SneakerReporter NFL Week 3: Preview and Predictions
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1:00 PM EST
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
This will hand down be the game of the week as the (2-0) Buffalo Bills will be heading to Miami to face the (2-0) Dolphins. Tua Tagovailoa is coming off a 469-yard passing performance with 6 touchdown performance that put the whole NFL on notice. Tua was able to get his playmakers involved as Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill both had monster games. They both will be looking to get involved against a Bills secondary that’s banged up. The Bills have the best defense against opposing quarterbacks and they will be trying to prove that they are elite to Tua. On the flip side, you have Josh Allen who’s coming into this game as the MVP front runner and he’s been playing lights out. On the season Josh Allen had 614 yards and 7 touchdowns. He will be looking to add to his total and showcase why they’re the best team in the AFC East and Superbowl favorites. The chemistry between Allen and Diggs has been on full display and it should be at its highest peak in Miami.
Score Prediction: Bills Win (38 – 28)
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders
Carson Wentz will be going against his former team the Philadelphia Eagles as he tries to ruin their undefeated season. So far in the season, Carson Wentz has thrown for 650 yards with 7 touchdowns as he has been commanding this offense. Antonio Gibson has helped him out as well on the ground game as he’s looked electric even in the passing game. Wentz has a wide receiver core of McLaurin, Samuels, and Dotson who have all been able to get open with ease. If those 3 can help Wentz plus Gibson it could be a great game. The big problem with that is that Slay Jr in Philly is on a mission this season to make sure no one scores on his defense. Last week it seemed as though Slay could have had at least 4 interceptions against the Vikings. He’s the heart and soul of the defense so he will try to make things tough on Washington. Jalen Hurts has looked unstoppable this season as he’s punishing teams in the air and on the ground. Jalen Hurts has improved his passing accuracy and it helps that AJ Brown has come over from the Titans to make it easier. AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith will make things tough on this Commanders secondary while helping each other get open. The Eagles have a ton of running backs that can get the job on any play so this should be an interesting game overall.
Score Prediction: Eagles Win (20 – 14)
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets
The Bengals are coming into New York (0-2) and they’re looking for their first win of the season. People are panicking about the start but if the Bengals proved anything last year it was that anything’s possible. They will use this game against the Jets as a get-back game. The Bengals will have to get Joe Mixon involved on the ground as he’s getting the touches but he hasn’t had the running lanes. If Joe Burrow can get that play-action game going then it will open up things for the whole offense. Joe Burrow has one of the best wide receiver cores in the NFL led by Ja’Maar Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. All three of those players can take the ball to the endzone at any moment and they should be able to get open against NY. The Jet’s defense isn’t going to scare anyone but their coach has them playing with a battery in their backs. This is a huge shoutout to Robert Saleh who has been a defensive-minded coach since day one. The players are buying into the system and it helps with the play of Joe Flacco who’s been able to manage the game as the Jets need from him. One of the things that stand out about the Jet’s offense is the youth on that side. Jets have Breece Hall and Michael Carter who give you the mix of toughness and playmaking. Garrett Wilson had a monster game against the Browns last week with 8 receptions for 102 yards with 2 touchdowns. The Jets will have some growing pains but the future is looking bright for the J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS.
Score Prediction: Bengals Win (38 – 17)
Las Vegas Raiders at Tennessee Titans
The Raiders are coming off a crazy game where they saw Kyler Murray takeover and they fell short. This week they will be playing against Ryan Tannehill who doesn’t have the play-making ability but he has Derrick Henry. The Raider’s defense will need to be up to the challenge because the Titans are pissed after getting blown out against the Bills on Monday. If the Raiders gonna win this game it will be on the offense who will be without Hunter Renfrow (Concussion) and Josh Jacobs (Illness). All that means is more targets for Darren Waller and Devonte Adams. Both of those receivers are difference makers in a game and the Titans will have their hands full against them in the secondary. Derek Carr has proven in his career that he can make any throw and that he’s reliable. The only way they lose is if King Henry shows up big time. The Titans have the advantage in the rushing game and could use that to help Tannehill in the pocket. The Titans team moves to the legs of Derrick Henry but they can get last week’s version who had 13 carries for 25 yards. The Titans will need a 125-yard day with a touchdown or two in order for them to succeed. The bright side for the Titan’s receiving core is that Treylon Burks has emerged as the true number one and he’s shown that he’s very dangerous with the ball in his hands. Both defenses have places they need to improve but I look for this to be a shootout in Nashville.
