Week 3 Predictions, 2015 NFL Season
The injury bug has bitten again! No Romo, no Brees, and maybe even no Lynch this week! Demarco Murray was injured in practice and also may not play. Eddie Lacy? He's hurt too, and is questionable for week 3. Jay Cutler is also on the bench in what has become an annual injury tradition. Dez Bryant is out. Julius Thomas? Out. Victor Cruz and Vontaze Burfict are out. Terrell Suggs? Also missing this week. Kiko Alonzo, Ryan Shazier, and DeSean Jackson? Out, out, and out again. Sam Bradford, however, is playing in week 3 (check the injury report, however, an injury may be pending). On a happier note, Todd Gurley may be ready to play in his first NFL game this week. Kam Chancellor has also ended his holdout. Week 3 is here, and there are some great storylines ahead! Let's watch some football!
Falcons (2-0) @ Cowboys (2-0): Atlanta again did what they needed to do to win week 2. They aren’t that beat up either and are for sure way healthier than the Cowboys for sure. The Cowboys embarrassed the Eagles if you ask me, for sure. The Cowboys are without Dez Bryant and Tony Romo and could be in a world of trouble. The Cowboys still have a solid team with the best O-line I have seen in a long time and that helps any QB that they put in behind the center. I think Matt Ryan and Julio are a better combination than Weeden or Cassel with Terrance Williams. To me that’s the difference maker. Falcons win 27 – 18 over the Cowboys.
Colts (2-0) @ Titans (1-1): This game is so tough call because logic says go Colts all day but the way Luck has been playing is simply abysmal. I really do not know where I am going with this one so I think I will go with the home team. Titans win 30 – 27 over the Colts.
Raiders (1-1) @ Browns (1-1): This game again is tough but this is between two teams that are starting to begin their incline. I think the Browns with Manziel would be the better team honestly. I am taking the Browns win 24 – 20 over the Raiders.
Bengals (2-0) @ Ravens (0-2): Oh the Baltimore Ravens are in a world of trouble. Starting the year 0-2 and now they get Cincy followed by Pitt they are basically in a win or stay home situation here. The Bengals actually look a bit better than I thought they would at the beginning of the season. I think the Ravens lack of a defense will cause this game to get into a shootout not favoring the Ravens. Bengals win 42 – 25 over the Ravens.
Jaguars (1-1) @ Patriots (2-0): This game is just black and white. My opponent, other writer Tyler Belfield, has Eddelman, Gronkowski, and Brady. So I am hoping for a defensive game that could save my team here but I don’t see that happening. I really think this game is going to get ugly fast and the Patriots will show why they are truly the number one team in the NFL. Patriots win 37 – 20 over the Jaguars.
Saints (0-2) @ Panthers (2-0): Carolina keeps losing wide receivers but they keep on scoring like it doesn’t matter. The Panthers defense is as solid as always and they are playing at home this weekend which is a big help. Now the Saints are 0-2 after a shocking loss to the Buccaneers. Now the Saints are coming into this game without their starting QB and future hall of fame QB due to injury. Now they have to start McCown and will struggle to find rhythm with no true starter. Panthers win 24 – 13 over the Saints.
Eagles (0-2) @ Jets (2-0): The Eagles look like one of the worst teams in the NFL and the Jets look like they figured out all their issues. I really don’t need to say much more than that honestly and I believe both teams will show their colors. Jets win 19 – 13 over the Eagles.
Buccaneers (1-1) @ Texans (0-2): The Buccaneers looked way above average last week. They came into New Orleans and pulled off a surprising win last week and if they play like they did last week they will be hard to stop. The Texans look to be lost on both sides of the ball, I honestly haven’t been impressed to say the least. I just think it is time for them to turn it around this week and figure it out finally. Texans win 23 – 17 over the Bucs.
Chargers (1-1) @ Vikings (1-1): I really hope the Chargers start to wake up and play to their potential but until I see it I won’t believe it to happen after last week’s loss. The Vikings last week looked like the team I thought they could be a good team on the rise with playoff talent already developed. This game is hard to call in all elements the teams are really close and neither team has a real edge over the other. That being said Chargers win 31 – 27 over the Vikings.
Steelers (1-1) @ Rams (1-1): The Steelers last week made the 49ers look like a high school team and completely ate them up. The Rams on the other hand went on the road and lost to a terrible team in Washington. I think the Steelers are offensively a terrifying team especially with Le’Veon Bell back this week. I love Jeff Fisher more than any coach in the NFL but I don’t think the Rams can win this one. Steelers win 38 – 20 over the Rams.
