We're back for Week 3 NFL Picks and I am riding high after a solid Week 2 performance. I can always improve, but after a 6-9 performance in Week 1, I was able to go 10-5-1 against the spread in Week 2, and 11-5 straight up. The Bengals were a push on -7. My favorite pick might have been my Bucs to cover, Giants to win, which hit by two points. I like it when I can pretend I know what I am talking about.
The 49ers are heading into Minnesota to face a young Vikings squad. The 49ers are a seven point favorite, which, as I've said a couple times this week, I view as another sign of respect for the 49ers. Being a big home favorite is great, but when a team can go on the road and get that kind of spread, it shows the gambling word is also coming around on them. Of course, the 49ers are also sitting as 5-to-1 Super Bowl favorites so the oddsmakers are definitely coming around on them.
Last night I did a Google+ Hangout with Christopher Gates from Daily Norseman (and yes, we're aware that the video was not switching away from him during the chat) and I threw out a 31-13 prediction. That would be a fairly sizable margin, but I think the 49ers have a chance to send another message. This might not reflect much with the general public given the view of the matchup, but if the 49ers can put together an "easy", authoritative victory, it will say something about the team. While style points do not matter in the big picture, it would be nice to see a convincing win on Sunday.
Joel Thorman put together his own rundown of picks and is not quite as inclined towards a thorough 49ers victory, while James Brady naturally picks the 49ers. Head after the jump for my picks against the spread.
Giants @ Panthers (-3): Panthers cover
Rams @ Bears (-7.5): Bears cover
Bills (-3) @ Browns: Bills cover
Bucs @ Cowboys (-8): Bucs cover, Cowboys win
Jaguars @ Colts (-3): Colts cover
Jets (-3) @ Dolphins: Jets cover
49ers (-7.5) @ Vikings: 49ers cover
Chiefs @ Saints (-9): Saints cover
Lions (-4) @ Titans: Lions cover
Bengals @ Redskins (-3): Redskins cover
Eagles (-4) @ Cardinals: Eagles cover
Falcons @ Chargers (-3): Falcons win outright
Texans (-3) @ Broncos: Texans cover
Steelers (-4.5) @ Raiders: Steelers cover
Patriots @ Ravens (-3): Ravens cover
Packers @ Seahawks (-3.5): Packers win outright
Overall Record
Versus the spread: 16-14-1
Overall: 21-10