Week 3 Preview and Predictions - By Kyle Balfour
With Week 2 out of the way, and with Stuart and myself settled into the season nicely, with both our motivations being tested by our damnable teams, we attempt to harness some optimism heading into Week 3.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! You're Week 2 Go For It On Fourth Betting Bastard of the Week is none other than the Indianapolis Colts! What an upset that was: to have it set, and taken away in the second half; to have the last minute field goal by the Cardinals missed, only to have it scored in overtime, was a big disappointment. Onwards and upwards though! Seeing as how it can't possibly get any worse if the Colts lose to the Browns in their home Stadium...which they shouldn't...I hope...Uhh...
S-s-so without further ado, let's get into it! Starting with tonight's big Thursday night game:
49ers vs Rams - Rams
And by big, I mean big disappointment! So, ok, maybe I was a little over my head selecting the Rams over the Redskins last week. Whether they were actually good (at least I can say Tood Gurley was good), or if the Redskins are not that good is the main concern. That said, they look to have an easier opponent this week with the Niners, who seem to be stumbling a little bit but did manage to undermine the Seahawks last week. Still, I can see the Rams having a tidy win with their decent defence and awesome Todd Gurley.
Jags vs Ravens - Ravens
Now we are at a crossroads - this game will decide just what kind of a season the Jags are going to have. Having an impressive win over the Texans in Week 1, and an eventual thrashing by the Titans last week will set them up for a do-or-die type scenario against the Ravens, who have picked up good wins over the Bengals and Browns. Even if the Ravens broken car type offence breaks down, their defence shouldn't be able to have much difficulty defending against Blake Bortles passing, with only needing to contain Leonard Fournette on the run.
Bills vs Broncos - Broncos
So after living up to their teams name and becoming an untameable beast for the so called Cowboys to control, the Broncos look fired up to continue onward against the Bills. The Bills may have a surprise, or they may just be bracing for the draft. Still early to say, but I can see the Broncos clinching this one.
Bears vs Steelers - Steelers
Ohh, this one sounds painful. After an embarrassing defeat to the Buccaneers, it appears it will be more of the same, as the Steelers will continue their rampage in the NFC North.
Panthers vs Saints - Saints
Ohh, boy, this one's gonna get me some flak. I just don't see brilliance on that Panthers offence...yet! This is probably due to Cam Newton continuing to recover from surgery, the coordinators needing more time to gel, and Christian McCaffrey can only do so much. Plus your stud in Greg Olsen is out for a while. Hell, the Saints may as well play Adrian Peterson on the run just for shits and giggles, and 'show' them how a 'real' run game plays out...But it's the Saints, and while their defence is near impossible to find, Drew Brees is Drew Brees and Drew Brees will somehow find a way to nail another 5000 yard season. I see the Saints taking this one, if only for out slugging it on offence.
Vikings vs Buccaneers - Buccaneers
Had the Bucs not had to concede a first week bye, I'd feel we would have a better grip on how the Bucs look this season. This match could really go either way, and with Sam Bradford looking like he can return in time, it looks like the Vikings can return to good consistency. This is a tough choice, but time to enable the Bold Pick of the Week declaration and go with Buccaneers!
Colts vs Browns - Colts
Here's what rock bottom looks like for Colts fans. Lose, and it's panic time! Win, and it's the chance for a second wind going into next week when they visit the Seahawks. The Colts CANNOT be embarrassed by the Browns. The Colts aren't bad, much like the Giants aren't bad, but both teams have issues that can no longer be ignored and must be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent further disappointments. Go Colts!
Jets vs Dolphins - Dolphins
It's the battle of who could care less. The tank team vs the apathetic wonder known as Jay Cutler (Ohh, you better believe this'll be a recurring joke all season long).
Patriots vs Texans - Patriots
*Yawn* It's gonna go exactly how you think it will. Like, what can I say about this? The Texans were terrible last week, and the Patriots found their feet once more against New Orleans. The Texans will be schooled.
Lions vs Falcons - Falcons
So here's a match that will decide whether or not the Lions are legit this season. After embarrassing the Giants last week *sniff* without the need for fourth quarter comeback voodoo, the Falcons should prove to be a better test for it. The Falcons returned to their NFC Conference Finals form and decimated the Packers, and look hot heading to Detroit. Will the Falcons maintain this momentum, scorching the earth of Detroit, or will the lion refuse to go down?
Eagles vs Giants - Urgh, Eagles!
*sigh* This team, sometimes...
Look, let's not mince words, the Giants have been abysmal so far this season. An overworked defence, paired with an incredibly anaemic offence. I mean, come the fuck on! You have, on paper, the most exciting wide receiver core in the entire league, and they either leave their hands on the sidelines and can't make a catch, or the offensive line completely collapses and leaves Eli Manning with no time to execute. The Running game also needs to step up (Rishad Jennings could at least get SOMETHING!). It's humiliating so far! Now they have to go to Philly, and probably be beaten out by the bogie team - the Eagles. Where's the drink?
