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NFL Week 3 2021: Picks and predictions for each game

By Matt Verderame

Sep 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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After two weeks, the NFL is beginning to take shape for the year ahead. Let’s look at the 16 games ahead this weekend and make our Week 3 picks.

As always, all odds are provided by our great partners at WynnBet

NFL Week 3 picks and predictions

2-0. 87. 1-1. 10. CAR -7.5. 8:20 p.m. ET. NFLN. Thursday, Sept. 23

Davis Mills is involved, and the Panthers look like the surprise team of the NFC. Let’s not overthink this.

Pick: Carolina 27, Houston 7

AZ -7.5. 2-0. 32. FOX. Sunday, Sept. 26. 0-2. 52. 1 p.m. ET

Does the NFL do the humane thing and black out this game in Jacksonville, or do the Jaguars fans have to watch Urban Meyer go through the seven stages of grief in real time?

Pick: Arizona 33, Jacksonville 19

FOX. Sunday, Sept. 26. 1 p.m. ET. 0-2. 44. 0-2. 31. NYG -3

Oh dear God. The Giants have had 10 days off to figure out everything that went wrong against Washington in the final minutes, while the Falcons just threw another pick-six. This is going to be a circus.

Pick: New York 29, Atlanta 24

50. 26. CBS. Sunday, Sept. 26. BAL -7.5. 1 p.m. ET. 1-1. 0-2

Baltimore gave us the win of the season by beating the Chiefs in a thriller on Sunday night. Now the Ravens welcome in the Lions, who while feisty are completely overmatched.

Pick: Baltimore 30, Detroit 18

FOX. Sunday, Sept. 26. 1-1. 1-1. 57. 1 p.m. ET. 53. CLE -7

The Browns are the better team, but be careful here. Odell Beckham Jr. might play, but Jarvis Landry won’t and the Cleveland defense has been really shaky. Also, does Justin Fields get the nod for the Bears?

Pick: Cleveland 26, Chicago 20

1-1. CBS. 55. 1-1. PIT -3.5. 1 p.m. ET. 56. Sunday, Sept. 26

The Steelers have no offense, but the defense is terrific. If T.J. Watt can’t go with his groin injury, maybe the Bengals steal one. Still, Pittsburgh losing two games consecutively at home? Don’t see it.

Pick: Pittsburgh 19, Cincinnati 17

1 p.m. ET. 0-2. CBS. 35. 46. Sunday, Sept. 26. 1-1. TEN -5

The Titans got off the proverbial mat with a huge win over the Seahawks after trailing 24-9 at halftime. Now they get the injury-riddled Colts. Indianapolis needs to win, but Tennessee is the better team.

Pick: Tennessee 29, Indianapolis 19

Sunday, Sept. 26. 1-1. 1 p.m. ET. CBS. 124. KC -6.5. 1-1. 13

The Chiefs have played a pair of top-tier AFC teams and are averaging more than 500 yards per game allowed. Somehow, Kansas City is 1-1. Expect this game to feature some eye-popping numbers, but ultimately, Patrick Mahomes keeps the Chiefs from losing two straight.

Pick: Kansas City 32, Los Angeles 28

15. FOX. Sunday, Sept. 26. NE -3. 1 p.m. ET. 1-1. 47. 1-1

This is a third straight week on the road for the Saints. New Orleans played in Jacksonville for the season opener after Hurricane Ida made the league move the Saints’ Week 1 tilt. Last week, it was a date in Charlotte with the Panthers. Tough spot for a tired team.

Pick: New England 22, New Orleans 20

1-1. 1 p.m. ET. 1-1. 58. FOX. Sunday, Sept. 26. 16. BUF -10

Buffalo won 35-0 over the Dolphins last week, but all isn’t well. Josh Allen has been hideous, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt. If the Second-Team All-Pro has another clunker, Washington becomes a very live dog.

Pick: Buffalo 24, Washington 19

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