JO_75
Hall of Famer
NFL Week 3 Preview..............
Thursday Night Football
Dolphins @ Bills: For the second time in the first three weeks of the NFL season, Highmark Stadium hosts a Primetime Game as the Buffalo Bills welcome in AFC East foe the Miami Dolphins. Buffalo is coming off their first divisional win of the year over the New York Jets, sure Josh Allen may have a bruised nose but the Bills will be without Defensive Tackle Ed Oliver (ankle) and Linebacker Matt Milano who is out with a pectoral injury. This could give Tua and the Miami offense a much needed spark as they head into this game 0-2, with fans already calling for Mike McDaniel to be fired along with GM Chris Grier. It seems we are seeing the implosion of the Dolphins in real time and now you have to wonder if Mike McDaniel will be the first Head Coach fired in the 2025 season.
Sunday 1PM Early Games
Packers @ Browns: The Green Bay Packers head on the road to Cleveland to take on Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunate luck for Cleveland when it came to the schedule as they are facing a Super Bowl contender for the second straight week. We know the Browns defense is good, but they just have never had that guy at Quarterback. Is it time for the Browns to give up on Joe Flacco and turn to Dillon Gabriel, or even Shedur Sanders already? I mean, I wouldn't put either rookie quarterbacks out there against Micah Parsons but it's going to be a long day for the Cleveland offense again. Could this be the last ride for Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry as they struggle to find the next Franchise QB while watching Baker Mayfield flourish in Tampa?
Colts @ Titans: I don't know about you guys but I'm 100% here for the Daniel "Indiana" Jones redemption arc. The Colts head to the Music City in search of their first 3-0 start since 2009. The surprising play of Daniel Jones has caught the entire NFL off guard, especially Giants fans. As we progress through the season, can Jones and the offense keep it up? Or is this some fluky beginning of the season luck that will eventually fade back into reality? For Cam Ward, he has shown potential but lacks the supporting cast currently around him. It will be a long year for Cam and the Titans as I expect the Colts to keep on rolling to start the year.
Bengals @ Vikings: It's only week three of the NFL season, and it seems backup Quarterbacks are already the talk of the town this season. This is what we get on Sunday as the Cincinnati Bengals now led by Jake Browning head to Minnesota to take on Carson Wentz and the Minnesota Vikings. With both Joe Burrow & J.J. McCarthy out, this game will come down to who will manage the game best at the end of four quarters. The Bengals have never started 3-0 under Zac Taylor, and continuing this surprising start to the year will do wonders for the Bengals playoff hopes. The Vikings meanwhile have got to protect Carson Wentz a lot better than they did J.J. McCarthy who was sacked six times last Sunday night. This could be a sneaky game for a score nobody expects to see with the absence of Joe Burrow & J.J McCarthy but given both Jake Browning & Carson Wentz have some very good receivers at their disposal, this is a sneaky shootout game in the making.
Steelers @ Patriots: A classic AFC conference game as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Foxboro to take on the New England Patriots coming off their first win of the season last week. Pittsburgh got stunned by Seattle last week at home, Aaron Rodgers and company will have their hands full with a Patriots defense that leads the NFL in sacks with 9 through the first two games. They have also held their opponent to under 100 yards of rushing in the first two games of the season, so a challenge presents itself to Mike Tomlin and the Steelers looking to get back on track and in the win column after last week. Fun fact, did you know Drake Maye was just two years old when Aaron Rodgers took his first NFL snap... the more you know. The Patriots have won the last three meetings against the Steelers, their last being back in 2023 as Mike Vrabel looks to keep that streak alive on Sunday.
Rams @ Eagles: A Divisional Round rematch as the Los Angeles Rams return to Philadelphia to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in much better weather conditions might I add. While the 'Tush Push' continues to be controversial, what's not controversial is how Saquon Barkley dominated the Rams defense last season. In both games against the Rams last season, Saquon ran for a combined 460 yards including multiple touchdown runs that were over 60+ yards. With the Rams losing Ahkello Witherspoon to injury, look for Jalen Hurts to potentially open things up in the passing game with AJ Brown. If the Rams can find a way to contain Saquon Barkley and keep this game close for Matthew Stafford, they may be able to leave Philly with the win.
Jets @ Buccaneers: It's been a rough go for Aaron Glenn as New Head Coach of the Jets in his first two games, and with Justin Fields out due to a concussion, the team turns to veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor on Sunday. The story of Baker Mayfield continued last Monday as he lead a game winning drive on the road against Houston to secure the win. With the Jets defense allowing more than 30 points in both games, expect Baker Mayfield and company to do what other teams have done this season which is to take advantage of Brandon Stephens who has been more of a liability for the Jets, much like he was in Baltimore last season. It's only week three but is it too early to Just End The Season?
