Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Week 3: Wake Up Call
Thursday Night
SF -10 (o/u 44.5)
49ers 38 Giants 10
The Giants were fortunate to win on Sunday. Down 20-0 at the half, they were outscored 60-0 over the first six quarters of the season. They rallied to beat the Cardinals after trailing 28-7 in the third quarter, the first time in 73 years they overcame a 21-point deficit. The Giants will not have Saquan Barkley, and the Niners are a top team making their home debut. Expect this one to be ugly.
Sunday at 1
Bal -8 (o/u 45)
Ravens 27 Colts 16
The Colts have played well, as Anthony Richardson has played the best of the three rookie quarterbacks starting the season under center. However, Richardson is in concussion protocol, and the Ravens have a strong defense.
Ten +3 (o/u 39.5)
Titans 18 Browns 13
The Browns are reeling after their Monday Night loss in Pittsburgh. Two turnovers led directly to scores as Nick Chubb suffered a devastating knee injury. The Titans have had trouble getting the ball in the end zone but are coming off a win against the Chargers. Look for Derrick Henry to lead the charge as the Titans win in Cleveland.
Det -3.5 (o/u 46)
Lions 30 Falcons 17
The Lions suffered a disappointing home loss last week, with several questionable missed calls from the officials. They will need to play better if they are to win the North. The Falcons are 2-0, but both wins were at home, against weaker opponents. The Lions will come out and win this one easily.
NO +2 (o/u 43)
Saints 24 Packers 20
The Saints have won tight games in the season's first two weeks. The Packers, meanwhile, split their first two games on the road. Coming home, don't be shocked if Jordan Love stumbles. I smell a Saints win in a minor upset.
Jax -9.5 (o/u 44)
Jaguars 34 Texans 13
Last week was a game of missed opportunities for the Jaguars, as they had their chance to beat the Chiefs but struggled in the red zone. The Texans appear to be one of the worst teams in the NFL. Expect a Jacksonville blowout.
Mia -6.5 (o/u 48)
Dolphins 37 Broncos 17
The Dolphins are coming home after two hard road wins. In Week their offense shined in LA, while their defense improved vastly in Foxboro in Week 2. Expect fireworks this week as former Broncos coach Vic Faggio leads the Dolphins' defense to another strong game as Tua Tagovailoa has a bid passing day.
Min PK (o/u 54)
Vikings 27 Chargers 24
The two most disappointing teams over the first two weeks face off, with each team desperately seeking their first win on the season. The Chargers have lost two games they should have won. THAT IS CHARGER FOOTBALL. The Vikings, meanwhile, misheard Bruce Buffer and think he said, "Let's Get Ready to Fumble!" The Vikings have lost seven fumbles in the first two games. This one will be close, which is bad news for the Chargers.
NYJ +2.5 (o/u 37)
Jets 16 Patriots 13
This is one of the more interesting games this week. The loser of this game is likely to see their playoff hopes go on to life support before October. The Jets won in Week 1 despite losing Aaron Rodgers but were thumbed in Dallas. The Patriots, meanwhile, put themselves in big holes and lost two home games. The Jets' defense will be the deciding factor as they end their losing streak against the Patriots.
Buf -6.5 (o/u 44)
Bills 31 Commanders 13
The Bills bounced back from their Week 1 stumbled to humiliate the Raiders at home. The Commanders meanwhile rallied in the second half to win in Mile High. The Commanders are 2-0 but can easily be 0-2, and they have faced teams that will struggle all season. Expect the Bills to show the COmmanders for the team they really are.
Sunday Late Game
Car +6 (o/u 42)
Seahawks 24 Panthers 20
Bryce Young has struggled in his first two starts, as the Panthers are 0-2 following a pair of frustrating losses. The Seahawks, meanwhile, stunned the Lions in overtime. The Seahawks' defense has struggled thus far and could be vulnerable again. Seattle will win, but Young will take strides, keeping the game close all the way.
Dal -12 (o/u 43.5)
Cowboys 37 Cardinals 0
The Cowboys have outscored their first two opponents 70-10. The one touchdown they allowed was a deep pass by Zach Wilson to Garrett Wilson on blow coverage. That will not happen this week. This one will be ugly as the Cowboys get a home game in Arizona with a stadium packed with Cowboys fans.
KC -12.5 (o/u 47.5)
Chiefs 48 Bears 13
The Bears are a disaster. Losing their first two games, the defense is a mess as their DC Alan Williams resigned after the FBI raided his home. They were not going to beat the Chiefs anyway, but damn. Former Bears coach and current Chiefs OC Matt Nagy and the Chiefs are looking for a breakout game. This is it.
Sunday Night
Pit +2.5 (o/u 43)
Steelers 20 Raiders 17
The Steelers' defense won the game on Monday night with a scoop and score and a pick-six. Expect more of the same as the Steelers continue to shine under the light and upset the Raiders.
Monday Night
Phi -5 (o/u 43.5)
Eagles 27 Buccaneers 17
The Buccaneers have won two games against the NFC North but now face their toughest test against the Eagles. Philadelphia has done just enough to win their first two games. Look for a big night from Jalen Hurts as the Eagles keep pace with the Cowboys at 3-0.
Cin -2.5 (o/u 43.5)
Bengals 24 Rams 20
The Bengals have stumbled out of the gate, as they have dropped two divisional games with Joe Burrow hobbled with a calf injury. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, they need to get on track quickly. The Rams have split their first two games and played well. Kyren Williams has gotten big fantasy numbers at running back, while Puka Nacua has been a clone of Copper Kupp. This one will be a good game, with the Bengals clawing their way to victory.