just enough of a chance to win the scoreboard race. Cincinnati gets the first win of the 2020 season as we continue to watch the emergence of the game’s next outstanding quarterback.
Prediction: Bengals win 26-24
San Francisco 49ers (1-1) at New York Giants (0-2)
Sunday, September 27, 1PM ET
Man, things are not looking good for the New York Giants right now. I was holding out hope they could get back on track in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, but that didn’t work out. And now they will likely be without Saquon Barkley for the remainder of the 2020 campaign.
I’m still confident Daniel Jones will emerge as a capable starting quarterback someday, but it won’t be this upcoming Sunday — there are just too many things going against the Giants in this one. That’s why I have to give the edge to the San Francisco 49ers as we move into Week 3.
Even with the 49ers’ own injury uncertainties, they still look the much more complete club at this point. It’s unclear what the outlook is for Jimmy Garoppolo, Raheem Mostert and Nick Bosa, but San Francisco has enough talent elsewhere to make up the potential loss of those three. Nick Mullens managed when Garoppolo got hurt, and the 49ers have plenty of capable running backs.
The 49ers’ long-term outlook took a hit with those Week 2 injuries. With that said, they should able to string at least two wins together by taking down the Giants on the road.
Prediction: 49ers win 23-17
Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) at New England Patriots (1-1)
Sunday, September 27, 1PM ET
As much as I hate to admit it, this is still a scary New England Patriots team. They may be coming off a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but they’re no slouch. Then again, what else can we really expect from a Bill Belichick-led team, right?
It’s not just the old ball coach that has the Patriots looking like contenders, though. It’s also the fact that Cam Newton has seemingly returned to MVP form, showing the confidence, swagger and skill that helped him guide the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50. On top of that, he’s got a strong running game to rely on and guys like Julian Edelman to throw to.
So why would I be worried about the Las Vegas Raiders coming to town and handing them another loss? Well, as it so happens, I wouldn’t.
Instead, the Raiders are going to get a hard lesson in what it means to be a true contender in the AFC. The Patriots know they need a big bounce back, and use Las Vegas as their trampoline. Newton turns in another spectacular performance, the New England secondary recovers from their Week 2 shellacking, and they leave the weekend with a 2-1 record.
Prediction: Patriots win 33-14
Tennessee Titans (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
Sunday, September 27, 1PM ET
I think it’s already time to admit that this is a throw-away season for the Minnesota Vikings. They’ve looked like garbage through the first two weeks, with very few silver linings to take away from their 0-2 start.
Dalvin Cook has played well, but he isn’t getting enough touches with the Vikings regularly playing from behind. Kirk Cousins is having a miserable campaign, but the lack of competent pass blocking hasn’t helped. As for the Minnesota defense, it’s been a shell of its former self between offseason losses, injuries and inexperience at cornerback.
Meanwhile, the Titans have played well against quality competition and look like one of the AFC’s premier teams in 2020. Ryan Tannehill is coming off a monster effort, and Derrick Henry is always a threat to destroy a defense. The Tennessee D has stumbled at times this season, but have the talent to shut teams down when things are clicking.
I’d expect that happen early and often in Week 3, when the Titans hand the Vikings their third loss in dominant fashion. Cousins has another terrible game, and Minnesota fans continue to wonder what the heck the franchise is spending all of that money on.
Prediction: Titans win 34-20
Washington Football Team (1-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-1)
Sunday, September 27, 1PM ET
Honestly, this one was tough to make a final call on. Despite the significant gap in talent, these teams are more evenly matched than you’d think. What we’ve seen through two weeks convinced me that this was a game that should come down to the wire.
So why am I giving the edge to the Cleveland Browns? The run game. It’s really as simple as that. The Washington Football Team doesn’t have anything to lean on offensively, as most of their game plan is finding ways to hide their quarterback’s deficiencies. Meanwhile, the Browns have one of the best ground games in the league.
While Washington hasn’t been smoked by the run so far, they haven’t seen a combination like Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb. The two were unstoppable in Week 2, and that figures to be the case again in Week 3.
Oh and the Browns have a pretty tough defense that should keep the heat on Dwayne Haskins all game long. Don’t be surprised if the young quarterback stumbles early and often, giving the Browns the opportunity to put this one out of reach.
Prediction: Browns win 23-18
Los Angeles Rams (2-0) at Buffalo Bills (2-0)
Sunday, September 27, 1PM ET
I’m not sure how many people expect the Los Angeles Rams to come out of the gates this quickly. With the uncertainty under center and the general lackluster performance they put on a season ago, it didn’t seem like they were primed to return to Super Bowl form in 2020.
