Briggs’ Week 3 Crystal Ball

11-5 last week. A 1 game improvement was not what I was looking for, but it was something. For the year, I am now 21-11.

Kansas City @ Philadelphia – Andy Reid comes back home to face a team that had had enough of him. Chip Kelly’s offense is exciting yet sporadic. The Chief defense has been solid led by Dontario Poe. Should be another close game this week.  Chiefs 24 – Eagles 23.

Houston @ Baltimore – Houston showed some vulnerability to Tennessee last week. Baltimore is certainly not the same team that won the Super Bowl last year. Ray Rice and Jacoby Jones put the Ravens at -2 in the weapon department. Texans 30 – Ravens 21.

Detroit @ Washington – Washington is 0-2 and although only one game out of first place, this is almost a must win. RGIII has been tentative, but is making progress. Detroit is gearing up for another 5,000 yard season for Stafford. Washington has to tighten up on defense. Redskins 31 – Lions 28.

San Diego at Tennessee – Both teams are 1-1 and both have also lost squeakers. The Chargers offensive resurgence is impressive as Rivers has a 7-1 TD/Int. ratio. The Titans took Houston to OT, but lost on the long ball. Does either team know how to win yet? Chargers 30 – Titans 24.

Arizona @ New Orleans – New Orleans is 2-0 with two very hard fought close wins. Arizona is 1-1, but is looking more complete with a capable quarterback. It’s how many points can either score. I’m betting on New Orleans this week. Saints 37 – Cardinals 24.

Tampa Bay @ New England – If there ever was a must-win situation, it is Tampa Bay this week. The problem is; they have to visit New England. Tom Brady has been having trouble getting his young receivers on the same page; Danny Amendola is injured and Gronk is still out. Here is an upset special in the making. Look for the Tampa secondary to confound the young receivers and Doug Martin should run very well. Bucaneers 27 Patriots 24.

Cleveland @ Minnesota – The blockbuster trade of Trent Richardson tells me Cleveland has mailed in this season and is building for the future. Minnesota still has question marks at quarterback, but AP is AP and the Viking defense should tighten up on the Browns. Vikings 27 Browns 17.

New York Giants @ Carolina – Both teams surprisingly are 0-2. Carolina’s offense has sputtered and the Giants’ defense has been porous. Can Newton get it going? Can the Giants stop anybody? New York has lost to Dallas and Denver. Carolina has lost to Seattle and Buffalo. Seattle? OK; Buffalo? Still not sure. This could be a make or break game. Giants 37 Panthers 35.

Green Bay @ Cincinnati – Green Bay went wild last week and destroyed Washington. The Bengals shut down a Steeler team who definitely is in trouble. I like Rodgers’ chances of being able to outscore Dalton. Packers 34 – Bengals 24.

St. Louis @ Dallas – Romo has not been too good so far, and Dez Bryant has back problems. St. Louis is looking to win a big one in between Atlanta and San Francisco. Both need a win badly. Dallas has more tools that know how. Cowboys 27 – Rams 20.

Atlanta @ Miami – Roddy White is banged up with a high ankle sprain, and Steven Jackson is out. This is a game to find what Atlanta has. Miami’s defense is solid and the Falcons weapons are depleted. Can Miami’s running game take enough pressure off Tannehill? This should be a great game in Miami. Miami needs to stay winning. Dolphins 24 – Falcons 21.

Buffalo @ New York Jets – This game is much bigger than anybody thought it would be at this stage. Both teams are 1-1, and Buffalo should be 2-0. The Bills are notorious for looking pretty good early and faltering. The Jets have been written off in the pre-season but can get to 2-1. Confidence builder in New York. Bills 20 – Jets 19.

Jacksonville @ Seattle – Seattle throttled the 49ers and look impressive. Jacksonville is horrible and MJD is injured. This will be ugly quick. Seahawks 41 – Jaguars 14.

Indianapolis @ San Francisco – The Colts have bolstered their running game impressively with Trent Richardson. The 49ers are coming home after getting murdered by the Seahawks. Richardson will make the Colts a lot better, but not this week. Look for a bounce back by San Fran.  49ers 34 – Colts 24.

Chicago @ Pittsburgh – The Bears are 2-0 and the Steelers are 0-2. The Steelers cannot run the ball, and Big Ben has been horribly inaccurate. Cutler has been better but they are still a little inconsistent. A lot of people are expecting Pittsburgh to come through with a big win here. I think it is a close game because of the defenses, but Pittsburgh has too many problems. Bears 20 – Steelers 17.

Oakland @ Denver – Denver has been running roughshod over opponents. They lost Clady for the year and it’s Manning’s blind side. Effectively replacing him is crucial to Denver’s continued success. Oakland has been surprising to say the least. McFadden looks good and Pryor’s legs have proven an additional weapon. Can they keep up with Denver? I don’t think so. Broncos 35- Raiders 20.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login