Raiders @ Commanders: Pete Carroll and Dan Quinn reunite as Carroll's Raiders head east to take on Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders. This will be the first game between the two franchises since 2017, when the Raiders were still in Oakland and their new stadium in Vegas was just starting construction. There was lots of buzz when the Raiders drafted Ashton Jeanty but he has yet to show why he was drafted with the sixth overall pick only averaging 2.7 yards per carry. The Raiders may catch a break if Washington will be without Jayden Daniels who may not play Sunday due to a knee injury. This means that Marcus Mariota would start for the Commanders, marking his first start since 2022, and this could be a big break for a Raiders team looking to rebound following a huge divisional loss on Monday Night to the Chargers.
Falcons @ Panthers: Has there ever been a trade in the NFL where nobody benefited? It seems the move up to get Bryce Young in the 2023 NFL Draft is looking to be a big mistake. Carolina still hasn't improved since that trade, and they are now on their 5th Head Coach since 2020 in Dave Canales who they hired last year. Perhaps returning home for their home opener will spark something out of a Panthers team that just needs anything good to happen at this point. The Falcons are coming off a big road win against the Vikings where they sacked the quarterback six times on 16 quarterback pressures. Atlanta set out to improve their pass rush and that they did, and just in time for a Panthers team who is having woes on the offensive line. It's going to be another long day for Bryce Young and company if Atlanta's pass rush does what it did to the Vikings. You do have to wonder, could this be it for Bryce Young who is out to prove he's the guy in Carolina. He was benched last season for Andy Dalton, and poor play again this season could see Andy Dalton once again be the starting QB for the Panthers?
Texans @ Jaguars: If you told me that these two teams would be chasing Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts, I'd think you were crazy. The Texans come into this 0-2 and looking for their first win of the season on a short week. The Jaguars return home after losing to the Cincinnati Bengals on the road in a close one. Houston's offense needs to find some power heading into this one as they are averaging 14 points per game early this season. They should receive help in the form of Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios who missed the first two weeks with a hamstring injury. The Jaguars are looking for their first win over Houston at home since 2017, and they will have a chip on their shoulder after falling short in Cincinnati.
Sunday 4PM Late Games
Broncos @ Chargers: Through two weeks of the NFL season, some may say that Justin Herbert is the early favorite for MVP this year, throwing five touchdowns and a passer rating of 127.8, Herbert most certainly looks well on his way to his first NFL MVP. The Chargers also find themselves atop the AFC West, sitting 2-0 for the season and division with wins over the Chiefs & Raiders in the first two weeks. A win over the Denver Broncos will put them in the driver seat for the AFC West Title, but the Broncos defense looks to prevent that. Denver came up huge on first and long situations, with the Colts being 1 for 7 on third and long situations. Yet, the Colts were able to convert most of their short yardage situations which is where they may find themselves in trouble against a much better quarterback in Justin Herbert. Denver's defense will need to show up and slow down Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense for a shot to win, otherwise the Chargers will be well on their way to a division championship.
Saints @ Seahawks: The Seahawks return home after a huge road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and take on the surprisingly competitive New Orleans Saints. Kellen Moore has the Saints playing well, even Spencer Rattler has been ok even though he is still looking for his first win as a NFL starting Quarterback. I wouldn't put the Seahawks on upset alert or anything, but if the Saints offense continues to improve, they could play playoff spoiler later in the year. Seattle will make it tough on him as they come into this game with a 49.4 pressure rate, the most in the NFL. Should be a easy win for the Seahawks as they win their second straight game.
Cowboys @ Bears:
Cardinals @ 49ers:
Sunday Night Football
Chiefs @ Giants: Just like we predicted when the season began, the 0-2 Chiefs head to New York to take on the 0-2 New York Giants. A 0-3 start is rare the Chiefs under Andy Reid, let alone Patrick Mahomes who last started a season 0-3 in his sophomore year of High School. As for the Chiefs, it was 2014 when they were last 0-3 with plenty of reasons to put them on upset alert heading into this game. There will be no Xavier Worthy as the Chiefs wide receiver problems continue early in the season, and Travis Kelce is certainly not playing like his usual self since getting engaged to Taylor Swift. Russell Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in a close overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys giving optimism to some who think Wilson and company can pull off an upset. It also helps that the Chiefs have never beaten the Giants in New York and have a 0-7 record against them putting things in the Giants favor.