Well that appears to be happening, at least through the first two weeks. Jared Goff is playing like the quarterback he’s paid to be, the loss of Todd Gurley hasn’t been felt, and the defense is making plays at a consistent clip. I don’t want to speak too soon, but a return to the game’s biggest stage isn’t out of the question for the Rams based on what we’ve seen so far.
Now they’ll head to New York to take on the Buffalo Bills, who are also 2-0 heading into Week 3. They’ve shown well so far, but against the bottom two teams in the AFC East. Even then, they nearly blew it against the Miami Dolphins last week. The offense has looked explosive at times, but the defense hasn’t been as dangerous as it was a season ago.
Can the Bills keep the Rams in check? I don’t think so. It should be a great game, with some seesawing action on the scoreboard. When all is said and done, though, I’m predicting Los Angeles gets a late turnover to secure the win.
Prediction: Rams win 29-27
Chicago Bears (2-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-2)
Sunday, September 27, 1PM ET
I’m probably going to regret this, but I’m still not buying the Chicago Bears as a legitimate threat to rack up a large amount of wins in 2020. They’ve taken down the Lions and Giants so far, but I believe the Atlanta Falcons (despite being 0-2) are the best team they’ve seen so far.
It’s not like the Falcons haven’t flashed upside this season. They kept up with the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, and held a huge lead over the Cowboys in Week 2 before blowing it in typical Falcons fashion. In this one, though, they’re facing a far less explosive offense.
Yes, Mitchell Trubisky has been exceptional this year. It’s almost as if he knows his contract is about to be up, and wants his slice of the pie that so many other young quarterbacks have been receiving recently. The Chicago defense is also outstanding, but they have yet to face the type of attack that Atlanta offers.
I’m predicting that we see more sparks from the Falcons passing attack, with Matt Ryan having a career day. Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones put the Bears secondary on notice, racking up huge yards and putting too many points on the board for Trubisky to match.
Prediction: Falcons win 35-27
Carolina Panthers (0-2) at Los Angeles Chargers (1-1)
Sunday, September 27, 4:05PM ET
I’ve been a bit blown away by how impressive the Los Angeles Chargers have been so far in 2020. I was unsure about their ability to compete coming into the year, but they’ve quickly proven themselves capable of sticking with some of the league’s best clubs.
We saw that in Week 2, when they took the Kansas City Chiefs into overtime. What’s more impressive is the fact that they were led by a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start. Justin Herbert answered the call, making some big plays and keeping the Chargers in it until the end despite making some rookie mistakes.
At this moment, Anthony Lynn appears intent on letting Tyrod Taylor return as the starter if he’s healthy. Based on what we saw in Week 2, though, Herbert is the superior option moving forward. Going against this susceptible Carolina Panthers defense, the Chargers would seem to be in better hands with the rookie running the show.
Carolina will do their best to give the Chargers a run, but the offense has been struggling — the injury to Christian McCaffrey won’t help. Look for Los Angeles to score often while shutting down Teddy Bridgewater, walking away with their second win of the year.
Prediction: Chargers win 27-13
New York Jets (0-2) at Indianapolis Colts (1-1)
Sunday, September 27, 4:05PM ET
The Indianapolis Colts choked in Week 1. Then they put a hurting on the dismal Vikings in Week 2. Now they had into Week 3 facing a New York Jets team that probably will be vying for the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the end of this season.
It’s a nice turn of events for the Colts, who need another confidence boost as the 2020 campaign starts to pick up speed. Philip Rivers hasn’t been all that impressive, and the Indianapolis defense has been suspect at times. The breakout of Jonathan Taylor certainly helps, but this team could use an injection of excitement before the tough matchups arrive.
That’s exactly what they should get from this showdown with the Jets. Sam Darnold hasn’t lived up to his draft status, the offense lacks firepower and the defense is devoid of playmakers. This became all too apparent in their pitiful Week 2 showing against the 49ers.
This is already looking like a lost season for the Jets. The Colts benefit from that in Week 3, adding another notch to the win column as they look to keep pace in a competitive AFC South division.
Prediction: Colts win 17-6
Dallas Cowboys (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (2-0)
Sunday, September 27, 4:25PM ET
I’m sorry, but I cannot pick against the Seattle Seahawks right now. With Russell Wilson cooking and the defense doing it’s best to make plays when they matter most, this franchise is primed for a deep playoff run. The wins will keep coming in 2020.
Don’t be surprised if another one is waiting for them in Week 3. They’ve got the Dallas Cowboys coming to a team, and I’m feeling fairly confident in their ability to dispatch this squad that, despite their record, has underwhelmed so far this season.
