NFL Week 3 Picks: Can I Bounce Back?

Week 3 of the NFL season approaches us tonight with the Falcons and Packers. Week 2 was not nearly as strong as Week 1 for me. I went .500 at 8-8, which brings me to 19-13 on the year so far. Not too bad, but man, did I have a strong Week 1. There were definitely some picks last week that I wish I could have back, but hey, that’s the fun of this.

So, we’re back at it. Let’s make some Week 3 picks.

Falcons vs. Packers

The Falcons and Packers kick us off tonight. Atlanta gets Michael Penix Jr. back, while Green Bay looks to build off its fourth-quarter comeback against the Jets and pick up its second win in a row.

It will be interesting to see if the Falcons’ offense can finally get on track. They’re averaging 123.5 passing yards and 138.5 rushing yards per game. Hopefully, Penix can get Drake London and Kyle Pitts more involved because getting the passing attack going could help open things up for Bijan Robinson.

On the other hand, the Packers have been much better throwing the ball but haven’t been able to establish the run, averaging just 64.5 rushing yards through two games.

Their defense has done a good job stopping the run so far, but if Atlanta’s offense can get going, I think Green Bay could be in trouble. The Packers got outplayed by the Jets last week and probably should have lost, but they came back in the fourth quarter and eventually won in overtime.

Penix may have some rust, but I think he can get this offense going and put up enough points.

Prediction: Falcons 24, Packers 21

Now for the 1 o’clock slate. As always, the Jets will be the last one we cover.

Bengals vs. Steelers

We have a divisional game here in Week 3!

Cincy comes in at 2-0, while the Steelers are 1-1. Pittsburgh’s offense has not looked good through two weeks. They’re averaging 175 passing yards and 74.5 rushing yards per game while scoring just 11.5 points per game.

Their defense can be better, but it has done enough to keep them in games through the first two weeks.

I actually think Rodgers and company might struggle again this week against the newly improved Bengals defense. The Steelers’ offense just hasn’t seemed to click yet, and I don’t think this is the week they figure it out.

I think Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and the rest of the Bengals offense will be able to have a big day against this Steelers defense.

Cincinnati’s offense hasn’t quite found its groove yet, but it feels like it’s trending in that direction. Obviously, a lot of that depends on the health of Burrow. He has thrown for at least 200 yards in each of the first two games, and I expect the same this week.

The Bengals offense will roll, and their improved defense will give Pittsburgh trouble.

Prediction: Bengals 24, Steelers 14

Jaguars vs. Patriots

We’ve got a matchup between two playoff teams from last year: the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots.

Jacksonville had a strong showing in Week 1, but the offense came back down to earth against Denver and its defense. They’ll look to bounce back this week.

The Patriots’ offense has not looked great to start the year, especially considering the expectations coming into the season with the MVP runner-up from a year ago.

Jacksonville’s passing defense will look to get back on track this week, but so will New England’s offense. Will they be able to do it as they continue without A.J. Brown? Can Doubs step up this week? He’ll need to if this offense hopes to get back on track.

Christian Gonzalez and the Patriots defense will look to slow down this Jaguars passing attack.

I do think the Jags pull this one out, and I think both quarterbacks play well.

Prediction: Jaguars 27, Patriots 24

Titans vs. Giants

Brian Daboll has to really want his offense to click and win this game against his former team.

This is an interesting matchup because before the season started, we were supposed to get a game between two young quarterbacks in Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart. Dart’s knee injury suffered Monday night put that dream to bed.

The Titans were much better in Week 2 than they were in Week 1, losing to the Eagles by just four points. Meanwhile, the Giants are coming off a 22-point loss to the Rams.

With Dart injured, we get to see Jameis Winston take the helm for New York.

I actually want to see Winston play well, but let’s dig into this matchup.

The Giants’ defense has been nothing special so far, and maybe Ward and the Titans offense can finally start finding their groove. It’s hard to win games when you’re averaging 256 yards of offense while giving up 360.

The Giants’ offense should look a little different because Winston isn’t the runner Dart is, but I still think they can be effective.

Saleh loves to play zone, and it seems like the underneath areas tend to be open. I think Daboll and the Giants offense take advantage of that and use Skattebo to help get them going.

The Titans will improve from their Week 2 performance, but they don’t get into the win column just yet.

Prediction: Giants 17, Titans 14

Seahawks vs. Commanders

This is a Week 3 matchup that will feature both teams’ backup quarterbacks.

