The third week of the NFL schedule includes quite a few divisional games -- there weren't any divisional games in Week 2 as part of lockout scenario planning -- so this should be a pretty good week. Divisional games tend to be closer because each team knows the other so well.
I've got my Week 3 NFL picks below. After looking at the schedule, I have to say the Patriots-Bills is the game of the week. I can't wait to see if Buffalo can pull out the upset.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers: The battle of the rookie quarterbacks as Blaine Gabbert takes the reins in Jacksonville. I'm rolling with the Panthers. Cam Newton gets his first NFL victory although he won't set an NFL record passing for 400 yards for the third consecutive time.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals: I really want to see the Bengals win this game and be the surprise team of 2011 -- as a current Chiefs fan, I empathize with downtrodden franchises -- so I'm rolling with them this week. Andy Dalton has looked surprisingly good and Cedric Benson runs with some anger as a possible suspension looms.
Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns: I'll take the Browns, although the Dolphins are a better road team than they are a home team. The Browns win behind the legs of Peyton Hillis (who is also on my fantasy team, a fantasy team that no longer includes Jamaal Charles. C'mon Peyton Hillis!).
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills: This is probably the game of the week for me. The Patriots have won a ridiculous 15 straight against Buffalo and, unfortunately for those in Orchard Park, that streak continues this week. The Patriots win but the Bills don't make it easy on them.
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Big-time NFC East matchup between 1-1 teams. Nick Wright said earlier this week that Michael Vick looks more like the Atlanta Mike Vick rather than the 2010 Philadelphia Mike Vick. I agree. Vick struggles this week and the Giants pull out an upset of the dream team.
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: I gotta pick the Lions here. That offense looks really sharp which, as long as Matthew Stafford is healthy, should lead them to the playoffs. The Vikings on the other hand look terrible. Get excited for Week 4, Chiefs fans.
Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints: Each team will score about 100 points....and the Saints will win. Drew Brees has looked sharper than ever this year and extends his streak of three touchdown passes and no picks for another week.
Denver Broncos vs. Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson has not looked like CJ2K at all this year so I think this is the week he breaks out. CJ eclipses the 100-yard mark and the Titans, who beat the Baltimore Ravens last week, take care of Denver.
New York Jets vs. Oakland Raiders: A few people have been predicting an Oakland upset. To them I ask: Really? The Jets have clearly demonstrated they're the better team. New York wins this one.
Baltimore Ravens vs. St. Louis Rams: Gotta go with Baltimore here. If the Rams lose, it'll be an 0-3 start for them and you have to wonder if Steve Spagnuolo's seat is getting hot. He was hired the same year as Chiefs coach Todd Haley and year three is expected to be an improvement, not an 0-3 start.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers: San Diego, 37-17. I'll expand on my predictions a little later.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NFC South battle that will actually be competitive. I'm going with my boy Josh Freeman to beat the Falcons. There's just something about Atlanta this year that doesn't seem the same.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks: Kevin Kolb goes to the Northwest and beats the Seahawks as Seattle continues their trek to the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears: Classic game here. In close games, I take a look at two things: the quarterbacks and the home team. Aaron Rodgers clearly has the edge here and Chicago is not a tough place to play. So I'll flip a coin -- Packers win and move to 3-0.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts: No Peyton, no problem...for the Steelers. Pittsburgh should cruise in this game.
Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys: Great Monday Night Football game with some intrigue. Are the 2-0 Redskins for real? Will Tony Romo play? Will Dez Bryant play? Great game will have a great finish and I'm picking the miracle run to continue for the Redskins as Washington wins on a last-second field goal.