Yes, they’re 1-1, with the lone loss coming in close battle against a suddenly solid Rams team. I’m also aware that Dak Prescott is playing well, Ezekiel Elliott is still a star, and they’re not short on talent on the defensive side of the ball. With all of that said, they’re not in a position to slow down Wilson. They couldn’t even keep Ryan from shredding them in Week 2.
Wilson relies on his bevy of playmakers again in Week 3, as we see big games from D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Bobby Wagner, Jamal Adams and the Seattle defense do their job as well, creating a clutch turnover on the Cowboys’ final drive to send America’s Team packing with their second loss of the season.
Prediction: Seahawks win 35-30
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) at Denver Broncos (0-2)
Sunday, September 27, 4:25PM ET
It’s a bummer — I was hoping the Denver Broncos would emerge as a surprise contender in the AFC in 2020. Unfortunately, it’s looking like that may not work out after all. Two early losses and an injury to Drew Lock seem to counteract that happening somewhere down the line.
Having a matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 doesn’t help either. Despite their 1-1 start, the Buccaneers are still a team that deserves respect. Not only is Tom Brady at the helm, but he’s got plenty of dangerous arrows in his quiver. On top of that, the Tampa Bay defense has been solid this season, especially against the run.
In this game, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a lot of defense and not a lot of scoring. The Denver defense has been a standout this year, even without Von Miller. The problem is that I don’t see them doing enough scoring without Lock to keep up with Brady and the Bucs.
Even with the win, it’s another example that the “Dream Team” approach doesn’t always result in elite teams. Brady is still slinging it well, but Tampa Bay hasn’t been as dominant as some expected. A win will fuel the conversation, but I’m still skeptical.
Prediction: Buccaneers win 20-17
Detroit Lions (0-2) at Arizona Cardinals (2-0)
Sunday, September 27, 4:25PM ET
Considering how rough last season was, it’s a pleasant surprise to see the Arizona Cardinals getting off to a hot start. They’ve secured a 2-0 record through the first two weeks, and appear destined for a third-straight win against the Detroit Lions in Week 3.
With that said, it’s not going to be an easy one. While the Lions are 0-2, they’ve been competitive in both games against an underrated Green Bay Packers team and a Bears squad that’s overachieving. Matthew Stafford isn’t having the MVP season he was hoping for, but he’s getting help from the ground game to keep the points coming.
Unfortunately for Stafford and Co., I don’t see them being able to keep up with Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins and the Arizona offense. They’ve been on fire so far in 2020, with Murray looking like the franchise quarterback the Cardinals drafted him to be. Especially if Arizona’s young, high-upside defense can continue to deliver, this team will be one worth taking seriously.
The Lions will keep things interest for the first couple of quarters, but I see the Cardinals pulling away in the second half. Murray has another huge game as Arizona asserts itself as a legitimate threat in the NFC.
Prediction: Cardinals win 41-22
Green Bay Packers (2-0) at New Orleans Saints (1-0)
Sunday, September 27, 8:20PM ET
This may very well be the best matchup of Week 3. In this battle, we’ll see two teams take the field that could easily be playing in February. Unfortunately, it’s my duty to pick a winner, which wasn’t exactly an easy decision considering both of these team’s overwhelming talent.
In the end, though, I had to go with the New Orleans Saints to take the win. Not only do I have a hard time picking against Drew Brees, but the Packers have already dug themselves into holes this season. While they were able to come back against the Lions in Week 2, the Saints simply aren’t going to wait around for them to make it a game.
Aaron Rodgers will do some damage and keep New Orleans from getting comfortable, but I believe Brees wins this duel. The Saints get the best of the Packers’ suspect secondary, racking up big yards despite the absence of Michael Thomas.
Even if you don’t agree with my pick, I’m sure you can agree this will be a game worth watching.
Prediction: Saints win 31-27
Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) at Baltimore Ravens (2-0)
Monday, September 28, 8:15PM ET
I’m glad we didn’t have to wait too long to get this premier matchup between two of the league’s top contenders in 2020. It’s even better that it’s in prime time, where the lights will be shining brightly on Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson.
So who wins this superstar showdown? It’s a tough one, but I’d put my money on Jackson to come away as the victor. Why? Honestly, it has nothing to do with Jackson himself. Instead, it has to do with the Baltimore Ravens team as a whole.
This Ravens roster is built to go the distance in 2020. They’ve got an offense loaded with weapons that’s capable of scoring at any given moment. They’ve got one of the better defenses in the league, boasting some of the league’s top playmakers. Heck, they even have an awesome kicker/punter duo. All of the pieces are there.
It’s not to say the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t outstanding, but I don’t think their defense is quite as talented. Nor is their running game quite as dynamic, even with the addition of Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The Ravens squeak out the win, moving to 3-0.
Prediction: Ravens win 28-27