Titans vs Seahawks - Titans
A true test for the underdogs this season. The Seahawks haven't had the best start, offensively speaking, and whether their defensive statute of previous years is still relevant remains to be seen. While they have kept the numbers relatively low, they still lost to the Packers in Week 1, and barely won against the Niners last week. It'll be tough, but I think I can see the Titans breaking out and taking this one on their road to underdog glory.
Chargers vs Chiefs - Cheifs
Had the Chargers chosen a better kicker, they'd be 2-0 to start the season for the first time since 2012. Younghoe Koo looks set to be the new Roberto Aguayo with chokes that big. So now get ready to have the red hot Chiefs lay waste to the Chargers in their no doubt half filled stadium, primarily made of Chiefs fans...
Packers vs Bengals - Packers
My sincerest condolences to any Bengals fan out there (Hi, Michael!). I mean, dear god, you've endured some hefty shit over the last few years (that heartbreak against the Steelers 2 years ago still reigns pretty high up there, as well as missing your seemingly perpetual playoff wild card defeats last season), but no touchdowns over 2 games (even the Giants have 1...), offensive line woes that surpass even the likes of the Colts and Giants, and Andy Dalton with 4 interceptions against the Ravens. This game will be more of exactly what I've described - heartbreak. They may have succumbed to the Falcons, but the Packers are still a threat, and Aaron Rodgers will pick apart the Bengals defence, and Dalton will probably be presumed dead by the end of the game...*shudders*.
Redskins vs Raiders - Raiders
Just win, baby! That's all that needs to be said about this one for the Raiders. They're on a roll after tidy wins over the Titans and Jets, and hope to continue that against the Redskins. Whether the Redskins can cobble something together and be competitive will be the big question for this game.
Cardinals vs Cowboys - Cowboys
Despite that schooling from the Broncos (which I think was destiny anyway based on each teams name), the Cowboys are still a good team, and should be able to get a good win over the struggling Cardinals. Still no consistent quarterback, nor David Johnson, it's going to be a teething season for Arizona.
And there we have it! Week 3 set in stone and ready for tonight! Congratulations to anyone who can not only stay up, but endure tonight's game!
Thank you so much for your time and reading. See you next week!
Go Giants!
With Week 2 out of the way, and with Stuart and myself settled into the season nicely, with both our motivations being tested by our damnable teams, we attempt to harness some optimism heading into Week 3.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! You're Week 2 Go For It On Fourth Betting Bastard of the Week is none other than the Indianapolis Colts! What an upset that was: to have it set, and taken away in the second half; to have the last minute field goal by the Cardinals missed, only to have it scored in overtime, was a big disappointment. Onwards and upwards though! Seeing as how it can't possibly get any worse if the Colts lose to the Browns in their home Stadium...which they shouldn't...I hope...Uhh...
S-s-so without further ado, let's get into it! Starting with tonight's big Thursday night game:
49ers vs Rams - Rams
And by big, I mean big disappointment! So, ok, maybe I was a little over my head selecting the Rams over the Redskins last week. Whether they were actually good (at least I can say Tood Gurley was good), or if the Redskins are not that good is the main concern. That said, they look to have an easier opponent this week with the Niners, who seem to be stumbling a little bit but did manage to undermine the Seahawks last week. Still, I can see the Rams having a tidy win with their decent defence and awesome Todd Gurley.
Jags vs Ravens - Ravens
Now we are at a crossroads - this game will decide just what kind of a season the Jags are going to have. Having an impressive win over the Texans in Week 1, and an eventual thrashing by the Titans last week will set them up for a do-or-die type scenario against the Ravens, who have picked up good wins over the Bengals and Browns. Even if the Ravens broken car type offence breaks down, their defence shouldn't be able to have much difficulty defending against Blake Bortles passing, with only needing to contain Leonard Fournette on the run.
Bills vs Broncos - Broncos
So after living up to their teams name and becoming an untameable beast for the so called Cowboys to control, the Broncos look fired up to continue onward against the Bills. The Bills may have a surprise, or they may just be bracing for the draft. Still early to say, but I can see the Broncos clinching this one.
Bears vs Steelers - Steelers
Ohh, this one sounds painful. After an embarrassing defeat to the Buccaneers, it appears it will be more of the same, as the Steelers will continue their rampage in the NFC North.
