It’s time for my 2012 NFL week 3 predictions and picks. The NFL week 3 schedule kicks off with the New York Giants at Carolina. The Panthers will play host on an NFL Thursday night affair on the NFL Network. Is Eli Manning capable of another big road win? Absolutely. Which Cam Newton will show up? This could be a fantastic matchup considering the Panthers explosive offense and the Giants always steady defense. I think the Giants have too much firepower on “D” and they escape with a 23-16 win. Newton is slowed down by 4 team turnovers.
The rest of the NFL week 3 schedule continues into the weekend. St. Louis is at Chicago. The Bears offense looked horrible in Green Bay this past week. Jay Cutler tosses 4 interceptions but I’m looking for more of the complete opposite this week. The Bears win 31-17 thanks to 3 touchdown passes from Cutler.
Buffalo visits Cleveland for a game not too many probably care about outside of the Browns and Bills television market. Cleveland could certainly use a win at home and I think they’ll get it. Bills win 27-17 thanks to 180 total rushing yards.
Dallas hosts Tampa Bay. The Bucs defense has looked sharp in the early portion of the season. I still think Dallas has enough offense to muster a 27-13 victory at home.Tony Romo hits Jason Witten two times for touchdowns.
My 2012 NFL week 3 predictions and picks continue with the New York Jets in Miami. The Jets will offer up some big time offense in a 30-20 victory on the road. The Jets also get a special teams touchdown in the victory.
San Francisco pays a visit to Minnesota to face the Vikings. Is Adrian Peterson full speed? Probably not quite yet. He would need to be against a very tough San Francisco defense. For that reason, the 49’ers get the nod with a 23-14 win. Peterson is held in check to 67 yards and 1 score.
Kansas City heads to New Orleans for another matchup on the NFL week 3 schedule. The Saints roll in this one 38-17. Drew Brees tosses four touchdown passes and 350 plus yards in the win.
Detroit is in Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans. This one could be very interesting. I think the Titans emerge with a win but not by much. Tennessee gets the “W” by a 23-20 overtime score. Chris Johnson gets going with 87 yards and 2 scores.
Indianapolis hosts Jacksonville elsewhere. This could be a coming out party for Andrew Luck. The rookie quarterback tosses 3 touchdown passes and 256 yards in a 24-16 victory.
Cincy is at Washington for another week 3 matchup. The Redskins look very talented on the offensive side of the ball and the defense doesn’t look bad either. These ingredients add up for a 30-21 Skins victory. Robert Griffin runs for one touchdown and tosses two others.
Philadelphia plays at Arizona in an afternoon game on Sunday. The Cardinals could potentially play the upset card here but I think Philly hangs on by a thread 21-20. Michael Vick tosses 3 interceptions but still provides enough offense in the win.
San Diego hosts Atlanta at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers are much tougher at home usually but Atlanta is equally as unpredictable. Can the Falcons squeeze out a road win? I don’t think so. The Chargers get a 24-20 victory here. Ryan Matthews runs for the game winning score late in the 4th quarter.
Houston is at Denver in what could be one of the more intriguing matchups of the week. Peyton Manning against the Texans defense? I’ll take Denver in a 27-23 win. Peyton Manning has 245 yards passing and 2 scores.
Pittsburgh travels to Oakland for another week 3 matchup. My predictions and picks for this one? The Steelers win a tough one going away 16-13. Ben Roethlisberger drives the Steelers for the game winning field goal in the final five minutes.
The Sunday night game features New England in Baltimore. Tom Brady against a tough Ravens defense? I’ll take the road team in a very tough and hard fought game 25-22. Tom Brady is clutch in the 4th quarter in a come from behind victory.
My 2012 NFL week 3 predictions and picks wrap up with the Monday night game of Green Bay at Seattle. The Seahawks are going to be better this season but I can’t see the Packers losing there quite yet. Green Bay gets 3 toucdown passes from Aaron Rodgers and 110 yards rushing from Cedric Benson in a 31-17 win.
That’s it for my 2012 NFL week 3 predictions and picks. I’ll be back for another round of predictions for week number 4. Until then, have a wonderful week and enjoy the football everyone.