Drew Lock came in for Sam Darnold early in Week 1, while Marcus Mariota came in for Jayden Daniels at halftime last week.

This is going to come down to who can manage the game, avoid turnovers and whose defense can hold up.

Seattle is averaging just over 200 passing yards per game, and a big reason for that has been Jaxon Smith-Njigba having two incredible weeks.

Seattle has also run the ball effectively, which has helped take some pressure off Lock and not force him to make every play.

Washington’s defense hasn’t been great against the run, and I think Seattle will look to exploit that with Jaden Price, if he plays. If not, expect Emanuel Wilson to take over that role.

Against this Seattle defense, I don’t see the Commanders’ offense getting going enough to keep them in the game.

I think Mariota will do what he needs to, but Seattle will shut down Washington’s run game and make them one-dimensional.

The Commanders have run the ball well through two weeks, but Seattle has done a good job holding opponents to 87 rushing yards per game.

If Washington can run the ball, that will be huge. But as I said, I expect Seattle to shut it down.

Prediction: Seahawks 28, Commanders 14

Panthers vs. Browns

The Browns’ offense will have to try to keep up with the Panthers, who have put up at least 34 points in both games so far.

Week 1 was a shootout loss to Chicago, but Carolina bounced back with a blowout win in Week 2.

The Browns will look to build off their Week 2 win and bring home another one.

The Panthers are averaging over 300 passing yards per game while also adding 96 yards per game on the ground. Bryce Young has been great through two weeks, and I’m looking for him to continue building on that and put together another nice game against a vulnerable defense.

Cleveland is only giving up just over 200 passing yards per game, but they’re also allowing over 130 yards on the ground.

I think Carolina will exploit that in the run game and have a much more balanced attack. But with the way Bryce has been slinging it, I wouldn’t be surprised if they let him continue to attack his weapons in Tetairoa McMillan, Coker and Legette.

Deshaun Watson looks to improve off a solid performance in Week 2 and bring home another win.

This is a winnable game for Cleveland, but their defense is going to need to step up and slow down this passing attack. If Watson can do what he did last week and the defense does its job, they have a chance.

But if this becomes a shootout, I like the Panthers.

Prediction: Panthers 24, Browns 17

Chiefs vs. Dolphins

We have one team looking to build off a 2-0 start and get back into the postseason, while the other is still looking for its first win.

The Chiefs have been a high-powered offense this year, averaging 469 yards through the first two games while scoring at least 30 points in both.

Miami’s defense, meanwhile, is allowing 336 yards per game.

Kansas City’s defense will look to get back on track after giving up 30 points to the Colts and winning in overtime.

That should be manageable to do against, arguably, the worst roster in the NFL.

I like Malik Willis, but the Dolphins’ offense hasn’t given me much hope from what I’ve seen. De’Von Achane has also gotten off to a slow start, although that didn’t surprise me. Teams are going to focus on him and force Willis to beat them.

I don’t expect the Dolphins’ offense to keep up with the Chiefs, and I think Kansas City wins this one easily with a big day from Walker.

Prediction: Chiefs 34, Dolphins 10

Chargers vs. Bills

Coming into the season, you would have penciled this one in because of the quarterback matchup between Justin Herbert and Josh Allen.

But after two weeks, Herbert has been underwhelming while Allen looks like the MVP favorite right now.

Allen has been incredible through these first two games, and the Bills’ offense is putting up 435 yards per game. I expect another big performance from Allen and this Bills offense.

James Cook had a great game last week and will look to build off it and have a similar season to last year, when he led the league in rushing.

The Chargers have run the ball decently, but their passing attack — which people were excited about after Mike McDaniel came in as offensive coordinator — just hasn’t looked good.

Is it the weapons? Is it the offensive line? Herbert definitely has had some poor line play, but he’s also made some poor decisions with the ball.

If Herbert and the Chargers offense can find some rhythm and look like the version of themselves we expected coming into the year, they have a chance.

The Bills’ defense is allowing 395 yards per game, including 273 passing yards.

So, is this the week Herbert and the offense finally find their groove?

I think it might be.

But I still think Allen and the Bills win this one and move to 3-0 while the Chargers fall to 0-3.

Prediction: Bills 30, Chargers 27

Texans vs. Colts

We’ve got another divisional game here with the Texans and Colts.

Indianapolis’ offense was able to hang with the Chiefs and put up 30 points in an overtime loss, while Houston is looking to avoid an 0-3 start.

C.J. Stroud threw for 353 yards last week, but it only resulted in six points. The Texans did put up 31 points in their close loss to Buffalo, so the offense clearly has the ability to score.