Monday Night Football
Lions @ Ravens:
Thursday Night Football
Dolphins @ Bills: For the second time in the first three weeks of the NFL season, Highmark Stadium hosts a Primetime Game as the Buffalo Bills welcome in AFC East foe the Miami Dolphins. Buffalo is coming off their first divisional win of the year over the New York Jets, sure Josh Allen may have a bruised nose but the Bills will be without Defensive Tackle Ed Oliver (ankle) and Linebacker Matt Milano who is out with a pectoral injury. This could give Tua and the Miami offense a much needed spark as they head into this game 0-2, with fans already calling for Mike McDaniel to be fired along with GM Chris Grier. It seems we are seeing the implosion of the Dolphins in real time and now you have to wonder if Mike McDaniel will be the first Head Coach fired in the 2025 season.
Sunday 1PM Early Games
Packers @ Browns: The Green Bay Packers head on the road to Cleveland to take on Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunate luck for Cleveland when it came to the schedule as they are facing a Super Bowl contender for the second straight week. We know the Browns defense is good, but they just have never had that guy at Quarterback. Is it time for the Browns to give up on Joe Flacco and turn to Dillon Gabriel, or even Shedur Sanders already? I mean, I wouldn't put either rookie quarterbacks out there against Micah Parsons but it's going to be a long day for the Cleveland offense again. Could this be the last ride for Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry as they struggle to find the next Franchise QB while watching Baker Mayfield flourish in Tampa?
Colts @ Titans: I don't know about you guys but I'm 100% here for the Daniel "Indiana" Jones redemption arc. The Colts head to the Music City in search of their first 3-0 start since 2009. The surprising play of Daniel Jones has caught the entire NFL off guard, especially Giants fans. As we progress through the season, can Jones and the offense keep it up? Or is this some fluky beginning of the season luck that will eventually fade back into reality? For Cam Ward, he has shown potential but lacks the supporting cast currently around him. It will be a long year for Cam and the Titans as I expect the Colts to keep on rolling to start the year.
Bengals @ Vikings: It's only week three of the NFL season, and it seems backup Quarterbacks are already the talk of the town this season. This is what we get on Sunday as the Cincinnati Bengals now led by Jake Browning head to Minnesota to take on Carson Wentz and the Minnesota Vikings. With both Joe Burrow & J.J. McCarthy out, this game will come down to who will manage the game best at the end of four quarters. The Bengals have never started 3-0 under Zac Taylor, and continuing this surprising start to the year will do wonders for the Bengals playoff hopes. The Vikings meanwhile have got to protect Carson Wentz a lot better than they did J.J. McCarthy who was sacked six times last Sunday night. This could be a sneaky game for a score nobody expects to see with the absence of Joe Burrow & J.J McCarthy but given both Jake Browning & Carson Wentz have some very good receivers at their disposal, this is a sneaky shootout game in the making.
Steelers @ Patriots: A classic AFC conference game as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Foxboro to take on the New England Patriots coming off their first win of the season last week. Pittsburgh got stunned by Seattle last week at home, Aaron Rodgers and company will have their hands full with a Patriots defense that leads the NFL in sacks with 9 through the first two games. They have also held their opponent to under 100 yards of rushing in the first two games of the season, so a challenge presents itself to Mike Tomlin and the Steelers looking to get back on track and in the win column after last week. Fun fact, did you know Drake Maye was just two years old when Aaron Rodgers took his first NFL snap... the more you know. The Patriots have won the last three meetings against the Steelers, their last being back in 2023 as Mike Vrabel looks to keep that streak alive on Sunday.
Rams @ Eagles: A Divisional Round rematch as the Los Angeles Rams return to Philadelphia to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in much better weather conditions might I add. While the 'Tush Push' continues to be controversial, what's not controversial is how Saquon Barkley dominated the Rams defense last season. In both games against the Rams last season, Saquon ran for a combined 460 yards including multiple touchdown runs that were over 60+ yards. With the Rams losing Ahkello Witherspoon to injury, look for Jalen Hurts to potentially open things up in the passing game with AJ Brown. If the Rams can find a way to contain Saquon Barkley and keep this game close for Matthew Stafford, they may be able to leave Philly with the win.
Jets @ Buccaneers: It's been a rough go for Aaron Glenn as New Head Coach of the Jets in his first two games, and with Justin Fields out due to a concussion, the team turns to veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor on Sunday. The story of Baker Mayfield continued last Monday as he lead a game winning drive on the road against Houston to secure the win. With the Jets defense allowing more than 30 points in both games, expect Baker Mayfield and company to do what other teams have done this season which is to take advantage of Brandon Stephens who has been more of a liability for the Jets, much like he was in Baltimore last season. It's only week three but is it too early to Just End The Season?
