Week 3 in the NFL

Hello there. If you're reading this, I thank you for taking the time out of your busy day. I'm doing this for a college course, and I figured that if I have to do a blog, I might as well write about something I like.

Here are my Week 3 NFL predictions. Just remember: this is the NFL, where anything can happen. I'm not an expert, but everyone is chiming in, so why not me? I chose each winner, and rated them 1-16, 16 meaning I am most certain they will win, 1 being the least certain. The ratings are in parentheses. Thanks and
enjoy a great weekend of NFL action!

Indianapolis Colts (2-0) at Houston Texans (2-0), 1PM

How the Colts win: Keep Mario Williams and the Houston pass rush away from Peyton Manning. As much criticism as the Texans offensive line has taken over the years, the defensive line has been just as inept, failing to pressure the opposing quarterback. They are off to a good start this year, however, with 6 sacks in the first two games.

How the Texans win: Pound Ahmad Green early and often to set up the play-action with Andre Johnson. Wait ... "Andre Johnson is not working through that door folks!" Houston will have to hope cornerbacks Dunta Robinson and Demarcus Faggins can contain Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne in single coverage.

Who will win: Indianapolis (15)

Buffalo Bills (0-2) at New England Patriots (2-0), 1PM

How the Bills win: Use their speed on defense to make it difficult on New England's blocking schemes, and hope Lee Evans can make 2-3 big plays.

How the Patriots win: Pressure JP Losman into looking like, well, the average JP Losman. Also, running the ball early and often will wear down the Bills' undersized defensive line.

Who will win: New England (16)

Miami Dolphins (0-2) at the New York Jets (0-2), 1PM

How the Dolphins win: Ronnie Brown breaks out with a huge performance, and put 8 men in the box to force a hobbled Chad Pennington to beat them.

How the Jets win: Usually, the Jets hold an advantage with return ace Justin Miller. However, he is now out for the year. The Jets will need big runs after the catch from Jerricho Cotchery and Laverneus Coles. Then again, at least they're playing at home.

Who will win: New York (2)

Detroit Lions (2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (0-2), 1PM

How the Lions win: John Kitna makes the right decisions in the face of Eagles defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson's blitzes.

How the Eagles win: Because they can ill-afford to start out 0-3. The fans and media will not tolerate it from a team that was expected to challenge for the NFC title. This is a must-win game for Philadelphia. Look for heavy doses of running back Brian Westbrook.

Who will win: Philadelphia (12)

San Francisco 49ers (2-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0), 1PM

How the 49ers win: Running back Frank Gore tops 100 yards (not an easy task against the Steel Curtain). Quarterback Alex Smith and the passing game finally click. This team is 2 bonehead plays from its opponents away from being 0-2.

How the Steelers win: Don't look now, but Pittsburgh may be returning to their 2004-2005 form, with a strong running game, hard-nosed defense and an opportunistic offense. BenRoethlisberger looks like he is ready to again lead this team deep into the postseason. Look for him to air it out, mixing in Willie Parker and the 2nd best running game along the way.

Who will win: Pittsburgh (11)

St Louis Rams (0-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1), 1PM

How the Rams win: The real Steven Jackson shows up and breaks the 100-yard barrier. This will be even more crucial with Mark Bulger banged up, and future hall of fame left tackle Orlando Pace out for the season. This is another team that doesn't want to be in an 0-3 hole when they were expected to compete for a division title.

How the Bucs win: RB Cadillac Williams continues his resurgence, and the offense of John Gruden matches his salary. The Bucs defense - which often looked old and slow in '06 - yielded just 14 points to the high-powered Saints last week.

Who will win: St Louis (3)

San Diego Chargers (1-1) at Green Bay Packers (2-0), 1PM

How the Chargers win: LaDainian Tomlinson shows us why he's on Nike commercials in the first place. One of San Diego's receivers - whether it be Vincent Jackson or Malcolm Floyd - need to step up so opposing defenses are forced to focus on someone other than LDT and all-world Tight End Antonio Gates. San Diego has a strong veteran presence, and they should be rearing to go after getting embarrassed in front of a national audience.

How the Packers win: They keep Shawn Merriman and the Chargers pass rush out of their backfield, giving a revitalized Brett Favre time in the pocket.

Who will win: San Diego (14)

Arizona Cardinals (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1), 1PM

How the Cardinals win: Continue to protect Quarterback Matt Leinart. New coach Ken Whisenhunt has emphasized the running game more, along with quicker passes. If wideouts Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin get one-on-one match ups, the Cards could capitalize.

How the Ravens win: Offseason acquisition Willis McGahee takes the load off of a shaky passing game. Head coach and self-proclaimed offensive genius Brian Billick needs to find a way to get the ball in the hands of playmakers Todd Heap and Derrick Mason as well.

