NFL Week 3 picks: Rams soar to 3-0, Chiefs still winless?

It took an extra week to get momentum going with my weekly picks but week 2 got me back on the map and headed in the right trajectory. Week 3 will feature six more divisional matchups, giving us a strong indicator of who is the real deal within their division as we take one step closer to the quarter season mark.

Week 2 record: 13-3 ┃ Cumulative Record: 22-10

Without further ado…

Week 3 Matchups

(Thursday) Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills, 8:15 PM EST

Mike McDaniel’s postgame conference was … “something”. McDaniel is an intelligent offensive mind, he’s just not head coaching material. The Dolphins will move on here soon. I expect McDaniel will land an OC job in San Francisco, Houston, or wherever Shanahan has ties.

This game should be a blowout. Anything less than that should be of concern to Sean McDermott.

Pick: Bills win 34-13

Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 PM EST

Within just three weeks, we already have a battle of backup quarterbacks. Cincinnati lost Joe Burrow to a grade 3 toe injury and will miss the next three months. Meanwhile, JJ McCarthy will be out for about 2-4 weeks. However, this will actually be an interesting matchup of backup quarterbacks. Jake Browning and Carson Wentz are two very reliable backups in the NFL with career winning records. Browning is 4-3, while Wentz is 47-46-1. In this case, I’m gonna lean towards the home team. I imagine Brian Flores will dial up pressure to make Browning uncomfortable on the road.

Pick: Vikings win 23-13

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots, 1:00 PM EST

Tua was able to show signs of life against the New England Patriots defense last week. Despite his age, Aaron Rodgers is better than Tua. I expect a bounce back performance for Pittsburgh and their defense to get on track under Mike Tomlin.

Pick: Steelers win 26-21

Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans, 1:00 PM EST

The Colts have been the NFL’s biggest surprise through two weeks. Daniel Jones was a castoff but has revitalized his career with Shane Steichen. Their Week 2 win was no slouch either. Jones threw for 316 yards and one touchdown against one the best secondaries in the league. Jonathan Taylor is looking like a top 5 running back again. Look out.

Cam Ward actually looks okay as a rookie quarterback. He just doesn’t have enough help, especially at right tackle.

Pick: Colts win 28-14

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 PM EST

Not many expected Houston to enter Week 3 with an 0-2 record. The Jaguars look strong under Liam Coen but they squandered an opportunity in Cincinnati. I think the Texans get their first win in a close game down in north Florida.

Pick: Texans win 23-17

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers, 1:00 PM EST

Bijan Robinson is a specimen. He is the next great one at the running back position. Atlanta should continue to feed their running backs as I am sure their offensive linemen...