Sports news and more by Matthew Barnhill

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Week 3 Game Predictions



Titans vs Jaguars (TNF)

The Jaguars have a rookie QB, are dealing with injuries (CB AJ Bouye), and off the field issues (Jalen Ramsey has requested a trade). Tennessee narrowly lost to the Colts last week, and they know they need a win this week to truly contend in the AFC South. Jacksonville is at home, but I think they come up short in a defensive battle Thursday night. The Titans win.




Dolphins vs Cowboys

The Dolphins aren’t trying to win this year. The Cowboys are all in on a playoff run, and Dak Prescott has looked excellent with new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore calling plays. The Cowboys win.




Bengals vs Bills

The Bengals have looked better than expected under Zac Taylor. However, they are terrible on defense and are already banged up on offense. The Bills are playing at home, have a good defense, and are on a hot streak (2-0). The Bills win.




Lions vs Eagles

The Eagles dealt with so many injuries Sunday night that they cancelled practice on Wednesday. Their secondary has had a hard time keeping up with opposing receivers, and their offense had a hard time moving the ball without wideouts Alshon Jeffery and Desean Jackson. The Lions have a sturdy defense already, and their passing game has enough weapons to expose the Eagles. The Lions win.




Jets vs Patriots

The Jets are down two quarterbacks already, and their defensive star, safety Jamal Adams, seems disgruntled by the team’s performance. The Patriots have looked outstanding on offense and defense. The Patriots win.




Falcons vs Colts

Jacoby Brissett has been decent as a starting QB for the Colts since the surprising Andrew Luck retirement. Their offensive line is also a strength. The Falcons won an important game against the Eagles, and should be confident right now. This will be a close game. I think the Colts escape with a narrow victory by exposing the Falcons’ weak offensive line.




Raiders vs Vikings

The Raiders’ hot start was quickly cooled by the Chiefs last week. Their defense misses safety Jonathan Abrams, and their offensive line gave up a lot of pressure. The Vikings still aren’t great, but they run the ball well and rush the passer, something the Raiders will have trouble stopping. The Vikings win.




Ravens vs Chiefs

This should be the best game of the week. Lamar Jackson is much improved as a passer, and the Ravens will keep the notoriously bad Chiefs defense on their heels. The Chiefs are moving the ball at will against any team they face, and the Ravens just gave rookie Kyler Murray 350 yards through the air. This will be a high scoring game, and the winner will be the team with the most takeaways. The Ravens win in a nailbiter.




Broncos vs Packers

The Packers are mediocre on offense, but their defense has stepped up in big moments to have them at 2-0. The Broncos defense hasn’t looked as good as they should be, and their offense isn’t better. The Packers defense will step it up at home and force some mistakes. The Packers win.




Panthers vs Cardinals

Cam Newton is out, leaving Kyle Allen to start at QB for the Panthers. Carolina’s offense will struggle against a surprisingly good Arizona run defense and pass rush. The Panther’s defense is sturdy, but Kyler Murray has done well against some good defenses already. The Cardinals win.




Giants vs Buccaneers

The Giants are giving rookie Daniel Jones his first start this week. Tampa Bay’s been good on defense through two weeks, and they are looking to extend that streak to three. Jameis Winston had a better week 2 than expected, and is trying to build some momentum as well. The Giants defense will be easy pickings. The Buccaneers win.




Saints vs Seahawks

The Saints lost the heart of the team, quarterback Drew Brees, to a thumb injury, and he won’t play this game. Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill will split snaps trying to replace him, but could struggle playing in Seattle if the 12th man is in full force. Russell Wilson is also a deep passing ace, and the Saints have given up some big plays to speed receivers. The Seahawks win.




Texans vs Chargers

Both of these teams have good rosters, but are 1-1 after starting the season with some close games. This will be a back and forth game that would be favorable for Los Angeles, but their home field advantage is hardly an advantage as they wait for their new stadium to be completed. After a back and forth game, the Texans take home a victory.




Steelers vs 49ers

Preseason expectations for these teams have both been flipped already. The Steelers lost star QB Ben Roethlisberger for the year last week, and replace him with young Mason Rudolph. Meanwhile, the 49ers have looked formidable on both sides of the ball. The 49ers win.




Rams vs Browns (SNF)

Los Angeles is a strong team once again, and they travel to Cleveland to play the Browns, who despite a week 2 win have looked shaky at times. The Browns haven’t played a team of this caliber yet, and the young team will have a hard time bouncing back after an early L.A. lead. The Rams win.




Bears vs Redskins (MNF)



On paper, the Bears should easily take this week 3 win, but their offense isn’t good enough to get a decisive victory yet. The Bears will play down to their competition in Washington, and the Redskins will take advantage. Redskins win.

No comments:

Post a Comment