20 Bold predictions for NFL Week 3: CeeDee Lamb goes wild, Nick Chubb runs free
14. Patrick Mahomes throws second September INT, but also has 4 TDs
Not only was the Chiefs losing to the Ravens in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football the first time Lamar Jackson has gotten the best of Patrick Mahomes, but it was also a historic night for the latter. It was the first time since he became the starter in Kansas City that Mahomes threw an interception in September and also lost in the first month of the year.
Playing against an attacking Brandon Staley-led Chargers defense on Sunday, the September interceptions are going to continue. Someone like Derwin James or rookie Asante Samuel Jr. will make a play and get a pick off of Mahomes. That said, the losing streak in the month won’t start as Mahomes will still explode for four touchdowns and guide his team to a key AFC West win.
13. Matt Ryan finds Kyle Pitts for two scores against Giants
Make no mistake, the Atlanta Falcons are not a good football team. It’s been pretty disappointing to see this team in the first two weeks with blowout losses to both the Eagles and Buccaneers. But one silver lining in Week 2 was rookie tight end Kyle Pitts breaking out a bit. After managing just four catches for 31 yards in the first game, he led the Falcons with five receptions for 73 yards against Tampa.
Now the Falcons go on the road to face the Giants, a team that has woefully underperformed on defense to start the year. And one area where New York has been attacked is in the middle of the field. Arthur Smith will recognize this and will dial up Pitts in those areas consistently. The result will be a no-question breakout game for the rookie as he gets two touchdowns in a monster performance.