Score Prediction: Titans Win (31 – 28)
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are trying to find their first win of the season. It’s been a struggle for Baker Mayfield but one thing about Baker he’s a winner. The Panthers have to get the offense clicking and it takes some time especially since he’s still new to the offense. Baker will need to depend on DJ Moore and Christian McCaffrey to help him get the win. CMC has been banged up with an ankle injury but he will be suiting up. CMC can change a game instantly with just one play as he’s the best running back in the game when it comes to catching/creating space. Baker has to get in line with DJ Moore as he’s the best wide receiver on the roster and he can take it to the house at any moment. Robbie Anderson will be added to the mix as well but if Moore gets going that will open this offense up. Defensively they will be in a little trouble as they will be facing a Saints team fresh off a loss to Tampa Bay. Jamesis Winston will be looking to lead the Saints to victory and his weapons will all be on the field. The Saints will be getting Alvin Kamara back (Ribs) in the lineup and that will help them as he’s been a force in the running game/passing game like CMC. Kamara is the key to the offense but even if you key in on him you have to watch out for Michael Thomas who’s playing at an All-Pro level like he didn’t miss a beat. Michael Thomas is elite and he’s been getting Chris Olave in the mix as well. Defensively Cameron Jordan can stop an offense at any moment with his aggressiveness toward the quarterback. So overall the Saints can make the best of this game to rebound back into the winning column.
Score Prediction: Saints Win (27–17)
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
The Baltimore Ravens are coming into this game against New England with a win on their minds. Last week they gave up the 6 touchdowns to Tua and this week they would be damned if it happened with Mac Jones. Lamar Jackson will try to put the Ravens up early in this one as the Ravens hope to get JK Dobbins back in the lineup. Lamar Jackson did everything in his power to try to get the victory as he put up 318 passing yards, and 119 rushing yards with 4 touchdowns. The Raven’s defense will be looking to lock up the Patriots and make sure that Mac Jones doesn’t feel comfortable in the pocket. Look for Marcus Peters and Calais Campbell to make some key plays for this Ravens defense that desperately needs it. The Patriots beat Pittsburgh last week and will be looking to make it two in a row. Mac Jones was able to find Nelson Agholor for a crazy moss-like catch that gave New England momentum. The Patriots running attack has been the staple for this team and they will be looking to continue that against Baltimore. If Damian Harris can get that ground-and-pound game going with that offensive line bullying the Ravens it could work in the Patriot’s favor.
Score Prediction: Ravens Win (35 – 17)
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
This will be a slugfest in Minnesota as it’s rare that the Lions are coming off a win and the Vikings a loss. Minnesota has to figure out how to get Dalvin Cook involved more in the offense. There is no way that Dalvin Cook had 6 carries for only 17 yards. When you have a talent like Cook you have to feed him no matter what. It helps that the Vikings have Justin Jefferson who is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. With that being said you have to switch it up and have defenses guessing. The wide receiver core for the Vikings is impressive they just have to bring it together for a full complete game. Theilen & Jefferson alone can create space and make sure that Kirk Cousins can find them in their sweet spots. The Viking’s defense has been consistent as well last week was tough with Jalen Hurts but look for them to make it tough on Jared Goff. The Vikings will need to slow down DeAndre Swift who’s been on fire as of late with his running abilities. Swift has been one of the bright spots for the Lions all off-season and now during the season. Swift should be able to get involved in the running and passing game to help Goff. Jared Goff has been playing well and he’s trying to prove all of his haters wrong that gave up on him when he left LA. Amon-Ra St. Brown has been just unreal all season and he’s on a scoring streak that we haven’t seen in recent history. Last week he had 9 receptions for 116 yards with 2 touchdowns. It looks like the Lions have found their franchise wideout. On the defensive side look for Aidan Hutchinson to cause havoc, especially after his 3 sack performance last week. If the Vikings want to win you must stop number 97.
Score Prediction: Vikings Win (27–24)
Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts haven’t looked like the AFC South favorites like everyone has projected so far. It’s taking some time for Matt Ryan and Colt’s offensive pieces to get on the same page. Matt Ryan has to turn back the clock and start slinging the ball, especially in this matchup against the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs won’t be taking them lightly as they can put up numbers quickly. With no Darius Leonard in this game, it looks like Ryan will need to depend on getting the ball to Michael Pittman Jr and Jonathan Taylor ASAP. The Colts tried to get Taylor going last game against the Jaguars and he will need to keep that up against Kansas City. Taylor was able to lead this offense last year with Wentz and we need to see that same type of play with Ryan. Taylor has all the tools to be the best running back in the game and needs to show that in Week 3. The Chiefs are coming into this game undefeated and it seems like Patrick Mahomes can throw the ball to anyone these days. Last week it was Watson who caught a touchdown from Mahomes and this week it can easily be Travis Kelce. This Chief’s offense is explosive as they have Juju, Travis, and Cylde that can get the job done. If the Cheifs can get all of them involved it will be a tough day for the Colts against Mahomes when he is in his groove. We haven’t seen a quarterback like Mahomes who can just get anyone involved since Tom Brady in New England.
Score Prediction: Chiefs Win (38–24)
Houston Texans at Chicago Bears
This will be the Lovie Smith Bowl as his Houston Texans will play his former team the Chicago Bears. Houston is coming off a loss to the Broncos last Sunday. Houston will need to establish the run early in this one with Dameion Pierce if they want to win this game against Chicago. The Bear’s defense is tough against the run but Pierce has to continue to build off the good game he had last week and let his presence be felt. Davis Mills and Brandon Cooks have been able to build a true relationship on the field and they have clicked instantly. Cooks will need to assert himself against the Bear’s secondary so that he can give his quarterback a chance. The Bears are coming into this one hoping to get back in the winning column in a big way. Last week against the Packers Justin Fields had the Bears in position to almost win. He had a questionable run at the 1-yard line that wasn’t ruled a touchdown. This week he will look to make up for that as he wants to run/throw all over the Texans. Justin Fields will need to lean on Mooney as they haven’t been able to get him involved. The running game has taken over as David Montgomery got going last week with 122 rushing yards. If he can get that type of rushing attack going again in Chi-Town they should come out with the win. Justin Fields has the ball in his hands and the fate of the Bears in his hands too. We will see what he’s all about against this Houston defense.
