With two weeks already in the books in this 2014 NFL season, let’s not forget that we still have a lot to look forward to, including Johnny Manziel’s first NFL completion and the New York Jets calling more foolish timeouts.
All jokes aside, Week 3 has arrived and we’ve got a full slate of action on tap. In fact, the action kicked off on Thursday night, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t even know it. The Atlanta Falcons ran off 56 straight points before the Bucs scored two lowly touchdowns in the fourth quarter, prompting me to tweet this:
The Falcons certainly didn’t upset anyone but Bucs fans in Week 3, but there are a few other teams that are in for a letdown this week. Let’s take a look.
*All spreads via Yahoo.
Detroit Lions (-2.0) vs. Green Bay Packers
You’ve got to love a good divisional game, and one of the best is the Detroit Lions, favorites over the Green Bay Packers in Week 3.
The Packers’ official Twitter account took a look back at past match ups between these two rivals on Thursday:
The Lions come in 1-1 following a 24-7 whooping at the hands of the Carolina Panthers last week–a loss that saw Matthew Stafford sacked four times. What stood out most in that loss was Cam Newton’s ability to move the football through the air, which is something Aaron Rodgers and the Pack know a thing or two about.
After losing in Week 1 to the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay squeaked out a close win against the New York Jets last Sunday to make it an even 1-1 on the season.
While the Lions do enter this weekend owning the ninth-best defense against the pass, they’ve yet to face a QB the caliber of Rodgers this year, and Jordy Nelson’s Week 2 performance (9 receptions, 209 yards and 1 TD) spells trouble for Detroit.
These two division rivals split the season series last year, but I expect the Packers to come into Ford Field on Sunday and leave owning a winning record.
New York Jets (-2.5) vs. Chicago Bears
Monday Night Football will see two teams enter the game heading in different directions following the outcome of Week 2.
Each of these teams may come into the game with a 1-1 record, but the New York Jets are coming off a seven-point loss to the Packers due to a controversial timeout call by the Jets.
The Chicago Bears, on the other hand, overcame a 20-7 deficit in the fourth quarter, as Jay Cutler threw three TDs in the fourth to down the San Francisco 49ers.
I’m still not sold on Geno Smith and the Jets, and I’m still trying to figure out why they’re favorites. Despite them being at home, I like the Bears’ offense with their big receivers and ability to move the ball on the ground with Matt Forte. Plus, there’s the historical data to back up the pick.
Chicago just beat a quality football team in Week 2, and I think they come out of MetLife Stadium on Monday night with a win as well.
Seattle Seahawks (-5.0) vs. Denver Broncos
I know what you’re thinking. It’s so cliché to pick the Denver Broncos to get revenge on the Seattle Seahawks after the Super Bowl XLVIII blowout.
Maybe you’re right, but I don’t care.
After watching the Seahawks lose to the San Diego Chargers last Sunday, I see a definite weakness in the passing defense, and if there’s one man who can exploit it, it’s Peyton Manning.
Denver’s passing offense has looked great the first two weeks–with Manning throwing six touchdowns and no interceptions–and you have to remember that a healthy and well-rested Wes Welker will be a part of Peyton’s arsenal in Week 3 after the new drug policy was established.
One issue that I see here with this pick is that Seattle will be at home where they play extremely well, but I still see the Broncos going in there and pulling out a win.
I think the loss of Golden Tate will catch up with the Seahawks’ passing offense, and with a slew of weapons at his disposal, look for Manning and the Broncos to win this one through the air.
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