Week 3 NFL Predictions
By Jacob Sanders
Boy, oh boy. Long time no see folks. It’s been a long time since I’ve last posted on this column here. But hey, I’m back! I would like to apologize to those who asked me if I would continue writing this segment this year and were looking forward to it since Week 1. Truth is, I meant to start by Week 1 but had many other priorities. Since I write all of this for free, I had other things I had to take care of. But now, there is a small window in my schedule each week where I can do what I love and that’s to write about football! Anyway, enough of this. Let’s get right to it!
I would like to say, I’ve kept track of predictions even if I didn’t write them down. So here’s my score after 2 weeks:
Sanders went 9-6-1 last week and 7-8-1 in Week 1 putting him to 16-14-2 on the season.
New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns
This could have been a very intriguing matchup if the Browns had Mayfield as their starter. A look into the possible future of Darnold vs Mayfield would be almost priceless but that isn’t what we are getting. Despite the Browns being winless so far, a lot of that has added up to, what shall we say, bad kicking luck? The Browns have outplayed both the Steelers and Saints and yet neither game ended in the W column. Meanwhile the Jets are sitting at a decent 1-1. However, the Jets are on a short week during an away game with a rookie quarterback. I’m not too sure Darnold, despite being effective will help make up the difference. And, that defensive stomp against the Lions Week 1 seemed to state more of how bad the Lions are than how good this Jets team is. With all that said, the Browns will win their first game in almost 2 years!
Jets 14 Browns 17
New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons
Not gonna lie. If not for some bad coaching decisions by the Browns and a little luck, the Saints would be 0-2. That’s not irregular for this Saints team but it’s also concerning for a team that was supposed to have Super Bowl aspirations. The sputtering of the Falcons offense ever since Shanahan left has continued but they pulled out a gritty win against the Panthers. Conventional wisdom says this is the time when the Saints start picking up. But, it’s in Atlanta and the Falcons are just as desperate for a win. I know it’s only Week 3, but this is a game that could decide the division come Week 16 or 17. It’s that important.
Saints 23 Falcons 26
Denver Broncos vs Baltimore Ravens
The Broncos are 2-0 and the Ravens are 1-1 but who has looked like the better team? In the most non-bias way (remember, I’m a Baltimore fan) I would say Baltimore has shown to be the better team. They obliterated the Bills and almost made a comeback win against the Bengals in a game that Baltimore had no business almost making a comeback in the first place. But Sanders, the Broncnos made a comeback last week. Yes. They sure did…...against the Raiders which is another team seemingly plagued by bad coaching decisions. Look, I picked the Broncos to be 2-0 and I picked them to win their division. But they are the shakiest 2-0 team right now and I have expected more from them. And frankly, the Ravens D at home is going to punish Keenum’s shaky play. I’m not sure the Broncos can overcome that barring Keenum rewinding the clock to last year.
Broncos 17 Ravens 21
Cincinnati Bengals vs Carolina Panthers
Yeah. So. I’ll say it. I’m buying this Bengals team. Their defense has been a swarming unit giving both Andrew Luck and Andy Dalton so much and the offense led by Dalton looks far difference now that there are some playmakers again. Is this team over-achieving? Well. Maybe. But they look far better than everyone was going to give them credit for. Yes, including your hack writer right here. The Panthers? Playing about what we thought. Inconsistent and not quite living up to their potential. Sounds like every year. This could be a statement game for the Panthers if they can beat a rising team at home.If not, well, that’s trouble.
Bengals 24 Panthers 16
New York Giants vs Houston Texans
SPOILER ALERT! THE TEAM WHO LOSES THIS ISN’T MAKING THE PLAYOFFS!!!! That’s not a joke. Both of these teams are 0-2 and starting 0-3 is almost a death sentence that no one wants. Let’s keep this simple. The Giants are a leaky defense and the Giants offensive line prevents the Giants from being able to move the ball even with Barkley and Beckham on the field. The Texans? Well, they looked way better Week 2. They remind me of one those teams that starts to pull a couple wins together to go 2-2, and by then, know what they need to do to win. Watson should lead the team this game at home.
Giants 10 Texans 28
Tennessee Titans vs Jacksonville Jaguars
So everybody may talk about how the JAX defense shutdown Brady and Gronk. But let me ask you. Have you ever heard this guy named Blake Bortles? Man, this guy from a meme of a quarterback to straight dealing. He had an incredible showing last week. And you know what? That’s not an anomoly. A lot of reports said Bortles had improved in training camp over the offseason and looks way better. He’s put it on the field two games in a row now. What’s important is he did it without his star RB in one of those weeks. This Jaguars team may be the best team in the AFC right now, and it’s not even close. Oh wait….but there’s a second team in this game. That’s right. The Titans. Sorry Tennesee. Your team isn’t very good. And frankly, as sad as this is to say, their defense doesn’t match Jacksonville’s and certainly won’t be able to contain Blake Bortles….what a weird thing to type…..
