Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots
The Pats haven’t been the Pats since Tom Brady’s return and the departures of Teddy Bruschi and Richard Seymour. While it’s difficult to think New England is in a rebuilding mode, it’s more plausible to think of them in a “feeling out” mode as Bill Belichick figures out who can do what on defense. This will be a homecoming for Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, but look for New England to ruin the party. New England 17, Atlanta 10.
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
What could be scarier than Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Defense? Joe Flacco and the Baltimore offense. With another season looking colder than a Lake Erie ice fishing trip, the Browns have once again managed to look mediocre this year. While these two teams have a bit of a rivalry, this game won’t even be close. Baltimore 35, Cleveland 13.
Green Bay Packers at St. Louis Rams
The Pack slipped up last week against the Bengals, but don’t expect it to happen against what is simply a dreadful Ram team. Green Bay is a complete team at every level, and St. Louis looks to be at least two years away from being remotely competitive. Green Bay 38, St. Louis 9.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
It’s hard to think that Jacksonville could open the season 0-3, but the Texans seem to have righted their ship as a trendy and competitive team. The feared defenses of Jack Del Rio don’t scare anyone anymore, and Garrard’s quarterback play is always spotty. Houston 19, Jacksonville 16.
Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles
With McNabb still hurting, Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick will be sharing the duties this week, with Vick running the wildcat offense for some of the game. None of that matters, though. Ron Jaworski could lead the Eagles to a home win over Kansas City. Eagles 25, Kansas City 14.
New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Giants defense was a letdown against the Cowboys in week 2, but the Cowboys are far more talented offensively than the Bucs. Tampa looks lost, and the decision to get rid of Jon Gruden still is a puzzling one. The Giants should get their ground game going this week, and steamroll Tampa. Look for the Bucs to score some meaningless points in the last quarter, as this one will be put to bed early. New York 23, Tampa Bay 16.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals, fresh off a Lambeau Leap, will be home to host the Steelers, who should have beat the Bears last week. Two missed kicks killed the Steelers’ chances in week 2, but their lack of a running game should be more of a concern. The Bengals defense proved stout in week 2, and expect it to come up big in this one as well. Cincinnati 13, Pittsburgh 10.
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
This is the game of the week. Are the Niners really that good? Is Favre’s fingernail still bent? Both teams have excellent ground games, but the edge goes to the Vikings in the quarterback department. Minnesota 21, San Francisco 20.
Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions
The only thing this game has going for it is Matthew Stafford. The Redskins are dreadful once again, and the Lions are dreadful once again as well. This game could have been Mark Sanchez vs. Matthew Stafford, which would have made the game watchable. Instead, look for the Redskins defense to clamp down on the Lions. Washington 10, Lions 3.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is banged up at quarterback, and Seneca Wallace is no replacement for Matt Hasselback. Expect the Bears to roar, and Cutler to soar. Chicago 27, Seattle 6.
The Bills actually won a game last week, if anyone was paying attention. The Saints have scored eight thousand points in the last two weeks, and Drew Brees will pass for another eight thousand against what is a 7-9 Bills squad. It’s too early for snow in Buffalo. New Orleans 45, Bills 17.
New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
Denver’s defense is surprisingly good this season, and while the Raiders have a good ground game, the Broncos will simply be too much to handle. Denver 17, Raiders 14.
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
The Chargers were simply punched in the mouth by the Raiders in week 1, which plays right into the way the fish play football. Despite the beat down, expect the Chargers stars to prevail. San Diego 19, Miami 15.
Tennessee Titans at New York Jets
Tennessee is 0-2, and they’re not a bad team. The Jets are 2-0, and not a great team. Look for a post-Patriot hangover and a Titan revenge factor from last season to result in a Jet loss. Tennessee 24, New York 14.
Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals
The Colts managed to win the game against the Dolphins in week 2 with a quick strike offense. Arizona is 1-1 in a horrendous division, and need to get on track. The Indy defense will still be tired from being on the field for most of the game against the Dolphins. This should be the most entertaining game of the week. Arizona 38, Indianapolis 30.
Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys
There are several great story lines in this game. Both teams could have new head coaches before the year is over due to lackluster play. Jake Delhomme looked better in week 2, but he still seems off. The Jessica Simpson-less Cowboys have sufficient fire power and the home crowd. Look for Dallas to keep pace with their division, and the Panthers to be pussycats. Dallas 31, Panthers 17.
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