NFL Expert Picks for Week 3

I was 9-7 last week and that is just unacceptable. Let’s not dwell on the past this week and let’s move forward into week three.

Giants @ Panthers I like the Giants and I’m not afraid to say it. The Giants have the following key players out for this week: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, C David Diel, WR Hakeem Nicks, WR Domenik Hixon, and DE Adewale Ojomo. However, I believe that the Giants can make up for these losses because  RB Andre Brown looked very good last week, WR Victor Cruz is back to good form, TE Martellus Bennett has become an important part of the passing game, and I predict that WR Ramses Barden will use this opportunity to breakout. Barden has been with the Giants for four years now and they’re looking for him to step up and show us why they’ve kept him on the team. Also, CB Prince Amukamara will play his first game of the season after receiving an ankle injury in preseason practice. The Giants have given up 259 yds passing and 5 tds in two games. The Panthers have 268 yds passing and 2 tds in two games. Look for Amukamara to help keep the Panthers below or near 200 yds passing and no more than 1 passing touchdown. QB Cam Newton has 75 yds rushing and is the Panthers’ leading rusher. It is never a good sign when your QB is your leading rusher. Also, the Giants always seem to win when their backs are against the wall.

Rams @ Bears This is my underdog pick of the week. I’m going with the Rams. I like the Rams because they’re coming off a win in which it looks like things are starting to click for them. Also, the Bears are having some behavior issues with QB Cutler. There is news that the team is not giving any significance to the Cutler’s tantrum and they are behind him 100%. I am not sure that is completely true.

Buffalo @ Cleveland Bills win on the road. CJ Spiller is running very well and they’re coming off a win. The Browns defense is ranked 29th in total defensive yards giving up 831 and the Buffalo offense is ranked 7th with 769 total yards.

Buccaneers @ Cowboys The Cowboys will recover from their loss in Seattle and beat the Buccaneers in Texas Stadium. It is hard to tell which Cowboys team will show up but I’m betting they’ll come to their first home game ready to play hard. The Buccaneers had a nice second quarter last week scoring 3 tds against the Giants’ who had a depleted and confused secondary. The Giants then scored 25 pts in the fourth quarter to take the win. Romo is no Eli but the Buccaneers gave up 510 yds passing to the Giants and I’m certain Romo will be looking to duplicate Eli’s performance.

Lions @ Titans Titans can’t get their act together. The Lions will dominate.

Jaguars @ Colts The Colts will win. The Colts are need much improvement in their offense but the Jaguars have the lowest total offensive yards, 472, in the league and their defense is ranked 23rd in total defensive yards, 800, over two games.

Jets @ Dolphins The Jets were unimpressive last week. The Dolphins scored 14 points in each of their last two quarters. I like them to carry this moment into their next game and grab another win at home.

Niners @ Vikings The Niners are playing better than any other team in the NFL.

Chiefs @ Saints I didn’t think either of these teams would have as much trouble as they are both having. Both teams can put up points and both teams have trouble stopping opponents from putting up points. The Saints have given up 922 total defensive yards to the Cheifs’ 755 yds. I like the Saints to put a defense together finally and pick up a win at home.

Bengals @ Redskins Tough pick here. I like RGIII to lead his team to a win in their home opener and RGIII’s first NFL home game.

Eagles @ Arizona These are two 2-0 teams that I did not expect to be 2-0. I am not sure that the Eagles are consistent yet and they’re not winning with dominance. I like Arizona to win this game at home.

Falcons @ Chargers They are both good teams but the Falcons are much stronger. The Falcons will continue their winning ways.

Texans @ Broncos  Texans are possibly the second best team in the league and they are too strong for the Broncos. The Broncos are good and will be very good by the end of the season. The won’t win this week.

Steelers @ Raiders The Raiders have too many problems to list. The Steelers win.

Ravens @ Patriots The Patriots have no spark and now TE Hernandez is out. This week they re-signed WR Deion Branch and signed TE Kellen Winslow off waivers. This smells like panic to me. The Ravens will be looking for redemption after a tough loss to the Eagles last week. I like the Ravens.

Packers @ Seattle The Pack is Back. They dominated the Bears so badly last week that Bears QB Jay Cutler threw a tantrum. Packers win and go to 2-1.