Week 3 NFL Picks: Don't Call It A Comeback

Just to reiterate: this was no comeback. This was me just living up to the expectations I set for myself after a glorious preseason picks performance.

After going a cool 8-7 in my first week of picks, I went an incredible (yes, incredible) 14-2 in week two. Those silly Ravens really screwed me over. I could have been 15-1. This brings my overall record to a respectable 22-9 on the year. But like I said in the title, this was no comeback. This was just me living up to the hype that the media has created.

That being said, as I look at the match-ups this weekend, I just don't feel that confident about my choices. This is the part where I try to temper all the high expectations I created for myself after last week. But before I get started, let me just say this: I think there is a much higher probability that I repeat my week one performance than have another prophetic weekend.

Record last week: 14-2
Overall record: 22-9

Quick note: Tom Brady gets the photo nod this week. He's been carrying my fantasy team this year so he deserves it. Plus I really didn't want to put another picture of Rex Grossman's gut on the front page.

Here are my picks after the jump.

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

The Bills have been a nice story so far this year. I watched the end of their game against the Raiders last weekend and it really was a fantastic ending. I mean, I'm always up for a game where the Raiders get heartbroken in the waning moments of a football game. Unfortunately, that story will be at least put on hold on Sunday. The Patriots are banged up, but with Thomas Brady at the helm I just can't see the Bills keeping up with his 500 passing yards a game.

Winner: Patriots

San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals

My reverse jinx almost worked last week. Almost. It's time to switch things up. This time I'll predict a 49ers win. But like the a lot of my picks, I just don't have that supreme confidence flowing. The offensive line is going to be key in this game. If they can keep Alex Smith from getting another concussion and give Frank Gore just a smidgen (yes, I said smidgen) of running room, then the 49ers will win.

Winner: 49ers

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns

This was a tough call for me. Dolphins head coach Tony "Well, we couldn't get Jim Harbaugh" Sparano is fighting for his job after an 0-2 start. Chad Henne has put up surprisingly big numbers thus far but it hasn't lead to results in the win column. The Browns do have Colt McCoy, who is on my fantasy team (keeper league). Despite that fact I think the Dolphins win one for their coach and let him keep his job for another week or two.

Winner: Dolphins

Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans

I'm not very happy with the Denver Broncos right now. They, along with the Ravens, screwed up my chance for perfection last week by holding off a Bengals comeback. Because of this, I'm going with the Titans. Kenny Britt hasn't just been running away from the cops, he's been running away from defenses so far this year.

Winner: Titans

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

Are the Detroit Lions for real? For now I'll buy that. I think their talented defensive line can hold Adrian Peterson at bay and get in Donovan McNabb's face. Provided Matt Stafford's shoulder doesn't fall off, this team could be a potential contender.

Winner: Lions

Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints

This was another tough call for me. I'm gonna go with a minor upset on this one. The Texans defense has been pretty impressive so far this year and Wade Phillips looks to be a fantastic addition to their team so far. The Saints are without Marques Colston and they won't be able to keep up with the Texans' high powered offense.

Winner: Texans

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

Oh good, an easy pick. The Giants offense hasn't looked very good for most of this season. Michael Vick has been cleared to practice the last two days after suffering a concussion last week. The Eagles just have too much firepower on both sides of the ball for the banged up Giants to handle.The good news for Giants fans is the game won't be close enough for Desean Jackson to score a game winning punt return to end the game.

Winner: Eagles

Jacksonville Jaguars at Carolina Panthers

It worked last week so I'll just say this: Luke McCown.

Winner: Panthers

New York Jets at Oakland Raiders

The Raiders got absolutely destroyed by the offense of the Bills last weekend, especially against the run. Actually I take that back. Especially against everything. They have had a tough time defending the run for awhile now, and the Jets are a running team. At least they are supposed to be. They are only averaging 73 rushing yards a game this year. Even still, I pick the Jets.

Winner: Jets

Baltimore Ravens at St. Louis Rams

I almost feel bad for the Rams. Almost. They have had a pretty brutal schedule so far this year. They opened up against the Eagles, had to play the Giants at home and now have to play the Ravens after they had an embarrassing loss the week before. It looks like the Rams will be starting the year off at 0-3.

Winner: Ravens

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

With the loss of Jamaal Charles, I just don't see how the Chiefs will be able to keep up with the Chargers offense. The Chiefs weren't scoring points with Charles, so it could only be getting worse for this (former?) up-and-coming team. Luck has not been on their side. They lose Eric Berry, now Charles. Ouch.

Winner: Takeo Spikes

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler and Bears fans are starting to learn what it means for quarterbacks who play for Mike Martz. They get killed, especially when their offensive line is mediocre at best. But don't think that will change the Martz's approach to his offense. There will still be five and seven step drops and slow developing routes all over the place, which means we may see Jay Cutler's brains splattered all over the place.

Winner: Packers

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks

The Cardinals defense is awful. Luckily, they are playing against one of the more pathetic offenses in the NFL. The Seahawks are supposed to get Sidney Rice back, but Tarvaris Jackson still needs time to get him the ball. The Cardinals offense has been pretty good so far this season, so I think they end up with victory.

Winner: Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Falcons got a much need win last week against the Eagles. The Bucs haven't really impressed me that much to start the season, so I'll have to go with "Matty Ice" and the Falcons here, though I do think this game will be a good one.

Winner: Falcons

Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts

Every day the Colts don't sign David Garrard, my belief that the "Suck for Luck" campaign is on in Indianapolis increases. They can't run the ball. They can't pass the ball. Besides the defenses ends, their defense isn't that great. I don't see the Colts winning very many games this season and I don't see them getting into the end zone against the Steelers defense. 

Winner: Steelers

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys

The Redskins miraculously have gone undefeated so far this year. Going undefeated with Sexy Rexy is adorable, don't me wrong, but that ends on Sunday. The Grossman magic ends, you hear me football Gods?

Winner: Cowboys