49ers (1-1) @ Cardinals (2-0): So last week was the opposite end of things for these two teams. The 49ers looked like the worst team in the NFL last week in Pittsburg. Kaepernick is just average Joe and Carlos Hyde looked hysterically bad last week. The 49ers better figure out how to fix their offensive line because this Cardinals defense will eat them up. The Cardinals looked absolutely incredible last week and the week before. The Cardinals are an honest title contender already this season. I am going to take a slaughter here in Arizona. Cardinal’s win 40 – 17 over the 49ers.
Bills (1-1) @ Dolphins (1-1): This game has playoff implications between two teams who lost last week. The Bills lost to one of the top teams in the NFL while the Dolphins lost to a team in the bottom 6. I think that Tyrod will continue to impress and dominate the dolphin’s defense here and I will be for sure starting Sammy Watkins. I think Tannehill is underperforming thus far and will need to step up soon to save his team. Bills win 34 – 21 over the Dolphins.
Bears (0-2) @ Seahawks (0-2): Kam Chancellor is back, and the Bears don’t have Cutler or Alshon Jeffery. This one is easy as they get in my eyes Seahawks win 45 – 10 over the Bears.
Broncos (2-0) @ Lions (0-2): The Broncos have gotten lucky in back to back weeks. They are going to be the better team in this game and I don’t think they should have too much an issue taking down the Lions here. They have an edge one defense and almost every part of offense. I think the Lions need a few more pieces to be the team we thought they could be this season. I got the Broncos moving to 3-0 with a win here on Sunday night. Broncos 24 – 20 over the Lions.
Chiefs (1-1) @ Packers (2-0): Jamaal Charles and the Chiefs let a game get away last week and they will be looking for revenge this week. Unfortunately for them they are headed to Lambeau Field and will be facing a top 2 NFL team. The Packers are the better team on offense hands down. The only reason they need to worry is can their defense slow down Charles and Kelce enough to win this weekend. I really am having a harder time than I thought picking this game. Packers win 33 – 28 over the Chiefs.
Matt Koontz (19-14)
Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals are clearly the better team in this matchup, but desperation can make strange things happen. The Ravens are already in a must-win game in week 3 of the season, and will be tough to beat at home against a division rival. I feel like they pull this one off. Final score: Ravens 24, Bengals 21.
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers. Both of these teams are struggling with injuries. The Panthers are missing receivers, and the Saints are missing Drew Brees. Brees is clearly the bigger loss, and the Panthers take advantage of his injury to put this one away. Final score: Panthers 28, Saints 13.
Oakland Raiders @ Cleveland Browns. This is shaping up to be a surprisingly good game. The Raiders just had a statement win against Baltimore, and Cleveland has the potential to be dominant against some teams some of the time. I think that some of the time includes this week, and the Browns win at home this week. Final score: Browns 24, Raiders 14.
Atlanta Falcons @ Dallas Cowboys. Brandon Weeden wasn't the answer in Cleveland. He's not likely to be the answer in Dallas this week, either. While I like Weeden's chances to revitalize his career with a decent showing filling in for Romo down the stretch this season, this week, he will struggle, and the Falcons will run away with this game. Final score: Falcons 35, Cowboys 14.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Houston Texans. Both of these teams are middle-of-the-pack teams with the potential to be more, if the breaks fall right. The Texans have a dominant defensive unit and could be a sure-fire playoff team if their offense can hold together. The Buccaneers have some young tools in place on offense, as well as some solid defensive talent. This game could go either way, but the Texans get an edge at home with a slightly better team. Final score: Texans 24, Buccaneers 14.
San Diego Chargers @ Minnesota Vikings. Both of these teams are potential playoff teams in 2015. The Vikings and Chargers both have the talent to legitimately compete for at least a wildcard berth. This game could be fun to watch, as one of this year's top rookie running backs (Melvin Gordon) faces off against Adrian Peterson. I think the Vikings are a good team, but I like the Chargers just a little better in the long run. That being said, my gut feeling is that the Vikings will pull this one out at home, so I'll go with Minnesota in a very close win. Final score: Vikings 28, Chargers 27.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ New England Patriots. I believed in the Jaguars last week, and they rewarded my faith by pulling out a win. I believe in them this week, but not enough to pick them to beat the Patriots. The Patriots are at home and Tom Brady is angry. While this will start out as a close matchup, the Patriots will put it away in the end. Final score: Patriots 35, Jaguars 27.
Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Jets. This game is shaping up to be a surprisingly close matchup. The Jets have one of the top defenses in the NFL, and managed to shut down Andrew Luck and the Colts last week. Sam Bradford will struggle against them as well. While I think Chip Kelly will right the ship in Philly, it won't happen this week. The Jets win this game, and for once, J-E-T-S means something other than "just end the season." Final score: Jets 21, Eagles 13.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ St. Louis Rams. Welcome to the NFL, Todd Gurley! This is going to be an extremely close matchup I think. The Rams have the talent, especially on defense, to compete with anyone. However, the Steelers get Le'Veon Bell back this week, and he makes the difference. Final score: Steelers 21, Rams 19.
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans. The Colts are struggling, and the Titans are suddenly looking like a competitive team. That makes me think that this will be a decent game to watch. While I think the Titans will play well ( I wouldn't be surprised if they won this game actually), I think the Colts need this win, and manage to pull one out. Final score: Colts 24, Titans 21.
San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals. Let the beatings continue for the 49ers. Last week, San Francisco was embarrassed by the Steelers. While that might make them want to play better this week, they have too many holes to defeat the Cardinals. Unless the Cardinals fail to prepare for this game, the Cardinals are headed for another dominant victory. Final score: Cardinals 35, 49ers 17.
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins. I thought the Bills would beat the Patriots last week, and they let me down. However, they did have an extremely solid comeback attempt to close out the game. I think that momentum carries over to this week and propels them to a victory against the Dolphins. Final score: Bills 24, Dolphins 21.
Chicago Bears @ Seattle Seahawks. No Jay Cutler? No Alshonn Jeffery? No problem. The Bears have been a bad football team since Brian Urlacher retired, and that doesn't change this week against the Seahawks. The Bears are in strong contention for the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. At this point, they should be happy to be in contention for anything. I'm not saying that the Bears' 2015 draft was a complete miss; I'm just saying that had they hired me as GM (yes, I sent in an application), I would have actually addressed their abysmal defense and maybe they'd look like an NFL football team. The Bears are who I thought they were, and that's a terrible team with a terrible defense. Seattle wins this game (obviously). Final score: Seahawks 56, Chicago 14.
Denver Broncos @ Detroit Lions. This should actually be a pretty good game to watch. The Lions are inconsistent, but when they're on, they look like a pretty good football team. The Broncos are also inconsistent, but their defense has played lights-out all season long. Peyton showed signs of life last week, but I still expect the Lions to capitalize on an inconsistent Denver offense and win this game. Final score: Lions 24, Broncos 22.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Green Bay Packers. The Chiefs are a good football team, but they're not elite. The Packers are an elite team. That difference shows this week, as the Packers pull out a solid win against Kansas City. Aaron Rodgers (24th overall selection in 2005) will once again look for revenge against Alex Smith (who was selected 1st overall in 2005), and will dominate this week. Final score: Packers 35, Chiefs 24.
--Mike B. (20-13).
Raiders @ Browns - The Browns looked good last week with Manziel at QB, and they're at home this week. Cleveland wins, 24-20.
Falcons @ Cowboys - Both of these teams have great offenses, but the Cowboys defense is playing much better than the Falcons defense. Cowboys win, 24-17.
Colts @ Titans - The Titans look much better than the Colts do. Plus, the Titans are at home this week. Titans wins at home, 27-17.
Steelers @ Rams - The Steelers have a really good team this season. The Rams looked terrible last week, but looked pretty good week 1. The Steelers are going to play very well, especially since Le'Veon Bell returns this week. Steelers win, 30-24.
Chargers @ Vikings - The Vikings have a good team, but the Chargers have looked better so far this season. Chargers win a tough game on the road, 28-20.
Jaguars @ Patriots - The Jaguars are going to have a tough time against this strong New England team. The only upside for Jacksonville will be their run game. TJ Yeldon is going to have a field day against the weak Patriots run defense. Other than that, the Jaguars have a lot to worry about. Patriots win at home, 16-40.
Eagles @ Jets - The Jets have a good defense this year, and the Eagles offense looks weak. The Jets are also 2-0, and playing at home. Jets win at home, 20-9.
Saints @ Panthers - Panthers win at home, 23-13.
Bengals @ Ravens - This is a must win game for the Ravens. This game is a tough game to call. The Ravens have looked worse this season then they have in a long time. The Bengals are clearly the better team here. Cincinnati wins on the road, 24-16.
Buccaneers @ Texans - The Texans are the better team. Houston wins at home, 27-12.
49ers @ Cardinals - The 49ers are not at the same caliber of the Cardinals. The Cardinals have looked really good, and they're going to continue it this week. Cardinals win at home, 33-17.
