Fansided

The Armchair Quarterback’s guide to the NFL Week 3

By Lyle Graversen

Dec 30, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Raiders at New England Patriots

I know there are at least a few diehard Raiders fans that read this column every week and I have CRAZY respect for people that religiously follow a team despite repeated years of disappointment. As a Chiefs fan, I can relate. While I think Derek Carr is their long term solution at QB, it looks like another long season in Oakland this year. The Raiders are ranked 31st in offense in both yards and points per game and their defense is dead last in the NFL in rush defense, giving up exactly 400 yards in two games. Tom Brady may not be what he once was, but they’ll have enough offense to take care of the Raiders at home. Look for the NE running backs to get a lot of carries in this one.

Raiders 13
Patriots 27

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals

This game is the second of three games that I had a terrible time predicting. Like Cleveland, Arizona has probably earned the right to be favored here, but just like with Cleveland I can’t bring myself to pick them. Do I think the Cardinals are a very good team? Yes, but when I ask myself what seems more likely the Cardinals going to 3-0 and dropping the 49ers to 1-2 or the 49ers evening their records up at 2-1, the later seems more likely. Plus, the 49ers have beaten the Cardinals four straight times including two wins in Arizona, one of which was week 17 last year with the playoffs on the line. Will I be surprised if the Cardinals win? No, but I’m taking the 49ers by a hair.

49ers 21
Cardinals 20

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