Titans 13 Jaguars 31
San Francisco 49ers vs Kansas City Chiefs
Like what I’m seeing from this 49ers team. A much better win against the Lions and Jimmy G looked much better as well. Matt Breida. Man, what a start to his NFL career he is having. You know who else is having a great start to their carrer? PATRICK. MAHOMES. This kid can ******* play. My excitement can’t be contained. The hype was real and it’s paid off so far. Mahomes makes the Chiefs must-watch tv even if their defense is terrible right now. And that’s just the team KC might be a right now. A team that wins games through their offense hoping their D doesn’t break down often. Feels like Jimmy G and Co won’t be able to keep up with Mahomes and the Crew.
49ers 20 Chiefs 35
Oakland Raiders vs Miami Dolphins
Okay. So. The Raiders just aren’t very good. And they’re visiting a team that quietly started 2-0. You know why the Dolphins are 2-0? They’ve gone back to what gave this franchise hope 2 seasons ago. A bend but don’t break defense and a quarterback who isn’t making mistakes to lose the game. That’s a solid gameplan, eh? Meanwhile, the Raiders are asking telling themselves that it’s hard to find a good pass rusher. Maybe they should ring up the Bears for Khalil Mack. Heard that guy is pretty good.
Raiders 14 Dolphins 20
Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings
It’s quite possible the Bills stamp themselves as the worst team in the NFL right here. Why? Well. They’re playing the Vikings. Cousins is legit. If you didn’t watch last weeks Packers vs Vikings games. Go watch the highlights. You’re missing out if you don’t. Cousins threw some of the most beautiful balls you will see all season. Overall the talent level is far superior for Minnesota than the Bills and that’s the edge. Also, the Vikigns won’t be having any players retire halfway through the game. There’s that too.
Bills 3 Vikings 27
UPSET OF THE WEEK!
Indianapolis Colts vs Philadelphia Eagles
Carson Wentz is back baby. That’s big news for the Eagles and a big question mark is if the Eagles will instantly look better. Maybe not. The guy hasn’t been on the field for a while. It could take some time. But it’s coming against an unknown Colts team. At first, they looked pretty mediocre against the Bengals but then dropped the Redskins into the pit from the movie 300. I like what i see from Andrew Luck as well. Frankly, I’m not sure what to think about either of these teams going in. And I have to have an upset of the week pick. This looks like the game to go with.
Colts 24 Eagles 20
Green Bay Packers vs Washington Redskins
Let’s get this straight. The Packers are just a better team than the Redskins. They should take care of business on the road. I was hyped for the Redskins after they beat the Cardinals. Then we realized how bad Arizona is and the Redskins got throttled by the Colts. You think the Packers and Co are gonna let the Redskins do much against them? Doubt it.
Packers 28 Redskins 14
Los Angeles Chargers vs Los Angeles Rams
Well. A technical home game for both teams. So no advantage there really. But, I almost wanted to pick the Chargers in an upset. Then I remembered Joey Bosa is winning and realized they need him if they wanna stop Gurley or pressure the Goff. On the flipside, the Rams have all the tools to keep Rivers and Co under duress ALLLLLLLLLLLLL day. So. I’m picking the better defense to make a stop in 4th quarter. Don’t worry, this game should be exciting and a close one.
Chargers 21 Rams 27
Chicago Bears vs Arizona Cardinals
Shortest one of today. Here’s why. Till the Cardinals can MOVE. THE. BALL. with LARRY FITZGERALD AND DAVID JOHNSON on the team, I have nothing to say for this team. The Bears? Holy molllly. Don’t even get me started. I could go on for days about this Bears defense. They’re gonna take advantage of some bad offenses this seasons *shifts eyes to Arizona*. But….Trubisky needs work. There’s a chance he makes the mistake throwing to Peterson and gives Arizona some help. It probably will happen….but….that Bears D…...MAN!
Bears 13 Cardinals 10
Dallas Cowboys vs Seattle Seahawks
Poor Russel Wilson. He IS the Seattle Seahawks. And frankly, even his best efforts couldn’t beat the Bears. That may be the story all season for them. Not good. The Cowboys on the other hand have been a tale of two games. One where they looked awful and couldn’t move the ball. The other where they swarmed Eli Manning and Prescott moved the Ball efficiently enough to win on Sunday night. Which one shows up? Who knows man. Who knows.
