NFL picks Week 3: Packers-Bengals and every other game

Will the Green Bay Packers get back on track against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3? Predictions for every NFL game.

And so we move on to Week 3. The NFL season moves along at a rapid pace, and the Green Bay Packers enter an important home double, first against Cincinnati on Sunday and then Chicago four days later.

Last week’s action was slightly more predictable than Week 1, but there are always a few surprises on Sunday afternoons.

Will the undefeated teams remain that way? Those without a win could effectively have their seasons ended without victory this weekend. It’s time to get pickin’.

Cincinnati (0-2) at Green Bay (1-1)

The Bengals have been unable to shift out of first gear so far this season, and they enter Week 3 yet to score a touchdown. Even if the Packers are without Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, Aaron Rodgers will finally beat Cincinnati for the first time in his career.

Pick: Green Bay

LA Rams (1-1) at San Francisco (0-2)

As expected, San Francisco will again be in the running for next year’s first overall pick. Los Angeles should have no trouble running the football against the Niners. Make it three defeats on the bounce for Kyle Shanahan’s team.

Pick: LA Rams

Cleveland (0-2) at Indianapolis (0-2)

The Colts almost came through with Jacoby Brissett last week, and they have an opportunity to place their first win on the board. I’m going for the upset, however. We’ve seen both the good and bad from Browns rookie passer DeShone Kizer, but he will find some success against a poor Indianapolis defense.

Pick: Cleveland

NY Giants (0-2) at Philadelphia (1-1)

New York’s offensive line is giving Seattle’s a run for the league’s worst. After a solid start to the season, Carson Wentz guides the Eagles to victory. The Giants are in trouble.

Pick: Philadelphia

Miami (1-0) at NY Jets (0-2)

Talking of teams in trouble, look no further than the Jets. They have their eyes on the draft’s top pick.

Pick: Miami

Denver (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1)

Buffalo, too, don’t look good. Denver’s defense will be far too much to handle, even if the Bills can get the ball moving on the ground. The Broncos continue their dream start to 2017.

Pick: Denver

New Orleans (0-2) at Carolina (2-0)

The Panthers hardly look like they did in 2015, but they are winning football games. The Saints defense still has a number of holes. It could be a big day for rookie Christian McCaffrey.

Pick: Carolina

Pittsburgh (2-0) at Chicago (0-2)

The Mike Glennon era could be a short one in Chicago. Until the Bears improve their quarterback play, they won’t win many football games.

Pick: Pittsburgh

Atlanta (2-0) at Detroit (2-0)

The battle of the undefeated teams. Both Atlanta and Detroit look good, but it’s hard to pick against the defending NFC champs. The Falcons offense can beat you in so many ways as the Packers were reminded last week, and the Lions won’t be able to keep pace.

Pick: Atlanta

Tampa Bay (1-0) at Minnesota (1-1)

If Sam Bradford is forced to sit for the second straight week, it’s game, set and match Tampa Bay.

Pick: Tampa Bay

Houston (1-1) at New England (1-1)

To beat the Patriots on the road you need not only an elite defense, but a big offensive performance as Kansas City showed in Week 1. The Texans are halfway there. That’s not enough.

Pick: New England

Seattle (1-1) at Tennessee (1-1)

Seattle’s offensive line is a major issue. With just one touchdown and 19 points to their name after two games, it’s difficult to see the Seahawks winning on the road against a powerful, up-and-coming Titans team.

Pick: Tennessee

Kansas City (2-0) at LA Chargers (0-2)

The Chiefs are early candidates for a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Chargers could easily be 2-0 had it not been for missed field goals late in the day. I don’t see this one being as close.

Pick: Kansas City

Oakland (2-0) at Washington (1-1)

Oakland’s offense is on fire, and the battle for the division title with Kansas City is going to be a fascinating one. On the road they win again to maintain their unbeaten start.

Pick: Oakland

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Dallas (1-1) at Arizona (1-1)

After plenty of preseason excitement for the Cardinals, it’s all fallen apart rather quickly. Losing David Johnson stings, and the team was running on empty in a lucky escape against a Jacoby Brissett-led Colts team last week. Following a heavy defeat in Denver, this is a good rebound game for Dallas.

Pick: Dallas

Last week: 12-4

Season: 19-12

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