Saulsie’s week 3 NFL predictions

With a few stumbles along the way, we made our way to 11–5 in week 2, making our overall record is 24–7. We’re looking to add an extra 16 in the win column this week. Let’s get started.

Thursday Sep. 21st:

Rams at 49ers:

My problem I have with the Rams is their inconsistency on whether to win or lose. Watching the 49ers, however, makes me alot more nervous as to who I should pick. I’m not saying that the 49ers are playoff contenders (they are 0–2 after all), but maybe that defense is something serious. They lost to Seattle 12–9. Look for a score relatively like that in this defensive battle. I’m going Rams 10–7.

Sunday Sep. 24th:

Steelers at Bears:

Is Trubisky starting yet? No? Well, then you have my answer. Black and Gold get their first 3–0 start since 2010. Steelers 35–10.

Ravens at Jaguars:

It makes me emotionally sad this Jacksonville defense doesn’t have an offense to complement it. It also pains me to say that the Ravens are highly likely to start out 3–0 as well. Ball-hawking secondaries don’t work well for Bortles. Ravens win with 2 defensive touchdowns. 28–6.

Broncos at Bills:

I was wrong to doubt the Broncos on their home turf. This game is deceptively great since it’s at Buffalo. After seeing Zeke play against the stout defense, why should Shady Mccoy do any better?I have confidence in the Broncos this time as they leave Buffalo 3–0 (noticing a trend?). Broncos 21–17.

Saints at Panthers:

I don’t know what it is about the Saints that I love, but Brees is due for a huge day. Cam and the Panthers proved me wrong against Buffalo, but they aren’t facing Tyrod Taylor anymore. Saints get their first win while Drew gets 3 or more TD’s through the air. Saints 31–20.

Falcons at Lions:

I’ve called a Stafford 4th quarter comeback back-to-back weeks. This guy is something serious in the 4th quarter. Detroit deceptively has a great home field advantage here, but the Falcons are also still the Falcons. This game in my mind is really a toss-up. If it’s a close game in the 4th quarter, Matty Ice might start seeing Super Bowl flashbacks. I’m going Lions in a tight one 38–35.

Browns at Colts:

Wowza. Remember last week when the Colts and Cardinals played and I couldn’t decide which worse team would win? Well, I think this situation is worse. This is the first game Cleveland has been predicted to win since the Brian Hoyer days. We should have faith in the former New England Patriot Jacoby Brissett. I’m shooting for the Colts to notch a win against visiting Cleveland in probably the ugliest game of football ever. Colts 12–7.

Buccaneers at Vikings:

The Vikings got wiped down last week. Some of that has to do with Sam Bradford being out and some of it had to do with Pittsburgh’s offense mythodically charging down-field nearly every drive. No matter what it was, we know one thing is for certain: the Bucs offense is not the Steelers offense. Supposing Bradford returns to the field, that stout Minnesota defense will come to play after getting embarrassed last week. Vikings take it 17–6.

Texans at Patriots:

Glad to know the Patriots aren’t going 0–16 this year after their week one hiccup to Kansas City. The Texans pose a threat to the Patriots with their seemingly strong defense and better than stagnant offense. The Patriots won’t disappoint their fans two home games in a row though. Patriots take it in Patriot fashion; 24–13.

Dolphins at Jets:

As much as I’d love to tell you the Jets aren’t going 0–16 this year, it is looking awfully close to being true. Jay Cutler is looking so not Jay Cutler. The Dolphins aren’t an elite team however, and the NFL is particularly weird when it comes to trying to predict games. That doesn’t change the fact that I’m going with the Dolpins to win their second game, but it will be a contest let me tell you. Phins up as they win 20–17.

Giants at Eagles:

New Yorks front page read “What the Hell is Wrong With the Giants”. Well, we’re not quite sure what is wrong but one thing might be for certain. The New York woes won’t be stopping this week. Rivalry blood is in the air, and Carson Wentz is negating his sophomore slump until the second half of the year again. Eagles win and Ben Mcadoo gets put on the hot seat. 17–10 Eagles.

Seahawks at Titans:

This is an odd matchup that I think could be beneficial in Tennessee’s favor. While both teams are entering 1–1, the Titans have the edge in talent despite what the paper says. Seattle just isn’t moving the ball how they want to, and their defense has to pay for it. Fortunately for the Seahawks, I think that very defense can disrupt the Titans. Seattle comes into hostile territory and steals a win 14–10.

Bengals at Packers:

It’s weird to think the Bengals might be the worst team in their division which has Cleveland in it. They’s walking into a fortress in Green Bay where I’m sure bad man Aaron Rodgers is resting his eyes. Packers might put up a 5o-piece on the Bengals this game if they’re not careful. Packers win 42–17.

Chiefs at Chargers:

Blocked field goal in Denver to lose the game, shanked field goal against Miami to lose the game, and probably some crazy way the Chargers will find will net them another loss. I feel bad for Rivers honestly, he’s doing all he can. Chiefs walk away with a victory, 21–14.

Raiders at Redskins:

This is another deceptively good game on the schedule this week. I think Derek Carr and the Raiders have something going on over there in the Bay, and Washington isn’t looking half-bad themselves. This all winds down to quarterback play however, and Derek Carr is that guy above Kirk Cousins. Look for a high scoring affair, 38–27 Raiders.

Monday Sep. 25th:

Cowboys at Cardinals:

I’ll let you watch the Cardinals sneak an OT win versus the Colts real quick. Finished? Alright good. Ezekiel Elliott won’t rush for less than 100 after being held for only 9 against Denver. The Cowboys are hungry and the Cardinals look lost without center-piece David Johnson. Cowboys cruise 35–14.

There you have it folks, those are all the picks for week 3 of the NFL. Join me back here Sunday as I discuss UCLA’s quarterback Josh Rosen and why he might be the next NFL great. See you all then!