2018 Week 3 NFL Picks

Week 2: 8-8 overall, 4-12 vs the spread

Weeks 1-2: 18-14 overall, 13-20 vs the spread

NY JETS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
CLE -3

Going back to last season, Cleveland is 0-17-1 in their last 18 games. Glad to pick against them taking a NY Jets team that has already won on the road.

New York 20, Cleveland 17

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
PHI -6.5

Indianapolis should be content with splitting back to back road games versus the NFC East after beating Washington last week. Carson Wentz' return changes the Eagles' passing offense from short, high percentage throws to the ability to attack downfield.

Philadelphia 24, Indianapolis 10

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT ATLANTA FALCONS
ATL -3

Atlanta has more at stake in this game with a harder schedule in the next few weeks. The Falcons have also played better up to now - the Saints need to figure out what they're doing on defense.

Atlanta 31, New Orleans 27

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

KC -6.5

It's generally assumed that the Chiefs will win in a shootout. Reasons to think otherwise: Marquise Goodwin and Reuben Foster should return for SF, the 49ers will likely come up with a plan to make clock management work in their favor as a road underdog, and the 49ers should be able to contain the Chiefs' running game. 

San Francisco 31, Kansas City 28

OAKLAND RAIDERS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

MIA -3

The Dolphins have given up the 2nd fewest points in the NFL after the Rams. Their offense has been a bit more consistent than the Raiders'.

Miami 17, Oakland 13

BUFFALO BILLS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

MIN -16.5

Minnesota should easily win this game - maybe Josh Allen can keep it within a few scores. The Bills managed 20 points last week. 

Minnesota 27, Buffalo 17

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS

GB -3

Almost wonder if the Packers would be better off resting Aaron Rodgers with an eye towards later in the season. 

Green Bay 24, Washington 17

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

Cincinnati starts back-to-back road games against the NFC South. Favoring the Panthers in a defensive matchup.

Carolina 19, Cincinnati 17

TENNESSEE TITANS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

JAC -6.5

Jacksonville had an answer for everything the Patriots tried last week, and should have an easier time slowing down the Titans.

Jacksonville 24, Tennessee 6

DENVER BRONCOS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

BAL -5.5

Coaching and home field advantage go to the Ravens in this game.

Baltimore 28, Denver 17

NEW YORK GIANTS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

HOU -6

The Giants won't have the answers on defense once Deshaun Watson gets going.

Houston 38, New York 24

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS

LAR -7

Expecting a higher level of play from the Chargers but maybe not enough to overcome the Rams.

LA Rams 35, LA Chargers 31

CHICAGO BEARS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

CHI -6

The Cardinals have just looked dead in the first two weeks. The Bears' defense is terrifying.

Chicago 16, Arizona 7

DALLAS COWBOYS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

SEA -1

The Seahawks have looked kind of terrible but they need this win at home.

Seattle 20, Dallas 10

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT DETROIT LIONES

NE -7

Lions' coach Matt Patricia is still figuring things out, while the Patriots are looking to get back on track after being significantly outplayed in Jacksonville.

New England 34, Detroit 17

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

PIT -1

Tampa Bay has simplified their offense - it will likely keep working until someone figures it out. 

Tampa Bay 37, Pittsburgh 27