Who will win: Baltimore (8)

Minnesota Vikings (1-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-2), 1PM

How the Vikings win: The backfield tandem of Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson get 35-40 carries. Whether it's Tavaris Jackson or Brooks Bollinger, the Vikes will need to improve on their 25th ranked passing game. On the other side of the ball, Minnesota's 6th ranked run defense will need to contain Chiefs RB Larry Johnson.

How the Chiefs win: KC is actually quite similar to Minnesota, as the Chiefs need more firepower on offense once you get past LJ and aging tight end Tony Gonzalez. Still, Arrowhead Stadium remains one of the toughest places for a visiting team.

Who will win: Kansas City (1)

Cleveland (1-1) at Oakland (0-2), 4PM

How the Browns win: Their chances would be a lot better if they could carry over some of the 51 points they tallied last weekend. If youngsters Kellen Winslow II and Braylon Edwards progress, and running back Jamal Lewis turns back the clock, Cleveland may not be as doomed as everyone thought.

How the Raiders win: It seems as though coach Lane Kiffin's squad has performed a complete 180 from last year. An offense that topped 20 points only four times last year has done it in both of their first two games. However, the defense has given up an average of 30 points, after only letting up 20 points per contest last season. They could easily be 2-0. If the defense doesn't get put into poor field position, it would be difficult for the Browns to drive the length of the field.

Who will win: Cleveland (5)

Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1), 4PM

How the Bengals win: The defensive backs actually cover skill players, unlike last week's effort. The Seattle defense is fast, but somewhat undersized, so look for Rudi Johnson to pound them early.

How the Seahawks win: If Jamal Lewis was able to top 200 yards against the Bengals, you'd have to think Seattle RB Shaun Alexander is chomping at the bit to carry the ball. Look for MikeHolmgren to feature him early and often. Plus, the Seahawks enjoy possibly the best home field advantage in all of football.

Who will win: Seattle (6)

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) at Denver Broncos (2-0), 4PM

How the Jaguars win: QB David Garrard shows why coach Jack Del Rio was confident enough to cut former 1st round pick Byron Leftwich, handing the job to Garrard. Oh, and big days from Fred Taylor and mighty mite Maurice Jones-Drew wouldn't hurt either.

How the Broncos win: Travis Henry continues to assert himself on the ground, and the stifling Broncos pass defense smothers Jacksonville's pedestrian receivers.

Who will win: Denver (7)

Carolina Panthers (1-1) at Atlanta Falcons (0-2), 4PM

How the Panthers win: Receiver Steve Smith wins his one-on-one match up vs cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Both are top 5 players their respective positions. The Panthers menacing front four on defense could have a field day vs the Falcons,
who have allowed 13 sacks in their first two games. 13 is actually a higher number than the total amount of points Atlanta has put up this season (10).

How the Falcons win: Ummm ... Hope Michael Vick is allowed back?

Who will win: Carolina (13)

New York Giants (0-2) at Washington Redskins (2-0), 4PM

How the Giants win: They tighten up a defensive unit that has allowed 80 points in their first two games. Unless Lawrence Taylor and Bill Belichick come back, New York may be out of luck.

How the Redskins win: By continuing to play classic Joe Gibbs football: solid running game, stingy defense, and an opportunistic passing attack. That surprising win in Philadelphia may not have been a fluke. Look for the 'skins to challenge for the NFC East title.

Who will win: Washington (9)

Dallas Cowboys (2-0) at Chicago Bears (1-1), 8:15 PM

How the Cowboys win: The young, highly touted and unproven defense lives up to it's billing. The offense has done its part, tallying 82 points so far. If they can pressure Bears QB Rex Grossman, he could make some of his patented bad decisions.

How the Bears win: Speaking of Rex, he is the key to almost all Bears contests. When he's good, the Bears are pretty much unstoppable with their defense. When he's bad, he can give away points to the other team. If Cedric Benson shows he's capable of being a full-time back and the receivers make 1-2 big plays, the Bears will be in good shape.

Who will win: Dallas (4)

Tennessee Titans (1-1) at New Orleans Saints (0-2), 8:30 PM (Monday Night)

How the Titans win: They continue their dominant ground game. QB Vince Young and Co. are leading the NFL with 211.5 rushing yards per contest. On defense, the Titans will look to keep the Saints in their early season rut.

How the Saints win: By attacking the field vertically. Unlike last season where they had quick-scoring drives, the Saints have averaged a pathetic 5.3 yards per attempt, tied for last in the league. Look for them to emphasize the run a bit more with DeuceMcCallister and Reggie Bush, then try to get a favorable match up with speedster Devery Henderson.

Who will win: New Orleans (10)

Thanks and hope you come back soon.

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