National Football League

NFL Week 3: Picks and predictions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) makes the call at the line during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s time to make my Week 3 NFL picks. I wouldn’t use these to gamble. Seriously.

Houston Texans (-2.5) at New England Patriots

New England (2-0) is going to have a tough time without Jimmy Garoppolo. Still, it’s terrifying picking Houston (2-0) and Brock Osweiler on the road against Bill Belichick.

Pick: Houston 20, New England 16

Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars (EVEN)

This is a must-win for Jacksonville (0-2), which was a trendy pick to win the AFC South. Baltimore (2-0) is not nearly as desperate and frankly, hasn’t shown to be very good yet.

Pick: Jacksonville 27, Baltimore 24

Washington Redskins at New York Giants (-4.5)

How could anybody pick Washington (0-2) in this game? Have you seen Kirk Cousins? Brutal. New York (2-0) is playing well, and it’s about to add another win in the NFC East.

Pick: New York 30, Washington 21

Arizona Cardinals (-4.5) at Buffalo Bills

Buffalo (0-2) is a dumpster fire. Arizona (1-1) got off the deck in a big way last Sunday and will continue to roll against a team coached by a real-life clown.

Pick: Arizona 34, Buffalo 16

Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) passes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5)

Cincinnati (1-1) is finally home after a few tough games. Denver (2-0) has played well, but this is a very tough test for Trevor Siemian and Co.

Pick: Cincinnati 23, Denver 13

Cleveland Browns at Miami Dolphins (-10)

How the hell is Miami (0-2) a 10-point favorite against anybody? Cleveland (0-2) is rancid beyond words and starting Cody Kessler, but that’s still a wild line. The Dolphins don’t deserve to lay 10 points against Coral Gables High School.

Pick: Miami 20, Cleveland 14

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans (-1.5)

This was the hardest pick of the week. Oakland (1-1) is very talented, but the defense is obscene. The league should make that group wear warning labels. To this point, the Raiders have allowed 517.5 yards per game. Atlanta ranks 28th in yards against and is 100 YARDS BETTER. Tennessee (1-1) isn’t good, but the defense has been very solid.

Pick: Tennessee 24, Oakland 21

Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers (-7)

Minnesota (2-0) isn’t getting much national respect, but it has played well. Still, the Vikings are without Adrian Peterson this week, and that’s too much to overcome. Carolina (1-1) has been mediocre, but it’ll find a way to win this week.

Pick: Carolina 19, Minnesota 13

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (-8)

Without Ezekiel Ansah, Detroit (1-1) can’t rush the passer. Green Bay (1-1) will take this one at home, even if Aaron Rodgers continues to struggle.

Pick: Green Bay 30, Detroit 23

Sep 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins during a NFL game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Dolphins 12-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-9.5)

Seattle (1-1) can barely score a point, but Blaine Gabbert is now leading San Francisco (1-1) to the upset on the road. In fact, this could very well be the Seahawks’ coming out party.

Pick: Seattle 24, San Francisco 3

Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-5)

Los Angeles (1-1) is averaging 4.5 points and passed on Carson Wentz. It also is going to extend Jeff Fisher and Les Snead. Tampa Bay (1-1) isn’t great, but it’s better than this raging tire fire.

Pick: Tampa Bay 26, Los Angeles 13

Pittsburgh Steelers (-5) at Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia (2-0) is playing better than expected, but now faces its first real test against a very good Pittsburgh (2-0) team. Look for Wentz to play well, but be beaten soundly by Ben Roethlisberger.

Pick: Pittsburgh 31, Philadelphia 23

San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts (-3)

This is going to be a very entertaining game. Indianapolis (0-2) has to win and could score 40 points. San Diego (1-1) looks much better than anticipated and could also score 40 points. The defenses are both more than happy to oblige.

Pick: Indianapolis 35, San Diego 31

New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs (-3)

Another very hard game to pick. New York (1-1) has looked good for the most part throughout the first two weeks. Kansas City (1-1) has been atrocious save for a crazy fourth-quarter comeback against San Diego in Week 1. At some point, the Chiefs get it together offensively.

Pick: Kansas City 22, New York 20

Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys (-4.5)

Chicago (0-2) is forcing an entire city to simultaneously vomit. The Bears are worse than unforgiving diarrhea in a long road trip without rest areas. Dallas (1-1) will roll.

Pick: Dallas 28, Chicago 10

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-3)

This is like the rivalry between the trombone players and Boy Scouts in high school. It’s embarrassing, it’s too entertaining not to watch, and some poor bastards have to win.

Pick: New Orleans 38, Atlanta 34

Last Week: 10-6
Overall: 18-14