Week 3 Previews and Picks

This is where the better teams should start to show. This is also the week that may determine the futures of a few NFL coaches, as 0-3 probably means no playoffs and, probably no winning season.

Best Games to Watch
1. New England at Pittsburgh - The Steelers want revenge, the Patriots want to rebound. Pittsburgh has the ground game and defense to pull this off. The Patriots have not been running as well as usual and special teams don't look good. But, it has been a long time since the Pats have lost 2 straight. This could be an epic.

2. Jacksonville at NY Jets - Pennington is being called weak-armed and the Jets have under-achieved. The Jags have a great defense, but could be without Leftwich. Could turn into a great defensive struggle.

3. Kansas City at Denver - This will be a great MNF game! The Chiefs have found some defense, but the offense appears sluggish. The Broncos' defense came out last week against the Chargers and shut them down in the 2nd half. Denver MUST fix its red-zone problems.

4. Carolina at Miami - This could be another big defensive struggle. The Panthers looked like Super Bowl contenders last week and the Dolphins look like a team that will be in every game until the end this year. Whoever gets the running game going will have the edge here.

Best Fantasy Games (Highest Scoring)
Cleveland at Indianapolis - The Colts have faced two straight great defenses and they're ready to bust out. This one should be high-scoring, but a bit one-sided. Manning, Harrison, and Edge should all be big in this one. Indy's defense could also turn some big plays with the Browns down big.

Oakland at Philadelphia - Philly showed they can put up points last week, and the Raiders won't be able to stop them. This could turn into a track meet or a blowout. McNabb, Westbrook, and Owens should all do well. Collins and Moss should do well, but Oakland's running game will not do well.

Tennessee at St Louis - Another high-scoring but one-sided game. The Rams should explode at home against a bad defense. Look for Bulger, Bruce, Holt, and Steven Jackson to have big games. McNair could put up numbers here, too, since he will be trying to catch up.


Other Fantasy players to watch:
Up:
Stephen Davis is back, Vikes' TE Wiggins could have big day, the Cadillac should have a big day, Shaun Alexander should do well, Julius Jones will bust out at SF, Brees and Tomlinson will have big games.

Down:
Vick will NOT do well in Buffalo, Dolphins offense, Carson Palmer and Bengals will struggle in Chicago, Eli Manning and Co will struggle against the fired up Chargers defense.

My Picks (13-13)
Had a better week last week to get back to .500. But I should be doing better. The Vikings are killing me! And what happened in Dallas!?

Atlanta at Buffalo - Vick is either out or playing hurt. Buffalo wins a close one.
Carolina at Miami - Low scoring, Panthers win.
Dallas at San Francisco - Dallas wins big.
Cleveland at Indianapolis - Colts in a blowout.
Oakland at Philadelphia - Eagles, easily.
New England at Pittsburgh - I hate going against the Pats, but I'll take the Steelers.
NY Giants at San Diego - Chargers.
Arizona at Seattle - Cards in a mild upset.
Tennessee at St Louis - Rams big.
Tampa Bay at Green Bay - Bucs win easily.
Kansas City at Denver - Exciting game, Denver wins.

Upsets of the Week (2-3)
2-3 is not bad when picking upsets, but I should know the Vikings better by now.

Cincinnati at Chicago - The Bengals played sloppy last week and are a tad overconfident. The Bears have a great defense. Chicago wins at home.

New Orleans at Minnesota - I have no confidence in the Vikes' coaching staff. Benching Bennett was a big mistake. The Saints play well on the road. New Orleans wins.

Jacksonville at NY Jets - The Jags' defense will make the difference. If Leftwich plays well, the Jags should win.