Raiders @ Commanders: Pete Carroll and Dan Quinn reunite as Carroll's Raiders head east to take on Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders. This will be the first game between the two franchises since 2017, when the Raiders were still in Oakland and their new stadium in Vegas was just starting construction. There was lots of buzz when the Raiders drafted Ashton Jeanty but he has yet to show why he was drafted with the sixth overall pick only averaging 2.7 yards per carry. The Raiders may catch a break if Washington will be without Jayden Daniels who may not play Sunday due to a knee injury. This means that Marcus Mariota would start for the Commanders, marking his first start since 2022, and this could be a big break for a Raiders team looking to rebound following a huge divisional loss on Monday Night to the Chargers.
Falcons @ Panthers: Has there ever been a trade in the NFL where nobody benefited? It seems the move up to get Bryce Young in the 2023 NFL Draft is looking to be a big mistake. Carolina still hasn't improved since that trade, and they are now on their 5th Head Coach since 2020 in Dave Canales who they hired last year. Perhaps returning home for their home opener will spark something out of a Panthers team that just needs anything good to happen at this point. The Falcons are coming off a big road win against the Vikings where they sacked the quarterback six times on 16 quarterback pressures. Atlanta set out to improve their pass rush and that they did, and just in time for a Panthers team who is having woes on the offensive line. It's going to be another long day for Bryce Young and company if Atlanta's pass rush does what it did to the Vikings. You do have to wonder, could this be it for Bryce Young who is out to prove he's the guy in Carolina. He was benched last season for Andy Dalton, and poor play again this season could see Andy Dalton once again be the starting QB for the Panthers?
Texans @ Jaguars: If you told me that these two teams would be chasing Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts, I'd think you were crazy. The Texans come into this 0-2 and looking for their first win of the season on a short week. The Jaguars return home after losing to the Cincinnati Bengals on the road in a close one. Houston's offense needs to find some power heading into this one as they are averaging 14 points per game early this season. They should receive help in the form of Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios who missed the first two weeks with a hamstring injury. The Jaguars are looking for their first win over Houston at home since 2017, and they will have a chip on their shoulder after falling short in Cincinnati.
Sunday 4PM Late Games
Broncos @ Chargers: Through two weeks of the NFL season, some may say that Justin Herbert is the early favorite for MVP this year, throwing five touchdowns and a passer rating of 127.8, Herbert most certainly looks well on his way to his first NFL MVP. The Chargers also find themselves atop the AFC West, sitting 2-0 for the season and division with wins over the Chiefs & Raiders in the first two weeks. A win over the Denver Broncos will put them in the driver seat for the AFC West Title, but the Broncos defense looks to prevent that. Denver came up huge on first and long situations, with the Colts being 1 for 7 on third and long situations. Yet, the Colts were able to convert most of their short yardage situations which is where they may find themselves in trouble against a much better quarterback in Justin Herbert. Denver's defense will need to show up and slow down Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense for a shot to win, otherwise the Chargers will be well on their way to a division championship.
Saints @ Seahawks: The Seahawks return home after a huge road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and take on the surprisingly competitive New Orleans Saints. Kellen Moore has the Saints playing well, even Spencer Rattler has been ok even though he is still looking for his first win as a NFL starting Quarterback. I wouldn't put the Seahawks on upset alert or anything, but if the Saints offense continues to improve, they could play playoff spoiler later in the year. Seattle will make it tough on him as they come into this game with a 49.4 pressure rate, the most in the NFL. Should be a easy win for the Seahawks as they win their second straight game.
Cowboys @ Bears:
Cardinals @ 49ers:
Sunday Night Football
Chiefs @ Giants: Just like we predicted when the season began, the 0-2 Chiefs head to New York to take on the 0-2 New York Giants. A 0-3 start is rare the Chiefs under Andy Reid, let alone Patrick Mahomes who last started a season 0-3 in his sophomore year of High School. As for the Chiefs, it was 2014 when they were last 0-3 with plenty of reasons to put them on upset alert heading into this game. There will be no Xavier Worthy as the Chiefs wide receiver problems continue early in the season, and Travis Kelce is certainly not playing like his usual self since getting engaged to Taylor Swift. Russell Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in a close overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys giving optimism to some who think Wilson and company can pull off an upset. It also helps that the Chiefs have never beaten the Giants in New York and have a 0-7 record against them putting things in the Giants favor.
Monday Night Football
Lions @ Ravens:
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