The Texans’ defense has not been dominant like it was last year. Is this the game where they finally get back on track?

Possibly.

The Colts offense will look to ride Jonathan Taylor, as they always do, and I don’t blame them. He has 190 yards and four touchdowns through two games.

The Texans haven’t been awful against the run, but they aren’t on the same level as last year. If that continues, I can see Taylor getting over 100 yards.

Both teams will look to avoid an 0-3 start, but I think Houston is able to win this one.

Prediction: Texans 21, Colts 17

Cardinals vs. 49ers

We have another divisional matchup with the Cardinals and 49ers.

Arizona looks to move to 2-1 while San Francisco looks to move to 3-0.

The Niners’ offense has had a nice balance, averaging 246 passing yards and 134 rushing yards per game. They should continue to be a balanced attack with Christian McCaffrey and Black in the backfield, along with Kittle, Evans and the rest of the receiving corps.

The Cardinals need to find ways to get Love more involved. I understand bringing him along slowly, but getting him more involved could help open this offense up.

They’re averaging just 93 rushing yards per game and under 4.0 yards per carry. It’s hard to win games that way, especially when your quarterback isn’t a game-changer.

Brissett is a game manager and will keep you in games as best he can, but don’t expect him to put the team on his back.

Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson have both been underwhelming to start, and Arizona needs to get those two and Love more involved to help McBride and this offense.

The Niners are battling injuries, per usual, and are still playing well.

Arizona is giving up over 120 rushing yards per game, so expect San Francisco to attack with McCaffrey and use play-action to open things up.

If the Cardinals can get Love, Harrison and Wilson involved, they might be able to keep this close.

I just don’t have confidence they will this week.

Prediction: 49ers 30, Cardinals 14

Vikings vs. Buccaneers

Minnesota comes in at 2-0 with Carson Wentz leading them to victories while Murray is out with a concussion. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is 0-2.

We didn’t get to see much of the Vikings offense with Murray going down late in the first quarter and Wentz coming in to lead them to a win.

So I’m interested to see how they look with the different dynamics he brings compared to Wentz.

Wentz had a great Week 1 and was solid in Week 2, but they were battling a rainstorm in Chicago and were able to grind out a win.

Both of Tampa Bay’s losses have come by one score, so they are right there.

They just need to stop turning the ball over.

They have five turnovers through two games. It’s hard to win games that way, especially one-score games. One turnover can be the difference.

This week, I think Baker Mayfield can get over that 200-yard mark and lead this offense to a few scores and a win.

They’ve run the ball well, averaging over 5.0 yards per carry.

Cut down on the turnovers and they win this.

I think it’s a close one.

Prediction: Buccaneers 20, Vikings 17

Raiders vs. Saints

The Saints have been one of the best passing offenses through two weeks, averaging 305 passing yards per game.

Tyler Shough has been pretty damn good.

If the Saints can get Travis Etienne going in the run game, that will open up this passing attack a lot more and make them even more dangerous off play-action.

Etienne is averaging over four yards per carry but needs more than 17 carries through two games.

The Raiders defense has given up four yards per carry over these two games, so I expect the Saints to try to exploit that and use Etienne more, as I said.

The Saints defense hasn’t been great, especially against the run.

The Raiders should take full advantage with Ashton Jeanty and exploit that weakness.

The Raiders are averaging just 2.8 yards per carry, with Jeanty at 3.4. Las Vegas needs to get that run game going against this Saints front.

I expect the Saints offense to keep rolling and get them this dub.

One player on the Raiders I have been impressed with is rookie Hezekiah Masses. He’s been targeted seven times so far, has allowed just two catches and has two interceptions.

I’m excited to watch him match up with Chris Olave at times this weekend.

Prediction: Saints 24, Raiders 20

Ravens vs. Cowboys

This should be a very good game.

Both teams come in at 1-1, and both have some of the best quarterbacks in the game in Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott.

The Ravens are going to rely on their run game, as they should, because Derrick Henry doesn’t seem to be slowing down yet. Plus, with Lamar’s legs, the defense is always on its toes.

Zay Flowers is trending toward not playing, so the Ravens will need Rashod Bateman and Walker to step up for Lamar.

With how poor the Cowboys’ run defense has been so far, I would expect the Ravens to take full advantage of that.

I think Henry can have another big game like he did in Week 1.

Dallas will need to rely on its passing game, as they are averaging just 3.5 yards per carry so far, and Baltimore’s run defense has been pretty good to start the season, holding teams to 3.6 yards per carry.

