Packers vs. Redskins Week 3 predictions, picks for every NFL game

Predictions for every Week 3 game, including the Green Bay Packers’ meeting with the Washington Redskins.

Will the Green Bay Packers stay undefeated after three weeks?

I went an unimpressive 8-8 with my Week 2 picks. Lesson learned. Don’t pick against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Can I get above .500 in Week 3?

Green Bay (1-0-1) at Washington (1-1)

Despite playing through injury, Aaron Rodgers was still effective against an elite defense in Week 2. The tough matchups keep on coming, however, as the Packers now face Washington, who is ranked No. 1 in total defense after two weeks.

The Redskins are also the top-ranked pass defense, but they haven’t faced an offense on the level of the Packers’ yet. Make no mistake, Washington’s defense is strong and will cause problems for Green Bay’s offensive line, but it’s worth noting they did play the Cardinals in Week 1.

Still, this will be a very difficult test for the Packers, especially with Rodgers limited.

The other key will be the health of second-year corner Kevin King. He exited last week’s game with a groin injury, and the secondary struggled in his absence.

Despite that, I expect the Packers to win. With Rodgers’ receiving targets and the return of Aaron Jones from suspension, Green Bay wins a close one on the road.

Pick: Green Bay

NY Jets (1-1) at Cleveland (0-1-1)

The Browns have forgotten how to win games, and they couldn’t close one out in New Orleans last week. When they take the field on Thursday night, it will have been 635 days since their last regular season victory, which was against the San Diego Chargers. They’ve been close the first two weeks and could’ve easily been 2-0. This is the week the streak ends.

Pick: Cleveland

New Orleans (1-1) at Atlanta (1-1)

This one should be a fun game. The Saints were lucky to escape with a victory last week, but they face a tough trip on the road in Week 3. If the Falcons offense can continue to play at a high level, they will be difficult to beat inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Pick: Atlanta

Indianapolis (1-1) at Philadelphia (1-1)

The Eagles were shocked by the Bucs in Week 2, but they will get back on track at home to the Colts. You know it’s been a strange start to the season when a Ryan Fitzpatrick-led offense worries you more than Andrew Luck‘s Colts.

Pick: Philadelphia

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

No contest.

Pick: Minnesota

Oakland (0-2) at Miami (2-0)

Despite entering Week 3 at 2-0, the Dolphins aren’t anywhere close to being contenders. Oakland should have won in Denver last week, but it finally gets a victory at Miami.

Pick: Oakland

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

If this game was in Denver, I’d pick the Broncos. These two teams are evenly matched with strong defenses and inconsistent-but-talented offenses. In a low-scoring game, the Ravens edge it.

Pick: Baltimore

Cincinnati (2-0) at Carolina (1-1)

The Bengals have surprised me through two weeks and have played well on both sides of the ball. But Joe Mixon has been a key part of their success, and losing him for a couple of weeks won’t help. I like the Panthers to win at home.

Pick: Carolina

NY Giants (0-2) at Houston (0-2)

The Giants’ pass protection is a concern. Eli Manning has been sacked eight times in two games. But Deshaun Watson has also been sacked too often, seven times. Houston is No. 21 in run defense entering Week 3. If the Giants can create openings for Saquon Barkley, he could have a big game.

Pick: NY Giants

Tennessee (1-1) at Jacksonville (2-0)

The Titans have been unimpressive so far this season, but the same can’t be said about the division-champion Jaguars. They are far too talented to lose this one at home.

Pick: Jacksonville

San Francisco (1-1) at Kansas City (2-0)

Patrick Mahomes has been outstanding so far this year, throwing 10 touchdown passes in just two games. San Francisco has allowed 278 passing yards per game after two weeks, and has given up five passing touchdowns with zero interceptions. This could be another big day for Mahomes.

Pick: Kansas City

LA Chargers (1-1) at LA Rams (2-0)

The Chargers have been slow starters in recent years, and despite beating the Bills in Week 2, they slip to 1-2 against the red-hot Rams. The Rams look like the best team in football so far this season, and it’s hard to pick against them. At least the Chargers don’t have far to travel home.

Pick: LA Rams

Dallas (1-1) at Seattle (0-2)

One key matchup could decide this game: Dallas’ defense has recorded nine sacks in two games, second-most in the NFL. Seattle’s offense, on the other hand, has given up 12 sacks.

Pick: Dallas

Chicago (1-1) at Arizona (0-2)

Two games in, Sam Bradford has thrown for just 243 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions and a fumble. Outside of the fourth quarter in Week 1, Chicago has been dominant on defense. This new-look Bears team improves to 2-1.

Pick: Chicago

New England (1-1) at Detroit (0-2)

The Lions have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season so far, and it doesn’t get any easier for new head coach Matt Patricia. Patricia faces his old team this week, which means a third consecutive defeat for Detroit.

Pick: New England

Pittsburgh (0-1-1) at Tampa Bay (2-0)

The Saints win could be considered a fluke. But then the Bucs defeated the Super Bowl champs in another excellent performance. The Steelers have yet to win a game, and their defense won’t have an answer for Fitzmagic.

Pick: Tampa Bay

Last week: 8-8

Season: 16-16