Score Prediction: Bears Win (17 – 14)
4:05 PM EST
Jacksonville Jaguars at Los Angeles Chargers
The LA Chargers are banged up heading into this matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Justin Herbert injured his ribs in the game against the Chiefs. The Chargers announced he would be questionable and so would Keenan Allen (Hamstring). Those are two dynamic players for the Chargers offense but if both don’t suit up it could be an Ekeler type game. Chase Daniel is the backup and he would have to trust the safety blanket Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler. This will be a game to establish the run with Austin if Herbert isn’t available to play. The good thing about the Chargers is the fact they’re balanced properly. The defense has Derwin James, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack who all can change the game with one play. Look for them to make the day tough for Trevor Lawerence and his running backs. The Jags fresh off a win will continue to sling the rock and get their new weapon Christian Kirk involved from the jump. Last week Kirk had 6 receptions for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns. This Jags offense is getting scarier as they gain the chemistry and trust of each other so anything is possible. The defense is led by Josh Allen who looks to be on a mission for the AFC Defensive Player of the Year.
Score Prediction: Jaguars Win If Herbert Is Out (24-10)
4:25 PM EST
Las Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
Division games like this one will be must-watch TV, especially after the magic that Kyler Murray pulled off last week. We doubt that Murray would be able to get plays off like he did against the Raiders vs Aaron Donald but it would be impressive. Murray has been asked to do a lot more because he’s missing Hopkins/Moore in the receiving core. In that span, it’s been the unknown Dortch that’s taken the opportunity to make an impression and putting his name on the map. James Connor is a game-time decision so if the Cardinals will be without him it could be challenging. Williams and Benjamin will step in to try to fill the void but it won’t be easy. This will be a game where Murray will need to do it all to pull off the win. The defense is strong but against this stacked Rams team with Kupp and those boys, it will be tough. The Ram’s defense will be up for the challenge as they look to take down the Cardinals. With Murray having limited weapons look for Jalen Ramsey and that secondary to bait him into some bad throws. The offense will be on fire as the Rams finally got Allen Robinson going last week. This team is loaded on the offensive end and Stafford knows how to get the ball to everyone on the field with ease.
Score Prediction: Rams Win (33–17)
Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tom Brady vs Aaron Rodgers matchup has always been special. This Sunday we will be in for another spectacular matchup. Green Bay has a couple of injuries at the wide receiver position and will be leaning on the play of the running backs for sure. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion have been the consistent players that have shown up every week. Last week Aaron Jones showed up big time with 20 carries for 181 yards and a touchdown. It’s safe to say that Coach LaFleur knew he needed to get Jones some more touches and he did just that. Aaron Rodgers has owned the Bears and proved it again last week with 234 yards and two touchdowns. This week he will be trying to go off against a stout defense in Tampa Bay. The wideouts for the Packers have been in and out but Rodgers has made a way out of no way each time. The Packer’s defense will be in for a tough matchup but they won’t have to worry about shadowing Mike Evans who got suspended for a game. Julio Jones is a game-time decision and Chris Godwin is out. They will need to focus on slowing down Leonard Fournette with his tough running. Tom Brady’s the master of the play action and he will make you pay if you’re late to get to him. Look for the Bucs to lean on the run and their defense-heavy in this one. The Bucs defense can slow down Rodgers but it will be a tough task as he has shown he can make magic happen outside the pocket.
Score Prediction: Packers Win (28–21)
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
The Atlanta Falcons almost came back from the 28-3 foolery from the Rams. They lost the game but they showed a lot of fight in this game. Marcus Mariota was able to put up 196 passing yards with 2 touchdowns. You can see that Marcus is playing with different confidence and he’s taking the moment to show everyone that he has what it takes in the league. Mariota has some great weapons in the Falcons offense he was able to finally connect with Drake London the standout rookie from USC. Both of them linked up for the touchdowns last week and now it’s time for Kyle Pitts to get into the mix. The Seahawks will be down a couple of defensive players and that will give the Falcons an advantage. We can’t forget Cordelle Patterson who’s been running things in that backfield in ATL as well because he’s being used as a swiss army knife. The Falcon’s defense is always trying to improve but if they can contain Geno Smith this should be an easy win. The Seahawks have stood by Geno Smith and it looks like it will be through the good, bad, and ugly. Geno’s a great leader and game manager but this will be a game he might need to put some numbers up. Geno always has the chance to do that DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett making things tough for secondary’s. The Seahawks love to depend on the run game as they have Walker/Penny so it will be interesting if they have to change their game script ASAP if the Falcons get up big.
Score Prediction: Falcons Win (24–10)