NFL 2017 Week 3 picks

We're still trying to figure out some teams, as we have some surprise successes (like Detroit) and some surprise stumblers (like the Giants and Colts).  Let's see how many surprises we continue to have this week.

Thurs Sept 21
LA Rams at San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are still trying to find themselves with their new slate of players.  The stiff Rams defense won't give them much of a chance to do that in this game.  RAMS

Sun - London game
Baltimore Ravens v Jacksonville Jaguars: An early morning game (for American viewers) between a surprisingly capable Jaguars team and the powerful Ravens.  The Ravens will get to show off a strong defense combined with a smooth-flowing offense.  The Jaguars are more sporadic.  They may show off on the world stage, but we can't always count on them.  RAVENS

Sunday early games
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions:  How's this for a surprise!  Although both teams are 2-0, the Lions have actually looked a little better so far.  Atlanta could certainly win, but I have to give the nod to the home team in this one.  LIONS

Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts: Both teams are searching for their first win.  DeShone Kizer is slowly improving, while the Colts seem lost in their current un-Luck-y state.  This game could come down to who makes the fewest errors, which is hard to predict, but I'll give a nod (and the upset call) to the new look BROWNS.

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills:  The Bills offense looks woeful this season.  The defense is good, but can they stop the Broncos?  I feared the Broncos offense would decline this season, but not so far.  The Broncos are proving to be firing on all cylinders right now, and they'll continue that against a rather pathetic looking Bills team.  BRONCOS

Houston Texans at New England Patriots:  The Patriots get some injured players back, and they regained some of their swagger last week.  The Texans have lost some of their luster from years earlier, even among the defensive squad.  While it would be great to see the Texans get back on track and pull off the upset, I'm not expecting it.  PATRIOTS

Miami Dolphins at NY Jets:  I'll admit, Jay Cutler seems to have gained some punch in the Florida sunshine.  Of course, anyone will look good this year against the hapless Jets.  DOLPHINS

NY Giants at Philadelphia Eagles:  The Giants own perhaps the worst offensive line in the league, and that spells trouble for Jersey fans.  Given the Eagles' speed, they will be outmaneuvering the Giants all day, which will make a long day on both sides of the ball.  EAGLES

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: The Saints have not started out badly, but they aren't putting forth enough to win.  Whether it's enough strength, enough endurance, enough confidence, enough motivation -- something is putting a limit on the output of the Saints.  If they don't find a way to remove that cap, they will have problems.  PANTHERS

Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears: Another team that can't generate enough is the Bears.  They aren't terrible, but they aren't able to generate enough of a passing game to support their dynamic running game.  They have two excellent running backs, but that will only get you so far.  You need a stable passing game to mix up the plays and keep the defense spread out.  Unfortunately they don't do that, and a skilled defense like the Steelers will just chew them up.  STEELERS

Tampa Bay Bucs at Minnesota Vikings:  Without Sam Bradford, the Vikings offense acts like a team with no leader.  The defense has its own set of problems.  The Bucs are doing much better.  Jameis Winston's development is progressing very well, and the defense has some power, too.  BUCS

Sunday late games
Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers: The Packers have looked a bit anemic so far this season, especially on defense, but the Bengals have looked downright sick.  Andy Dalton does not seem to have recovered from his atrocious opening game, and the offense is struggling because of it.  If he doesn't get his head in the game soon, the season is over for Cincy, especially given the competition in their division and conference.  PACKERS

Kansas City Chiefs at LA Chargers:  The Chargers are another team who have looked anemic, while the Chiefs are absolutely rolling.  Alex Smith is giving everyone a chance to carry the ball, as well as carry the load, and they are posting stellar numbers.  CHIEFS

Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans:  Speaking of anemic performances, we come to the Seahawks. They have not been good on the road for a few years, but they haven't looked good anywhere.  They keep relying on their defense to keep them in the game, but how long can that last?  They seem especially susceptible to big plays, which is something the Titans love to attempt.  While I think this game will be close, it won't be statistically (Seahawks love to force turnovers, which may be the only thing that keeps them alive).  TITANS

Sunday night game
Oakland Raiders at Washington Redskins: The Redskins are another team with issues on offensive line, which will be exposed against rush-happy Oakland.  Their defense is okay, but the Raiders have really upped their offensive game this year.  RAIDERS

Monday Night Football
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals: Dallas is not the overpowering offensive force they were last year, but they're still strong enough to be scary.  The Cardinals defense is sturdy, but I have a feeling the Cowboys will wear them down.  This will be a close game until the fourth, where the Cardinals start getting tired and the Cowboys get enough extra yardage to secure a win.  COWBOYS