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| Can Wilson & Seattle bounce back today? Photo Credit: USA Today |
Week 2 provided the viewers with some thrilling matchups across the NFL, with games such as the Browns-Saints and Chargers-Seahawks providing entertainment until the very last minute. Week 3 is expected to be just as exciting and entertaining as the league features many close contests and a repeat of the Super Bowl. After last week, I have predicted 13/25 so far (not great!), I offer my insight into the matches for this coming Sunday and hopefully improve this record.
By: Alex McMahon
San Diego @ Buffalo:
Both teams go into this contest full of confidence after their performances in recent weeks. The Chargers defeated the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, in their last fixture whilst the Bills defeated Miami for their second consecutive victory. Ryan Matthews is ruled out with injury and Keenan Allen is questionable, both of whom would be huge losses for the Chargers. But I’d fancy the Chargers to beat anybody on their day, and will go with them in this toughly fought contest.
Tennessee @ Cincinnati:
The Bengals were ruthless in their victory over the Falcons last weekend and I expect no different in this contest. The run game adopted by the Bengals is among the best in the league and I feel that the Titans may well struggle to stop Bernard and Hill once they get going. The possibility of A.J. Green suiting up will fill the Bengals with further confidence who will look to utilise home advantage and take the win in this one.
Baltimore @ Cleveland:
The Browns and Ravens faceoff in what could be a high-scoring encounter on Sunday in Cleveland. The Browns will be lifted by their performance last week against the Saints, as they were victorious after a brilliant last drive. The Ravens are also on a high after they coped fine in the first game in the post-Ray Rice period, defeating the Steelers 26-6. Home advantage could be crucial in this fixture and for that reason alone, I will go with the Browns to get a second straight victory.
Green Bay @ Detroit:
This could be one of the highest-scoring affairs of Week 3. Both quarterbacks have the ability to make big passing plays, and also have the targets available too. Also, both secondary outfits are unreliable and have both been known to ship points. A close contest with some classy players on show, but I think the Packers will win this NFC North clash and earn a vital win on the road.
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville:
The Colts threw away a commanding lead in the second half last week against the Eagles but I am expecting Andrew Luck’s men to bounce back with a victory here. The Colts very rarely lose three games on the bounce and I just cannot see this happening against a Jacksonville side who struggle to defend against both the run and the pass whilst also lacking the ability to make plays on offence. This could be brutal if the Colts bring their A-game.
Oakland @ New England:
New England played an efficient match last week against the Minnesota Vikings on both the offensive and defensive side of the field. Oakland have been disappointing so far, although Derek Carr is gaining valuable NFL experience every week. Expect the Raiders to get a victory at some point in the near future, but it won’t be this weekend. The Patriots will just be too good.
Minnesota @ New Orleans:
The Saints will look to defeat the Vikings after losses in their opening two matches. Minnesota are facing various off-field issues and these problems may distract them in their preparation for the clash. The Saints have too many good players to lose three matches in a row and I’m full of confidence that they will get their first victory of the season in this fixture rather than lose a second consecutive home fixture.
Houston @ New York Giants:
The Texans have been one of the strongest-looking sides in the opening two weeks as they have comprehensively defeated the Redskins and the Raiders. Conversely, the Giants have suffered two defeats as Eli Manning has thrown interception after interception, as well as the offensive line offering little protection. I fancy the Texans to continue in the same form and get a valuable win on the road at Big Blue.
Washington @ Philadelphia:
Washington face various injury concerns to DeSean Jackson and RGIII this week after picking up serious knocks in their Week 2 clash. The Eagles are fresh off a comeback victory against the Indianapolis Colts and will look to keep the Washington defensive line, who forced 10 sacks in their last fixture, away from quarterback Nick Foles. I believe that the Eagles will come out on top in this one.
Dallas @ St. Louis:
Dallas got their first win of the season last week against the Titans whilst the Rams scraped a victory against the Buccaneers. The Dallas run game was hugely effective as DeMarco Murray had a productive day and lowered the opportunity for Tony Romo to throw interceptions. The Rams are also big lovers of the run game, particularly as they are currently limited to their third choice quarterback. I think Dallas will get a victory on the road in this one.
San Francisco @ Arizona:
A titanic clash in the NFC West awaits. Both are renowned for their fantastic offensive and defensive sides and this should be a toughly fought clash. The Cardinals will use their backup quarterback once again as Palmer still hasn’t returned and that is why I am going to sway towards the 49ers who I think may well snatch victory late on in the contest.
Kansas City @ Miami:
The Chiefs have opened with two defeats although they will take heart from their performance against the Broncos last week. Miami defeated the Patriots but then were well-beaten against the Bills last week. If Tannehill can get the pass-game going then I think the Chiefs will be in for a tricky match against Mike Wallace and Charles Clay. I fancy the Dolphins in this one.
Denver @ Seattle:
The matchup that everybody is discussing. Can Peyton Manning lead the Broncos to victory in Seattle and subjecting the Seahawks to a second consecutive defeat? Of course he can. Whether he will or not is another matter. The Seahawks were well-beaten by Rivers and his clock management last week, Manning will have to try and grind out a victory rather than highly outscore Seattle. I think the Broncos will go some way to avenging their Super Bowl defeat and win this one to send Seattle to 1-2 for the season.Follow me on Twitter: @almacca93