Cowboys 17 Seahawks 14
New England Patriots vs Detriot Lions
Ayy. Matt Patricia will be seeing his former team again. And they’ll beat him. Look, the Lions just haven’t looked very good. The Lions are a near mess right now and the Patriots are going to take care of business in Detroit and then move on. That’s what they always do after a loss, right?
Patriots 24 Lions 13
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s so foolish for me to buy into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but I’m going to. This is what the offense was supposed to look like last year. Maybe a change in QB was the answer. Either way, I’m not gonna deny the Bucs O until they screw up. The Steelers remain winless. Drama surrounds them. Bell still isn’t their and Antonio Brown isn’t performing like normal. What does this all mean? The rollercoaster derailing in Steel City. Yep. They’re gonna be winless post Week 3. Yikes.
Steelers 23 Bucs 30
New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons
Not gonna lie. If not for some bad coaching decisions by the Browns and a little luck, the Saints would be 0-2. That’s not irregular for this Saints team but it’s also concerning for a team that was supposed to have Super Bowl aspirations. The sputtering of the Falcons offense ever since Shanahan left has continued but they pulled out a gritty win against the Panthers. Conventional wisdom says this is the time when the Saints start picking up. But, it’s in Atlanta and the Falcons are just as desperate for a win. I know it’s only Week 3, but this is a game that could decide the division come Week 16 or 17. It’s that important.
Saints 23 Falcons 26
Denver Broncos vs Baltimore Ravens
The Broncos are 2-0 and the Ravens are 1-1 but who has looked like the better team? In the most non-bias way (remember, I’m a Baltimore fan) I would say Baltimore has shown to be the better team. They obliterated the Bills and almost made a comeback win against the Bengals in a game that Baltimore had no business almost making a comeback in the first place. But Sanders, the Broncnos made a comeback last week. Yes. They sure did…...against the Raiders which is another team seemingly plagued by bad coaching decisions. Look, I picked the Broncos to be 2-0 and I picked them to win their division. But they are the shakiest 2-0 team right now and I have expected more from them. And frankly, the Ravens D at home is going to punish Keenum’s shaky play. I’m not sure the Broncos can overcome that barring Keenum rewinding the clock to last year.
Broncos 17 Ravens 21
Cincinnati Bengals vs Carolina Panthers
Yeah. So. I’ll say it. I’m buying this Bengals team. Their defense has been a swarming unit giving both Andrew Luck and Andy Dalton so much and the offense led by Dalton looks far difference now that there are some playmakers again. Is this team over-achieving? Well. Maybe. But they look far better than everyone was going to give them credit for. Yes, including your hack writer right here. The Panthers? Playing about what we thought. Inconsistent and not quite living up to their potential. Sounds like every year. This could be a statement game for the Panthers if they can beat a rising team at home.If not, well, that’s trouble.
Bengals 24 Panthers 16
New York Giants vs Houston Texans
SPOILER ALERT! THE TEAM WHO LOSES THIS ISN’T MAKING THE PLAYOFFS!!!! That’s not a joke. Both of these teams are 0-2 and starting 0-3 is almost a death sentence that no one wants. Let’s keep this simple. The Giants are a leaky defense and the Giants offensive line prevents the Giants from being able to move the ball even with Barkley and Beckham on the field. The Texans? Well, they looked way better Week 2. They remind me of one those teams that starts to pull a couple wins together to go 2-2, and by then, know what they need to do to win. Watson should lead the team this game at home.
Giants 10 Texans 28
Tennessee Titans vs Jacksonville Jaguars
So everybody may talk about how the JAX defense shutdown Brady and Gronk. But let me ask you. Have you ever heard this guy named Blake Bortles? Man, this guy from a meme of a quarterback to straight dealing. He had an incredible showing last week. And you know what? That’s not an anomoly. A lot of reports said Bortles had improved in training camp over the offseason and looks way better. He’s put it on the field two games in a row now. What’s important is he did it without his star RB in one of those weeks. This Jaguars team may be the best team in the AFC right now, and it’s not even close. Oh wait….but there’s a second team in this game. That’s right. The Titans. Sorry Tennesee. Your team isn’t very good. And frankly, as sad as this is to say, their defense doesn’t match Jacksonville’s and certainly won’t be able to contain Blake Bortles….what a weird thing to type…..
Titans 13 Jaguars 31
San Francisco 49ers vs Kansas City Chiefs
Like what I’m seeing from this 49ers team. A much better win against the Lions and Jimmy G looked much better as well. Matt Breida. Man, what a start to his NFL career he is having. You know who else is having a great start to their carrer? PATRICK. MAHOMES. This kid can ******* play. My excitement can’t be contained. The hype was real and it’s paid off so far. Mahomes makes the Chiefs must-watch tv even if their defense is terrible right now. And that’s just the team KC might be a right now. A team that wins games through their offense hoping their D doesn’t break down often. Feels like Jimmy G and Co won’t be able to keep up with Mahomes and the Crew.
