Last week was a tough week in prediction-land, as we fell victim to some upsets, and teams simply not playing as well as we thought (we’re looking at you, Detroit Lions).  Our confidence is hurt, but not shattered as we vow to do better this week.

Atlanta vs. Dallas

It’s the Brandon Weeden show in Dallas, and the first-place Falcons had a full week to prepare for him.  If the Cowboys are going to win, it’s going to have to be with defense and playing keep away with a strong running game.  That’s not going to happen.  Falcons 24, Cowboys 17.

Indianapolis vs. Tennessee

The Colts have looked terrible so far this year and they are playing on a short week on the road…..that said, does anyone think Indy is going to drop to 0-3 at the hands of a team that only won two games last year?  Me either.  Colts 31, Titans 17.

Oakland vs. Cleveland

Both teams are coming off big wins (when was the last time we could say that about these two franchises?), but Oakland is making the dreaded three time zone trip with a 1:00 EST start.  Browns 20, Raiders 13. 

Cincinnati vs. Baltimore

It’s only Week 3, but the Bengals can effectively bury the Ravens and show everyone that they are by far the team to beat in the division.  It seems like this is the perfect spot for Cincinnati, but I just can’t take Andy Dalton over Joe Flacco in a big game. Ravens 24, Bengals 23. 

Jacksonville vs. New England

This is a mismatch on paper..and it is on the football field.  The Jaguars have too many key players injured to make this a real game.  Patriots 38, Jaguars 13.

New Orleans vs. Carolina

The Saints don’t have Drew Brees, but even if they did I’d still pick the Panthers.  New Orleans season is over after Week 3.  Panthers 24, Saints 10. 

Philadelphia vs. New York Jets

It’s put up or shut up time for Chip Kelly’s Eagles.  The team that many (myself included) picked to win the division needs to get it’s first win.  This pick is little more than a leap of faith.  Eagles 23, Jets 20. 

Tampa Bay vs. Houston

Lovie Smith hasn’t won two games in a row as head coach of the Bucs.  Ryan Mallett hasn’t won a game as a starting quarterback since last year.  Something has to give and it’s likely the Bucs bowing down.  Texans 24, Bucs 17. 

San Diego vs. Minnesota

If the Vikings are going to be a real contender, this is a game they have to win at home against a pretty good Chargers team.  This is another one like Cincinnati, that I’m going to have to see before I believe.  Chargers 27, Vikings 23. 

Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis

Here is your free money game!  The Steelers offense can score on anyone and they get Le’Veon Bell back.  The Rams just laid an egg in Washington and there will be twice as many Steelers fans in St. Louis than Rams fans.  Steelers 31, Rams 17. 

San Francisco vs. Arizona

There’s no good reason to pick San Francisco to win, being that they’ve struggled on both sides of the ball.  With that said, Arizona isn’t as good as they’ve looked and the 49ers will make it a game for 60 minutes. Cards 24, 49ers 20. 

Buffalo vs. Miami

This is a week-to-week league and both teams suffered embarrassing defeats last week.  Both teams will play better and I’ll take the team with the more established, better quarterback, even if Joe Philbin is his head coach.  Dolphins 24, Bills 17.

Chicago vs. Seattle

So here are all the reasons why Seattle will win:

1. The defending NFC Champs are winless and desperate.
2. The game is being played in Seattle.
3. The Seahawks are a much better football team.
4. That’s exacerbated by Chicago starting Jimmy Clausen.

Seahawks 35, Bears 3.

Denver vs. Detroit

The Lions are a desperate football team playing at home in prime time.  That’s normally a formula for success.  I’ve been on Denver all week, but here comes the flip-flop.  Lions 24, Broncos 20.

Kansas City vs. Green Bay

Alex Smith was selected 24 picks before Aaron Rodgers.  Rodgers is one of the best to ever play the game and he will use this as motivation.  Packers 35, Chiefs 14.

Last week: 6-10

Season: 16-16