NFL Week 3: Games to Watch

While Week 2 didn’t have a lot of games that appeared to be that great on the surface, there were a number of good games and some surprises. We expected the Chiefs to lose at Detroit, and sure enough, they got trounced. The Ravens were supposed to go to Tennessee and wipe the table with the Titans … and they lost. As expected, the Saints handled the Bears, the Packers beat the Panthers (barely) and Tom Brady killed it again as the Patriots beat the Chargers. And per the annual pattern, Mike Vick got hurt and the Eagles lost. It was all good stuff.

Here’s a quick look at a few of this weekend’s best games.

Texans (2-0) @ Saints (1-1)
The Texans have looked sharp so far, putting the beatdown on two bad teams in two weeks – Indianapolis and then at Miami. The test will be significantly tougher this week as Houston goes to New Orleans to take on the Saints, who drubbed the Bears pretty soundly last week. This will be the first of five tough games for Houston. They fail this first test, but not by much.
New Orleans 30, Houston 27


Patriots (2-0) @ Bills (2-0)

New England and its high-powered offense led by Tom Brady continue to roll up yards, touchdowns and victories. And the surprising Buffalo Bills are in a three-way tie for first place in the AFC East. The Bills fought hard and beat the Raiders at home last week. How they perform this week in the face of their divisional big brother will speak volumes about how good they are. 
New England 27, Buffalo 20

Packers (2-0) @ Bears (1-1)
Green Bay travels to Chicago this Sunday for a classic black-and-blue divisional match-up between two good teams. This rivalry is one of the oldest in the NFL, and the games are almost always close. The Packers defense is softer than expected, giving up 400-yard passing games the past two weeks. On the Bears’ side, Jay Cutler has to stay upright; the O line has been porous.
Green Bay 24, Chicago 23

Redskins (2-0) @ Cowboys (1-1)
On the surface, this appears to be a battle of two teams headed in opposite directions. Dallas has looked rough and really should be 0-2. The Skins are 2-0 and seemingly on a roll, but they have beaten two weak teams: Carolina and Arizona. Romo is injured and Rex Grossman has the passing offense clicking. I still see the Cowboys winning at home on MNF. 
Dallas 27, Washington 21 

Missouri Roundup – The year is quickly going down the tubes for Missouri’s “professional” football teams. The Chiefs … well, they are just a mess. And the Rams could potentially be 2-0, but instead they are winless again, sitting at 0-2 for the fifth straight year. I see them both losing again this weekend. The Chiefs go to San Diego (geesh) and the Rams host the always-tough Ravens. Looks like 0-3 for both franchises. Maybe Mizzou can beat Oklahoma on Saturday … doubt that one, too.

Until next time, thanks for reading.

Steve