49ers 20 Chiefs 35
Oakland Raiders vs Miami Dolphins
Okay. So. The Raiders just aren’t very good. And they’re visiting a team that quietly started 2-0. You know why the Dolphins are 2-0? They’ve gone back to what gave this franchise hope 2 seasons ago. A bend but don’t break defense and a quarterback who isn’t making mistakes to lose the game. That’s a solid gameplan, eh? Meanwhile, the Raiders are asking telling themselves that it’s hard to find a good pass rusher. Maybe they should ring up the Bears for Khalil Mack. Heard that guy is pretty good.
Raiders 14 Dolphins 20
Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings
It’s quite possible the Bills stamp themselves as the worst team in the NFL right here. Why? Well. They’re playing the Vikings. Cousins is legit. If you didn’t watch last weeks Packers vs Vikings games. Go watch the highlights. You’re missing out if you don’t. Cousins threw some of the most beautiful balls you will see all season. Overall the talent level is far superior for Minnesota than the Bills and that’s the edge. Also, the Vikigns won’t be having any players retire halfway through the game. There’s that too.
Bills 3 Vikings 27
UPSET OF THE WEEK!
Indianapolis Colts vs Philadelphia Eagles
Carson Wentz is back baby. That’s big news for the Eagles and a big question mark is if the Eagles will instantly look better. Maybe not. The guy hasn’t been on the field for a while. It could take some time. But it’s coming against an unknown Colts team. At first, they looked pretty mediocre against the Bengals but then dropped the Redskins into the pit from the movie 300. I like what i see from Andrew Luck as well. Frankly, I’m not sure what to think about either of these teams going in. And I have to have an upset of the week pick. This looks like the game to go with.
Colts 24 Eagles 20
Green Bay Packers vs Washington Redskins
Let’s get this straight. The Packers are just a better team than the Redskins. They should take care of business on the road. I was hyped for the Redskins after they beat the Cardinals. Then we realized how bad Arizona is and the Redskins got throttled by the Colts. You think the Packers and Co are gonna let the Redskins do much against them? Doubt it.
Packers 28 Redskins 14
Los Angeles Chargers vs Los Angeles Rams
Well. A technical home game for both teams. So no advantage there really. But, I almost wanted to pick the Chargers in an upset. Then I remembered Joey Bosa is winning and realized they need him if they wanna stop Gurley or pressure the Goff. On the flipside, the Rams have all the tools to keep Rivers and Co under duress ALLLLLLLLLLLLL day. So. I’m picking the better defense to make a stop in 4th quarter. Don’t worry, this game should be exciting and a close one.
Chargers 21 Rams 27
Chicago Bears vs Arizona Cardinals
Shortest one of today. Here’s why. Till the Cardinals can MOVE. THE. BALL. with LARRY FITZGERALD AND DAVID JOHNSON on the team, I have nothing to say for this team. The Bears? Holy molllly. Don’t even get me started. I could go on for days about this Bears defense. They’re gonna take advantage of some bad offenses this seasons *shifts eyes to Arizona*. But….Trubisky needs work. There’s a chance he makes the mistake throwing to Peterson and gives Arizona some help. It probably will happen….but….that Bears D…...MAN!
Bears 13 Cardinals 10
Dallas Cowboys vs Seattle Seahawks
Poor Russel Wilson. He IS the Seattle Seahawks. And frankly, even his best efforts couldn’t beat the Bears. That may be the story all season for them. Not good. The Cowboys on the other hand have been a tale of two games. One where they looked awful and couldn’t move the ball. The other where they swarmed Eli Manning and Prescott moved the Ball efficiently enough to win on Sunday night. Which one shows up? Who knows man. Who knows.
Cowboys 17 Seahawks 14
New England Patriots vs Detriot Lions
Ayy. Matt Patricia will be seeing his former team again. And they’ll beat him. Look, the Lions just haven’t looked very good. The Lions are a near mess right now and the Patriots are going to take care of business in Detroit and then move on. That’s what they always do after a loss, right?
Patriots 24 Lions 13
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s so foolish for me to buy into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but I’m going to. This is what the offense was supposed to look like last year. Maybe a change in QB was the answer. Either way, I’m not gonna deny the Bucs O until they screw up. The Steelers remain winless. Drama surrounds them. Bell still isn’t their and Antonio Brown isn’t performing like normal. What does this all mean? The rollercoaster derailing in Steel City. Yep. They’re gonna be winless post Week 3. Yikes.
Steelers 23 Bucs 30
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