Believe or not, the NFL season is heading briskly towards Week 3 this weekend. What we learned over the past weeks, is not to overreact to what we see from week to week. For instance, some analyst and fans condemned the Cowboys to an ugly season after the team lost Dak Prescott for a month due to a hand injury. However, the boys from Dallas bounced back in week 2 to even their record. Yes, it takes about six weeks into the season to determine the real trajectory of a team whether they are contenders or pretenders. A perfect example, do you think the Jaguars who currently lead the AFC South will win their division? No way Jose. However, week 3 is affords a good team the chance to lay down a marker in big head-to-head matchup. In this article, we discuss and predict the 5 hottest games in week 3.
1. Bills vs Dolphins- Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
In my opinion, this game will likely be the best game this weekend. The Dolphins are flying high after an improbable comeback against the Ravens in which they played a perfect the fourth quarter by scoring 4 touchdowns to erase a 21-point deficit. Tua silenced the critics by orchestrating the offense and maximizing his speed weapons in Waddle and Hill who combined for 22 catches, 361 yards and 4 touchdowns. On the other hand, the Bills cruised through their matchup on Monday night annihilating the Titans 41-7 for an impressive win. In terms of head-to-head, Buffalo has won the last 7 matchups including the last 3 visits to Miami. I think the Bills win this game because their defense is better and will slow down Tua while Josh Allen could replicate Lamar Jackson’s heroics by giving the Dolphins problems to contain him at the quarterback position.
Bills 33-Dolphins 28
2. Ravens vs Patriots- Sunday, 1 p.m., FOX
It is ironic that both of these teams head into this matchup at 1-1 having both lost to the Dolphins. The Ravens will kicking themselves to give up such a big league but Tua exposed the Ravens that their defense is suspect especially in its secondary. The problem for the Patriots is that they don’t necessarily have the speed threat that what Miami possesses. This matchup will come down to both teams strength, the Patriots defense vs Ravens offense. I think the Patriots will be able to slow down Lamar just enough for Mac and the offense to capitalize by winning a close home opener in Gillette.
Patriots 23-Ravens 20.
3. Packers vs Buccaneers – Sunday, 4:25 p.m., FOX
This might be last matchup of the two legends head to head, so you can bet they will desperate for their teams to win and have the last laugh. The two teams last met in October 2020 in Tampa where the home team won decisively 38-10. The Buccaneers impressively have started winning on the road in Dallas and a grudge match in New Orleans powered by a stout defense. Green Bay lost badly in Minnesota and bounced back at home against the rival Bears. I think the Buccaneers hold the edge in this game because their defense will be after Rodgers who has been sacked 7 times in the season when compared to Brady’s line giving up only three. Both quarterbacks will looked to their running game to keep the defenses honest but I think Brady stretches his head to head with Rodgers to 4 to 1.
Buccaneers 24-Packers 19
4. Broncos vs 49ers- Sunday, 8:20 p.m., NBC
The new regime in Denver is off to an unconvincing start after folding against the Seahawks in week 1 and squeaking by the Texans in 2. Russell Wilson and the offense have not clicked so far in the season with issues of miscommunication seeping through. The 49ers will be very familiar with Russell Wilson and his methods as long time rivals in the division and the defense is a ferocious unit. Last week, Garoppolo emerged off the bench following an injury to Trey Lance and the switch looked seamless given the rapport he has built as a starter in the past few years. I favor the Broncos in this match because Wilson appears need a little more time before the offense begins to operate efficiently.
49ERS 21-Broncos 17
5. Giants vs Cowboys- Monday, 8:15 p.m., ESPN
It is hard to imagine but the New York Giants are undefeated in this regular season. Let that sink in! They made an impressive comeback in week 1 against the Titans and won a close home opener in week 2. The game could be decided on whether Daniel Jones can play mistake free football or whether Micah Parsons will wreak havoc on the quarterback and add to his tally of 4 for this season. Cooper Rush had a good game last week but I will not overreact to the performance thinking the Cowboys are back in the hunt. The Cowboys weakness on defense is stopping the run and Saquon Barkley has looked good returning from injury with 236 yards from 39 carries for 6 yards per carry. Barkley has a good game and the Giants win this game by a touchdown.
Giants 24-Cowboys 17