Here are my picks for Week 3. As we enter this week, there are many teams desperate for a win after starting the season 0-2. Read below to see who wins this week.

Thursday, September 21

49ers 26, Giants 10

This is a tough test for a Giants team on the road on a short week playing without Saquon Barkley and Andrew Thomas. The 49ers offense is firing on all cylinders right now and they figure to continue against a Giants defense that has underwhelmed so far this season. The Giants will need to air the ball out to keep up in this one and I’m not sure they have the playmakers or pass protection to do it.

Sunday, September 24

Ravens 24, Colts 16

The Ravens offense started to find its footing last week against Cincinnati and I see no signs of it slowing down against the Colts. The Ravens have found their number one WR in rookie Zay Flowers who looks to be a vital part of this offense from the start. For the Colts, it looks like they could be without Anthony Richardson which makes it much easier for Baltimore to contain this offense. Gardner Minshew can make this game interesting but the threat of Anthony Richardson’s legs could have made this game a possible upset.

Browns 16, Titans 13

This game should have plenty of defense with each of these offensive lines struggling right now. The loss of Nick Chubb is huge for the Browns and now they have to face one of the best run defenses in the league. The Titans secondary is vulnerable but it’s hard to trust Deshaun Watson and this passing game after what we’ve seen so far. The Titans formula should be simple on offense. Run the ball with Derrick Henry and take some play action shots. I think Cleveland can slow down the Titans pass rush a bit more than Tennessee can on the other side and that the Browns make a few more plays through the air to secure a tight win.

Falcons 27, Lions 24

This is my favorite matchup of the week. The Lions defense is coming off a very disappointing effort in their home opener last week and now they have key injuries to C.J. Gardner-Johnson and James Houston. Meanwhile the Falcons have a diverse offense with many different playmakers able to attack this Lions defense. One concern for the Falcons is the play of Desmond Ridder. Last week against the Packers, Ridder had multiple dropped interceptions and was lucky they escaped with a win. Ultimately, I believe Arthur Smith will be able to find ways to attack this Lions defense and improve to 3-0.

Saints 24, Packers 20

Over the first two weeks, the Packers offense has been surprisingly efficient and productive with Matt LaFleur doing a terrific job calling plays and getting Jordan Love comfortable running the offense. This week will be much tougher against a stout Saints defense that is complete at all three levels. Meanwhile, the Saints offense has been underwhelming and will have a tough test with their lack of running back depth this week. I think they make enough plays on offense and secure two takeaways to get a win at Lambeau field.

Jaguars 23, Texans 20

Division games are always closer than you expect and I think the Texans have enough intriguing weapons on offense to move the ball on a Jaguars defense that played pretty well last week. The Texans have had a tough time running the ball so far, therefore putting a lot on CJ Stroud’s plate. He has played well along with WRs Nico Collins and Robert Woods. I think the Texans keep it close but Trevor Lawrence will capitalize when his receivers are open unlike last week where he seemed a little off.

Dolphins 30, Broncos 20

This Broncos season has been a tale of two halves. Both games this season have seen the Denver offense get off to a hot start in the first half only to fizzle out in the second. They can’t let that happen again if they want to beat this high powered Dolphins offense. The Dolphins offense has been in great rhythm and has a balanced pass and run game. The Denver defense is going to need to play a lot better than it did last week to have a shot in this one.

Chargers 31, Vikings 28

This game should be the shootout of the week considering the way these defenses have played so far. The Chargers should be determined to run the ball after watching the Vikings defense allow 259 yards rushing to the Eagles last week. Conversely, the Vikings offense should aim to attack the Chargers secondary which works well for Minnesota because they have no run game. I think in the end, Kirk Cousins will have more on his shoulders and will probably make a couple more mistakes than Justin Herbert.

Patriots 19, Jets 13

With the struggles Zach Wilson has had against the Patriots, the New England defense should have a chance to generate some turnovers. I’m just not sure the Patriots have the playmakers to maintain drives and finish them in the end zone against this Jets defense. This game comes down to which offense and quarterback takes care of the ball better. It’s hard to trust either of these offenses right now but I think the Mac Jones and the Patriots offense make a few more plays.

Bills 27, Commanders 23

The Bills had an excellent bounce back game last week after their disappointing week 1 loss. The Commanders defensive line could create some problems for Buffalo but if they don’t get to Allen, it could be a long day for their defense. Sam Howell and the Commanders showed some resiliency in their comeback efforts last week against Denver but they can’t get in a hole like that again. The Commanders need Brian Robinson and Terry McLaurin to continue their play from last week to get a win.

Seahawks 26, Panthers 17

The Seahawks offense looked great last week against the Lions after struggling in week 1 but the defense is really concerning right now. Luckily they play an offense that is struggling quite a bit right now. The Carolina WRs have struggled to gain consistent separation and the run game has been stifled making life difficult for Bryce Young. The Panthers are also without Shaq Thompson making it even more difficult to slow down a Seahawks offense ready to do big things this year.

Cowboys 31, Cardinals 13

The Cardinals are coming off an excruciating loss to the Giants and now have to face the best team in the NFL through two weeks. This Dallas defense has no weaknesses and the pass rush is the fiercest group in the league. The Cardinals will probably need to run the ball and thrown some screens to have any chance of slowing down Micah Parsons and company.

Chiefs 30, Bears 17

The Chiefs offense hasn’t had a big game yet but this would be the week for them to do it. The Bears defense doesn’t have the personnel to make enough stops and that issue could be compounded by the resignation of DC Alan Williams this week. If the Bears offense is to awaken from their early season hibernation (bad pun, I know!), they should look to get Justin Fields involved in the run game more because he is clearly not seeing the field right now.

Steelers 24, Raiders 23

This game comes down to how well the Raiders offensive line can slow down the Steelers pass rush. The Raiders also need to try to run the ball against a Steelers defense that has had trouble stopping the run. Josh Jacobs had -2 rushing yards (!!!) last week against the Bills but that won’t cut it this week. For the Steelers, it is concerning how poorly the offense has looked through two games. Kenny Pickett, along with the running game and offensive line have all been overmatched in each game so far. These issues need to be corrected this week against a much more forgiving defense.

Monday, September 25

Eagles 27, Buccaneers 24

The Buccaneers second ranked run defense can create problems for Philadelphia in this game probably forcing the Eagles into a more pass heavy game script. My concern for Tampa is having to possibly play without Carlton Davis against Eagles WRs DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown. I also have some concerns with the way this Eagles defense and specifically secondary has played but I think their pass rush can force Baker Mayfield into a couple of mistakes.

Bengals 28, Rams 24

The Bengals have a very real chance to start 0-3. Rams WRs Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell have done a great job getting separation and making big plays for Matthew Stafford. For the Bengals, I’m operating as if Joe Burrow is playing this game. If he is they can attack this Rams secondary and hit some big plays. Aaron Donald and the Rams defensive line will create some problems but I think the Bengals win a close game with a lot of offense.