Week 3 was a week the NFL, and America, will not soon forget. I’m not gonna comment on the controversies because I personally can’t stand the mixing of politics and sports. With that said, the games of week 3 were just awesome. So many exciting battles with nail-biter finishes. However, it was frustrating to see eight favorites lose which is kind of hard to predict. But each team (except for the Dolphins and Buccaneers) has played three games and that’s a good sample size to really know what each team is made of. Here are my week 3 picks

Bears @ Packers

This week’s color rush game should be handled by Green Bay. The Bears have proved they’re alright when playing at home, but playing at Lambeau will present a tough challenge. Rodgers has the weapons to run it up on the division rivals and this should be a safe pick.

Packers 31, Bears 13

Saints vs Dolphin

The Dolphins, for all of their talent, have not been able to put it together. But I see their line controlling this game and Jay Ajayi will put on a show for his homeland of England.  The Dolphins should be able to rush Drew Brees just enough to come away with their first win

Dolphins 24, Saints 20

Rams @ Cowboys

Though the Rams had an exciting win last week, they gave up way too many points to a sub-par offense, and the Cowboys present a much stiffer task. Prescott has looked sharp, and Ezekiel Elliot will continue to dominate. Also, Cowboy’s defensive lineman Demarcus Lawrence has been unstoppable this season and I like Dallas to overpower the Rams at home

Cowboys 27, Rams 17

Titans @ Texan

As good as their front seven is, the Texans secondary looked lost last week. The Titans were able to physically dominate the Seahawks last week which is a very scary thing for opposing defenses. Deshaun Watson showed great poise last week, but he’s still learning. As long as the Titans defense can contain Watson, the Texans offense will be stagnant so I’m giving Tennessee the edge here

Titans 21, Texans 16

Jaguars @ Jet

Congrats to the Jets for actually winning a game, but those are gonna be few and far between this year. With the Jaguars defense is clicking, the Jets will really struggle offensively. So long as Blake Bortles plays within himself, Jacksonville adds another win to this young season

Jaguars 28, Jets 14

Bills @ Falcon

It’s hard to imagine the Falcons having any trouble at home. The Bills played well last week,  but it’s doubtful they can weather the storm on the road against a tough opponent. The Falcons have too many weapons on offense and a very talented defense and I like them to keep their perfect season going

Falcons 33, Bills 21

Steelers @ Raven

The Steelers have not looked great on the road this year, but a short trip to Baltimore against a familiar opponent should neutralize that. The Ravens are outgunned on offense and Joe Flacco (elite?) would need to turn in a monster day to keep pace. Le’Veon Bell should guide his team (and my fantasy team) to victory

Steelers 28, Ravens 20

Bengals @ Browns 

The Browns had their most favorable chance for a win and lost it, and that’s got to be demoralizing for a team. The Bengals finally showed some signs of life on offense so that is encouraging enough to pick them here. Also, Deshone Kizer has turned the ball over way too much to feel confident

Bengals 20, Browns 13

Lions @ Viking

The Lions have looked good this year but their same struggles against playoff-bound teams have carried over from last year. The Vikings defense is stifling and they always put on a show for their home crowd. Also, their offense has been stellar this year and they should keep it rolling here

Vikings 30, Lions 23

Panthers @ Patriots

Brady has been up to his usual tricks this year tearing apart defenses for everything they’re worth, and after last week the Panthers should be nervous. Though they haven’t been great defensively, Belichick will come up with the right scheme to handle Cam Newton who has performed erratically.

Patriots 38, Panthers 24

Giants @ Buccaneers

Both these teams are off to less than ideal starts. The Giants were close last week but they may not get that chance again this week. The Buccaneers are solid and I think better quarterback and line play will dictate this game so I like the Bucs at home.

Buccaneers 21, Giants 17

Eagles @ Chargers

 The Chargers will win some games this year, but the question is when? They’ll be playing with some urgency here and if Melvin Gordon can take some pressure off Philip Rivers, they should win. This game will be decided by a few plays, and the Chargers will make enough with their do-or-die mentality.

Chargers 24, Eagles 21

49ers @ Cardinals

Despite an offensive boom last week, San Fran is still not a complete team. The Cardinals have the better quarterback and better defense and mixed with the home-field advantage they will come out with the win.

Cardinals 28, 49ers 17

Raiders @ Broncos

A brutal showing last week on the road makes me hesitant to pick Oakland here. The Broncos defense will apply the pressure here. I like some of the weapons around Trevor Seimian to help guide him to a bounce-back performance against a weak secondary.

Broncos 26, Raiders 20

Colts @ Seahawks

Not a great matchup to have on Sunday night football. Despite a poor showing last week, there’s nothing like the Seahawks defense at home. Jacoby Brissett has played very well in his first starts in Indianapolis, but the Colts would need a miracle to win this game.

Seahawks 30, Colts 10 

Redskins @ Chiefs

The Chiefs are for real, and at home, on Monday night there’s no reason they don’t keep it going. Their defense will present some tough matchups for Kirk Cousins, and their offense is very creative and does a great job of utilizing their talent. 

Chiefs 29, Redskins 19