NFL Picks Week 3: Gonna Fly Now

After two weeks, the New Orleans Saints find themselves with a 2-0 record for the second-consecutive season. Unlike last season, both the defense and the offense have been downright dominant to start the season. After steamrolling the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas last week, the Saints now face another NFC East opponent in the Philadelphia Eagles.

Philly is coming off a downright shocking home loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night, in an uninspired performance. The Saints, on the other hand, have been remarkably inspired to start this season, and that should carry through to this showdown with Philly in the Dome. The Eagles have been the ones flying into the playoffs for the past few years, but it seems that the Saints are the ones that are going to fly now.

Last week I went 10-6

I told you so: Saints over Cowboys! (and Chiefs over Bengals… “A game-winning field goal as time expires is the difference. Kansas City wins 26-25.” BINGO!)

What do I know: Eagles over Falcons?

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Thursday, September 19th – Thursday Night Football

Patriots(1-1) at Jets(1-1)
It won’t be Aaron Rodgers that carries the Jets to victory over their AFC East rivals, but it will be the struggling Jets defense that shuts down the Pats in this one. New York wins 14-9.

Pick: Jets

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Sunday, September 22nd – Early Games

Giants(0-2) at Browns(1-1)
The Cleveland defense will lead the Browns to a close win over the G-Men. Cleveland wins 17-16.

Pick: Browns

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Bears(1-1) at Colts(0-2)
Anthony Richardson will outplay Caleb Williams in this battle of young quarterbacks. Indianapolis wins 24-17.

Pick: Colts

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Texans(2-0) at Vikings(2-0)
Houston being 2-0 to start the year is no surprise, but Minnesota being 2-0 certainly is. It will be no surprise to anyone when Houston leaves the Twin Cities with a win in this one. Houston wins 28-17.

Pick: Texans

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Chargers(2-0) at Steelers(2-0) – Game of the Week
Jim Harbaugh may be known for offense, but he’s got the Bolts’ defense putting opponents on notice. Mike Tomlin, on the other hand, is all about defense, and the Steelers D has been one on the NFL’s best in this early season. Despite this, it will surprisingly be the offenses that flourish in a defensive showdown that turns into an offensive shootout. A late game-winning drive by Justin Herbert is the difference in this entertaining contest. Los Angeles wins 33-30.

Pick: Chargers

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Broncos(0-2) at Buccaneers(2-0)
Sean Payton’s uninspired offense facing Todd Bowles’ uninspiring defense isn’t the matchup that wins or loses this game, it will be Baker Mayfield getting the best of the Denver defense that seals this victory for the Bucs. Tampa Bay wins 30-10.

Pick: Buccaneers

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Packers(1-1) at Titans(0-2)
Its strength on strength, with the Green Bay rushing attack facing the Tennessee defense, but it will be the Pack that picks up the win in the Malik Willis revenge game. Green Bay wins 29-21.

Pick: Packers

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Eagles(1-1) at Saints(2-0)
Last Saturday, this was a Philly win for me, a close one, but a win for Gang Green nonetheless. A lot has changed in that time. Both of these teams have given us a good look at who they are, and there is a lot to like about what we are seeing in New Orleans. Philly, meanwhile, has sounded some alarms after a brutal loss to Atlanta, but they still remain a threat by desperation.

We are all aware the Saints have had success against the Eagles over the years, except when Jalen Hurts has started at quarterback, most notably in his first career start. Things may be quite different this time around. This game will come down to two simple factors: The Philly defense having no answers to the Saints’ multi-faceted offensive attack, and Dennis Allen’s defense FINALLY having an answer to the mobility of Jalen Hurts, thanks to the speed of his revamped linebacking corps.

Philly will attempt to be the first team to crack the 20-point barrier against the Saints defense this season, and even if they pull it off, the Saints offense will score far more themselves against the porous Eagles defense. Surely, the Saints can’t score 40+ every week. Mid-30’s will have to suffice in this one. Saints win 35-20.

Pick: Saints

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Sunday, September 24th – Late Games

Panthers(0-2) at Raiders(1-1)
The matchup we’ve all waited for: Andy Dalton vs. Gardner Minshew, a bout only Vegas can host. Despite the lack of firepower for both teams, “Minshew Magic” will win out thanks to a big game by Davante Adams against the toothless Panthers. Las Vegas wins 24-21.

Pick: Raiders

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Dolphins(1-1) at Seahawks(2-0)
Skylar Thompson will lead Miami to a close win over the undefeated Seahawks in Seattle. Miami wins 20-17.

Pick: Dolphins

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Lions(1-1) at Cardinals(1-1)
The Cards had a monster day against the Rams last week, but they come back to earth against the Lions, who finally get in gear for the first time this season. Detroit wins 27-17.

Pick: Lions

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Ravens(0-2) at Cowboys(1-1)
Dallas finds a way to put themselves together, following a thorough dismantling a week ago. This is a critical game for both teams, and they will play like it, but a late touchdown by CeeDee Lamb makes the difference in this crucial game. Dallas wins 34-27.

Pick: Cowboys

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49ers(1-1) at Rams(0-2)
These teams have had some outstanding battles over the past seven years, but this will not be one of the more entertaining ones. Both teams are struggling with critical injuries and come limping into this one. Brock Purdy will have the better passing game than Matthew Stafford in this one and that will be the difference. San Francisco wins 24-21.

Pick: 49ers

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Sunday Night Football

Chiefs(2-0) at Falcons(1-1)
Following their unlikely win in Philly last week, Atlanta comes crashing back to earth, thanks to an inspired performance by Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and the usual efforts of Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City wins 24-7.

Pick: Chiefs

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Monday, September 23rd – Monday Night Football Doubleheader

Jaguars(0-2) at Bills(2-0)
Winless Jacksonville heading to undefeated Buffalo in primetime? This one seems like an easy pick for the Bills, but not so fast. This matchup is far closer to even than it seems. The Jags will finally play their most complete game of the season just when they need it the most. Thanks to some key plays by their defense, Jacksonville pulls off the upset on Monday Night. Jacksonville wins 27-23.

Pick: Jaguars

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Commanders(1-1) at Bengals(0-2)
Cincinnati finally gets themselves in the win column, by leaning on their ground game, which will take the pressure off Joe Burrow and the passing attack. Jayden Daniels will impress in his primetime debut, but it won’t be enough in the end. Cincinnati wins 29-27.

Pick: Bengals

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That’s how I see it, tell us how you see Week 3 playing out. Leave your comments and insight below!