NFL Week 3

We got off to a slow start in week 1, but managed to turn things around in week 2 by finishing 4-3 on the week, bumping up our total record to 6-8 on the year.  More importantly, the Lock of the Week hit, which proves the week 1 loss that the Lock suffered was simply an anomaly   Fortunately, I have a better feel for how each team is playing to begin the year, which will cause our win percentage to soar from here on out.  We'll make another improvement this week and get above .500 on the NFL season.

Cincinnati Bengals +4.5 at Philadelphia Eagles

I'm high on Joe Burrow, despite his team resting at 0-2 after the first two games.  This week, I think Burrow leads the Bengals to their first victory of the season over the discombobulated Eagles.  The biggest thing to note here is that while Burrow has been solid at the helm of Cincinnati's offense, he and star receiver A.J. Green have not been in sync with each other.  Green has been targeted 22 times in two games, only hauling in 8 of those targets.  Burrow and Green are bound to get on the same page soon, and this week's matchup is a prime time for that to happen.  Furthermore, Joe Mixon should be able to run more easily against Philly's defense than in prior weeks, which will take additional pressure off of Burrow and the passing game.  Cincinnati covers with ease here in a game they'll win outright.

Los Angeles Rams at Buffalo Bills Over 47.0

​I love Josh Allen this year, mainly because he's my fantasy team's starting quarterback.  He's already thrown for over 700 yards and six touchdowns through two games, and I think he stays hot against an improved Rams team.  Jared Goff hasn't been bad either, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes and amassing over 500 yards and three scores.  These teams are evenly matched in my opinion, but I fully expect that a lot of points will be scored.  Both squads have above average defenses, but both have also surrendered a lot of yards in the first two weeks.  As long as turnovers are limited in this contest, look for points to come early and often.

Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings Under 50.0

The Vikings are just bad.  Really bad.  As head coach Mike Zimmer put it after their recent blowout loss to the Colts, they "aren't good at anything."  The Titans did allow the Jaguars to put up 30 points against them in their last game, but even Jacksonville's offense is miles ahead of Minnesota's right now.  Tennessee will likely be without A.J. Brown for another game, and I think they'll have more success on the ground with Derrick Henry than in previous games.  This means the clock will run and possessions will be reduced.  I think the under is the play here, and it'll hit with room to spare.

​Washington Football Team at Cleveland Browns Under 45.0

Both defenses here are stout against the run, which spells bad news for the Browns.  Cleveland slashed Cincinnati last Thursday night with the tandem of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, which opened up things for Baker Mayfield and the passing game.  However, they won't have nearly as much success on the ground this week, and will be forced into several third and longs.  Can the Browns convert those consistently?  Maybe, but I doubt it.  We're really looking at a contest between Baker Mayfield and Dwayne Haskins to see who can pass well enough to lead their team to victory.  I lean toward Mayfield to accomplish that, but neither quarterback's numbers will be all that great.  The Browns win the game, but the point total stays comfortably below 40.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -6.0 at Denver Broncos

The Bucs looked bad in week 1 against the Saints, but appeared better last week versus the Panthers.  This week, they'll take on an unimpressive Broncos team who is now without Von Miller, Courtland Sutton, Drew Lock, and Phillip Lindsay.  Backup quarterback Jeff Driskel will be starting for Denver, and will be under duress all game from a fierce Tampa Bay front seven.  Brady finally started to gel with his receivers last week, and Leonard Fournette proved he is still one of the top backs in the league.  Chris Godwin will be returning for the Bucs, and Rob Gronkowski will inevitably begin producing in his new home.  I like the Buccaneers to win easily in this one.
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Green Bay Packers +3.0 at New Orleans Saints

I was surprised when I saw the Saints were favored in this one.  It is technically a home game for New Orleans, but without fans present in the Superdome, there isn't really any advantage that playing at home provides.  Aaron Rodgers has been fantastic through two games, and even though Davante Adams will be sidelined, Green Bay's offense will produce with whoever they put out there with Rodgers.  Aaron Jones has been the best running back in football statistically, and I expect him to continue his dominance on Sunday night.  The Saints suffered a disappointing loss to the Raiders last week, but I think they're still a top team in the league.  However, I think the Packers win this game and come back to Green Bay remaining undefeated.

Lock of the Week: Seattle Seahawks -5.0 at Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are coming off an improbable win against a Falcons team that always seems to find creative ways to lose.  The Seahawks just out dueled Bill Belichick and the Patriots on Sunday night football, and are the best team in the NFL right now in my opinion.  Dak Prescott played well against Atlanta in their comeback victory, but that was the same Atlanta that Seattle torched in week 1.  Meanwhile, Russell Wilson has completed 83 percent of his passes on the year with over 600 yards and NINE touchdowns.  What does all this indicate?  Russell Wilson continues his MVP-caliber performance and Seattle beats Dallas by 2 scores this Sunday.

Written by Nick Swatson