Bills @ Dolphins - Miami just lost to the Jaguars, and they struggled against the Redskins. Buffalo is a much better team who just lost to a fantastic team. Buffalo wins on the road, 30-13.
Bears @ Seahawks - The Bears lost their starting QB and their #1 WR. The Seahawks just got Kam Chancellor back. Seahawks dominate this one, 40-6.
Broncos @ Lions - The Broncos are lucky to be 2-0. Although, Detroit is not at the same level as the Broncos. Broncos win, 27-24.
Chiefs @ Packers - This game is a great prime time game. Its going to be a tough, close game for both teams. However, the Packers are incredible at home. Packers win, 27-20.
-Tyler B. (17-16)
Falcons (2-0) @ Cowboys (2-0): Gotta go with Atlanta in this one. Romo is hurt, and the run game hasn't been there for the Cowboys. When is Christine Michael gonna get a shot? Falcons win 30 – 24 over the Cowboys.
Colts (2-0) @ Titans (1-1): In case you didn't know, Marcus Mariota has the best QBR of any quarter back through 2 games this season. I think the "colds" (see the pun) need this game, more than the Titans do. But, needing a game isn't winning one, and I look forward to seeing Andrew Luck's poor decision making continue. Titans win 27 – 24 over the Colts.
Raiders (1-1) @ Browns (1-1): Gotta give the edge to the Raiders in this one. The Browns, are just simply the Browns. The Raiders finally looked decent last week. Raiders win 24 – 17 over the Browns.
Bengals (2-0) @ Ravens (0-2): Ravens who? Stick a fork in 'em boys! Their season's over! Bengals win 31 – 20 over the Ravens.
Jaguars (1-1) @ Patriots (2-0): The Jags won last week, but don't stand a chance this week. Patriots win 35 – 16 over the Jaguars.
Saints (0-2) @ Panthers (2-0): After seeing the Saints last two performances, I feel like the Panthers should get this one. On the other hand, I'm still waiting for Cooks to break out this season. Maybe tomorrow is his day. Either way, Panthers at home. Panthers win 30 – 24 over the Saints in OT.
Eagles (0-2) @ Jets (2-0): After how the Eagles have played, I have to give it to the Jets. Did I mention, that the Jets are winning the year after letting Rex Ryan go??? Coincidence? I think not! Jets win 24 – 20 over the Eagles.
Buccaneers (1-1) @ Texans (0-2): I'll say what I said last week; the Texans.... Ugh. Bucs win 20 – 13 over the Texans.
Chargers (1-1) @ Vikings (1-1): Gotta go with the Vikings here. Chargers lost last week, and the Vikings looked good. AP for the win on a 25 yard TD run with 1:30 left on the clock. Vikings win 24 – 17 over the Chargers.
Steelers (1-1) @ Rams (1-1): Steelers... Steelers...Rams Suck. Steelers win 31 – 22 over the Rams.
49ers (1-1) @ Cardinals (2-0): I will not write where no words are necessary. Cardinal’s win 35 – 20 over the 49ers (Look for John Brown to have a big game though).
Bills (1-1) @ Dolphins (1-1): I believe Rex Ryan is a terrible coach and that he inherited a pretty decent Bills team. Watch him slowly destroy the. Dolphins win 25 – 17 over the Bills.
Bears (0-2) @ Seahawks (0-2): The great, hard hitting, flying everywhere, nasty, Kam Chancellor is back, and so too will be the Legion of BOOM. Seahawks win 31 – 14 over the Bears.
Broncos (2-0) @ Lions (0-2): Sunday night games are the best, and ordinarily, this would be a tough one to call, but Stafford has struggled this season with turnovers and the Broncos D has forced a Ton. That's gonna continue. Broncos 29 – 21 over the Lions.
Chiefs (1-1) @ Packers (2-0): Aaron Rodgers will not lose in Lambough field. Packers win 31 – 24 over the Chiefs.
Gabriel O. (17-16)
Oakland 21 Cleveland 14
Atlanta 35 Dallas 17
Indy 28 Tennessee 24
St Louis 21 Pittsburgh 20
Minnesota 17 San Diego 14
Jacksonville 30 New England 24
Philadelphia 45 New York Jets 30
New Orleans 27 Carolina 21
Cincinnati 24 Baltimore 14
Houston 14 Tampa Bay 13
Arizona 35 San Fransisco 21
Miami 28 Buffalo 20
Seattle 24 Chicago 10
Denver 28 Detroit 17
Kansas City 31 Green Bay 30
Jared McManus (17-16)
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