Dallas’ passing attack should still be able to have a nice day, but if the Ravens control the clock with their running game, I expect them to win.

Prediction: Ravens 30, Cowboys 27

Sunday Night Football: Rams vs. Broncos

We’ve made it to Sunday night.

The Rams and Broncos both had bounce-back performances in Week 2 to pick up wins after losing in Week 1.

Matthew Stafford got back on track with 327 yards and four touchdowns against the Giants, although he did throw one interception.

Bo Nix had 288 yards with a touchdown and a pick.

The Broncos got Waddle involved after a poor Week 1 performance, and Davante Adams had a tremendous Week 2.

If Puka Nacua is out, I’d expect another big game from Adams.

The Rams were much better against the run in Week 2. Did the addition of Aaron Donald help?

I think so, but as the season goes on, we’ll really see.

While the Broncos have Patrick Surtain, I expect Stafford to challenge Riley Moss a lot, and Stafford might have a field day with that matchup.

Even with the Broncos defense being good, I think Stafford and the Rams follow up their Week 2 win with another one.

It’ll be a close game, but the Rams take this one.

Prediction: Rams 24, Broncos 21

Monday Night Football: Bears vs. Eagles

And now for the Monday game.

This is an interesting one because, more than likely, Caleb Williams may not play. That means it could be Tyson Bagent, although he’s also questionable, so maybe Case Keenum?

We’ll see.

Depending on the quarterback, if it’s not Caleb Williams, I do expect the Eagles to win easily.

The Bears’ offense was amazing in Week 1 and fell off last week. I would say that was because of a couple of things: the weather and, of course, Caleb’s injury.

The longer he is sidelined, the worse it could be for Chicago this year.

They also haven’t been great defensively so far, and I believe Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense will be able to have a great day.

I’m looking to see Saquon Barkley get back on track and for DeVonta Smith to follow up his great Week 2 performance.

He put up 117 yards on 10 catches with a touchdown.

Smitty is a true No. 1, and without A.J. Brown on the other side, he can really showcase it.

The Bears are allowing 4.9 yards per carry, so as I said, expect Barkley and Hurts to be involved in this run game.

Prediction: Eagles 27, Bears 17

Monday Night Football: Lions vs. Jets

Now, our final game.

The Lions vs. Jets.

Aaron Glenn faces his former team, where he was the defensive coordinator. Both teams are 1-1, and the Jets are coming off a game they should have won. They lost to the Packers in overtime despite severely outplaying them, but I digress.

The Jets have done well defensively, but they will be tested by this Lions offense.

They have Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta all helping Jared Goff and making this a potent offense.

Detroit is averaging 382 yards per game, but its defense is also giving up a lot.

I think the Jets will have to keep up offensively with the Lions to win this.

I have faith in our defense, and they have played well, but can we take away Gibbs or disrupt Goff?

I like to think we can, but we’ll see.

Detroit hasn’t had great run defense, so expect the Jets to lean on Breece Hall like they have through the first two weeks.

I’d also like to see Garrett Wilson a little more involved. I felt like he had some one-on-one opportunities that Geno didn’t throw his way last week, and I’d like to see the Jets take more shots down the field.

I also expect Sadiq to have a bigger role with Mason Taylor tending to miss time.

The Lions are going to lean on Gibbs to be their workhorse, as they should. He’s a tremendous runner but is also a threat in the passing game.

The Jets are giving up over four yards per carry, so expect Gibbs to get going.

I think this will be close.

And man, I really want to take us.

But I’m going with Detroit in a close one.

Prediction: Lions 27, Jets 24

I can’t wait to see what is in store for us this NFL weekend.

I think we’ve got some great matchups and should have some really good games. Same with college football.

I think the Texas-Tennessee game will be good. It’s crazy that it’s a noon kickoff, but Arch Manning playing against the school where his uncle is beloved should make for an interesting one.

On top of that, we’ve got Ole Miss-Florida, Iowa-Michigan, LSU-Texas A&M, USC-Oregon, and I’m intrigued by Clemson-Cal.

Oh, and tune in tonight to watch my Coastal Carolina Chanticleers take on Liberty down in Conway.

I love this rivalry game and can’t wait for us to kick their asses and send Jamey Chadwell home with an L. This is his first time back in Conway since he left, and I can’t wait.

Tune back in next week for Week 4 and see how I did with my picks.

As always,Lace up and tap in.

– Jett Garden