Panthers vs Saints - Saints
Ohh, boy, this one's gonna get me some flak. I just don't see brilliance on that Panthers offence...yet! This is probably due to Cam Newton continuing to recover from surgery, the coordinators needing more time to gel, and Christian McCaffrey can only do so much. Plus your stud in Greg Olsen is out for a while. Hell, the Saints may as well play Adrian Peterson on the run just for shits and giggles, and 'show' them how a 'real' run game plays out...But it's the Saints, and while their defence is near impossible to find, Drew Brees is Drew Brees and Drew Brees will somehow find a way to nail another 5000 yard season. I see the Saints taking this one, if only for out slugging it on offence.
Vikings vs Buccaneers - Buccaneers
Had the Bucs not had to concede a first week bye, I'd feel we would have a better grip on how the Bucs look this season. This match could really go either way, and with Sam Bradford looking like he can return in time, it looks like the Vikings can return to good consistency. This is a tough choice, but time to enable the Bold Pick of the Week declaration and go with Buccaneers!
Colts vs Browns - Colts
Here's what rock bottom looks like for Colts fans. Lose, and it's panic time! Win, and it's the chance for a second wind going into next week when they visit the Seahawks. The Colts CANNOT be embarrassed by the Browns. The Colts aren't bad, much like the Giants aren't bad, but both teams have issues that can no longer be ignored and must be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent further disappointments. Go Colts!
Jets vs Dolphins - Dolphins
It's the battle of who could care less. The tank team vs the apathetic wonder known as Jay Cutler (Ohh, you better believe this'll be a recurring joke all season long).
Patriots vs Texans - Patriots
*Yawn* It's gonna go exactly how you think it will. Like, what can I say about this? The Texans were terrible last week, and the Patriots found their feet once more against New Orleans. The Texans will be schooled.
Lions vs Falcons - Falcons
So here's a match that will decide whether or not the Lions are legit this season. After embarrassing the Giants last week *sniff* without the need for fourth quarter comeback voodoo, the Falcons should prove to be a better test for it. The Falcons returned to their NFC Conference Finals form and decimated the Packers, and look hot heading to Detroit. Will the Falcons maintain this momentum, scorching the earth of Detroit, or will the lion refuse to go down?
Eagles vs Giants - Urgh, Eagles!
*sigh* This team, sometimes...
Look, let's not mince words, the Giants have been abysmal so far this season. An overworked defence, paired with an incredibly anaemic offence. I mean, come the fuck on! You have, on paper, the most exciting wide receiver core in the entire league, and they either leave their hands on the sidelines and can't make a catch, or the offensive line completely collapses and leaves Eli Manning with no time to execute. The Running game also needs to step up (Rishad Jennings could at least get SOMETHING!). It's humiliating so far! Now they have to go to Philly, and probably be beaten out by the bogie team - the Eagles. Where's the drink?
Titans vs Seahawks - Titans
A true test for the underdogs this season. The Seahawks haven't had the best start, offensively speaking, and whether their defensive statute of previous years is still relevant remains to be seen. While they have kept the numbers relatively low, they still lost to the Packers in Week 1, and barely won against the Niners last week. It'll be tough, but I think I can see the Titans breaking out and taking this one on their road to underdog glory.
Chargers vs Chiefs - Cheifs
Had the Chargers chosen a better kicker, they'd be 2-0 to start the season for the first time since 2012. Younghoe Koo looks set to be the new Roberto Aguayo with chokes that big. So now get ready to have the red hot Chiefs lay waste to the Chargers in their no doubt half filled stadium, primarily made of Chiefs fans...
Packers vs Bengals - Packers
My sincerest condolences to any Bengals fan out there (Hi, Michael!). I mean, dear god, you've endured some hefty shit over the last few years (that heartbreak against the Steelers 2 years ago still reigns pretty high up there, as well as missing your seemingly perpetual playoff wild card defeats last season), but no touchdowns over 2 games (even the Giants have 1...), offensive line woes that surpass even the likes of the Colts and Giants, and Andy Dalton with 4 interceptions against the Ravens. This game will be more of exactly what I've described - heartbreak. They may have succumbed to the Falcons, but the Packers are still a threat, and Aaron Rodgers will pick apart the Bengals defence, and Dalton will probably be presumed dead by the end of the game...*shudders*.
Redskins vs Raiders - Raiders
Just win, baby! That's all that needs to be said about this one for the Raiders. They're on a roll after tidy wins over the Titans and Jets, and hope to continue that against the Redskins. Whether the Redskins can cobble something together and be competitive will be the big question for this game.
Cardinals vs Cowboys - Cowboys
Despite that schooling from the Broncos (which I think was destiny anyway based on each teams name), the Cowboys are still a good team, and should be able to get a good win over the struggling Cardinals. Still no consistent quarterback, nor David Johnson, it's going to be a teething season for Arizona.
And there we have it! Week 3 set in stone and ready for tonight! Congratulations to anyone who can not only stay up, but endure tonight's game!
Thank you so much for your time and reading. See you next week!
Go Giants!
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