Sanders's Week 3 NFL Predictions

By Jacob Sanders

As always, these are non-professional opinions and you may share your opinion with me as well!          Twitter: @jcs436        Email: jcs436@nau.edu

It’s only Week 3 and there is drama surrounding a couple teams already. The Seattle O is doing diddly-squat while the defense is performing like a Super Bowl contender. That might be good enough to win 9 or 10 games but it’s not going get you anywhere in the playoffs. Another team that seems to be in flux already are the Dallas Cowboys. Instead of choosing to say Denver’s D is the reason the Boys lost, head coach Garrett decided to blame both of his young stars who are only in their second year. Seems like a weird move unless there was already behind-the-scene issues and Garrett wanted to call out his players in public.

But this has nothing to do with the picks now does it. Just some things to think about as the season progresses. On to the reason you’re here in the first place.

Sanders went 10-6 last week putting him to 17-14 on the season.

Los Angeles Rams VS San Francisco 49ers

Never thought I would say this for a while but I have enjoyed watching the Rams so far this season. They are no longer unwatchable and seem like they are competitive. It’s only been two weeks, but they have showed enough that they can beat any low tier team and be competitive with mid-tier teams. Speaking of low-tier teams, that is exactly what the 49ers are right now. They have looked lifeless in the last two weeks managing to score only 4 field goals and 0 TDs in the that span of time. Poor performances by Hoyer and the defense lead me to wonder that maybe Shanahan and Lynch won’t be able to pull off any first year magic this season.

Rams 23 49ers 3

Denver Broncos VS Buffalo Bills

The Bills are another team that looks a little lifeless. They only managed to beat the NY Jets and then proceeded to get pummeled by the Panthers the following week. McCoy, a key player to them winning games, was held to 9 yards last week. That’s how bad it was. On the other hand, the Broncos look like one of the best teams in the AFC. They have a smothering defenses on all aspects with an offense that plays great complimentary football. I said it before and I’ll say it one more time. Siemian is not elite (right now) and may never be. But he is smart and makes decisive decision with the football when he is protected and healthy. As long as Siemian can keep up his smart play, the running game keeps being viable, and the defense stays elite, the Broncos shouldn’t be losing more than just a few games this season.

Broncos 31 Bills 13

Baltimore Ravens VS Jacksonville Jaguars

Ah, yes. Our very first London game of the season. Unfortunately, I am not sure how exciting will be. The Jaguars offense is prone to turnovers with Bortles on the team and the Ravens have been prone causing turnovers this season. To be clear, the Ravens defense has as many turnovers (10) as they have allowed points in the last two games. That's incredible. It's a little lucky but it's also incredible. The real test here is how the Ravens passing game will matchup to the Jaguars secondary. If the Jaguars D can make the Ravens offense one dimensional, then they have the potential to come away with a win. If not, it might be another defensive slugfest in Baltimore's favor.

Ravens 23 Jaguars 16

New Orleans Saints VS Carolina Panthers

The Panthers defense has emerged to be one of the best in the first two weeks in the NFL. While it has been to rather weak offenses, only allowing 6 points total is an amazing feat in the NFL. What’s concerning is Newton has been inaccurate and missing open targets down the field. He needs to improve if the team wants to return to dominance but for now, he will be tested by a rather weak Saints secondary. If the Saints can’t clamp down and take advantage of a passing game that has been disappointing for the Panthers, it will look like another season where Brees and Sean Payton have to score 35+ points a game just to win. Even then, that wasn’t enough sometimes last year.

Saints 21  Panthers 27

Pittsburgh Steelers VS Chicago Bears

So the Bears got blown out by the Buccaneers. That’s about as much as you can say about their performance last week. Meanwhile, the Steelers showed dominance at home against the Vikings. With both Bell and Brown being taken out of the game for the most part, the Steelers gave us a preview of just how diverse their offensive attack can be and that they can score with or without their top weapons producing big numbers. The Vikings were without Sam Bradford, but that doesn’t mean credit can’t be given to the Steelers for adapting their offensive game plan as the game went on. This team is slowly becoming dangerous. A better word might be quietly.

Steelers 24  Bears 14

Atlanta Falcons VS Detroit Lions

Whoa baby. What a matchup right here and one I will be watching closely. It’s only Week 3, but this could be a potential look at what one of the NFC’s playoff games might look like. The Falcons beat the Packers handily although that might be due to the fact that the Packers lost more starters as the game continued. Meanwhile, the Lions had another great 4^th quarter comeback against the Cardinals and then clamped down on defense to beat the Giants at home. Both teams have wowed audiences already with their play but one has stood out more to me than the others and that’s the Lions. Let me tell you why. Matt *bleeping * Stafford. Holy moly this guy has been playing out of his mind. He has been managing the line like an elite QB. He has made down the field throws like an elite QB. And, when the pocket collapses, he gets rid of the ball quickly like an elite QB. Let me be clear, I’m not proclaiming Stafford to be elite, but he sure is on his way. And that’s why, I think he will outduel Matt Ryan in what could be our first shoot-out of the year.

