Coming off a wild NFL Week 2 during which eight underdogs gained outright, we flip our consideration to a vital Week 3 for all of the 0-2 groups on the market. A couple of Tremendous Bowl contenders are already near must-win territory, so how does that have an effect on our handicapping for this week? Let’s discover out with our picks and preview for each sport on the Week 3 NFL slate.
New England Patriots @ New York Jets
Thursday, Sept. 19, 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video
Unfold: Jets -6
Whole: 38.5
Week 3 begins with an AFC East battle between the Patriots and Jets, two groups that like to feed their operating backs and win with protection. The issue for the Jets is their protection hasn’t lived as much as the excessive expectations coming into the 12 months. New York gave up 401 whole yards and 32 factors to the San Francisco 49ers and let the Tennessee Titans rush for 4.6 yards per carry in Week 2. This is not the elite protection we anticipated to see, and Jermaine Johnson is now out for the season after tearing his Achilles.
The Patriots have been stellar on protection, however they’re so reliant on Rhamondre Stevenson to generate any offense. If the Jets shut down Stevenson, it is arduous to think about the Pats scoring sufficient factors to win this sport.
Mismatch to use: Each protection vs. each offenses
The defenses are by far the 2 greatest items on this sport. The underneath needs to be the play, particularly on a brief week.
Prediction: Jets 16, Patriots 13
Chicago Bears @ Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Unfold: Colts -1.5
Whole: 43.5
The Bears needs to be 0-2 based mostly on how inept their offense has appeared via two weeks. Chicago ranks lifeless final within the NFL in yards per play (3.0) and passing yards per sport (99.0). Caleb Williams ought to have a greater efficiency in opposition to a Colts protection that allowed Malik Willis to go 12/14 for 122 yards and a landing.
Anthony Richardson had a poor passing efficiency final week, as he accomplished solely 50 p.c of his makes an attempt and threw three picks. Which may not enhance this week in opposition to a powerful Bears protection.
Mismatch to use: D’Andre Swift vs. Colts run protection
Swift has had hassle discovering operating room behind this Bears offensive line, however he is getting a big majority of the touches. The Colts are giving up probably the most dashing yards per sport within the NFL, so check out Swift to go over his dashing yards prop.
Prediction: Bears 24, Colts 21
New York Giants @ Cleveland Browns
Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Unfold: Browns -6.5
Whole: 38.5
The Giants are dangerous. Like, actually dangerous. New York gave up seven discipline objectives in its loss to the Washington Commanders final week, however the excellent news is Malik Nabers appeared like a future star with 10 catches for 127 yards and a landing.
The Browns obtained their mojo again with a powerful defensive efficiency in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, and Deshaun Watson performed a lot better within the win.
Mismatch to use: Browns offensive line vs. Giants line of defense
The Giants rank twenty ninth within the NFL in yards allowed per rush (5.3). Jerome Ford and D’Onta Foreman are strong targets within the prop market this week.
Prediction: Browns 20, Giants 17