Looking at this upcoming week, it looks like the NFL schedule makers made week 3 one of the biggest weeks of the early season. A lot of divisional match ups that could easily go a long way to determining which teams are contenders and which pretenders.
Let’s take a look!!
Dallas at Houston – “America’s Team” is 0-2 with one of the league’s top pay rolls. Jerry Jones has said that Wade Phillips is not in any danger of losing his job, but we all know how Jerry can talk out of the side of his neck. The offense is struggling and fans are looking for heads to roll. The Cowboys have seemingly gotten away from one of their strong points, which is running the ball. The Houston Texans are coming off an almost improbable victory against the Redskins in overtime after being down 17 late in the third quarter. Matt Schaub is gaining even more confidence and he and Andre Johnson will be going against a suspect secondary. If the Texans come out with a balanced attack, I like them winning this game at home and sending the Cowboys spiraling to an 0-3 start to the season and Wade Phillips looking over his shoulder waiting on the ax to drop.
Atlanta at New Orleans – One of many big divisional games scheduled this week has the top two NFC South teams going to battle. This is one of the NFL’s biggest and fiercest rivalries. The Saints have struggled offensively in their first two wins of the season after having one of the best offenses of the season last year. They will be without the services of Reggie Bush who was injured last week. The Falcons are coming off a big win last weekend where their dormant offense woke up against the Arizona Cardinals. Michael Turner may be a little dinged up, but Jason Snelling is once again showing that he is more than capable of picking up the slack. The Falcons defense has looked strong in their opening games, only allowing two TDs on the ground. Look for the Saints to try to pound the ball with Pierre Thomas and then catch the Falcons with play action passes to their tall receivers. With that being said, I’m taking the Falcons in an upset this week.
Philadelphia at Jacksonville – Andy Reid has given Michael Vick the starting nod this week against Jacksonville. Vick has plenty of weapons around with DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Macklin, and Brent Celek. The running game is finding it’s footing as LeSean McCoy is becoming a more integral part of the offense. Jacksonville is ranked 29th in the league in total defense, giving up 300 yards a game in the air and 120 yards on the ground. Maurice Jones-Drew has struggled this season and David Gerrard doesn’t have the weapons to really be effective. If the Eagles defense shows up, they should win this game hands down.
New York Jets at Miami – The Jets are traveling to the state of Florida, where they have struggled playing against teams there. They will be without Darrelle Revis, and Braylon Edwards won’t be starting (DUI Arrest). The Jets looked good against the New England defense, but Miami is DEFINITELY not the New England defense. The Dolphins have the 5th ranked defense and are ranked 1st in points allowed. This is going to be a defensive struggle, but I like Miami coming out with the victory.
Green Bay at Chicago – One of the surprise teams of the season, the Bears have jumped out to a 2-0 record. Jay Cutler is looking like the Jay Cutler of old and has cut down on the terrible interceptions. Matt Forte is running strong and the rush defense is ranked number one in the league. Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers come in with one of the premier passing games, and without a strong running game, look for that to continue as Chicago is ranked 28th against the pass. Green Bay’s Clay Matthews leads the league in sacks with 6 entering the game. Look for Matthews to harass Jay Cutler all game and Green Bay to come away with the victory.
After my AWFUL picks last week, let’s see if I can redeem myself! Enjoy the games!!!