Falcons 31 Lions 38

Cleveland Browns VS Indianapolis Colts

What a barnburner. Both teams are 0-2 and it’s almost impossible to pick a winner here. However, despite the Browns facing a top flight defense last week, I’m going to go with the Colts. They almost beat the Cardinals and were certainly more competitive with Jacoby Brissett at QB. Kizer, on the other hand, made too many mistakes for the Browns last week. Those need to be fixed if the Browns want to win some games this season.

Browns 13 Colts 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers VS Minnesota Vikings

After the whooping that the Bucs gave the Bears last week, I truly believe this comes down to whether Bradford is healthy or not. Like they showed against Pittsburgh last week, the Vikings have the defense to shut down the top playmakers of an offense. However, if the offense can’t stay on the field, then the defense (like any) will get tired and lose their tight grip. With all the playmakers the Bucs have and the explosive potential, it almost seems impossible for the Vikings to win using last week’s formula.

With Bradford: Bucs 21 Vikings 24

Without Bradford: Bucs 31 Vikings 16

Houston Texans VS New England Patriots

Consider me back with picking the Patriots every time. They took advantage of a bad Saints defense yes, but the Texans were destroyed by the Jaguars and barely passed by a Bengals team that can’t seem to get a touchdown to save a life. Therefore, it seems like the Patriots have got this one. I will say though, if the Texans can manage to run the ball down the Patriot’s throat (like the Chiefs did) then this has the potential to be an upset. Not sure if Lamar Miller will put on that kind of performance though.

Texans 14 Patriots 27

Miami Dolphins VS New York Jets

I feel bad. The Jets this year might be the team that I treat the way I did the Browns last year in this column. Meaning, until they do something, I don’t have much to say about them other than they are most likely a free win. Also, yes, the Chargers do tend to throwaway games. But how about that comeback by Miami last week? Not bad. I just hope Jay Cutler doesn’t throw the ball out of bounds on his next Hail Mary…..

Dolphins 21 Jets 10

New York Giants VS Philadelphia Eagles

The Giants offense is a mess. They can’t protect the quarterback or make holes for a running game that really doesn’t exist to begin with. The defense is doing the best they can but it’s hard to win games when your offense refuses to try and score. Meanwhile, the Eagles have been leaving a good impression to start the season by beating a divisional opponent on the road and then giving the Chiefs a run for their money last week. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that the Eagles win their first home game this year. Especially against a lackluster Giants team that seems to be in free fall.

Giants 13 Eagles 27

Seattle Seahawks VS Tennessee Titans

Consider me extremely concerned about Seattle’s offense. The offensive line is broken and it doesn’t look repairable at the moment. Wilson is constantly running for his life while his running backs can’t really run when linebackers are constantly in their face. Seattle’s defense is good enough to win Seattle games on their own but the Titan’s have the running game to wear down Seattle’s defense and eventually take over the game. I anticipate this to be a low scoring affair for a while with Mariota and Co. finally turning it up late in the 3^rd quarter to take over the game.

Seahawks 10 Titans 17

Cincinnati Bengals VS Green Bay Packers

Remember when I said in the preseason that the Bengals have a ton of talent but the offenseive line would be holding them back? Yeah. Keeping this one short and sweet. Who do you trust more? A team that hasn’t scored a single touchdown this season despite having a ton of talent? Or a team that’s been doing all right despite numerous injuries? You tell me. Oh. And one of those teams has Aaron Rodgers. Should make it a little easier for you.

Bengals 13 Packers 24

Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers

This game might be closer than some will think. The Chargers will put up a fight like the Eagles did. However, the Eagles almost made a miraculous comeback in the 4^th quarter. That’s been the opposite story for the Chargers for the last 18 games now. Not sure how San Diego wins here unless they can get a lead and keep the lead. Don’t see that happening against a Chiefs team that is young on offense, speedy, precise on defense, and smart overall.

Chiefs 24 Chargers 20

Oakland Raiders vs Washington Redskins

Love the idea of an upset here by the Redskins. But I’m not sure if it’s a reality. I don’t hate the Redskins. They are my sister’s favorite team and I wish for them to win every game (except when they play my team). But this team still has to prove something to me in order to have some confidence which is why I am picking them to lose for the 3^rd week in a row. I love Kirk Cousins. Don’t love the rest of the talent around him as much outside of Reed and Crowder. Ditto on the defensive side of the ball. Overall, the Raiders just have more talent on offense and Carr has the ability to score more often with that talent. Unlucky days for Cousins.

Raiders 27 Redskins 21

Dallas Cowboys VS Arizona Cardinals

This is a tough one. Both teams have weaknesses that have been exposed early on in the season. Conventional wisdom says I should be picking the Cowboys. But I am going to go on a limb and pick an upset. I truly believe the Broncos gave the blue print for how you beat the Cowboys this season. Shut down Elliot and Bryant. Seems like a tall task until you realize that the Cardinals have Patrick Peterson and Chandler Jones who can do the job and do it well. All Prescott has left to work with is Witten. I am not forgetting Beaseley in the equation but I don’t think he is enough to get past a stingy Cardinals secondary. Oh and that Cardinals pass rush. Holy moly. Have I mentioned Chandler Jones yet? Of course I have. The man is not human. Now, all the Cardinals have to do is show they actually have an offense. C’mon Palmer, Fitz, Brown, and Nelson. Don’t blow it for me now.

Cowboys 17 Cardinals 20