NFL Predictions: Week 3, 2019
Two 20+ point spreads stand out among this week’s matchups.
(View my Week 3 Power Rankings here.)
Already as we enter Week 3, six or seven teams (depending on Cam Newton’s availability) will be starting a different quarterback than they did during Week 1.
Mason Rudolph and Teddy Bridgewater will make their first starts of the season for the Steelers and Saints, respectively, and will try to keep their teams afloat in the absence of the injured Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees.
Meanwhile, the Daniel Jones era in New York is set to begin this week after the rookie quarterback was given the starting job for the Giants over Eli Manning. It’ll be another first career start for the Jets, with Luke Falk getting his opportunity with both Sam Darnold and Trevor Siemian injured.
Gardner Minshew will look to get the Jaguars their first win of the season, and Josh Rosen will hope to just keep things close for the Dolphins in Dallas. But how will these quarterbacks perform, and will they earn wins for their teams?
We’ll soon find out, but before I give my Week 3 predictions, let’s take a look at last week’s games.
Obviously, not my greatest performance. Still, it’s a long season, and weeks like these are bound to occur. The injuries to Big Ben and Brees certainly didn’t play in my favor, but some of these other results were really surprising.
Who could have foreseen such a dominant performance from the 49ers? And good on the Lions for taking down the Chargers, no matter how many breaks they needed in order to do so.
We’ve got another full slate of 16 games this week, and here are my predictions, both straight up and against the spread.
I like the Bills to improve to 3–0, while the Cardinals and Redskins pick up their first wins of the season. Here are my top five matchups to watch this week.
5. Colts (-1.5) vs. Falcons (Sun/12pm)
After a strong Week 2 performance to beat the Eagles, the Falcons head to Indianapolis to take on the Colts, who themselves won a tight game against the Titans to improve to 1–1.
Both of these teams are likely seeing opportunities to compete in divisions they weren’t projected to have much of a chance in before the season, making this game even more important. I’ve got the Colts taking this 26–24 in what should be a tight affair throughout.
4. Seahawks (-4) vs. Saints (Sun/3:25pm)
With a healthy Drew Brees, this might’ve made a run at Game of the Week. Still, the Seahawks have looked less than stellar despite coming up victorious against the Bengals and Steelers, meaning this game should still entertain.
Teddy Bridgewater is getting an opportunity to reignite his career over these next six weeks, and a win here would do wonders for both him and the team. Sadly, I don’t think his offense will be able to do much at all, though. Seahawks 16–10.
3. Chargers (-3) vs. Texans (Sun/3:25pm)
Both of these teams enter 1–1 despite what each would characterize as a poor start. The Texans played great against the Saints but lost to a last-second field goal. Then in Week 2, they barely pulled out a defensive battle at home against the Jacksonville.
The Chargers, on the other hand, benefitted from kicking mistakes in Week 1 against the Colts but were killed by a pair of missed field goals in Week 2. Both of these teams see themselves as contenders but need a big win here to set them on a strong path. Despite the game being in Los Angeles, I’m taking the Texans 24–21.
2. Rams (-3) @ Browns (Sun/7:20pm)
This game has the potential to be a shootout. After their dominant performance against the Saints, the Rams should be feeling good about this one. However, they could run into troubles on the road against the Browns, who will be looking to make a statement.
Baker Mayfield has struggled, particularly with turnovers, so far in 2019. Cleveland’s ability to finish drives and make the most of their opportunities may determine if they stand a chance. Rams 30–23.
1. Chiefs (-6) vs. Ravens (Sun/12pm)
Patrick Mahomes vs. Lamar Jackson — it’s two of the game’s most dynamic young quarterbacks facing off to determine which team will establish themselves as the main contender to the Patriots in the AFC.
Despite Jackson’s incredible start to the season, you’d have to give Kansas City has the edge offensively. However, the Chiefs’ defense is a weak point, and one they might be looking to address by trading for Jalen Ramsey.
At the end of the day, I see the Chiefs as a much more proven team and believe they’ll put it out. Chiefs 31–27.
Connor Groel is a writer who studies sport management at the University of Texas at Austin. He also serves as editor of the Top Level Sports publication on Medium, and the host of the Connor Groel Sports podcast. You can follow Connor on Medium, Facebook, and Twitter, and view his archives at toplevelsports.net.
