Introduction
Another week, another picks column. As Belichick says, “We’re on to Week 3.” Sure, this one is coming on Sunday morning instead of Saturday afternoon or evening. Because of that you will be spared my, perhaps (not so), witty reparte for each game. To paraphrase Al Davis, “Just picks, Baby.” But, I’m still coming in under deadline!
Before we get there, though, I need to take my medicine. After a mediocre first week, Vegas murdered me this week. I went 6-10 against the spread and 8-8 straight up. I’m not sure if they qualify as sharps or not, but it sounded like Simmons and Sal didn’t exactly have the greatest of weeks either. Maybe it was just a weird week of football. There was the second tie in as many weeks, after all.
A Note on Jets/Browns
I know this is going to stretch my credibility a bit, but I did pick the Browns this week. One thing I know about Thursday night football, other than it sucks on almost every level, is that they often favor the home team. I did pick the Jets to cover, though, so maybe that will lend some authenticity to my pick.
Week 3 Picks
New Orleans at Atlanta (-3): New Orleans
San Francisco at Kansas City(-5): Kansas City
Oakland at Miami (-4.5): Miami
Buffalo at Minnesota(-16.5): Minnesota
Indianapolis at Philadelphia (NL): Philadelphia
Green Bay (-2.5) at Washington: Green Bay
Cincinnati at Carolina (-3): Cincinnati
Tennessee at Jacksonville (NL): Jacksonville
Denver at Baltimore (-5.5): Denver
New York Giants at Houston (-3.5): Houston
Los Angeles Chagers at Los Angeles Rams (-7): Rams
Chicago (-4.5) at Arizona: Chicago
Dallas at Seattle (-3): Dallas
New England (-7) at Detroit: Detroit
Pittsburgh (-3) at Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay
The Verdict
Week 3 has some intriguing story lines. Chris and I were texting about the Browns as Tyrod Taylor had a line at one point that was 2-7 for 7 yards. Then Mayfield came in and I’m happy as hell. I want to see the guy do well to stick it in the ears of all of the talking heads who “hot take” want him to fail because he’s too exuberant.
Are New England and Pittsburgh done? Probably not for the Pats. Almost definitely for the Steelers. Can the little brother Chargers win against the mighty Rams? As you saw above, I don’t think so. Carson Wentz is coming back. All in all a potentially entertaining week of football.